Concerned Women for America of North Dakota agrees with the statement about Family Integrity and the American Moral Tradition from the North Dakota Republican Platform, “Traditional American families should be encouraged and supported by policies to nurture strong marriages consisting of one man and one woman, to support moral values, and to create, control and maintain their individual wealth with minimal interference form government.” (https://www.ndgop.org/home/the-republican-platform/)
On Wednesday, February 1, I testified before the House Human Services Committee in opposition of House Bill 1386, “relating to the proposed addition to discrimination statues in the case of sexual orientation and ‘gender identity’.” Click here to read the bill in its entirety.
This law would not protect rights but would rather grant special privileges based strictly on someone’s sexual behavior. Sexual orientation and other manifestations of gender identity do not fit into what constitutes a true minority and should not be added to laws dealing with discrimination.
HB 1386 creates discrimination. When “sexual orientation” or “gender identity” is added to a legal or corporate nondiscrimination code, it opens the door to policies that discriminate against people with traditional views as it attacks and opposes the notion that sexual behavior has moral dimensions.
CWA of North Dakota does not support discrimination. We believe that all citizens should be protected equally under the law. As Dr. Ben Carson, nominee for Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development stated, “I think all Americans should be protected under the law. What I have said before is I don’t think anyone should get extra rights.”
Take Action: Call and/or email those on the North Dakota House Human Services Committee. It is very important that they receive multiple calls. Well over twenty people testified in support and only myself and four others testified in opposition. In years past, this bill has been voted down every time it has gone before a North Dakota legislative body. That does not guarantee that it is not in jeopardy. They must hear from us. Ask them to oppose special rights and to please vote a “Do Not Pass” on HB 1386. Be sure to let them know that you are associated with Concerned Women for America of North Dakota.
Committee Members:
Rep. Robin Weisz at rweisz@nd.gov and 701-962-3299
Rep. Karen Rohr at kmrohr@nd.gov and 701-202-1956
Rep. Bert Anderson at bertanderson@nd.gov and 701-641-1549
Rep. Dick Anderson at dickanderson@nd.gov and 701-228-4782
Rep. Pamela Anderson at pkanderson@nd.gov and 701-306-3362
Rep. Chuck Damschen at cdamschen@nd.gov and 701-370-1758
Rep. Bill Devlin at bdevlin@nd.gov and 701-524-2303
Rep. Dwight Kiefert at dhkiefert@nd.gov and 701-490-0443
Rep. Aaron McWilliams at amcwilliams@nd.gov and 701-430-9004
Rep. Todd Porter at tkporter@nd.gov and 701-667-2922
Rep. Mary Schneider at mschneider@nd.gov and 701-306-0860
Rep. Jay Seibel at jayseibel@nd.gov and 701-870-1279
Rep. Kathy Skroch at kskroch@nd.gov and 701-538-7396
Rep. Greg Westlind at gwestlind@nd.gov and 701-739-8275
As you may know, much of the media has made their position clear on this issue. Just based on these titles it leaves no question as to their bias. I was quoted twice in the Bismarck Tribune and a clip from my testimony was aired on WDAY ABC.
- The Bismark Tribune: North Dakota lawmakers again mull sexual discrimination bill and Gay rights supporters try again with anti-discrimination bill at North Dakota House committee hearing
- WDAY ABC: North Dakotans make passionate pleas on anti-LGBT-discrimination bill
Pray:
- Please pray for CWA of North Dakota as we continue to take a stand on this issue.
- Pray for a young man who spoke in favor of this bill. I spoke with him throughout the day and explained how it is the Lord that has brought forgiveness and fulfillment in my life. Pray that he would open his heart to the love and forgiveness of Christ.
- “Yes, my soul, find rest in God;my hope comes from Him.Truly He is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.” (Psalms 62:5-8)
Linda Thorson
State Director
CWA of North Dakota
director@northdakota.cwfa.org
nd.cwfa.org