The 3 - November 26, 2023

On this week's edition of The 3, featuring three stories of relevance to the Christian community, there is the story of a pro-life activist who was arrested by federal law enforcement in a particularly aggressive manner who has filed a lawsuit. Also, pro-abortion activists in Florida have crafted a new amendment that would create a constitutional right to abortion in the state and the state's Supreme Court has been petitioned to block the amendment from moving forward.  Plus, thousands of former military members kicked out of the Army for refusing to take the COVID vaccine have been invited to come back or at least have records revised.

Pro-life activist acquitted, responds by suing Justice Department

By now you may have heard the story of Mark Houck, a pro-life Pennsylvania man who, along with his son, were outside an abortion clinic in Philadelphia, when a man began to accost his son. A CBN.com story stated:

As CBN News reported, Houck was charged by the Department of Justice with counts of violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act after he shoved a pro-abortion volunteer escort who was harassing his young son outside an abortion clinic in Philadelphia.

Houck could have received up to 11 years in prison and forced to pay a $350,000 fine, according to the story, but he was "acquitted of all charges" back in January.  

But, the circumstances of his being taken into custody were quite troubling.  The CBN story states:

Mark Houck woke up on September 23, 2022, to an incessant banging on his door. When he opened it, he saw more than 15 FBI agents crowded on his front porch and the front lawn with guns pointed at him.

"They were all the way lined down my driveway," Houck told The Daily Signal. "I had agents on my porch with long guns."

Despite putting his hands up and willingly cooperating, multiple agents pointed guns in Mark's face as his family – including his seven young children – were forced to watch their dad "shackled" and taken away, family representative Brian Middleton told CBN's Faithwire at the time.

The story says that Houck "...and his wife, Ryan-Marie, have filed lawsuits against the DOJ. Their complaints detail the extent of the emotional trauma their family has experienced since that day in September." This includes three miscarriages that Ryan-Marie has suffered.

The article relates:

Houck's lawsuit describes the arrest as an "unnecessary and unlawful show of force," and he accuses the agency of intentionally seeking to assault him and deprive him of his Fourth Amendment rights "by using excessive force to arrest him on non-violent charges when he had not threatened law enforcement, did not own a gun, and had offered to turn himself in to authorities if indicted."

Houck seeks $1.1 million for malicious prosecution, retaliatory prosecution, false arrest, abuse of process, and assault. Ryan-Marie is seeking $3.25 million in damages for herself and her children.

Florida pro-abortion activists draft sample amendment

Following the approval of Issue 1 in Ohio, creating a so-called right to abortion in the state's constitution, Focus on the Family's Life Issues Analyst Nicole Hunt appeared on The Meeting House on Faith Radio and warned against other states that may be considering similar amendments.

A group of pro-abortion organizations are proposing an abortion amendment to be sent to Florida voters.  Liberty Counsel represents a group opposing the amendment, and states on its website:

The proposed amendment is sponsored by Floridians Protecting Freedom, Inc., a political committee supported by the Florida Alliance of Planned Parenthood Affiliates, the American Civil Liberties Union, and other groups that support the termination of preborn humans through unrestricted abortion on demand.

The piece on the website notes:

Liberty Counsel has filed a reply brief on behalf of Florida Voters Against Extremism (FLVAE) urging the Florida Supreme Court to not approve the wording of a proposed amendment that would codify unrestricted abortion as a right in the state’s Constitution. In the reply brief, Liberty Counsel argues that the initiative is misleading and deceptive and violates the single subject rule. In the brief, Liberty Counsel states the sponsor completely sidesteps these legal issues and fails to provide a meaningful rebuttal.

There was pro-life analysis about deceptive language in the Ohio amendment, and the deception seems to be occurring in the Florida process.  Liberty Counsel states:

The proposed amendment misleads voters and hides the true purpose behind the amendment and its effect, which is to enshrine a right of abortion in Florida for any reason, at any stage of the pregnancy. The effect of the proposed amendment would prevent the State of Florida from regulating all abortions that a vague and undefined “healthcare provider” may deem “necessary” to protect the woman’s “health.”

Army invites members removed for not receiving COVID vaccine to re-enlist or have records revised

Well over 25,000 members of the U.S. military were reportedly denied religious exemptions from a requirement to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, according to a report on the CBN.com website, which said: "A total of 8,945 soldiers, 10,800 airmen and guardians, 4,172 sailors, and 3,717 Marines tried to get religious exemptions from taking the shot but were denied, according to Task and Purpose."  Task and Purpose is described as a "military information blog." 

Task and Purpose reports that the Army is sending out invitations to return.  It states: 

The Army separated 1,903 active duty soldiers for refusing the COVID-19 vaccination during the nearly year and a half it was mandatory, the service said. Letters were sent to approximately 1,900 troops, according to an Army spokesperson.

