One of the most important bills effecting religious freedom in New Mexico is to be heard today, Tuesday, January 29, 2013 in Room 315 of the State Capitol at 1:30 p.m. Representative Dennis Roch is sponsoring House Bill 98 which is titled:
House Bill 98: RELATING TO HUMAN RIGHTS; CREATING A RELIGIOUS BELIEF EXEMPTION TO THE HUMAN RIGHTS ACT
In 2006 Elaine Photography, an Albuquerque studio, declined photographing a lesbian “commitment” ceremony sparking at lawsuit that resulted in a $6,637.00 fine and a legal precedent that civil rights cannot be violated on the basis of religious beliefs. In other words, Christians have no legal protection in refusing services to any one because it would violate their Christian convictions.
This bill is important especially to the Christian community because it will provide a means of maintaining our beliefs and avoid damaging lawsuits.
Also to be heard earlier in the same committee today will be bills sponsored by Alonzo Baldonado related to disallowing paternal rights to rapists. The bills are:
HB 38: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL SEXUAL PENETRATION; REMOVING CUSTODY, VISITATION AND INHERITANCE RIGHTS FROM A PERSON CONVICTED OF CRIMINAL SEXUAL PENETRATION WHEN THE CRIMINAL SEXUAL PENETRATION RESULTED IN THE CONCEPTION OF A CHILD
AND:
HB 39: RELATING TO ADOPTION; CLARIFYING LANGUAGE IN THE ADOPTION ACT THAT CONSENT IS NOT REQUIRED FROM THE BIOLOGICAL FATHER OF A CHILD CONCEIVED AS A RESULT OF ANY FORM OF CRIMINAL SEXUAL PENETRATION.
The hearings will be in Room 315 at the State Capitol at 1:30 p.m. or a half hour after the House floor session adjoins. Representative Baldonado informs us that he is expecting to defend these bills around 2:00 p.m. today.
Please keep our Legislators in prayer, that they will pass godly laws that support our religious freedoms.
Yours in Christ,
Jose Vasquez
New Mexico Watchman
www.nmwatchman.com
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish , but understand what the Lord’s will is.
-Ephesians 5:15-17
