The 3 - February 25, 2024

In this week's edition of The 3, with three stories of relevance to the Christian community, there is information relative to an Alabama Supreme Court ruling stating that a frozen embryo is protected under the law as a person.  And, the development of an unborn child may be shown in school classrooms in several states soon, which are considering legislation allowing this type of video. Also, a new Tennessee law allows those entrusted with performing wedding ceremonies to opt-out if he or she objects based on conscience. 

Alabama high court rules that frozen embryos are human beings

In a stunning pro-life court decision, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos, produced in the process of in vitro fertilization, are actually human beings.  Mat Staver of Liberty Counsel addressed that decision on last Friday's Meeting House program, and the Liberty Counsel website stated:

In LePage v. The Center for Reproductive Medicine P.C., the Court ruled that “an unborn child is a genetically unique human being whose life begins at fertilization and ends at death.”

The Court continued that “an unborn child” qualifies as a “human life,” “human being,” or “person” ... “throughout all stages of an unborn child’s development, regardless of viability.” (emphasis added)

The case involves a wrongful death lawsuit by three couples regarding the death of their frozen embryos at an IVF clinic. The deaths were caused by a clinic patient who wandered into the cryogenic nursery and tampered with an unsecured freezer resulting in the embryos being dropped on the floor.

However, now there are lawmakers who want to water down this life-affirming decision by the state Supreme Court and declare these embryos are not viable.  This seemingly knee-jerk reaction comes after some IVF clinics in the state have temporarily shut down.  An 1819 News story states: "According to Alabama Daily News, State Sen. Tim Melson...has drafted legislation that says 'any human egg that is fertilized in vitro shall be considered a potential life but shall not be considered for any purposes a human life, a human being, a person, or an unborn life unless and until the fertilized egg is implanted into a woman's uterus and a viable pregnancy can be medically detected.'"

That bill, as well as another that uses similar language, were described by Alabama Pro-Life Coalition President Eric Johnston as "very ill-informed efforts." He stated, "Most significantly, they are proposed 'statutes.' They cannot modify the AL Constitution as interpreted by the court. It will require a CA (constitutional amendment)..."

Live Action News reported that all IVF clinics have not shut down.  It states:

Live Action founder and president Lila Rose applauded the Alabama Supreme Court’s recognition of human life, noting that this will provide more protections for children conceived through ART — many of whom are treated as property, rather than human beings created at the whim of adults.

“This decision made by the Alabama Supreme Court affirms the scientific reality that a new human life begins at the moment of fertilization,” she said. “Each person, from the tiniest embryo to an elder nearing the end of his life, has incalculable value that deserves and is guaranteed legal protection. This ruling, which involved a wrongful-death claim brought by parents against a fertility clinic that negligently caused the death of their children, rightly acknowledged the humanity of unborn children created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) and is an important step towards applying equal protection for all.”

An article at the Washington Examiner quoted SBA Pro-Life America State Policy Director Katie Daniel, who said, “The Alabama Court recognized what is obvious and a scientific fact — life begins at conception,” adding, “That does not mean fertility treatment is prohibited. Rather it means fertility treatments need not carelessly or intentionally destroy the new life created.”

Efforts to show life in the womb present in several states

Speaking of Live Action, that ministry has produced a video called, Baby Olivia.  A recent article at The Stream notes:

“Baby Olivia” is an educational animated video illustrating human development from fertilization until the point that a baby is ready to be born. Live Action, a pro-life advocacy group, made the three-minute video. This video, or ones like it, may soon be shown in classrooms in several states.

“The Baby Olivia project provides a medically accurate, animated glimpse of human life from the moment of fertilization. The story details her growth as she progresses from one developmental stage to the next, in preparation for her continued life outside of the womb,” the video webpage says.

