Mississippi
Liberty Counsel helps personhood in MS.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Les Riley, Personhood Mississippi – (662) 760-8695
Liberty Counsel Files Response to ACLU Lawsuit Against
Personhood Mississippi Ballot Initiative
August 12 (Jackson) – Liberty Counsel will file a motion to intervene in a lawsuit filed by the ACLU and Planned Parenthood in Hinds County, Mississippi Circuit Court today on behalf of Les Riley and Personhood Mississippi to prevent the voices of over 130,000 Mississippi voters from being silenced.
Last month, the ACLU and Planned Parenthood filed suit against Mississippi Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann asking the court to stop Secretary Hosemann from doing his duty under law and delivering the Mississippi Personhood Amendment (Initiative Measure 26) to the legislature to be placed on the ballot next year. Last year over 1000 grassroots volunteers helped collect and certify the signatures of over 130,000 voters across Mississippi to put the measure on the ballot in 2011. Initiative 26 would legally define the unborn child as a “person” in state law, ensuring equal rights to all people including the unborn, and setting up a possible challenge to Roe v. Wade.
The suit claims that Initiative 26 is unconstitutional because it violates the prohibition against using the initiative and referendum process for “the proposal, modification or repeal of any portion of” the bill of rights. Initiative 26 does not propose any new right, nor does it modify or repeal any portion of the Mississippi Bill of Rights.
When asked about the Liberty Counsel filing on their behalf, Les Riley of Personhood Mississippi stated, “The misnamed ACLU has been dishonestly perverting the Constitution and using court decisions for decades to support the denial of rights to unborn people. We want to stop them from denying the rights of Mississippians to participate in the process, vote, and ensure equal rights to all. I do not know whether Planned Parenthood is concerned that the passage of the Personhood Amendment will interrupt their systematic genocidal program against minorities or it is worried about the impact it will have on their profitable abortion-releated services revenue stream that is part of their billion-dollar annual budget. But it is obvious they understand that if the citizens of Mississippi vote then the days of killing unborn children and harming women under color of law may be coming to an end.”
Steve Crampton, a Tupelo attorney with Liberty Counsel commented : “We do not
believe there is any merit to this lawsuit, and are eager for an opportunity to rebut the baseless charges of the ACLU. Perhaps more telling than the substance of the lawsuit is the fact that several New York lawyers for both ACLU and Planned Parenthood Federation of America signed the complaint seeking to deny Mississippians the fundamental right to vote on a proposed amendment to our State Constitution.”
Pastor Joseph Parker of Tupelo commented, “Planned Parenthood has killed more African-Americans in a 7 day period than the Ku Klux Klan killed and/or lynched in the last 150 years. They are no friend of the Black community and never have been. This lawsuit is not surprising; this is very much in line with who they are and what they are all about.” Parker has served in the African Methodist Episcopal Church for most of the last 34 years in Mississippi and Tennessee. He and his wife Birdie are part the growing tide of pro-life minority Christian leaders; they have been involved in standing for life and against abortion for the past 15 years.
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Personhood Mississippi responds to lawsuit against right to life and right to vote in Mississippi.
Personhood Mississippi responds to lawsuit against right to life and right to vote in Mississippi
ACLU and Planned Parenthood attorneys have filed an injunction against the Mississippi Secretary of State, seeking to disallow Mississippi voters from voting on the Mississippi Personhood Amendment.
Amendment sponsors and volunteers exceeded state signature requirements on February 17, becoming only the fourth successful ballot initiative since 1992. The one-sentence amendment reads, “The term ‘person’ or ‘persons’ shall include every human being from the moment of fertilization, cloning or the functional equivalent thereof.”
“I find it ironic that the plaintiffs would wait until the first day the court is open after Independence Day, then file a lawsuit that seeks to continue the oppression of the preborn and deny the rights of over 130,000 Mississippi voters,” commented Steve Crampton, renowned Liberty Council Constitutional Attorney.