The article continues: "The letter comes as the Army is dealing with a recruitment crisis. The service missed its recruiting goals for this past year by nearly 15,000 soldiers. A lack of interest from Gen Z to join the military, with many citing factors as broad as the economy and job market to factors as specific as the service’s struggles with sexual assault and suicide in the ranks."

The Task and Purpose article notes: 

In October, CNN reported that only 43 of over 8,000 troops across the entire military had been discharged for refusing the vaccine and showed interest in rejoining. As of September, 19 soldiers returned to active duty, according to the Army.

The 3 - November 19, 2023

This week's edition of The 3, with three stories of relevance to the Christian community, includes an emerging story out of the U.K., where the Church of England has decided to make a "trial run" on "blessing" same-sex unions, another step, perhaps, to full endorsement of same-sex marriage.  Also, a Wisconsin city has done an about face regarding expressions of Christmas by city employees.  Plus, there's news out of Finland, where a Member of Parliament has netted a victory for free speech. 

Church of England approves LGBT-affirming action

It's not a full-blown approval of same-sex marriage - yet.  But, the Church of England, in succumbing to pressure, has voted on a measure that would try out some sort of "blessing" of same-sex unions.

Not marriage, but it does seem to be a step in that direction.  FoxNews.com reported that:

The Church of England (COE) is introducing special services meant to allow blessings for same-sex couples — without the approval of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

An amendment put forward to establish a trial run of non-matrimonial religious services for homosexual couples passed the COE parliament by just a single vote.

The Archbishop, Justin Welby didn't vote against the measure, though - he merely abstained, presumably in the name of "unity."

The article notes: 

The services are explicitly not to be considered weddings, as the COE still holds that Christian marriage is between one man and one woman.

However, as the services are allowed to utilize rings, prayers and priestly blessings, many are concerned the accommodations have effectively overruled this marital doctrine.

FoxNews.com also reported, "Gay marriage and acceptance of homosexual lifestyles have formed an increasingly devastating schism in the worldwide Anglican Communion."  It is apparent that compromise with biblical heresy is not an acceptable path to "unity." 

WI city reverses course on Christmas decorations

The city of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin had issued guidelines for its employees and property regarding Christmas decorations to reject traditional expressions of decor.  But, when push came to shove, the city backed off and attempted to redefine what it had actually said.

The Higher Ground Times, a division of The Washington Times, reported that the controversy started with an e-mail over a week ago, stating:

Melissa Cantarero Weiss, deputy city administrator, sent an email asking employees to “refrain from using religious decorations or [those] solely associated with Christmas (such as red and green colors) when decorating public spaces within city buildings.”

The article notes:

Ms. Weiss’ original email said decorations should be “inclusive” and “equitable” claiming a need to “celebrate the season without favoring any particular belief system.”

Just days later, city administrator Jim Archambo...

...wrote employees saying that while “concerns from residents” prompted “city leaders, as a team” to support the Weiss email, her message was not a policy directive, was not a “requirement to decorate or not decorate a certain way,” nor did it tell workers “they cannot bring their full selves to work.”

Employees were not told “they cannot decorate their individual work spaces,” Mr. Archambo wrote.

Yeah, right - the Higher Ground Times points out that, "the about-face came 48 hours after Liberty Counsel, a public policy nonprofit, blasted the city for an 'Orwellian and unconstitutional' prohibition."

Member of Parliament in Finland found innocent of "hate speech" for using Biblical references

A long ordeal for a Member of the Parliament in Finland seems to have come to a conclusion, at least temporarily, according to a report on the Alliance Defending Freedom website, which states that...

...the Helsinki Court of Appeal has dismissed all charges against Finnish Member of Parliament Päivi Räsänen and Lutheran Bishop Juhana Pohjola, who were both tried for “hate speech” in August after publicly expressing their Christian beliefs.

So, what did these individuals do that was so egredious, so hateful?  ADF states:

Räsänen, Finland’s former Interior Minister and a grandmother of 11, was formally charged with “agitation against a minority group” in 2021 under a section of the Finnish criminal code titled “war crimes and crimes against humanity” for sharing her Christian beliefs on marriage and sexual ethics in a 2019 tweet, in addition to a 2019 live radio debate and 2004 church pamphlet. Pohjola was charged for publishing Räsänen’s 2004 pamphlet. The case has garnered global media attention as human rights experts voiced concern over the threat posed to free speech.

The Helsinki appeals court upheld a lower court ruling from last year, stating, that it “has no reason, on the basis of the evidence received at the main hearing, to assess the case in any respect differently from the District Court."

