NATIONAL LEGISLATION

Last night the U. S. House passed -- by voice vote -- the "Protection of Incapacitated Persons Act of 2005." This bill will protect those like Florida’s Terry Schiavo who are in danger of having their feeding tube removed which will result in starvation. A judge has ordered her feeding tube to be removed tomorrow unless this legislation passes prior to that deadline.

I talked with Senators Chambliss and Isakson's offices today, and if given the opportunity, they will vote for the bill.

5:48 p.m. – Krister Holladay, Chief of Staff to Sen. Chambliss, just called to tell me they were debating the bill on the floor of the Senate now and should have a vote shortly. He believes it stands a good chance of passing.

Please remember to thank our U. S. Senators for standing for Georgia’s values in Washington.

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STATE LEGISLATION

Last November, someone with the Georgia High School Association told Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy that they could no longer pray before a football game. This, in spite of the fact that they were hosting the game at their school on property owned by the school.

In response to this, Representative Mark Burkhalter (R-50) and Representative John Lunsford (R-110) have introduced HB 678 that states in part, “No law or regulation…shall prohibit or be construed as prohibiting or discouraging a private school from conducting a prayer prior to an athletic event held on the campus of the private school.” If you would like to read the bill in its entirety go to www.legis.state.ga.us and put in the bill number.

The bill passed out of the House last Friday by a vote of 149-10 – with 15 not voting and 6 excused. Those who voted against the bill were Benfield (D-85), Brooks (D-63), Crawford (R-127), Henson (D-87), Holmes (D-61, Jacobs (D-80), Sinkfield (D-60), Millar (R-79 – Rep. Millar did change his vote in the journal afterwards), Drenner (D-86), Gardner (D-57.

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The time for the hearing that will be held by the Georgia Department of Education on April 13 has been changed from 12 noon – 1:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. At this time there is a proposed rule to the board ensuring that parents know what extracurricular activities in which their children are participating. For more information and contact information for the board members regarding this, please refer to Keeping The Faith, March 15.

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ON A VERY SAD NOTE

Dan Becker, PAC Director for Georgia Right to Life, has resigned due to wife Susan’s health. Susan was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer last year and underwent treatment. Unfortunately, the cancer has returned and the prognosis is not good. She has been given between eight weeks and two years to live, depending on response to treatment and God’s mercy.

Please pray for Dan, Susan and family as they face this painful situation.

Thank you for Keeping The Faith.
Sadie Fields.