WND EXCLUSIVE 10.12.15

California forces Christians to disobey own beliefs

New law orders faith-based organizations to refer women to abortionists

Bob Unruh

Bob Unruh joined WND in 2006 after nearly three decades with the Associated Press, as well as several Upper Midwest newspapers, where he covered everything from legislative battles and sports to tornadoes and homicidal survivalists. He is also a photographer whose scenic work has been used commercially.

California Gov. Jerry Brown has signed a bill that orders faith-based organizations to refer women to abortionists, even though the same idea was tried in New York and failed.

Brown's signature on AB 775 already has triggered a series of lawsuits, because it forces religious pregnancy clinics to tell women and girls that California has public programs to provide immediate, free or low-cost abortions.

The Pacific Justice Institute announced Monday the filing of lawsuits in both Southern and Northern California on behalf of clinics.

The organizations provide free medical services and counseling "as an alternative option to abortion to women facing unwanted pregnancies," the organization said.

"Forcing a religious pro-life charity to proclaim a pro-abortion declaration is on its face an egregious violation of both the free speech and free exercises clauses of the First Amendment," said Brad Dacus, president of the institute.

"We will not rest until this government mandate is completely halted," he said.

The complaint argues the law forces Christian medical clinics to issue messages that violate their beliefs.

[Copy and paste the following to read the rest of this WND article.]

http://www.wnd.com/2015/10/california-forces-christians-to-disobey-own-beliefs/