But the case may not be over; according to Alliance Defending Freedom:

The court has ordered the prosecution to pay tens of thousands in legal fees to cover costs incurred by both defendants. The prosecution could appeal a final time to the Supreme Court, with a deadline of Jan. 15, 2024.

The 3 - November 12, 2023

This week's edition of The 3, featuring three stories of relevance to the Christian community, offers some information on the key vote this past week in Ohio which experts say allows abortion throughout the entirety of a woman's pregnancy.  Also, there is new legislation in Congress that would prevent the implementation of an HHS rule that would force prospective foster parents of LGBT children to "affirm" that perspective.  Plus, a lawsuit that could deal a large financial blow to Planned Parenthood is being allowed by a federal judge to go forward.

Ohio voters approve abortion amendment

It would have been rejected had Ohio voters decided to raise the threshold in order to amend the state constitution to 60%.  However, that effort was rejected by the voters, and Issue 1 was approved by Ohio voters by a 57 to 43% margin.  As The Washington Stand reported:

...voters in Ohio adopted a vaguely-worded constitutional amendment creating a “right” to abortion until birth and other “reproductive decisions.”

The article says:

The amendment states: “Every individual has a right to make and carry out one’s own reproductive decisions, including but not limited to” abortion, with a broad exception for the mother’s “health.” Issue 1 also bars the state from infringing on these rights “directly or indirectly.” Pro-life proponents Protect Women Ohio and the Center for Christian Virtue pointed out the term “individual” and “reproductive decisions” could erase parental rights and invent a constitutional “right” for minors to have transgender surgeries without parental consent.

It quoted Protect Women Ohio, which said: “We persevered for 50 years to overturn Roe v. Wade. Ours is a movement that has always endured, and always will. Tomorrow, the work starts again as we fight to be a voice for the voiceless,” adding, “We are just getting started.”

The Christian organization, Faith2Action, issued a press release on Christian Newswire that stated: 

In addition to the 26 Ohio legislators who issued a joint statement against Issue 1 on Tuesday, legislative leaders announced today they will be introducing bills to address Issue 1 in the Ohio House. Tuesday's joint legislative statement said in part, "This initiative failed to mention a single, specific law. We will do everything in our power to prevent our laws from being removed based upon perception of intent."

Lawmakers seek to reverse attempt to force foster agencies to place LGBTQ children with affirming parents

The Protecting Religious Freedom for Foster Families Act was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday, according to The Christian Post, which reports that is sponsored by Representatives Josh Brecheen of Oklahoma and Mary Miller of Illinois.  The article says:

The legislation’s sponsors seek to push back against what they call the administration’s “anti-Christian, far-Left agenda.”

The article states that the legislation would prevent the Administration from "implementing a rule that would require foster care agencies to place LGBT children with families that affirm their stated gender identities." The proposed rule was announced in late September, and the article notes that public comments are being taken until November 27.

Brecheen is quoted as saying, "The federal government should not force foster families to violate their sincerely held religious or moral beliefs in order to house children..."  The article also notes:

In a statement to CP, Miller cited the proposed rule as an example of how “the Biden administration is intent on pushing its radical transgender agenda, regardless of who it harms.”

"[T]hrough this proposed rule, Biden’s HHS is circumventing Congressional authority and forcing foster families to violate their deeply held religious convictions," Miller argues.

Judge says that lawsuit against Planned Parenthood can continue

Not only is Planned Parenthood committed to providing abortion, but its ethics in the area of recordkeeping has been alleged to be shoddy, according to a LifeNews.com article, which says:

Texas officials have filed a lawsuit against Planned Parenthood saying that the abortion business filed millions in false Medicaid claims for which it improperly received taxpayer reimbursement. With the repayments, damages and fines, the abortion chain could face a $1.8 billion judgment.

Following a 2021 ruling, Planned Parenthood was removed from the state's Medicaid program.  The article states: 

Medicaid is the largest stream of taxpayer funding to Planned Parenthood, and, in Texas, that funding was supposed to be cut off in after the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the state, agreeing that Texas can kick out Planned Parenthood from the program for violating the law. The decision to defund Planned Parenthood came after the abortion business was exposed selling the body parts of aborted babies.

Now, two years later, Texas wants to recover the taxpayer funds Planned Parenthood improperly received during that time period so they can be used to help Texas residents.

Federal district judge Matthew Kacsmaryk,based in Amarillo, says said the case may go forward; the article reported: "Judge Kacsmaryk ruled that Planned Parenthood is obligated to return some funds to Texas and Louisiana. A trial will decide how much."  Life News noted that this is the same judge who ruled against the distribution of the abortion pill.