But, in a response to a negative news story about the video, Live Action News states:

State legislatures in Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, and West Virginia are debating bills that would require public school students to watch “Baby Olivia” or a similar video during sex ed/health classes. North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum signed a law into effect last year requiring “Baby Olivia” or equivalent video content to be shown in its public schools.

Under HB 1265, both health curriculum and human sexuality instruction in North Dakota schools must show a high-definition video depicting the formation of vital organs in early fetal development. Viewing human growth and development in two separate classes before high school graduation is now the state standard in schools across North Dakota.

The story relates:

The “Baby Olivia” video is medically accurate and was reviewed and endorsed by OB-GYNs and other medical professionals, including Dr. David Bolender, PhD, Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin; Dr. Donna Harrison of the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists; Michelle Cretella, MD, Executive Director of the American College of Pediatricians; and Jeffrey Barrows, DO, MA, Senior VP Bioethics and Public Policy for the Christian Medical & Dental Associations.

TN Governor protects conscience rights regarding performing weddings

In a bill that seems like it could - and should - have been passed many years ago, Governor Bill Lee of Tennessee has signed legislation that would, according to the CBN News website, "...allow public officials to refuse to perform wedding services based on their 'conscience or religious beliefs.'" The article says:

HB 878 states that a person "shall not be required to solemnize a marriage if the person has an objection to solemnizing the marriage based on the person's conscience or religious beliefs."

The article goes on to say:

The bill was introduced by Rep. Monty Fritts last January.

"As societal views change about what constitutes a marriage, officiants must be able to refuse to solemnize marriages that are contrary to their beliefs," Fritts said during a state Subcommittee on Children and Family Affairs meeting. "The government has a responsibility to protect the exercise of religious beliefs. … Those with the authority to perform civil ceremonies would also be permitted to refuse to solemnize marriage for reasons of conscience."

The 3 - February 18, 2024

This week's edition of The 3, with three stories of relevance to the Christian community, features a story of the advance of gambling legislation in Alabama, now having passed the House of Representatives. Also, there is continued legal action regarding Navy SEALS who were denied religious exemptions from being forced to receive the COVID vaccine.  And, Tim Tebow's prom night for special needs individuals continued to shine the light of Christ recently.

Alabama House approves gambling legislation

On Tuesday, an Alabama House committee held a public hearing on proposed legislation that would amend the Alabama Constitution, if approved by the voters, that would pave the way for expansion of gambling in Alabama, including casino-style gaming, more casinos, legal sports betting, and a state lottery.  It passed the committee in a vote on Wednesday and was approved by the House of Representatives on Thursday - a sweeping expansion that promises much, but will have a high cost to individuals and families in its delivery.   The legislation now goes to the Alabama Senate.

Also last Tuesday, there was a press conference that included a number of organizations, including Christian groups, opposed to this legislation.  Leaders of the Alabama Policy Institute, Alabama Citizens Action Program, Eagle Forum of Alabama, and the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions were on hand.

The bill now heads to the Senate, and you are encouraged to be in prayer and to reach out to your State Senator, asking him or her to vote against any gambling legislation.  You can find information on your senator through the ALCAP and Eagle Forum of Alabama website or by searching for the Alabama Legislature website. 

Litigation involving Navy SEALS challenging COVID vaccine mandate continues 

Even though the government mandate for military members to receive the COVID vaccine is over, there are still legal issues at play.  First Liberty has been involved in addressing the plight of Navy SEALS who applied for, but did not receive, a religious exemption to receiving the shots.

In a recent press release, the Christian legal organization said:

...a federal district court issued an order stating a class action lawsuit initially filed by several Navy SEALs and other Naval Special Warfare personnel against the Navy for punishing servicemembers who had religious objections to the COVID-19 vaccine mandate is not moot and can continue. The court stated that although Congress rescinded the vaccine mandate, the Navy’s “sham” religious accommodation process that it used to punish thousands of sailors is still in place. In other words, the Navy has done nothing to address the source of the problem.

