In light of the U. S. Supreme Court’s ruling last week relating to private property rights (Kelo v. New London), the U. S. Senate and House are introducing legislation that will protect private property owners against this egregious ruling.

The following are key parts of the legislation introduced in the Senate today. To read the entire bill go to http://thomas.loc.gov and enter in S. 1313. A House version will be introduced later today.

SEC. 3. PROTECTION OF HOMES, SMALL BUSINESSES, AND OTHER PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS.

(a) In General- The power of eminent domain shall be available only for public use.
(b) Public Use- In this Act, the term `public use' shall not be construed to include economic development.
(c) Application- This Act shall apply to-

(1) all exercises of eminent domain power by the Federal Government; and
(2) all exercises of eminent domain power by State and local government through the use of Federal funds.

The Judiciary Committee (in particular Senator Brownback's Constitution Subcommittee) is planning to hold a hearing on this issue as soon as possible. The hearing will explore S. 1313 as well as other legislative options to address eminent domain abuses.

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CANADA APPROVES SAME SEX “MARRIAGE” (Reuters)
On Tuesday, June 28 the Canadian Parliament approved legislation to allow same sex “marriages” across the country, making Canada the third nation in the world to permit such unions. (The Netherlands and Belgium are the other two countries.)

The legislators voted 158-133 to pass the legislation.

SPAIN FOLLOWS SUIT (Guardian Unlimited)
Today, June 30, the Spanish Parliament legalized gay “marriage” by a vote of 187-147. This in spite of the fact that the Roman Catholic Church adamantly opposed the measure.

Yesterday, a Catholic lay group called the Spanish Family Forum presented lawmakers with a petition bearing 600,000 signatures against the measure.

Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zaptero was quoted as saying, “We were not the first, but I am sure we will not be the last. After us will come many other countries, driven, ladies and gentlemen, by two unstoppable forces: freedom and equality.”

Gay activists blew kisses at the lawmakers after the vote.

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Have a happy and safe Fourth of July.

Thank you for Keeping The Faith.
Sadie Fields