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Update on HB 18-1245
If you have been reading my legislative updates, you know that the atmosphere in the Capitol can be very trying to those who hold to a biblical worldview. Despite the spiritual darkness, God is at work and your prayers are evident.
Last Tuesday, the bill concerning Prohibiting Conversion Therapy for Minors (HB 18-1245) was heard in the House Public Health Care and Human Services. For people of faith, three unalienable rights would be curtailed if this bill were to pass: parental rights, the right of conscience, and the right to free speech. The viewpoint that God is the designer of sexuality and gender is clearly under attack. This bill would not allow counselors to speak that truth.
California passed a law with the same wording as this bill in 2012. It was challenged in court and went to the 9th Circuit Court where a judge said that “Parents do not have the right to choose a specific type of provider for a specific medical or mental health treatment that the state has reasonably deemed harmful.” What treatment did the state find so harmful? From the bill: “efforts to change behaviors or gender expressions or to eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic attraction or feelings toward individuals of the same sex.” Despite the judge stating that “minors who seek to change their sexual orientation — for religious or secular reasons — are free to do so on their own and with the help of friends, family, and religious leaders,” California is now trying to outlaw the treatment for any and all Californians (AB 2943). We must stand strong on the principle that parents have the unalienable, fundamental right to direct the upbringing, control, care, and education of their children.
I thank God that in committee Representative Beckman continued to raise questions that challenged the premise of the bill. I know of others who work behind the scenes with courage and boldness to protect our God-given rights. God continues to work even when we can’t see it!
Action and Prayer
The bill should get through the House by the end of this week. On Friday, please check to find out how your representative voted. Then, please contact them and tell them what you think about their vote, whether good or bad.
(Once the bill has gone through, you can find out who voted for which side by going to the bill page; scroll to the middle of the page and click the tab that says “Votes”; then choose the votes you want to see — for example, “House Votes – 3rd Reading – View.”)
Several bad bills are on their way to the Senate. The Senate is currently the rear guard for those of us who believe in the principles of liberty that founded our country. Please, pray that all the Senators would unite around truth, goodness, and righteousness! Also, pray that we will not lose the protection the Senate provides for liberty in 2018.
Trusting in the mighty power and grace of Jesus!
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