George Washington said, “Truth will ultimately prevail where there are pains taken to bring it to light.” Amid a crumbling culture, we must stand firm to defend our Judeo-Christian values. History has taught us that strong families are the foundation of a strong nation.
Consider a Biblical sex-education alternative: Teen-Aid
As the state seeks to promote its definition of “healthy” relationships, the Body of Christ must continue to stand for God’s principles. Parents can opt their children out of the state standards for “comprehensive sexual health education” by submitting a written request to their school district’s Board of Directors or their school’s principal. Parents may also review the curriculum offered in their child’s school by written request. CWA of Washington encourages parents to be fully informed about the state’s “comprehensive sexual health education” curriculum, and if the curriculum is considered unacceptable, then we recommend considering viable alternatives.One such alternative for parents who prefer a different approach is Teen-Aid. Teen-Aid has developed a curriculum that is worth considering. Their program promotes Biblical values that lead to a healthy lifestyle, including teaching abstinence and the skills to live out a Christian lifestyle amid a world attacking those values. You can learn more about the program here.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE:
We are in the second half of the 2019 Washington State legislative session. Keep praying, sharing information with others, and contacting your three state legislators. Click here to find out who they are and how to contact them. You can call the legislative hotline at 1-800-562-6000, Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. or Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., to easily leave a message for any of your three state legislators. Please identify yourself as a member of Concerned Women for America of Washington and politely express your opinion.
Click on the bill number to check the status and for additional bill information.
EDUCATION
SB 5395 mandates comprehensive sexual health education for all public schools. CWA opposes this bill.
Parents will always be the best teachers when it comes to the issue of sex education, not the government.
Current Status: There was a hearing on SB 5395 in the House Education Committee on March 12. I am thrilled to report that those who opposed the bill showed up en masse wearing stickers and specified clothing colors. The hearing room was filled to capacity as well as four overflow rooms. This was a clear testimony that “we the people” stand unified against the state interfering with local school districts and the citizens they represent, as well as disrespecting parental authority and family/religious/cultural values.
At this point, there are no further hearings scheduled, so pray, pray, pray for its defeat!
Take Action: Call all three of your state legislators again and urge them to vote NO on SB 5395!
SB5082 promotes and expands social-emotional learning. CWA opposes this bill.
Our schools are failing to teach basic needed educational skills. School hours must be dedicated primarily to the three R’s, not promoting subjective values. Wouldn’t modeling the Golden Rule solve many of the social issues?
Current Status: Senate passed 30:18. March 14 – public hearing in House Committee on Education; March 21 – executive session scheduled for the same committee.
Take Action: Call your two state representatives and ask for a NO vote on SB 5082.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
SB 5356 establishes the Washington state LGBTQ commission. CWA opposes this bill.
This commission is clearly intended to 1) improve and advocate for LGBTQ interface and equity in all aspects of state government, 2) advocate for legislation affecting LGBTQ people, 3) work as a liaison between the public and private sectors to eliminate barriers to economic and health equity, and 4) calls for the celebration of LGBTQ in art, etc. There is no provision for religious or moral objection anywhere in this bill. Would churches and other religious organizations eventually be forced to comply with the goals of the bill?
Current Status: March 8 – First reading, referred to State Government & Tribal Relations.
March 20 – Scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations at 1:30 p.m. (subject to change)
Take Action: Contact your two representatives and ask for a NO vote on SB 5356.
SEXUAL EXPLOITATION
HB 1016 relates to hospital notification of availability of sexual assault evidence kit collection. CWA supports this bill.
Current Status: Passed in the House 96:0. In the Senate: February 11 – First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care Committee. No further movement recorded.
Take Action: Call your senator and ask for a YES vote on this bill.
“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” -Proverbs 16:3
PRAY! EDUCATE OTHERS! ENGAGE BY CONTACTING YOUR OWN LEGISLATORS AS WELL AS MEMBERS OF SPECIFIC COMMITTEES!
Please keep yourself informed on issues of concern from a Biblical perspective at concernedwomen.org.
In His Service,
Maureen Richardson
State Director
CWA of Washington
wa.cwfa.org
director@washington.cwfa.org
P.O. Box 143
Woodinville, WA 98072
425-869-1923
To support the work of CWA of Washington, please donate online. If you choose to mail a check to our post office box, write it out to “CWA” and put “CWA of WA” on the memo line. Thank you!
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