It was a hot sunny day on June 12 in Sacramento as CWA leaders and members joined some 500 pastors, leaders and concerned citizens from across California at the State Capitol to voice their opposition to AB 2943.
The premise of AB 2943 is that anyone trying to change his or her sexual orientation or gender identity will not be successful and that even attempting to do so is harmful. The testimonies of many individuals at the pre-hearing rally contradict those assumptions. These “once gay” individuals found transformation possible and want others to continue to receive help. The bill will deny them that aid unless counselors offer their services for no fee or donation. This denies not only help to the hurting, but also livelihood to licensed therapists.
Thank you to all the CWA ladies who traveled far and wide to participate in the two rallies, pray, man the CWA table, hand out our CWA of California prayer card to almost all the attendees, testify at the committee hearing, etc. And thank you as well for all who were praying in proxy as well as took action by contacting the committee members.
At the hearing, committee members heard two witnesses from each side and then the floor was opened to individuals to state their name, affiliation (if any) and position. Ruth Smith, Southern Area Director, and Sheri Miller, Executive Advisor, represented CWA of California. They stood in line for almost three hours to be able to state our position. It took an hour for the over 350 in opposition to file up to the microphone. All were cordial, but firm in their resolve that “change is real” and their “faith is not fraud,” as many of their stickers stated.
It was an amazing day of testimonies acknowledging changed lives through the power of Jesus Christ. It was a day of standing for truth and His righteousness. It was a day that showed how believers from around our great state are waking up to the wrongs our government has been committing to the detriment of the people. It was day for many pastors to speak up who had never spoken up before outside their congregation. A line was drawn before God; we will not be silent.
Despite the tremendous opposition, AB 2943 passed by a vote of 5-2. It now goes to the Senate Appropriations Committee for a vote on June 25.
Regardless of what our legislators did and will do, we as God’s people, are accountable to do and say the truth. Join with us. Do not be silent on this issue. Our liberties are at stake. If we don’t speak up, who will?
Take Action:
- Contact the members of the Senate Appropriations Committee and ask them to oppose AB 2943. Be sure to let them know that you are a member of Concerned Women for America of California.
- Contact your senator and ask him/her to oppose this dangerous bill, AB 2943. Click here to find out who your senator is and how to contact him/her. Be sure to let your senator know that you are a member of Concerned Women for America of California.
- Educate your pastor and others on this issue and encourage them to speak out.
Please Pray: Please regularly pray and consider fasting about this issue.
“Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15).
Marlo Tucker
State Director
CWA of California
director@california.cwfa.org
ca.cwfa.org