The North Dakota House of Representatives has passed the first personhood amendment in the United States, 57-35. Read more
Press Release
Historic Personhood Bills and Amendments Introduced in Alabama Legislature
SB301 is a clear recognition of the personhood rights of all human beings, regardless of their age, size, or location. SB 301 states “The term ‘persons’ as used in the Code of Alabama 1975, shall include any human being from the moment of fertilization or the functional equivalent thereof.”
SB 301 is a statutory change to the Alabama Code, and is sponsored by a staggering 19 of 35 Alabama Senators.
“We must protect all Alabama children. At the same time we have to send a message that Alabamians value the sanctity of life. Every heartbeat is as important as the next,” stated Senator Phil Williams, who introduced the bill on Tuesday.
Yesterday HB 405 and HB 409 were filed in the House by Representative John Merrill,a Personhood Statute and Personhood Amendment, respectively. The Personhood Statute and Amendment were backed by 31 co-sponsors.
“It is my belief that this bill will clearly affirm that, under law, an individual becomes a person upon fertilization,” stated Representative Merrill.
Ben DuPre, an attorney with the Foundation for Moral Law, thanked the legislators sponsoring the Personhood bills: “Senator Phil Williams and Rep. John Merrill have shown real initiative and leadership in their efforts to protect all human life from conception, and the sheer number of co-sponsors for each personhood bill shows that the Alabama Legislature may finally be ready to pass strong pro-life laws that reflect the pro-life majority in Alabama.”
DuPré added, “America used to define the meaning of ‘person’ along racial lines; now we draw the line at the womb. Personhood legislation finally gives equal protection of the laws to the unborn as well as the born, and from the first moment of human life.”
The Alabama state motto is a good guide for this effort, explained DuPre. “Alabama’s motto is ‘We dare defend our rights.’ These personhood bills send the message that we dare defend the rights of our unborn children!”
Personhood Alabama, a project of Personhood USA and the Foundation for Moral Law, is an effort to provide equal protection to unborn children by defining them as persons under the laws of Alabama. www.personhoodalabama.com .
Personhood Abortion Bans Sweep Iowa, North Dakota, Montana, Texas, and Oklahoma
The subcommittee of the Iowa House approved the personhood bill at a 2:1 vote, sending it to the full committee for the next vote in the near future. The Iowa personhood bill, like all personhood efforts, will recognize the value and dignity of every single human being, protecting every child by law.
In North Dakota, The Defense of Human Life Act, HB 1450, passed in the North Dakota House with an overwhelming majority of 68 – 25. Introduced by Representative Dan Ruby, the text defines: “Human being” as an individual member of the species homo sapiens at every stage of development.”
“The Personhood movement is growing rapidly, and we expect victory in every state. Personhood USA is in it to end it, and as we continue to see new personhood amendments and legislation, we are witnessing a historical movement to finally end the destruction of human lives and to protect women and children at all stages of life,” stated Keith Mason, co-founder of Personhood USA.
Montana introduced a personhood amendment, recognizing the rights of all human beings, no matter their size, seeking to make Montana safer for women and children. Introduced by Representative Wendy Warburton, the Montana legislature heard moving testimony from Rebecca Kiessling, a woman conceived in rape. Rebecca’s testimony includes, “ I may not look the same as I did when I was four years old or four days old yet unborn in my mother’s womb, but that was still undeniably me and I would have been killed through a brutal abortion.”
Texas has introduced HB 1109, which amends the Texas Health and Safety Code by recognizing that preborn children have “the rights, protections, and privileges accorded to any other person in this state.”
Oklahoma has also introduced a Personhood Amendment, introduced by Representative Blackwell and Representative Vaughan, which recognizes the personhood rights of all human beings. “Protecting everyone, including the preborn, is consistent with the vision of our Founding Fathers,” stated Representative Blackwell.
$100,000 Matching Gift Campaign
As we continue to make remarkable strides toward protecting preborn children by love and by law, I have an exciting challenge for you to prayerfully consider! We have recently been blessed with a $50,000 matching gift! That means that your tax-deductible gift of $10, $25, $50, $100, or more will be doubled, enabling us to aid the optimistic fights in North Dakota, Montana and Mississippi.
It’s imperative that you help us take advantage of this opportunity between now and March 1st. Here’s why:
• A Victory in North Dakota! A Personhood Bill passes 68-25 and is on its way to the State Senate. We have to help support it with everything we’ve got!
• Signatures in ALL 50 states are being gathered – some of which are at a critical point in their battle for human dignity and need our help, now!
• Iowa, Oklahoma and Texas have all recently introduced an initiative.
• Amendment 26 in Mississippi will be voted on in November, and I believe will be a game changer for the entire pro-life movement when it passes!
