| From the HSLDA E-lert Service: |
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| Date: From: Subject: | 2/14/2013 3:21:13 PM Scott Woodruff--HSLDA Kansas--Calls Needed Immediately to Protect Religious Freedom |
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====================================================================== From the HSLDA E-lert Service... ====================================================================== Kansas--Calls Needed Immediately to Protect Religious Freedom Dear HSLDA Members and Friends, Kansas homeschoolers have an opportunity to win a solid legislative victory for religious freedom. The success of this effort to protect one of our most precious freedoms may hinge on your calls! In order to achieve this victory, we urge you to immediately contact the legislators below and ask them to support House Bill 2203, the Kansas Preservation of Religious Freedom Act (PRFA). The bill's first test is Monday afternoon, February 18, when the House Judiciary Committee will hold a public hearing on the bill. HSLDA has helped pass religious freedom restoration acts in 14 other states so far. They have proven to be very helpful in defending the rights of homeschool families. This bill is crucial, but not radical. It simply restores the same level of protection that citizens enjoyed when exercising their religion that existed throughout our nation before 1997. ACTION REQUESTED Before 2 p.m. Monday, please call the representatives listed below if you live in their district. Visit our legislative toolbox and type in your ZIP code http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=17216 to find who your representative is. Your message can be as simple as, "Please vote in favor of H.B. 2203, the Preservation of Religious Freedom Act. It gives crucial protection to one of our most precious rights, the right to exercise one's religion freely." If "SP" is listed beside the representative's name below, it means he or she is a co-sponsor of the bill. Please thank them for being a co-sponsor when you call. It is not necessary to identify yourself as a homeschooler since protecting religious freedom crosses all boundaries. CONTACT INFORMATION Chair Rep. Lance Kinzer SP Phone: 785-296-7692 Email:lance.kinzer@house.ks.gov Vice Chair Rep. Rob Bruchman Phone: 785 296-7644 Email:rob.bruchman@house.ks.gov Ranking Minority Member Rep. Janice Pauls SP Phone: 785 296-7657 Email:jan.pauls@house.ks.gov Members Rep. Steve Alford SP Phone: 785 296-7656 Email:j.stephen.alford@house.ks.gov Rep. John Barker Phone: 785 296-7674 Email:john.barker@house.ks.gov Rep. Steven Becker Phone: 785 296-7196 Email:steven.becker@house.ks.gov Rep. Ed Bideau Phone: 785 296-7636 Email:ed.bideau@house.ks.gov Rep. Carolyn Bridges Phone: 785 296-7646 Email:carolyn.bridges@house.ks.gov Rep. Marshall Christmann SP Phone: 785 296-7640 Email:marshall.christmann@house.ks.gov Rep. Keith Esau SP Phone: 785 296-7631 Email:keith.esau@house.ks.gov Rep. Blaine Finch Phone: 785 296-7655 Email:blaine.finch@house.ks.gov Rep. Jim Howell SP Phone: 785 296-7665 Email:jim.howell@house.ks.gov Rep. Russell Jennings Phone: 785 296-7196 Email:russ.jennings@house.ks.gov Rep. Mark Kahrs SP Phone: 785 296-5593 Email:mark.kahrs@house.ks.gov Rep. Annie Kuether Phone: 785 296-7669 Email:annie.kuether@house.ks.gov Rep. Craig McPherson SP Phone: 785 296-7695 Email:craig.mcpherson@house.ks.gov Rep. Robert Montgomery SP Phone: 785 296-7677 Email:bob.montgomery@house.ks.gov Rep. Leslie Osterman SP Phone: 785 296-7689 Email:leslie.osterman@house.ks.gov Rep. Emily Perry Phone: 785 296-7669 Email:emily.perry@house.ks.gov Rep. John Rubin SP Phone: 785 296-7690 Email:john.rubin@house.ks.gov Rep. Ronald Ryckman Sr. SP Phone: 785 296-7658 Email:ronald.ryckman@house.ks.gov Rep. Jim Ward Phone: 785 296-7698 Email:jim.ward@house.ks.gov Rep. Brandon Whipple Phone: 785 296-7366 Email:brandon.whipple@house.ks.gov BACKGROUND On June 25, 1997, by a 6-3 majority, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in The City of Boerne v. Flores (pronounced BER-nee) that the 1993 federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act was unconstitutional. The result was that the Court gave the lowest level of protection to religious liberty--one of the foundational freedoms of homeschooling. Under this minimal standard, the state can override a homeschooler's or other citizen's right to freely exercise his religious beliefs merely by proving that its regulation is "reasonable." Since nearly all state regulations are "reasonable," Christians will lose. Since Boerne, courts across the country have diminished religious freedom in many ways. For example: > The long-standing practice of pastor-laity confidentiality has been repeatedly violated; > A Catholic hospital was denied accreditation for refusing to teach abortion techniques; > There have been conflicts with zoning ordinances, such as the forced termination of a church ministry to the homeless because it was located on the second floor of a building with no elevator; and > A church was prohibited from feeding more than 50 people per day. If passed, the Kansas PRFA will restore the high standard of protection for religious liberty previously guaranteed in the federal act and earlier Supreme Court decisions. Under the Kansas PRFA, if an individual's religious belief is in conflict with a state regulation, the state will have to prove, with clear and convincing evidence, that its regulation furthers a compelling state interest and is the least restrictive means of doing so. If the state fails to carry the burden, the regulation must give way to the individual's religious freedom. Restoring this protection for religious freedom will simply "level the playing field." In a somewhat ironic twist, Congress passed a law giving this higher level of protection--but only to prisoners! Prisoners now have greater protection for their religious liberty than you do. This must be changed. The Kansas PRFA states that it does not impact prison discipline, safety and security rules. It also states that it cannot be used to help anyone trying to end the life of a born or unborn child. It has language that prevents any religious group from using the PRFA to set up their own legal system. If a person makes a fraudulent claim, a judge can prevent him from ever using the PRFA again. For a more detailed information on religious freedom restoration acts in general, visit our website at: http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=17217 Don't let one decision by the U.S. Supreme Court denigrate this priceless inalienable right. Urge your state representative now to restore protection for religious liberty in Kansas by supporting the Kansas PRFA! The Christian Home Educators Confederation of Kansas and ParentalRights.org are united with HSLDA in supporting this bill. Sincerely Yours, Scott A. Woodruff, Senior Counsel, Home School Legal Defense Association P.S. We greatly value you and your support--it is a privilege to serve you! If you or someone you know is not a member of HSLDA, will you consider taking a moment today to join or recommend us? Your support for our work enables us to defend individual families and protect homeschooling freedom for all. Join now: http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=17224 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -> Will your children's inheritance retain its value? If you pass on a legacy of freedom, your children and their children's children will thank you. But freedom is never secure; it must always be guarded. Membership with HSLDA is an investment in the future that can be passed on to future generations of families wanting to teach their children at home. 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