Conscience Protection

US Bishops Set Record Straight on Healthcare Bill
Note Way Forward -- Clarify Misconceptions
WASHINGTON, May 25, 2010—The U.S. bishops called for steps to protect the lives of the most vulnerable particularly the unborn, provide fairness for immigrants, and guarantee conscience protections for individual and institutions in a statement on health care reform issued on May 21.

U.S. Bishops-- Senate Health Bill Unacceptable
Essential Changes Needed Before Moving Forward
WASHINGTON, DC, Decermber 22, 2009 —The current health care reform bill is “deficient” and should not move forward without “essential changes,” the chairmen of three committees of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops said December 22.

New Abortion Amendment Still Unacceptable
Senate Still Expanding Fed Role in Abortion
WASHINGTON, December 19, 2009 --The Senate health reform bill should not move forward in its current form, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, Bishop William Murphy of Rockville Centre, New York, and Bishop John Wester of Salt Lake City said December 19, as senators proceeded closer to a vote. Cardinal DiNardo chairs the bishops’ Committee on Pro-life Activities. Bishop Murphy chairs the bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development. Bishop Wester chairs the bishops’ Committee on Migration.

USCCB Deep Healthcare Bill Concerns
Bishops Praise Reps for Pro-Life Vote
Not Supporting Any Specific Legislation
WASHINTON, DC, November 10, 2009 -- While the US bishops expressed appreciation to the Representatives that supported the Stupak Amendment blocking federal funding of abortions in the House-passed healthcare bill, they expressed deep concern with other aspects of the legislation. US Catholic Conference of Bishops strongly supports reform that provides affordable universal access to healthcare, however, contrary to some news reports, they are not supporting any specific legislation.

U.S. Senate Adopts Hate Crime Amendment
Brownback Strenghtens Speech Protection
WASHINGTON, DC, July 16, 2009 -- Late tonight, the U.S. Senate adopted the "Leahy Hate Crimes Amendment" to the Department of Defense Authorization Bill, but not before an amendment to the amendment was offered by Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS), and adopted that added and strengthened first amendment protections.

Major Threat to Religious Liberty
Stop Effort To Rescind Conscience Regulation
Hear Message from Cardinal George
The Obama Administration has proposed to rescind regulations protecting healthcare workers and institutions from coercion or discrimination because the refuse to cooperate with abortion, sterilizations, or unethical research.  You can help oppose this effort by sending comments by email or mail by April 9. Background, instructions, and talking points follow.

CA Supreme Court Denies Doctor's Rights of Conscience 
Refusing Artificial Insemination to Lesbian Woman Not an Option 
SACRAMENTO, August 19, 2008-- In a case of a lesbian woman seeking artificial insemination, the California Supreme Court ruled unanimously that doctors don't have the right to refuse to provide nonessential care to patients, even when the sought procedure conflicts with their religious beliefs.

CA Court of Appeal Reverses Decision on Homeschooling
Parents Have the Right to Homeschool Their Children
LOS ANGELES, August 12, 2008-- The California Court of Appeal decided that parents are allowed to homeschool their children according to the CA Education Code. This overturned the previous ruling of the court which banned hoomeschooling in California.

Conscience Rights Under Threat
Health Issues Spark Conflicts
ROME, June 1, 2008 -- The attempt to limit religion to the purely private sphere is a major area of conflict in many countries. One of the areas of battle involves Christians and Church-based institutions active in health care.

California Governor Signs SB 777
Anti-Family Viewpoint Discrimination Now Law

CCG press release: California Governor Signs SB 777

SACRAMENTO, Calif., October 13, 2007 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed SB 777 into law late on Friday evening.
"I am honestly shocked that Governor Schwarzenegger signed SB 777, an anti-family viewpoint discrimination bill" said William B. May, Chairman of Catholics for the Common Good. "He vetoed a similar bill last year before the election."