According to the press release, the Court stated, "Without the constitutionally required avenue to seek accommodations for their beliefs, Class Members allege they remain injured. This includes present and future harms due to hesitance to use the accommodations process going forward for any religious accommodation.” The suit is being handled by the U.S. District Court Northern District of Texas Fort Worth Division.

Tebow event shines the light on those with special needs

Hundreds of churches recently participated in the annual "Night to Shine," presented by the Tim Tebow Foundation.  The event is designed to affirm those with special needs in a Christian atmosphere and give them a fun evening.

CBN.com reported on the most recent event, stating:

This year's event was hosted on February 9 by 725 churches across 56 countries including several hundred churches in the U.S.

Tebow and his wife, Demi, were able to surprise volunteers and guests at seven different Night to Shine locations including events in Guatemala, Belize, Colombia, Brazil, and three different churches in Ohio.

Tim Tebow is quoted as saying, "By God's grace, we have seen Night to Shine act as a catalyst, we've seen thousands of people serve with us and help turn Night to Shine into a worldwide movement..." He also noted, "Our hope is that as they walked down the red carpet, or were crowned King or Queen, that they didn't just know love as a concept, but they experienced the love of all the people cheering for them, they experienced the love of Jesus, and walked away knowing full well in their heart they are loved."

The 3 - February 11, 2024

This week's edition of The 3, featuring three stories of relevance to the Christian community, features developments about the potential destruction of the bodies of five aborted babies, which serve as evidence of criminal activity.  Also, an Ohio pastor who opened his church doors to the homeless and was arrested for it has reached a settlement with his city. And, an Arizona church staff member who was shot will preaching on a street was back at church recently and seems to have made a significant recovery.

Officials urged not to destroy bodies of aborted babies in DC

It is certainly a gruesome story - 115 aborted babies in Washington, DC found in a waste disposal truck outside an abortion clinic.  The bodies of five of those babies were handed over to a pro-life advocate.

Now the Department of Justice wants to destroy them which appears to be destroying evidence of a crime.  CBNNews.com relates:

As CBN News reported in April of 2022, the five babies at the center of headlines were among 115 remains from unborn babies rescued on March 25 from a medical waste transport company parked outside the Washington Surgi-Clinic in D.C.

The babies' masticated corpses were handed over to pro-life activist Lauren Handy. Pro-life groups believe the five babies were illegally aborted in violation of the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act or the Born-Alive Infant Protection Act.

Attorneys with the Thomas More Society are defending Handy against prosecution by the Biden Department of Justice for her attempts to stop such abortions in the facility, the nonprofit law firm said.

The report says that the medical examiner's office had held the remains for two years, and now the DOJ wants to dispose of them.  Lawmakers are crying foul, with Representatives Chip Roy and Andy Biggs sending a letter to the mayor and police chief in Washington. 

The CBN article cites The Daily Signal, which quoted from the letter:

"Despite this significant claim, both the MPD and DOJ chose to ignore any potential evidence of a crime for two years," they write. "Now, DOJ has reportedly directed the Medical Examiner that 'there is no reason to keep those babies anymore.'"

They also said, "If partial-birth abortions were conducted on these unborn children, that is a violation of federal law and should be investigated as such. However, if the evidence in this case is destroyed, any future investigation will be severely hampered..."

CBN also states, "In addition, 35 pro-life organizations asked Congress this week to intervene and demanded the babies' remains not be discarded before an autopsy is completed, according to the Washington Examiner."

Pastor arrested for housing homeless in OH city reaches agreement

Perhaps you heard my account of an Ohio pastor, in Bryan, Ohio, who had been arrested because he opened up his church to homeless people.  One of the legal organizations representing him made an announcement several days ago; First Liberty announced on its website:

First Liberty Institute and city officials in Bryan, Ohio announced today that the city has agreed to drop all criminal charges against Dad’s Place Pastor Chris Avell. Dad’s Place has in turn agreed to cease residential operations and to seek proper building certifications, and zoning permits for the operations it plans to pursue together with the installation of any necessary safety measures associated with those permits. Negotiations continue as both sides seek to find a final resolution to the matter.