The battles rages, once again and, praise the Lord, victory is so, so close.
But, we need your help, and appreciate your consideration, during this amazing opportunity. Together, we can protect the most helpless, the most vulnerable. Together, we can give the pre-born a voice!
Will you “Have a Heart for the Helpless” this Valentine’s Day and give a gift of love to join our efforts?
-KeithYou can also mail donations to: Personhood Education ATTN: Have a Heart P.O. Box 486 Arvada, CO 80001
North Dakota Passes Personhood Legislation in the House
BISMARCK, N.D., Feb. 11, 2011 / — Confirming that the protection of every human being is within reach, The Defense of Human Life Act, HB 1450, has passed in the North Dakota House with an overwhelming majority of 68 – 25.
Introduced by Representative Dan Ruby, The Defense of Human Life Act recognizes that every human being is a person in the State of North Dakota, and that every person has certain unalienable rights. The text defines: “Human being” as an individual member of the species homo sapiens at every stage of development.
The text of the HB 1450 goes on to define the implications and applications of the law, establishing and recognizing the rights of all human beings, no matter their size or level of development.
The Defense of Human Life Act will now await a vote in the Senate, with new hopes for passage in 2011.
“The overwhelming community and legislative support for HB 1450 proves that North Dakota could be the first state to recognize the value and dignity of every living human being,” stated Representative Dan Ruby. “The Defense of Human Life Act is just common sense. Of course every human being is a person, and every innocent person should receive legal protection. I am motivated to see women and children protected by HB 1450, and I look forward to its passage in the Senate in the near future.”
Actively supported by every major pro-life group in North Dakota, the Defense of Human Life Act is a historical measure written to ensure the Constitutional and legal recognition of every human being.
Personhood North Dakota is a grassroots Christian organization founded to establish personhood efforts across America to create protection for every child by love and by law. Personhood North Dakota 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.
For interviews, please contact Representative Dan Ruby at 701-852-6132, or druby@nd.gov.
Speaker McCoy & Other Pro-Life Democrats Embrace Personhood in Mississippi
Personhood Mississippi has received endorsements from leading Democratic legislators including Speaker Billy McCoy. The Democratic endorsements are further evidence that the effort to pass Amendment 26 is not a partisan, politically motivated effort, but rather a growing movement with broad based support to protect unborn children and their mothers.
House Speaker McCoy (D-Rienzi), in noting that he has always been pro-life, gave a written statement that included a strong affirmation of the goals of Personhood Mississippi to “amend the Constitution to provide a definition of the term ‘person’.” Speaker McCoy continued, “That term is defined to include every human being from the moment of fertilization. This definition corresponds to my personal pro-life beliefs.”
Also giving life affirming endorsements of Amendment 26 were Senators Nickey Browning (D-Pontotoc) who said he had “always been pro-life” and Eric Powell’s (D-Corinth) statement of “I’m with you.”
Senator Powell also stated that he believed the amendment would pass overwhelmingly.
Amendment 26 Sponsor and Personhood Mississippi Founder Les Riley of Hickory Flat expressed gratitude for the bi-partisan support: “This is not about Democrats, Republicans, or independents. Ours is a grassroots, volunteer-led non-partisan organization of around one thousand churches and thousands volunteers from across the state. These supporters share the common goal of stopping abortion; protecting women and children; reestablishing the rule of law and equal rights; and challenging unjust court rulings.”
Prominent Medical Professionals and Elected Officials Announce Support for Mississippi Personhood Amendment 26
Personhood Mississippi has announced endorsements from several notable medical, political, religious, and business leaders in Mississippi, adding to a sizable list of Mississippians who support Amendment 26. These endorsements are added to a rapidly increasing list of thousands of Mississippians who are seeking the recognition of equal rights for all Mississippians regardless of size, location, or developmental stage. Endorsers of Amendment 26 desire the end of abortion and respect for life restored, as well as the protection of women from abortion and the rule of law and Constitutional government restored.
Endorsements and support amassed for Amendment 26 have proven it to be a bi-partisan measure – during the signature gathering phase of the amendment, many prominent Democrats, Republicans, and third party leaders lent their support. Legislators from both parties were present to show support at the Amendment 26 kickoff rally.
“The bi-partisan collection of support we have received for the Personhood Amendment shows us clearly that this is not a single party issue – it is an issue of life or death,” explained Les Riley, Amendment 26 sponsor. “We are so thankful for the many medical professionals and public officials who are willing to take a stand for the simple truth that every human being is a person, and every person has a God-given right to life.”
