Okla. law barring funds for abortion
Oklahoma pro-life advocates finally achieved enactment of an abortion-restricting measure, even though the governor refused to sign it into law.
A bill barring state-funded, elective abortions became law May 23 after five days passed without action by Gov. Brad Henry. In Oklahoma, a bill becomes law if the governor has not signed it or vetoed it five days after he receives it.
The new law bars public funds, state-run medical facilities and state employees from being used for abortions, except when a mother’s life is endangered or the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest.
The new law is “Round 2” of the legislature’s attempt to remove Oklahoma from “the abortion business,” Sen. James Williamson of Tulsa said in a written statement. Williamson, the author of both bills, called the measure “a great victory for the unborn.”
Williamson, a Republican, said the changes from his original bill addressed the “two main objections” to it. His initial proposal “was never intended to prevent doctors from discussing viable medical options with their patients, nor did [it] prohibit the use of Medicaid dollars for abortions in cases of rape or incest,” he said.
The new law bans state employees from “encouraging” abortion, but it allows doctors to discuss abortion as a medical option. It also mandates that doctors will provide reports to demonstrate they are abiding by state laws regarding abortion.
The Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma commended the enactment of the revised version of the bill. – BP
Memorial celebration honors troops
nearly 100,000 gathered at Stone Mountain, Ga., over Memorial Day weekend to pay tribute to active duty and veteran U.S. troops and their families.
LifeWay Christian Resources and Holman Bible Outreach International (HBOI) partnered with Task Force Patriot USA, General Motors, O’Reilly Auto Parts and Stone Mountain Park to sponsor the three-day event dubbed a “Task Force Patriot Salute to the Troops.”
Like millions of Americans across the nation, guests paused to give thanks for the men and women who serve the United States, to honor them for their selfless service and to reflect on the sacrifices veterans have made to protect the nation’s freedom.
At each of the three Task Force Patriot booths, guests were offered free copies of the new paperback Holman CSB Military Bible. Approximately 3,000 Bibles were given away through Holman Bible Outreach International, an entity of LifeWay Christian Resources that functions as a Bible society. One woman requested and received a case of Bibles for Fort Benning, Ga., soldiers about to leave for Iraq.
“This event was all about honoring the men and women serving in our armed forces and their families,” said Phill Burgess, executive director of HBOI, adding that the Holman CSB Military Bible is “designed to meet the specific needs of military personnel.” – BP
Is homosexuality more accepted?
Americans are becoming increasingly more liberal on the issues of homosexuality and “gay marriage,” according to a new Gallup Poll. The survey of 1,003 adults, conducted May 10-13 and released May 29, showed on a number of questions that Americans’ tolerance of homosexuality is at an all-time high. For instance:
? 57 percent of U.S. adults say homosexuality “should be considered an acceptable alternative lifestyle.” The previous high was 54 percent, a mark reached three times, including last year. In the current poll, 39 percent say such relations should not be accepted.
? 47 percent say they personally believe homosexual relations are morally acceptable. The previous high was 44 percent. While 49 percent say such relations are unacceptable, it is the first time that particular number has dropped below 50 percent.
? 59 percent say homosexual relations should be legal – below the all-time high of 60 percent in May 2003. Thirty-seven percent say they should not be legal.
? 42 percent say homosexuality is “something a person is born with,” matching the all-time high from last year. Thirty-five percent, an all-time low, say it is a combination of upbringing and environment. – BP