CAP: Speak Up to Protect Rights of Conscience

Speak Up to Protect Rights of Conscience

The federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has proposed a new rule under Obamacare that would force all private health insurance plans to cover contraceptive and sterilization services free of charge, including “contraceptives” that can act as abortifacients like the “morning-after pill.” The rule has a very narrow exception for churches and does not allow exceptions for other employers or organizations that have a moral or religious objection to paying for abortifacients. HHS is accepting comments about this rule through September 30, and our allies at Family Research Council Action have provided this Action Alert so you can speak up for the rights of conscience of millions of Americans. Please take action today!

Maricopa Community Colleges to Vote on “Gender Identity” Policy

Next Tuesday, September 27, the Maricopa County Community College Board will hold a final vote on a proposal to add “gender identity” to the district’s non-discrimination policy. The proposal would have a direct, negative impact on the classroom and college workplace by creating unnecessary distractions. Further, it would have a serious impact on the right of faculty, staff, and students to live by and freely express their sincerely held religious or moral beliefs. You can read my letter to the Board for more explanation of why this policy is such a bad idea. Please contact your Community College Board Member below and politely tell them that you oppose the change and want to preserve religious freedom on our campuses: Chandler, Gilbert, and Mesa - Contact Mr. Doyle Burke, doyle.burke@domail.maricopa.edu Scottsdale, East Mesa - Contact Mr. Dana Saar, dana.saar@domail.maricopa.edu Phoenix, Paradise Valley - Contact Mrs. Debra Pearson, debra.pearson@domail.maricopa.edu Glendale, Peoria, Surprise - Contact Mr. Randolph Elias Lumm, randolph.lumm@domail.maricopa.edu South Phoenix, Goodyear - Contact Dr. Donald Campbell, don.campbell@domail.maricopa.edu

Federal Legislation to Stop Gambling Expansion

Last Friday, Arizona Congressman Trent Franks announced that he will introduce a new bill in Congress to stop gambling expansion in Arizona’s metropolitan areas, particularly the new casino proposed in Glendale by the Tohono O’odham tribe. Gambling is bad for Arizona families and communities, and it costs far more socially and economically than any financial benefits. In fact, a new report from the Stop Predatory Gambling Foundation details how most of the casino owners, lobbyists, and government officials who most strongly promote gambling don’t gamble themselves and don’t want to live near gambling because they know how destructive and financially irresponsible it is. Gambling is illegal in Arizona and is permitted on tribal lands only through special compacts signed in 2002. The Tohono O’odham tribe has proposed this new casino over 100 miles away from their original reservation, in the heart of a fast-growing West Valley urban area, across the street from a high school. Congressman Franks’ legislation would stop this ill-advised casino by prohibiting Las Vegas-style gambling on land in Pinal, Pima, and Maricopa counties that is not part of the tribe’s original reservation. The bill is supported by Attorney General Tom Horne, Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs, Chairwoman Diane Enos of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, and dozens of other state, local, and tribal officials. Read the Gila Bend Indian Reservation Lands Replacement Clarification Act online.

Faith in Action Tour

In case you missed the news, Center for Arizona Policy (CAP) is hosting a very special event on October 29 with Dr. Del Tackett, creator of The Truth Project. The goal is to help youdiscover how God can use you to impact our community, engage you with local organizations to explore specific opportunities to make a difference right where you live, andtransform our community by putting God’s Word into action. You won’t want to miss this rare opportunity to see Del speak live and connect with local ministries. Register now online or call 602.424.2525. Hope to see you there.