The Christian Post reported: "Avell was...slapped with 18 zoning law violation charges related to keeping his church open, and his alleged zoning ordinance violations included lacking proper kitchen and laundry facilities, having unsafe exits, and using improper ventilation." Pastor Avell said, "I am thankful to God, the city, and for everyone who has been praying for this day to come," adding, "Bryan is my home. I am eager to continue to serve God, my community, and the people I love."

AZ man shot while preaching on street back at church

It was perhaps a life-threatening situation, but an Arizona street preacher is back at church after surviving a gunshot wound. Hans Schmidt was shot in the head, and 10 weeks after that event, was back in church on January 28.  The Stream related about what Hans' wife, Zulya posted:

Sunday, Jan. 28, Zulya posted on Instagram an incredible praise report: her husband Hans attended church with her that Sunday. She included a clip of him playing the drums on stage during worship with this caption:

We serve a miracle working God. He walks, he talks, he even plays the drums [face holding back tears emoji]
God has done an incredible work in Hans’ life and every day he continues to improve. Please continue to pray for a full restoration 💙

Zulya has continued to pray for her husband’s recovery despite hopeless statements. Shortly after the shooting, Hans had seized and gone unconscious. Doctors initially called his brain injury “devastating” and “inoperable” and the detective working on the case told her “we’ll know more after the autopsy,” she told CBN News.

The Stream article says: "As of that CBN interview in late December, Hans was not able to communicate. Now the husband, father of two and former army combat medic can speak and do much more." Vision Christian Media reported:

Victory Chapel First Phoenix Church where Hans is the Outreach Director said he continues to fight and work hard at his recovery, but prayers are still needed and highly valued by him and his family, as the journey is not over.

The article quoted from a statement from the church: “We are rejoicing and thanking God for the miracle we have seen. Hans has been released from the hospital and is home with his family. Please continue to pray for this family as they navigate the road to recovery...” 

The 3 - February 4, 2024

This week's edition of The 3, featuring three stories of relevance to the Christian community, includes a verdict against 6 pro-life individuals who participated in a peaceful expression of their free speech outside an abortion clinic. Also, strategies are emerging that would abortion amendments from appearing on ballots in several states.  And, the Ohio Legislature has completed its override the governor's veto of a bill that would prevent harmful gender change procedures on children and keeps boys out of competing in girls' sports.

Pro-life defendants found guilty of FACE and conspiracy charges

You could say that the punishment doesn't fit the crime and contend that there was no crime at all. It happened in the Nashville suburb of Mt. Juliet. The Daily Wire reported on the conviction of six pro-life individuals who decided to make a statement about the sanctity of life.

The pro-life activists were accused by the Department of Justice of violating the FACE Act and civil rights conspiracy for a protest that took place in a hallway outside of a Mount Juliet abortion provider on March 5, 2021. On that day, a group of demonstrators gathered on the second floor of an office building in the hallway outside the Carafem Health Center Clinic. The group prayed, sang hymns, and urged women showing up to the clinic to not get abortions.

The article said: "The conspiracy charge can be punished with up to 10.5 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and fines of up to $260,000 while the FACE Act charge can lead to one year in prison and a $10,000 fine."  "FACE" stands for Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances.

Live Action said that the attorney for one of the defendants, Paul Vaughn, "Thomas More Senior Counsel Steve Crampton, characterized the pro-life action in March 2021 at the Carafem abortion facility in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, as a 'peaceful demonstration' consisting of 'prayer, hymn-singing, and worship.'”  It reported that sentencing would occur on July 2.

