05-10-2003, 09:47 AM
|
#1
|
|
Contributor
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Folding@Home in upstate NY
Posts: 14,394
|
Getting rid of blue laws - update
Got the following in an email from the Institute for Humanist Studies:
Quote:
NEW YORK LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
from the Institute for Humanist Studies
http://humaniststudies.org
518.432.7820
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
May 9, 2003
Progress at the state capitol
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Archaic Blue Law On Its Way Out
Striking a blow for the separation of church and state, as well as for the rights of the nonreligious citizens of New York, the Legislature has changed the "Sabbath Day" inspired Blue Laws.
The IHS offers its thanks to everyone who supported the change, which would modify archaic regulations that prohibit the sale of liquor and wine on Sundays.
The State Assembly and Senate put an amendment in their general budget legislation that would allow liquor store owners to choose any six days of the week to be open for businesses. The legislation now awaits action by Gov. George Pataki.
Although some proponents pushed for legislation that would give storeowners the choice to stay open on all seven days, the Institute for Humanist Studies is satisfied with the compromise because it no longer restricts sales on Sunday simply because of the religious connotations of that day. Again, thanks for your support.
EC In The ER
IHS efforts also are focused on the passage of Senate Bill 202, a law that would require all New York hospitals to provide emergency contraception to rape victims who request it.
If taken within 72 hours of a sexual assault, the emergency-contraception pill can reduce the risk of pregnancy up to 90 percent. Under the new law, a woman who has been sexually assaulted can get the pill directly from the hospital, sparing her a trip to a pharmacy or another doctor, and increasing her changes of avoiding the trauma of an unwanted pregnancy.
The Institute for Humanist Studies believes that religiously affiliated hospitals are public institutions, receiving government funding to provide secular services. That makes them subject to legislative regulation.
Cardinal Edward Egan has argued that Catholic hospitals should be exempt from the law, citing the church's long-running stance against birth control.
The New York Assembly rightly disagreed with Egan's logic earlier this year, voting that the right to medical care that treats all aspects of a rape trumps any objection based on religious doctrine. The Senate version of the bill is still in committee but is expected to hit the floor in a week or so. Early indications suggest the bill has nearly enough voted to pass.
You can help. To send a letter to your senator in support of S.202, Emergency Contraception in the Emergency Room, visit the IHS Web site at http://humaniststudies.org/nylegisla...d=1&letter=yes
IHS Comes Out In Favor Of 'EC for the ER' Bill
Matthew Cherry, secretary of the United Nations Committee on Freedom of Religion or Belief and executive director of the Albany-based Institute for Humanist Studies (IHS), offered IHS support to the legislative efforts of the New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NYSCASA) on April 29.
In particular, Cherry said the IHS was in favor of Senate passage of S.202, the "Emergency Contraception in the Emergency Room" bill, which would require all New York hospitals, regardless of religious affiliation, to provide the emergency-contraception pill to rape victims who request it. The Senate is expected to vote on the bill next week. Sen. Nicholas A. Spano of Yonkers, the Republican sponsor of the bill, told the NYSCASA at the event that he expected the bill to pass. Other speakers included Atty. Gen. Eliot Spitzer and Assemblywoman Susan John.
Hospitals, even religiously affiliated hospitals, are public institutions, receiving government funding to provide secular services, and that makes them subject to legislative regulation, Cherry said.
Speaking to NYSCASA members during that group's annual "Sexual Assault Awareness Day" at the State House, Cherry also offered a talk on the benefits of making alliances among groups in order to promote change. He suggested that groups may find themselves butting heads on a particular issue, but might find common ground on another. Earlier in the day, he used the example of the Catholic Church: IHS may butt heads with the church on S.202 but could conceivably find common ground with the church on social issues.
For more information on the IHS and its legislative priorities, visit the Web site at www.humaniststudies.org or call (518) 432-7820.
The Institute for Humanist Studies is dedicated to educating the public about humanist beliefs, organizations, and resources.
|
This is certainly a step in the right direction! 
|
|
|