The 3 - November 5, 2023

This week's edition of The 3, featuring three stories of relevance to the Christian community, includes the story of a federal judge who has halted the implementation of a Colorado law that would prevent ladies who have taken the first pill in the two-pill chemical abortion regimen from participating in an abortion pill reversal procedure.  Also, a group of California parents has gone to court to challenge state law that prevents the parents from choosing religious curriculum in an independent study in association with charter schools.  And, Christian communicators have participated in an open letter to the head of a social media platform calling for him to make good on his commitment to free speech. 

Federal judge places law that would ban abortion pill reversal on hold

The distribution of the abortion pill increased during the COVID pandemic, and since its authorization by the FDA some two decades ago, government agencies have loosened restrictions on chemical abortions.

A chemical abortion is actually accomplished through a two-pill process.  After a woman takes the first pill, mifepristone, it is still possible to reverse its effects and perhaps save the life of the baby.  Colorado attempted to ban the act of reversal, but a recent decision by a federal judge has placed that on hold.

The Daily Citizen reported:

Colorado lawmakers enacted a law (Senate Bill 190) banning hormone treatment to reverse a chemical abortion.

As reported by the Daily Citizen, the law was immediately challenged by Bella Health and Wellness, a Catholic health clinic in Colorado that offers abortion pill reversal treatment. They contend the law violates their freedom of speech and religion.

The article notes that a court in D.C. issued a 14-day hold in the spring, and Colorado's attorney general said he would not allow the law to take effect.  

Bella filed another lawsuit, and the Daily Citizen article says that...

Daniel D. Domenico wrote in his October 21st order,

There is no question whether [the law] Section Three burdens Bella Health’s free exercise of religion. It does. Bella Health considers it a religious obligation to provide treatment for pregnant mothers and to protect unborn life if the mother seeks to stop or reverse an abortion.

Parents denied ability to choose religious curriculum in independent study programs

Perhaps you heard my conversation with attorney Justin Butterfield of First Liberty on Friday's Meeting House program.  He provided an update on a case involving a group of parents participating in independent study programs through local charter schools.  They have latitude to choose curriculum, as long as there is not a religious connection.  

FoxNews.com has reported on these developments, stating:

The schools "tout" their commitment to "individualized and inclusive learning" through these programs, but with one "glaring exception" — faith-based learning material, a lawsuit says. The families, according to the suit, wanted to use high-quality curricula that comported with state standards but that also reflected a faith-based worldview but were denied. One family was even expelled.

"Our clients simply want to be able to choose curricula that fits their families’ needs without facing religious discrimination," Justin Butterfield, deputy general counsel for First Liberty said.

In my conversation with Butterfield, as well as in the Fox piece, last year's U.S. Supreme Court decision in Carson v. Makin, was referenced.  Fox quoted attorney Ethan Davis, one of the partners at King and Spalding, who said, "As the Supreme Court made clear last year in Carson v. Makin, when the government provides a benefit, like parent-directed educational funding, it cannot exclude families just because they choose to use that benefit for a religious education..."

Christian leaders among those petitioning Elon Musk to uphold free speech principles

There has been much discussion regarding social media platforms censoring certain material.  In fact, the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case in which a Federal appeals court ruled that government entities conspired with social media platforms to communicate a particular perspective on a variety of issues.

An open letter was just issued to the relatively new head of X, formerly known as Twitter, which includes a number of Christian communicators.  The Alliance Defending Freedom International website reports:

Over 50 international free speech advocates, including many high-profile X (formerly Twitter) users, have united in signing an open letter to Elon Musk, on the one-year anniversary of him assuming the role of CEO of the platform.

Among those signing on to the letter are Seth Dillon of the Babylon Bee, author and columnist Rod Dreher, journalist Calvin Robinson from the U.K., Kristen Waggoner of Alliance Defending Freedom, and Paul Coleman of ADF International.

The website notes: "In August 2023, Musk famously tweeted that he would fund legal support for those who face discrimination by employers for Twitter/X posts. The letter thanks Musk for this offer of support, and requests that the same be extended to those who have suffered censorship at the hands of government authorities for peaceful expression on Twitter/X."

According to the ADF International site:

The letter requests that Musk “harness X to make clear that no one should be punished under the law for peaceful expression on X or any platform,” by

1) designating funds to support legal action challenging state-sponsored censorship of views on X;

2) create an intake mechanism on X whereby individuals can apply for this support; and

3) host X Spaces to bring worldwide attention to censorship cases involving both governments and the workplace.

The letter, posted at openlettertoelon.org, states:

Free speech is broadly protected by every major human rights treaty; however, in the West, speech increasingly is targeted by “hate speech” laws. In other regions, blasphemy laws target minority groups, sometimes with the sentence of death. These repressive laws are two sides of the same coin—both punish those who speak out against state-approved views.