In regards to the injunction, Lt. Governor Phil Bryant said, “It is unfortunate that certain people would want to block the protection of innocent human life here in Mississippi by filing suit. Not only are they trying to stop pro-life policy but are also trying to deny the voters of Mississippi an opportunity to voice their beliefs on this issue. Those of us who believe there is nothing as important as protecting the unborn will continue to fight to give Mississippians the right to vote to end abortion in our state.”
The ACLU has also joined forces with Planned Parenthood in Nevada, Missouri, and Alaska, employing similar tactics to keep Personhood petitioners and voters from exercising their Constitutional rights. In those states, despite costly delays, the courts have yet to issue a ruling.
“As to the statement that we are ‘redefining a fertilized egg as a person’ it has always been the practice of those who want to deny rights to others to use terminology to dehumanize them. There is no such thing as a fertilized egg, as the new life they are referring to is no longer an egg but a person with his or her own DNA,” explained Les Riley, sponsor of the Mississippi Personhood Amendment. “Further, The ACLU and Planned Parenthood attorneys allege that the one-sentence amendment modifies the Bill of Rights, yet the proposed amendment does not modify any section of the Bill of Rights, it simply clarifies to whom those rights apply. We are not in any way ‘amending’ the Bill of Rights. We do not strike out, insert, substitute any words, or formally alter the current Bill of Rights in any way.”
Continued Riley, “This is clearly a preposterous lawsuit, intended to interfere with Mississippi citizens’ right to vote, and to protect Planned Parenthood’s abortion cash cow. Planned Parenthood and the ACLU are seeking to protect Planned Parenthood’s one billion dollar a year profit, while Mississippi voters are seeking to protect innocent life. We intend to fight this suit, defending our rights as Mississippi voters and the most basic right of preborn children, the right to life.”
Mississippi Personhood Amendment Officially On 2011 Ballot
Mississippi Personhood Amendment Officially On 2011 Ballot
JACKSON / April 1 – Mississippi Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann has notified Personhood Mississippi that enough valid voter signatures have been certified to ensure a spot on the November 2011 ballot.
The Mississippi Personhood Amendment states “The term ‘person’ or ‘persons’ shall include every human being from the moment of fertilization, cloning or the functional equivalent thereof.”
“The Legislature of the State of Mississippi has passed just about every restriction on abortion that can be passed. Still, about 3,000 preborn persons are murdered annually here. The churches and pro-life people of Mississippi are rising up to stop this slaughter, to recognize children as innocent persons, and to protect them by love and by law. We believe that the Mississippi Personhood Amendment will be voted into the Constitution, and defended,“ commented Les Riley, sponsor of the Personhood amendment.
On February 16, the citizen-led grassroots organization Personhood Mississippi submitted over 130,000 signatures, affirming the personhood rights of preborn babies in Mississippi. The Personhood Amendment is the fourth ballot initiative since 1992 to be placed on the State Ballot. This was the first all citizen grassroots led effort to make the ballot in State history.
“Glory to God! Mississippi has become the first state in the South to attempt to end baby-murder by recognizing the personhood of preborn children and protecting them,” added Cal Zastrow, co-founder of Personhood USA.
www.personhoodmississippi.com
For More Information Call:
Les Riley 662-760-8695, Cal Zastrow 601-454-4819
Personhood Mississippi is a statewide grassroots organization of concerned citizens who value human life. Personhood Mississippi is sponsoring the Personhood Amendment to the Mississippi constitution, stating “Be it Enacted by the People of the State of Mississippi: SECTION 1. Article III of the constitution of the state of Mississippi is hearby amended BY THE ADDITION OF A NEW SECTION TO READ: Section 33. Person defined. As used in this Article III of the state constitution, “The term ‘person’ or ‘persons’ shall include every human being from the moment of fertilization, cloning or the functional equivalent thereof.” This initiative shall not require any additional revenue for implementation.”
A note to those who support Mississippi
Thank you for all your hard work ! It has paid off. There is still more work to do.
God has been very gracious. We needed to get 89,285 signatures to put the Mississippi Personhood Amendment on the 2011 ballot. Last week we turned in 105,167 certified ! We got a total of 130,000+ signatures and still have some coming in the mail ! Once we get these certified, it will break a record for the most signatures ever on a initiative in Mississippi.
