October 8, 2009
In a direct attack on 40 Days for Life and the rights
of local pro-life sidewalk counselors, the Chicago
City Council on Wednesday passed a new ordinance
intended to cripple 40 Days for Life and silence pro-
life free speech within a 50 foot "Bubble Zone"
around abortion facilities.
The new city ordinance will not only block sidewalk
counseling and pro-life signs within 50 feet of all
entrances to an abortion facility, it would also
prevent any pro-lifer from being within eight feet of
an abortion customer without getting that person's
permission. Anyone found in violation could be fined
up to $500.
The law is such a clear violation of First Amendment
Constitutional rights that even the American Civil
Liberties Union (ACLU) -- no friend of the pro-life
movement -- sided with local pro-life interests in
opposing aspects of the ordinance.
According to observers at the council meetings, a
Planned Parenthood representative testified that pro-
life vigils make it difficult for women to reach
their "services," while a representative from a local
late-term abortion facility (that has seen business
detrimentally affected by 40 Days for Life) directly
mentioned the 40 Days for Life prayer vigil as reason
to pass the ordinance.
While this is a setback for the Chicago 40 Days for
Life, I want to emphasize that this is NOT merely a
Chicago issue. Planned Parenthood and the abortion
industry are working aggressively to implement Bubble
Zone laws like this across the country.
That's the bad news. But here's the good news:
** WE CAN STILL DEFEAT THIS BUBBLE ZONE **
Before this bad law goes into effect, Chicago Mayor
Richard Daley has to approve it. We have a narrow
window of time to convince the mayor to VETO the
Bubble Zone ordinance.
PLEASE call Mayor Daley's office immediately at 312-
744-3300 to say: "Mayor Daley, please don't restrict
freedom of speech in Chicago. VETO the Bubble Zone
ordinance!"
So many calls have already been flooding into the
mayor's office that they've set up an automated
system for the public to speak out on the Bubble
Zone. If you get the automated system, here are the
steps to follow:
1.) CALL Mayor Daley's office at 312-744-3300
2.) PRESS 1 to submit your opinion on the Bubble
Zone ordinance
3.) Then PRESS 2 to vote NO on the Bubble Zone
To send the mayor a fax instead: 312-744-8045
If we don't push back hard against this clearly
unconstitutional law, Planned Parenthood and the rest
of the abortion industry will feel empowered to
trample on the rights of pro-life free speech all
across the country.
Please act now -- while there's still time!
Here's today's devotional from Carmen Pate, Co-host
of the nationally syndicated "Point of View" Radio
Talk Show...
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DAY 16 INTENTION
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Pray that as young couples or single moms choose life
for their child, the church will come alongside them
physically, emotionally, and spiritually to help bear
their burdens.
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SCRIPTURE
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Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you
who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of
gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be
tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill
the law of Christ.
-- Galatians 6:1-2
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REFLECTION by Carmen Pate, Point of View
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Restoring those who are broken from sexual sin and
who desire to live life differently -- a life focused
on Christ -- is a burden the church must share. What
an awesome opportunity for a spiritually mature woman
to come alongside a single mom as a mentor and
friend.
A regular time together praying and studying God's
Word will help her mature in her walk with the Lord.
Allowing her opportunity to observe life as you live
it --- meal preparation, family time, and providing
wholesome conversation and wise counsel on a frequent
basis --- can provide teaching moments that will
benefit her for a lifetime. Introducing her to a
small group or class in the church where she and her
baby are welcomed and plugged in will be vital to her
restoration.
These are just a few examples of things the body of
Christ can do. Staying connected with young couples
or single moms who have chosen life should continue
beyond the celebration of the child's birth if we
truly desire to fulfill the law of Christ in bearing
one another's burdens.
You will find it is not a burden after all, but a
tremendous blessing as your family line extends to
include these precious souls as part of your own.
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PRAYER
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Dear Lord, as our Shepherd You so tenderly care for
us -- pulling us from the miry pit, guiding and
directing us safely along the path of life,
protecting us from the dangers that are ahead and
taking us to pastures that are green.
Lord, use us as Your vessels to shepherd these young
men and women who have honored you by choosing life
for their child.
Give us wisdom and discernment along with Your love
and compassion so that we are never a stumbling block
but rather a guide that always takes them to You, the
true Shepherd. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
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PRINTABLE DEVOTIONAL
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To download today's devotional as a formatted,
printable PDF to share with friends:
http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2009day16print.pdf
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For Life,
David Bereit
National Director
40 Days for Life
P.S.- Remember, the unconstitutional Bubble Zone is
not YET the law in Chicago. Mayor Daley has to sign
it first. Call his office right now at 312-744-3300
and tell him to protect free speech in Chicago and
veto the Bubble Zone!