Dear Friend of the Family,

It’s been a busy week for the pro-family movement in Massachusetts, and I have good news to report on multiple fronts.   

The Infanticide Act – voters reject abortion from conception to crowning.  

Over 100 people gathered at the State House on Wednesday wearing bright red pro-life t-shirts.  We were there to celebrate the findings of a new poll showing a majority (62%) of Bay State voters do NOT want to expand late term abortion with the new Infanticide Bill.   This is not a partisan issue, either, with 49% of Democrats and 66% of Independents opposing more late-term abortions. Even 44% of voters who identify as pro-choice are opposed. 

• The Infanticide Bill would also repeal current laws that require late-term abortions be performed in hospitals. 74% of voters – both Republicans and Democrats – support keeping the existing law. Women and voters who self-identify as pro-choice overwhelmingly support the existing law as well, by 74% and 77%, respectively.
• Parental consent for underage abortions would be eliminated in the new legislation, but 62% of Massachusetts voters support existing laws requiring at least one parent’s consent before an underage girl can get an abortion.

The Infanticide Bill, which promotes abortion from conception to crowning, does not represent the will of the voters.  It was a joy to be in that packed room of local and national leaders in the pro-life movement.  I encourage you to watch the full video here.  

This bill is not scheduled for a public hearing yet, but we will let you know as soon as it is, and ask you to help us flood the hearing room with pro-life voices (and t-shirts!) and stop this legislation for good.

Patton Retreats on Hamilton Pot Factory

Tuesday night, I was at a town planning board meeting in Hamilton, where an overflow crowd voiced its opposition to a proposed marijuana grow facility.  Bob Patton, CEO of Green Meadows Farm and grandson of legendary WWII General George S. Patton, had reached an agreement with the town selectmen late last year to build a 60,000 square foot industrial marijuana factory on the family’s historic estate.  Apparently, many town residents were not aware of this until about two weeks ago, when one of the proposed pot farm’s neighbors reached out to MFI to help raise awareness about it.  Over the past 14 days, concerned residents in the town put together a facebook page, passed out lawn signs, and mobilized their neighbors to come to this week’s planning board meeting on Tuesday.  I am delighted to report that after a contentious public hearing, Patton asked to meet with leaders of the opposition and agreed to hit pause on his planned marijuana facility while the parties negotiate a mutually agreeable resolution. I commend Mr. Patton for doing the right thing and listening to the concerns of the community.  This is a great example of how, particularly at the town and city level, concerned citizens can make a difference when we work together and are not afraid to take a stand.

A Light in the Darkness

Back in March, we shared with you the story of Rosa, a high school student in the Lynn public schools who had faced discrimination in her efforts to start a Bible club.  (You can watch a short video of her telling her story here.) I was delighted to be able to help her navigate the bureaucratic resistance she was getting from her school administration and see her club get started.  Just yesterday I learned that the Bible club she launched, called Youth Awakening, is thriving – in fact, they recently won the school talent show singing the praise song “Way Maker.” Here’s a sample of the lyrics:

You are here moving in our midst;
I worship You, I worship You.
You are here working in this place;
… 
You wipe away all tears.
You mend the broken heart.
You’re the answer to it all, Jesus.
You wipe away all tears.
You mend the broken heart.
You’re the answer to it all (to it all), Jesus.
…
Way maker, Miracle worker,
Promise keeper, Light in the darkness,
My God, That is who You are.

Check out the students’ version at their rehearsal here. I praise God we live in a country where these students still have the right to share their love for their savior with their classmates, something which is needed now more than ever.  Thank you all for making these victories possible, and join us in October to celebrate them together at the MFI Banquet.  Have a blessed weekend!

For our families,