We started out with four families in NE Miss and no money. While we only raised & spent $11,000, God blessed us with a truly grass roots victory — over 1000 churches & 2000 volunteers from Corinth to the Coast & from the Delta to the Piney Woods helped ! Not only did we garner enough signatures, but we reached out to thousands of Mississippians with the love of Christ in practical ways.
Soli Deo Gloria !!!
Go here to see a video from the turn-in:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmmKeegmY3M
The Sec of State’s office still has much work to do, but Sec Hosemann has already been publicly proclaiming that we will be on the ballot in 2011!
We have much work to do as well. We will keep you posted as to how you can help make sure that all human beings are protected in law & in love. With God’s help we will not only change our law, but our culture as well. Not only ensure equal rights to all people and restore Constitutional governance but protect and help the women exploited and harmed by the abortion culture.
One thing that we must do is “pray without ceasing” — thanking God for the victories thus far and setting up pray teams that will cover our work with prayer.
Because of our victories, anti-Personhood forces will be hard at work too.
Throughout history, any time that a society or law system sought to deny rights and eventually to brutalize a segment of the population, the first step is to de-humanize them. Then, when people who seek justice & mercy speak up for those denied rights, those dehumanizing or those who preferred the status quo will resort to desperate or ridiculous measures.
The grasping for ways to silence the voices of 130,000+ Mississippians and continue the killing of the unborn and exploitation of women has already begun.
After the signature turn in, a couple of small web sites, anti-personhood forces (from radical pro aborts to defenders of the status quo ), who obviously have not done their legal research, came up with the notion that the Mississippi Personhood Amendment violates Section 273(5)a of the MS Constitution’s Initiative Amendment Process, which states:
(5) The initiative process shall not be used:
(a) For the proposal, modification or repeal of any portion of the Bill of Rights of this Constitution;”
Before the language of the Mississippi Personhood Amendment was submitted to the Sec of State & Attorney General several years of not only prayer, but research and consulting were performed.
Our legal team is led by Steve Crampton, a Constitutional attorney from Liberty Counsel with 20 years experience. Steve and Liberty Counsel — unlike the anti-Personhood forces — has litigated literally hundreds of Constitutional cases in state & federal court over the last two plus decades and has researched thousands more.
To clarify for sloppy rushing through the statues seeking a “silver bullet” to stop Personhood, silence 130,000 Mississippians, and continue the status quo of exploiting women & killing children Steve Crampton pointed out :
“ A mere definition does not rise to the level of a modification. What the prohibition addresses is substantive change to the basic rights set forth in the Bill of Rights.
To simply define “person,” a term that already appears in the law but for which no formal definition has been rendered, merely clarifies its meaning; it does not repeal or modify any existing rights in that Bill of Rights, and it does not propose the addition of any new rights. Therefore it is a proper amendment.”
Steve further cited Black’s Law Dictionary, which is the go-to dictionary in the legal realm, defines “amend” as
“[t]o change the wording of; specif., to formally alter (a statute, constitution, motion, etc.) by striking out, inserting or substituting words”).
Obviously, by this standard, we are not in any way “amending” the Bill of Rights. We do not strike out, insert, or substitute any words, or formally alter the current Bill of Rights in any way.
We can be sure that this poorly researched “bill of rights” charge will be the first of many desperate attempts by anti-personhood, pro-death/ pro-status quo forces to derail our efforts — because the truth we stand for is too difficult to face head on
Again, thank you for your hard work & willingness to be used by God in winning the first battle. Please pray and we will keep you informed as to what the next step is.
Les Riley
Determined To Save The Soul Of The Nation
Determined To Save The Soul Of The Nation
Across the country, groundswells of Personhood efforts have already altered the focus of the pro-life movement, and over the President’s Day weekend, those efforts were realized.
In two key states, we gathered enough signatures to put “Personhood” on the ballot. This Personhood Movement and the initiatives it has produced have only one goal: To restore God given dignity to every human person.
