Virginia General Assembly Update – Week 8
Virginia General Assembly Update – Week 8
One week left in session! Earlier this week, we provided two action alerts. We thank everyone who used them to communicate with their legislators. On these two issues, however, the results were not what we advocated. Here are explanations of these disappointing outcomes, as well as a very important notice about attending the upcoming Virginia March for Life.
Obstructing peaceful pro-life witness: Legislation that purports to prevent “obstructing health care facility access” would actually obstruct and inhibit those who offer peaceful prayer, witness and counseling outside abortion facilities. It passed the Senate in January, and the House passed it on Wednesday with amendments. Because the Senate and House versions differ, we anticipate that a conference committee will be appointed to discuss the competing provisions. We oppose both versions of the bill. In either form, the legislation is an infringement on the rights of individuals to assemble and pray in public spaces, a threat to freedom of speech, and a threat to vital efforts to offer life-affirming information and options. We will keep you informed of further developments.
Limiting solitary confinement: Legislation that passed the House last month would, in most cases, have limited the number of consecutive days a prisoner can be held in isolated confinement to 15 days. This policy aligns with internationally recognized standards for the humane treatment of prisoners. We support this measure and have consistently advocated for clear and essential limits on the amount of time someone can spend in isolation. This morning, however, a Senate committee voted to defer further consideration of the legislation until next year.
Virginia March for Life: Come to Richmond on April 22 for the Virginia March for Life. Please RSVP here! This event will be a critically important opportunity to pray and mobilize to defeat the extreme abortion amendment. In addition, please visit vacatholic.org/Amendment for more information about the amendment, including our new VOTE NO flyer and Prayer for Protection. We encourage parishes to make wide use of these new resources.
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In prayer and in public, your voices are urgently needed to bring Gospel values to bear on vital decisions being made by those who represent you.
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The Virginia Catholic Conference is the public policy agency representing Virginia’s Catholic bishops and their two dioceses.