The Daily Wire story noted:

Video of the demonstration showed the group singing songs like “Holy, Holy, Holy,” and “Onward Christian Soldiers,” while others showed members of the group talking to police. Another video showed one participant telling another to speak “in love” to a man with his girlfriend who had shown up at Carafem and that someone’s “baby is a gift from God.”

States take steps to block abortion amendments from making it to the ballot

The constitutional amendment passed by Ohio voters in November has been described as "deceptive," and was backed by millions of pro-abortion dollars. It allows abortion throughout a woman's pregnancy, in most cases. 

Unfortunately, it takes money - lots of it - to get these amendments passed; and pro-abortion organizations certainly have a propensity to raise it.  They have passed pro-abortion amendments in some states and defeated pro-life amendments in others.  

This is why the "let the people vote" mantra can be so dangerous regarding ballot reference to constitutional amendments - those crafting the amendments can and will manipulate the public, backed by large amounts of money.  You have an elected Legislature that is tasked with dealing with these types of matters

Some states are attempting to prevent these measures from going on the ballot in the first place. Take, for instance, the state of Mississippi, where, according to the Mississippi Today website, the state House of Representatives recently passed a key resolution; the article says:

House Concurrent Resolution 11, which is still several legislative steps from becoming law, would give citizens the ability to gather signatures to propose new state laws or change existing laws, but it bans them from placing an issue on a statewide ballot about abortion

In Florida, there will be a court hearing this Wednesday regarding a proposed ballot measure there. Liberty Counsel states:

The Florida Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, beginning at 9 a.m. ET regarding a proposed amendment that would codify unrestricted abortion as a right in the state constitution.

Liberty Counsel represents Florida Voters Against Extremism (FLVAE). We filed a petition with the Florida Supreme Court, arguing that the proposed amendment violates the requirement for voter initiatives and should not be permitted on the ballot. Our brief argues that the initiative is misleading and deceptive and violates the single subject rule.

In Nevada, amendment opponents secured a ruling in their favor.  The Hill reported:

A judge in Nevada rejected a proposed 2024 ballot initiative that sought to enshrine reproductive rights, including abortion, in the state’s constitution.

Siding with a newly established PAC — the Coalition for Parents and Children PAC — which filed a lawsuit last month to block the petition, District Judge James T. Russell deemed the proposed ballot initiative to be too broad, embracing a “multitude of subjects that amount to logrolling.”

“This is probably the clearest case I have seen that I think there is a violation of the single subject rule,” Russell said, according to local outlet KOLO News, which first reported the ruling.

Ohio Senate joins House in overriding governor's veto in case of bill protecting children and preventing boys from competing in girls' sports

After Governor Mike DeWine of Ohio vetoed legislation that would protect children from harmful gender-change procedures and keep boys from competing in girls sports, the Ohio Legislature came together and both chambers overrode the veto.

On its website, Alliance Defending Freedom stated the components of the legislation following the successful veto override in the Senate:

...the Saving Ohio Adolescents from Experimentation Act, legislation designed to protect children from the administration of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and identity-driven surgeries. The bill includes the Save Women’s Sports Act, which protects single-sex teams and sports at schools, state institutions of education, and private colleges. The Ohio House of Representatives overrode the governor’s veto earlier this month, so now this bill becomes law...

Matt Sharp, Director of the ADF Center for Legislative Advocacy, is quoted as saying: "Biology is clear: There are only two sexes—male and female—and denying this basic truth only hurts the most vulnerable, our precious children. Now and always, young people deserve the loving embrace of family members who guide them toward this truth rather than be subjected to risky, often irreversible, and life-altering experimentation and drugs..."

ADF Senior Counsel Christiana Kiefer said, "We applaud the Ohio Legislature for overriding the governor’s veto of the SAFE Act and enacting the Save Women’s Sports Act, becoming the twenty-fourth state to protect female athletes. These critical protections ensure that fair athletic competition is preserved. Women and girls must be able to compete in confidence, free of facing unfair biological advantages.”