I had the honor of attending victory rallies for Personhood in both Mississippi and Colorado. The fervent energy that burns in the hearts of the valiant advocates of Personhood was an encouragement that almost defies description! Although the rallies were held over one thousand miles apart, both possessed the same purpose that can only be present when Christians band together and sacrifice their time, talent and energy for the love and protection of their neighbors.
Following the examples of heroes like Rosa Parks and William Wilberforce, Colorado volunteers collected nearly 80,000 signatures to place the “Personhood Amendment” on the ballot for a second consecutive election. And this historic achievement was the result of the sweat and labor of purely grassroots volunteers. Just a few days later and with tears of joy, faithful volunteers delivered over 130,000 signatures to Mississippi’s Secretary of State, affirming the God-given right to life of all people. The boxes of dog eared petitions were carried into the office of the Secretary of State by mothers, daughters, fathers and sons, and most notably Mississippi’s Lt. Governor, and front-running 2011 gubernatorial candidate Phil Bryant!
We cannot know the exact effects these amendments will bring. But it is certain here and now that we have won major victories. Volunteers gathered over 200,000 signatures in two states. 2,500 churches opened their doors to the Personhood Movement. We boldly proclaimed to hundreds of thousands of people that all human life is sacred: asking and answering the provocative question: “When should human rights begin?”. While these are all victories in their own right —and are undeniable evidence of the power of this movement — there remains a larger accomplishment that I believe will prove most indelible upon the soul of the nation.
That victory, (and I believe the most significant fruit of the Personhood Movement) is the determination now manifest in the hearts of the thousands of volunteers who are making Personhood a reality. I felt its power lift my spirit with the strength of a three-fold cord at the victory rallies. Recognizing themselves in the tiniest among us, these Christians are engaging the culture around them and selflessly giving of their time, talents and money to affirm the God-given right of Personhood for all children including the pre-born.
Undaunted by anti-personhood naysayers, these volunteers have committed their hearts, and their hands to turn back the perpetration of the most diabolical crime ever committed; a crime that includes the dehumanization and murder of an entire class of citizens. It is this determination, built upon the firm pillars of science, religion, and the common conscience of all humanity that will bring victory over the injustice of abortion. We are witnessing the emerging dominance of the most significant human rights movement of our lifetime because Christians are engaging the culture with Personhood. And the culture is responding!
I’m overwhelmed to think of the hundreds of thousands of people reached with the message of Personhood by this young and growing army of dedicated volunteers. And with the increasing momentum of the Personhood argument comes ever more Personhood volunteers determined to communicate to millions the truth that every human is a person and should be protected by love and by law. Such determination is the real victory. And while, like the future effects of the law establishing Personhood, its ultimate impact remains to be fully revealed, this victory has convinced me that dignity shall be restored to all humans. Praise God!
Keith Mason
Co Founder – Personhood USA
Personhood USA is a grassroots, Christian organization founded to establish personhood efforts across America to create protection for every child by love and by law. Personhood USA is committed to assisting and supporting Personhood Legislation and Constitutional Amendments and building local pro-life organizations through raising awareness of the personhood of the pre-born.
Mississippi Pro-Life Group Affirms Preborn Personhood Rights; Exceeds State Signature Requirements
Mississippi Pro-Life Group Affirms Preborn Personhood Rights; Exceeds State Signature Requirements
Jackson, MS / February 17 – Personhood Mississippi, a citizen-led grassroots organization, submitted over 130,000 signatures late yesterday, becoming the fourth ballot initiative since 1992 to fulfill the requirement of 89,285 voter signatures – 17,857 per Congressional district.
The signatures were collected in order to put a Personhood amendment on the ballot, affirming the personhood rights of all humans.
105,000 of the submitted signatures were certified as valid by 82 different County Circuit Clerks.
The abundance of signatures broke the state record for signatures in every other initiative in Mississippi history.
Comprised of all volunteers, Personhood Mississippi laid claim to over 2,000 volunteers and over 1,000 churches.
Lieutenant Governor Phil Bryant was present at yesterday’s press conference, helping to turn in the boxes of completed petitions.
