With less than two weeks remaining in the 2003 Louisiana legislative
session, the focus has become clearer, Ken Ward said.
There are a few good bills that need to pass – and a few
bad bills that need to fail, said Ward, executive director of the Louisiana
Moral and Civic Foundation.
With less than two weeks remaining in the 2003 Louisiana legislative
session, the focus has become clearer, Ken Ward said.
There are a few good bills that need to pass – and a few
bad bills that need to fail, said Ward, executive director of the Louisiana
Moral and Civic Foundation.
“This is a good news-bad news deal,” Ward said. “The
Legislature must adjourn on June 23, which leaves little time for acting on
issues.
“The good news is there still is time for those concerned
about the moral climate of the state to help pass a few good bills that are
needed.
“The bad news is there is still time left for some of
the really bad bills also to make it through,” Ward explained.
In upcoming weeks, there will be time to celebrate the victories
and lament the losses of the session, Ward said.
“But it is important now to focus on what more can be
done by citizens who have a concern about the moral issues that are still to
be decided,” he added.
Ward cited two bills in particular that still could –
and should – pass.
House Bill 1805 would offset an earlier technical amendment
to existing law that some are using to introduce alcohol into “dry”
areas, Ward noted. The failure of the bill could mean areas across the state
that have voted to remain “dry” as far as the sale of beverage alcohol
is concerned could find themselves “wet” as a result of court rulings,
he warned.
The measure has passed the House despite the opposition of
liquor industry lobbyists. It now awaits action by the full Senate. “A
simple word from concerned citizens, encouraging their senators to vote yea
to House Bill 1805 could mean that areas that have voted “no” to the
selling of beverage alcohol will not find themselves having to endure another
election on the issue,” Ward said.
Senate Bill 947 would limit the liability for a pastoral counselor
operating under the requirements of a covenant marriage contract.
The measure has passed the Senate and should pass the full
House easily – if representatives hear from their constituents, Ward emphasized.
In addition to those measures, Ward cited an example of a bill
that should not be allowed to pass this session.
Senate Bill 992 would allow sodomy by consenting adults who
are 18 years or older, when done in private and without compensation being involved.
Some fear the measure marks the first step to abolishing the
current prohibition against sodomy altogether and advancing the homosexual agenda,
Ward noted.
“Not only would passage of this bill send the message
that this behavior is endorsed by the laws of Louisiana, but it will contribute
to health and other social issues that accompany sodomy,” he noted.
The bill has passed committee and awaits debate by the full
Senate.
Ward reminded persons that the Louisiana Moral and Civic Foundation remains
a resource for monitoring legislation. He urged persons to join the foundations
moral and social concerns network by e-mailing lamoral@aol.com.
Members receive information on legislation and analysis and advice when needed.
To contact the governor
Governor Mike Foster
P.O. Box 94004
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9004
Call: (225) 342-7015
Fax: (225) 342-7099
To contact state senators
Senator John or Jane Doe
Senate Office, P.O. Box 94183
Baton Rouge, LA 70804
Call: (225) 342-2040
Fax: (225) 342-0617
To contact representatives
Representative John or Jane Doe
Speakers Office, P.O. Box 94062
Baton Rouge, LA 70804
Call: (225) 342-6945
Fax: (225) 342-8336
The Louisiana Moral and Civic Foundation
P.O. Box 2951,
Baton Rouge, LA 70821
Call: (225) 767-1908
Fax: (225) 767-1913
E-mail: lamoral@aol.com
Visit the Internet: www.lmcf.org
To monitor bills
Go to Web site at www.lmcf.org
Click on … Legislative
Click … Legislative Program Resources
Click … La. Legislature Home Page
Click on … Session Info
Click on … 2003 Regular Session
Click … means of tracking bills