Representative Brian Aldridge, of Tupelo, and Senator Chris McDaniel have added their support, with Representative Aldridge adding, ““The greatest blessing I’ve ever received is to be called daddy. JennaLeigh and I couldn’t imagine our lives today without our three beautiful children. The joy they bring on a daily basis is without
explanation. Hearing their heartbeats at 10 weeks of pregnancy is the most special sound our ears have ever heard. How anyone could say that life doesn’t begin at conception, after hearing the heartbeat for the first time, is beyond my comprehension. The efforts of Personhood MS is one of the greatest causes I’ve been fortunate enough to be a partof. I look forward, over the course of this year, to continuing my fight for the rights of the unborn!”
Amendment 26 also received the endorsements this week of five additional medical professionals:
> Gena Vail, CFNP, Family Clinic of New Albany
> Mindy Quinn, CFNP, Family Clinic of New Albany
> Dale Jones, CFNP, Acute Care + Family Clinic of Pontotoc
> Leslie Peterson, CFNP, Acute Care + Family Clinic of Mooreville
> Cathy Wacaser, CFNP, Acute Care + Family Clinic of Tupelo
Amendment 62 Continues Long Road to Victory by Gaining Percentage Points Over 2008; Children still scheduled to be killed in Colorado Today
Colorado’s Personhood Amendment, Amendment 62, showed a gain over the 2008 attempt, and organizers are already mounting a campaign to try again.
The opposition to Amendment 62 was funded primarily by billion dollar abortion profiteer Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood’s No on 62 campaign and abortionist Richard Grossman used outright lies to scare women, including that women’s eggs would have rights.
“Planned Parenthood has been fighting against us to protect their profit, we are fighting for Personhood to protect innocent lives,” pointed out Leslie Hanks, co-sponsor of Amendment 62. “We look at this gain over 2008 as a victory – despite terrible adversity, and outrageous lies against us, we still gained in the polls, and babies’ lived were saved. Each of those lives saved is priceless.”
Out of several dozen pro-life initiatives, only two were ever attempted more than once, including Colorado’s Personhood amendments. In only two years the Personhood movement has exploded nationwide, saving babies and changing hearts and minds through education and outreach, even while a continual effort is made to Constitutionally recognize the Personhood rights of every innocent human being, state by state.
From 1890 to 1918, women in South Dakota attempted many times to gain the right to vote. Their constitutional amendments failed to pass six times before they succeeded. Movements take time to build, but that persistence in the initiative process pays out huge dividends.“We take from this example that we must not, and will not, ever stop trying to protect every human being in the state of Colorado. We will continue until we succeed,” stated Gualberto Garcia-Jones, co-sponsor of Amendment 62. “The truth of the baby’s God-given right to life is growing in Colorado. We will never give up, no matter how long it takes.”
Personhood Colorado is determined to make another personhood attempt in the near future. “Matthew 25:45 says, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me,’ “ added Keith Mason, co-founder of Personhood USA. “The ‘least of these’, the smallest and most defenseless among us, are the only human beings in our country who are considered to be non-persons – they are treated like property. When the personhood amendment returns to Colorado, we will continue to defend the innocent, fighting the lies of Planned Parenthood, who profits from the killing of innocent human beings.”
Amendment 62 Debate Video Stirs Controversy over Privacy; Personhood Colorado Offers Challenge to Planned Parenthood
Personhood Colorado, co-sponsor of Colorado’s Personhood Amendment 62, has been notified that opposition to Amendment 62 has complained to YouTube, claiming that a recently released video violates the privacy of the people debating.
The nearly 3 minute video contains excerpts from a recent debate in which Advocates for Choice, a Planned Parenthood college outreach group, claimed that “We are not gonna try to use science, or evidence,” “Abortion is…safer…than getting your wisdom teeth removed,” and “there’s people on our side that research that says that the heart doesn’t beat until 24 weeks.”
“Those misstatements by our opposition are easily refuted. The most basic studies of human development confirm that a baby in the womb has a heartbeat days after the beginning of development, not months after,” explained Jennifer Mason, a spokesperson for Amendment 62. “The day before the election, it is critical that Colorado voters learn the truth before they go to the polls.”
Before the debate, all parties to the debate agreed to be videotaped, and agreed that the video could be used. The campus newspaper also has an audio recording of the debate.
“This is not an issue of privacy. We were videotaping a public debate, on a public campus, and we had the permission of all of the participants,” stated Gualberto GarciaJones, co-sponsor of Amendment 62 and Personhood USA legal analyst. “I believe that this is not about privacy at all, but about Planned Parenthood’s embarrassment over the video. The no on 62 side had to resort to lies or misinformation to try to defeat us – either way, it reflects very poorly upon their organization.”
The misinformation provided by the no on 62 side of the debate is easily refuted with scientific text and public information.
