First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
1 Timothy 2:1-4
That’s it for this year. The California legislature has adjourned until January 6, when the 2019-20 session will reconvene in Sacramento. In the meantime, you may wish to seek opportunities to meet your state assembly member and senator at local events or visit their district offices. Whether they share your values or not, it is important to let your representatives in Sacramento know you are praying for them and to share your views on legislation and issues in your area as well.
Last month, we asked you to request vetoes on several bills. Gov. Gavin Newsom (Democrat) signed the bills that Concerned Women for America (CWA) of California opposed with one exception – AB 624. We are so grateful for this victory.
VETOED: AB 624 – Student ID’s to Contain Sexual and Reproductive Health Care Numbers
As mentioned, Gov. Newsom vetoed Asm. Jesse Gabriel’s (D-L.A.) troubling bill, AB 624, requiring all public and charter school identification cards for students in grades 7-12 and post-secondary institutions to include a resource number for “sexual and reproductive health care information” consistent with requirements of the CA Healthy Youth Act. Read the Governor’s veto message here. The Governor was not pleased that the bill left the choice of the hotline number up to the individual school or district, stating, “There are many agencies across this state that refuse to give women information about all of their reproductive health care options.” Presumably, because AB 624 did not specify the agency, schools could choose a pro-life pregnancy clinic rather than, or in addition to Planned Parenthood, or the like. The Governor did not feel the schools had the “appropriate expertise” to make this decision. We may see a similar bill introduced next year and will be watching as new measures are introduced.
SIGNED: SB 24 – Medical Abortions on Public University Campuses
By 2023, all of California’s public university campus health clinics will be required to provide medication abortions. SB 24 (Sen. Connie Leyva, D-Chino) will be expensive, deadly for unborn babies, and dangerous to the physical and emotional health of young college women. Please pray that the Lord will speak to the hearts of our college students so that they will act responsibly in relationships. Pray for women facing unplanned pregnancies to choose life.
SIGNED: AB 175 – Children’s Rights in Foster Care
AB 175 (Asm. Mike Gipson, D-Compton) gives foster children as young as ten years old prompt access to “reproductive and sexual health care, including gender-affirming health care and gender-affirming mental health care.” These at-risk children will now have the right “[a]t any age, to consent to or decline services regarding contraception, pregnancy, and perinatal care, including, but not limited to, abortion services and health care services for sexual assault without the knowledge or consent of any adult.” New requirements will be placed on foster parents that may conflict with their religious beliefs, such as using the names and pronouns of the child’s choice contrary to their biological sex.
Thank you for making a difference with your prayers, action, and tax-deductible donations to our work in California!
Marlo Tucker
State Director
CWA of California