“Despite the superfluous restrictions set before us, the people of Mississippi have spoken. With God’s blessing we have made history and exceeded the signature requirement by tens of thousands,” stated Les Riley, sponsor of the Mississippi Personhood Amendment. “In the next few days, we fully expect Secretary of State Dilbert Hosemann to approve our amendment, as we have exceeded all requirements by the State of Mississippi.”
Once each district’s signatures are verified, the amendment will be placed on the November 2011 ballot.
More Information:
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20100217/NEWS/2170370/1001/news
http://www.iandrinstitute.org/Mississippi.htm
Personhood Mississippi is a statewide grassroots organization of concerned citizens who value human life. Personhood Mississippi is sponsoring the Personhood Amendment to the Mississippi constitution, stating “Be it Enacted by the People of the State of Mississippi: SECTION 1. Article III of the constitution of the state of Mississippi is hearby amended BY THE ADDITION OF A NEW SECTION TO READ: Section 33. Person defined. As used in this Article III of the state constitution, “The term ‘person’ or ‘persons’ shall include every human being from the moment of fertilization, cloning or the functional equivalent thereof.” This initiative shall not require any additional revenue for implementation.”
Personhood Mississippi to Hold Press Conference and Victory Rally with Lieutenant Gov. Phil Bryant.
Personhood Mississippi to Hold Press Conference and Victory Rally with Lieutenant Gov. Phil Bryant.
JACKSON / Christian Newswire / February 15 – Personhood Mississippi is holding a press conference to announce the number of signatures collected for the personhood amendment, followed by a victory rally to submit the gathered signatures. With the help of over 2,000 volunteers and nearly 1,000 churches, Personhood Mississippi is expected to present well over the number of 89,285 required by the Secretary of State’s Office.
“February 16 will be an historic day for the state of Mississippi,” affirmed Personhood Amendment sponsor Les Riley. “The people of Mississippi have made a clear statement with their signatures – it is time that all humans are valued as people, not as property.”
Personhood Mississippi encountered a complication when it appeared that the County Circuit Clerk was discounting valid signatures due to time constraints, necessitating a lawsuit to ensure that every voter’s signature was certified. The Personhood Amendment signature campaign is awaiting a ruling on the first phase of the legal challenge, yet due to a State of Emergency in Mississippi and time needed to review the case, Personhood Mississippi is allowed to submit the signatures Tuesday, February 16.
Lieutenant Governor Phil Bryant, who assisted the campaign, will be in attendance as Personhood Mississippi submits signatures to the Secretary of State’s Office.
Press Conference Details:
WHO: Personhood Mississippi with Lieutenant Governor Phil Bryant
WHAT: Announcement regarding signature count and victory rally
WHERE: 401 Mississippi Street, Jackson, MS
WHEN: Tuesday, February 16, 2010, at 4:00pm
For More Information Call:
Les Riley 662-760-8695
Personhood Mississippi is a statewide grassroots organization of concerned citizens who value human life. Personhood Mississippi is sponsoring the Personhood Amendment to the Mississippi constitution, stating “Be it Enacted by the People of the State of Mississippi: SECTION 1. Article III of the constitution of the state of Mississippi is hearby amended BY THE ADDITION OF A NEW SECTION TO READ: Section 33. Person defined. As used in this Article III of the state constitution, “The term ‘person’ or ‘persons’ shall include every human being from the moment of fertilization, cloning or the functional equivalent thereof.” This initiative shall not require any additional revenue for implementation.”
www.personhoodmississippi.com
Personhood Mississippi to File Lawsuit Against Mississippi Secretary of State and Attorney General.
Jackson, MS 2/1/10 – Personhood Mississippi will hold a press conference on February 2 announcing an imminent lawsuit against the Mississippi Secretary of State.
WHO: Mississippi Personhood Amendment sponsor Les Riley, Liberty Counsel Attorney Stephen M. Crampton, silenced voter Buddy Hairston.
WHAT: Press conference to announce a lawsuit against the Mississippi Secretary of State seeking clarification, and to ensure the hard work of hundreds of Personhood Amendment volunteers is honored.