As for the request for the video to be pulled from YouTube, Amendment 62 organizers are prepared to make an offer to Planned Parenthood:
“We are willing to remove the video from YouTube, shocking as it is, if Planned Parenthood will publicly state that the No on 62 side of the debate was wrong, that a baby in the womb has a heartbeat days after conception, and that abortions performed at Planned Parenthood stop that beating heart and kill a living, growing, developing human being,” confirmed Mason. “If Planned Parenthood publicly makes these statements, which are well-known facts, we will take the YouTube video down immediately.”
www.personhoodcolorado.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3eUVjnhs1c
Victory for Personhood Mississippi, Planned Parenthood/ACLU Lawsuit Dealt Major Blow
The Mississippi Personhood Amendment, Initiative Measure Number 26, was notified that the motion to remove the Amendment from the Ballot, filed by Planned Parenthood and the ACLU, has been denied.
ACLU and Planned Parenthood attorneys filed a lawsuit against the Mississippi Secretary of State in July, 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, Initiative Measure Number 26, reads, “The term ‘person’ or ‘persons’ shall include every human being from the moment of fertilization, cloning or the functional equivalent thereof.”
The ACLU then filed a motion for judgment on the pleadings, arguing that the Personhood amendment, which seeks to define the term “human being”, modifies the Bill of Rights, which is expressly prohibited by Section 273(5).
Steve Crampton, Liberty Counsel attorney for Personhood Mississippi, explained that Section 273(5) does not prohibit the definition of an otherwise undefined term, such as “person”. Crampton went on to explain that the Personhood Amendment complies with section 273(5)(a) because it does not propose any new right and does not modify or repeal any existing right guaranteed under our bill of rights. Instead, the Personhood amendment merely defines the term “person”, and does not modify the Bill of Rights in any way.
The Court decision read “Initiative Measure No. 26 has received more than the required amount of signatures to be placed on the ballot and the Constitution recognizes the right of citizens to amend their Constitution.” The decision was ordered by Judge Malcolm Harrison.
“Isaiah 59 tells us that ,’ the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear’ so we first give all praise and honor to our Lord Jesus Christ for hearing our prayers and giving us the victory in this round” explained Les Riley, amendment sponsor. “We are grateful from this clarification. From the early days of the petition drive those opposed to the amendment have claimed that our amendment was flawed and did not meet the Constitutional muster based on a surface level researching of the law. We have been certain that we have the right to define the term ‘person’, and that right was affirmed by the Circuit Court and Judge Harrison. The Personhood Amendment, in defining the term ‘person’, merely seeks to recognize the rights of every innocent human being in Mississippi. The people of Mississippi have spoken – they want to vote to recognize those Personhood rights in November 2011.”
“It is time for Mississippi voters to recognize that all human beings are people, and every person should be protected by love and by law,” added Cal Zastrow, co-founder of Personhood USA. “We are praising Jesus that Planned Parenthood was thwarted in their efforts to protect their billions with frivolous lawsuits.”
Personhood Amendment 62’s ‘Pro-Life Tea Party’ Launched in Colorado with New Video
Denver, CO, 10/20/2010 – Amendment 62, the Personhood Amendment, has launched www.prolifeteaparty.com, which is a site dedicated to the particular tea party sentiment of adhering to the United States Constitution. To date, the website content only includes a video which is a chronicle of the legalization of abortion in Colorado and the Obama agenda of taxpayer funded abortions. After its internet release just a few days ago, the video has already been watched by over 20,000 individual internet users.
The website and video draw attention to the millions of dollars spent by President Obama on international abortion, and the possible future funding of abortion.
“This video is a powerful testimony to the corruption in our government,” stated Jennifer Mason, a spokesperson for Amendment 62. “The new ‘Pro Life Tea Party’ video is an opportunity for tea party participants who especially feel strongly about pro-life issues to learn about putting a stop to taxpayer funded abortions. Here in Colorado, that means passing Amendment 62.”
The U.S. Constitution very clearly outlines the right to life for all persons. Amendment 62 recognizes the personhood of every human being, and the new prolifeteaparty.com calls for a return to the Constitutional “right to life” of every person.
“The purpose of our new video is to ask voters to affirm the rights of every human being,” continued Jennifer Mason. “Every innocent human being has a right to live. In America, that right is doubly protected by the Constitution. In our new video at prolifeteaparty.com, we simply recognize that it’s time for our country to stand up for what is right and put an end to the death and destruction once and for all.”
www.yes62.com
www.prolifeteaparty.com
Amendment 62 is a grassroots campaign comprised of Colorado citizens who value all human life, from biological beginning to natural death. Personhood Colorado has sponsored the Personhood Amendment 62 to the Colorado constitution, which reads: “Section 32. Person defined. As used in sections 3*, 6**, and 25*** of Article II of the state constitution, the term “person” shall apply to every human being from the beginning of the biological development of that human being.”
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