Connecticut Catholic Conference Scores Wins in Legislative Session

Story by Karen A. Avitabile

It was a busy legislative session but the Connecticut Catholic Conference, the public policy and advocacy arm of the Catholic Church, scored what it calls “victories” to protect religious freedom.

“Thanks to the hard work of faithful citizens who did their part, we were able to protect our religious freedom and respect for life,” says Christopher Healy, executive director of the Conference. “We hope to build on these successes.”

Below is a summary of proposals opposed by the Conference and defeated in the Connecticut Legislative Session that concluded on May 8.

Senate Joint Resolution 4, Resolution Proposing A State Constitutional Amendment Concerning Discrimination On The Basis Of Sex Under The Equal Protection Clause. If passed, it would have codified abortion and would have guaranteed gender identity under the protections for sex discrimination in the State Constitution. 

“It was overwhelmingly opposed,” Healy says. “It would have created a constitutional right to have an abortion in Connecticut by amending the Constitution and guaranteeing gender identity.”

Two bills, Senate 425, An Act Prohibiting Discrimination By Health Care Providers In The Provision Of Health Care Services In The State, and House Bill 5424, An Act Prohibiting Adverse Actions Against Health Care Providers For Providing Certain Health Care Services, would have forced medical personnel in Catholic hospitals to recommend or facilitate abortions and gender transition.

“These combined bills would have abrogated religious, moral and ethical rights of health care providers,” Healy says. 

House Bill 5417, An Act Concerning Public School Libraries, would have required local and regional boards of education to state a reason for removing or restricting access to public school library materials and prohibiting such boards from removing or restricting access to such materials for certain reasons. 

“We lobbied against it and the bill died without a vote,” Healy says.

Despite what the Conference views as successes, the session concluded with an unexpected $3 million allocation to Planned Parenthood “with no strings attached” for its usage, Healy says. “It was impossible for us to stop it at such a late date.”

WORK IS FAR FROM OVER

Healy says the Conference’s work is ongoing. For example, the Conference will continue fighting Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 issued by the federal government. Title IX allows biological males, who identify as females, to compete in the girl’s division of high school sports.

“This undercuts girls in sports,” Healy says. “We raised a bill to protect girls’ sports but were unsuccessful in having the bill heard. We will come up with a plan over the summer to deal with this issue.”

With the Election Day around the corner, Healy points out it is important for Catholics to get involved.

“We have to get people engaged on the issues of faith, and how their votes can help promote religious freedom, the protection of life and the education of our children, the sick and the elderly,” Healy says. 

He urges people to learn about their candidate’s position on issues that may threaten religious freedom. “Our faith commands us to be active citizens,” the executive director says. “That is what we are taught.”

To stay informed of Connecticut Catholic Conference issues, call 860.524.7882 or visit ctcatholic.org.