WHEN: Tuesday, February 2, at 11:30am
WHERE: United States District Court 245 East Capitol Street, Jackson, MS
Shortly after the press conference, Attorney Stephen M. Crampton will file the lawsuit against the Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood and Mississippi Secretary of State Delbert Hoseman.
Personhood Mississippi will provide copies of the lawsuit and other details will be released at the press conference.
For More Information:
Les Riley 662-760-8695
PersonhoodMississippi.com
Lt. Governor Phil Bryant get’s behind Personhood in a BIG BIG way!
Lt. Governor Phil Bryant get’s behind Personhood in a BIG BIG way!
Hello,
I wanted to encourage you with this link: http://www.sunherald.com/218/story/1863245.html
We are thrilled to have the increased support of Mississippi’s second in command. This will go a long way to achieving ballot access for the Personhood Amendment in Mississippi.
But this will not be enough to push us over the edge. We need your help TODAY!! https://www.personhoodusa.com/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=4
We have raised $12,000 of the $30,000 we need to achieve ballot access.
That’s $18,000 to raise THIS WEEKEND!
We are sending this out to our Facebook group of 4,000 members.
If you and every one on this facebook group will donate $5 TODAY, RIGHT NOW! We will have what we need to achieve ballot access in Mississippi, the most pro-life State in America!
Please stand with our friends in the south, right now. Click here: https://www.personhoodusa.com/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=4
to donate $5 or more to protect babies in Mississippi!
I know you care about life. Is human life worth $5 to you?
Of coarse not everyone will open this email, so those like you who now know the critical nature of this situation, must act NOW!
So if you can give more than $5 please do. We will need $10 $50 $250 and $1,000 gifts to make up the difference of those who miss this email.
Thank you for your response today.
Working together with you for the protection of every child by love and by law.
Keith Mason
To contribute click here: https://www.personhoodusa.com/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=4
Pastors Commit Sanctity of Life Sunday to Petitioning for Preborn Lives
Pastors Commit Sanctity of Life Sunday to Petitioning for Preborn Lives
Washington D.C., January 13, 2010 – Pastors across the nation have committed to using January 24 – traditionally Sanctity of Life Sunday – as an opportunity to put their faith in action and gather signatures for the Personhood movement.
“At First Baptist Jackson, we are thrilled to give our people the opportunity to sign a petition to put the Personhood Initiative on the ballot,” stated Pastor Stan Buckley, Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Jackson, Mississippi. “Abortion – the taking of innocent human life – is one of the most important issues facing our state and our nation. We encourage more Christians and more churches to get involved in the fight for life. Getting the Personhood initiative on the ballot is a huge step because we believe the people of Mississippi, if given the opportunity, will choose life!”
Petition drives in Colorado and Mississippi are getting close to having enough signatures to put personhood amendments on the ballot. “In every Personhood campaign, churches are the key,” explained Keith Mason, cofounder of Personhood USA. “This year, we are very excited that hundreds of churches around the country will be honoring the sanctity of life.”
“By default, we are called to protect human life with our God given rights and resources,” added Pastor Adam Briggs of Damascus Road Bible Fellowship in Indiana. “Let all pastors join together and publicly declare the personhood of all human beings!”
Currently Montana, Colorado, Mississippi, Florida and California are all gathering signatures to put personhood amendments on their state’s ballot. In these states pastors can celebrate Petition for Life Sunday by collecting signatures to protect every child by love and by law.
In other states, pastors can encourage their flocks to restore the dignity of every human person, by supporting or even leading the personhood efforts in their state. Over 40 states are working towards Personhood for all human beings.
More information about Petition for Life Sunday is available at www.PersonhoodUSA.com.
“We will win the battle and restore dignity to every human person in America! Let’s use the coming sanctity of life Sunday to protect children not just in word, but also in deed by affirming their personhood rights in our law and by love,” concluded Mason.
Personhood USA is a grassroots Christian organization founded to establish personhood efforts across America to create protection for every child by love and by law. Personhood USA is committed to assisting and supporting Personhood Legislation and Constitutional Amendments and building local pro-life organizations through raising awareness of the personhood of the pre-born.
Personhood USA is leading the charge of the Personhood Movement, Please help us push forward with your donation today !
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