FOUR

May Recap
We have reached the final stretch of the 2024 legislative session, but it's not over just yet. As we send this update, there are FOUR session days left, with this year's session scheduled to end on June 6th. There are issues that lawmakers still may vote on any time in the next few days. Below are some of our top priorities we're focusing on in the coming days. 

Education: The legislature is looking to expand elements of the Dignity for All Students Act to religious and independent schools. This would mean the state could force religious schools to change its school policies related to sex and gender identity. Lawmakers may vote on this any time in the next few days. Scroll down below to learn more about the issue or read our memo of opposition, here. You can also TAKE ACTION against this legislation, here. 

Respect Life: With the legislative session scheduled to end on June 6th, we are cautiously optimistic that physician assisted suicide legislation will NOT advance. 
It is because of YOUR advocacy, and the work of many others, that legislators have begun to take a closer look at this issue. Thank you to all those who have taken action to our network alerts opposing this heinous bill. Although the odds of it advancing this year have declined, this is an issue we must be vigilant about. Advocates for physician assisted suicide will continue to make aggressive pushes for legalization next year. 

    Legislation Threatens Catholic Schools
A bill in the New York State Legislature would expand elements of the existing Dignity for All Students Act to religious and independent schools. The purported purpose of the legislation is to ensure that private schools have policies that protect children from bullying. Were this the only thing the bill does, it would be fine, even though our schools all have policies in place already to address and prevent bullying. However this bill also prohibits “discrimination” for a variety of reasons, including for “a person’s gender identity or expression.” This could mean that requiring students to wear uniforms, use restrooms, and play on sports teams that correspond to their biological sex could be deemed “discrimination” under state law. The legislative session is scheduled to end on June 6, and lawmakers may vote on this any time in the next few days. Please let them and Governor Hochul know that you support efforts to address bullying, but the state has no business forcing religious schools to changes its school policies related to sex and gender identity. Please take action today!

                Take Action Against Legislation That Threatens Catholic Schools

    Recent News on Assisted Suicide
As we continue to oppose the legalization of assisted suicide in New York, read about assisted suicide in the news:
No Suicide NY – Columbia Biomedical Roundtable Statement Against Assisted Suicide
The Guardian – Better Off Dead? review – Liz Carr’s blistering film may well change your mind about assisted dying
Fox News – 'Kind of scary': Controversial medical procedure may soon be legal in another blue state
Not Dead Yet – Congressional Resolution on the Dangers of Physician Assisted Suicide Reintroduced

Unfortunately, some of the articles for those advocating against assisted suicide are behind paywalls. However, we would like to share them with you just in case you are subscribed to any of these news outlets:
Buffalo News – Another Voice: Professional medicine should not endorse assisted suicide
Newsday, Op-Ed – Should NYS adopt medical aid in dying? No

Other articles of interest related to physician assisted suicide: 
The Free Press – "“I’m seeing euthanasia as some sort of acceptable option brought to the table by physicians, by psychiatrists, when previously it was the ultimate last resort” – ‘I’m 28. And I’m Scheduled to Die in May.’
Minnesota Reformer, Commentary – Pledge to ‘do no harm’ and say no to physician-assisted suicide
Concord Monitor – Youth rally against New Hampshire’s bill allowing medical aid in dying
Stop Assisted Suicide in NY
Proponents of doctor-assisted suicide are continuing to try to legalize this deadly practice in New York. There is a BIG push this year and we need your help.
Lawmakers need to hear from their constituents if we hope to avoid yet another assault on the dignity of human life. Assisted suicide is dangerous for patients, caregivers, and vulnerable populations such as the elderly and people with disabilities. Suicide is not medical care. Please tell your State Senate and Assembly representatives that you oppose this dangerous and deadly practice. Contact your state legislators now!

                Stop the Legalization of Physician Assisted Suicide

    Captiol Compass
Episode 39: Disabilities & Physician Assisted Suicide
Gillian chats with Max Rodriguez, manager of government affairs for the Center for Disability Rights. They discuss the dangers of physician assisted suicide legislation and why everyone should be concerned about it.
Learn more about the Center for Disability Rights at https://cdrnys.org/
Listen wherever you get your podcasts or on our website.

                Listen Now

    The Catholic Conference represents Cardinal Timothy Dolan and the Bishops of New York State in public policy matters.

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