The following message was sent to FGGAM yesterday (via electronic mail) from Angie Smith, President, Right to Life Committee of New Mexico (“RTLCNM”):
But we will not be in fear, fellow LIFE Fighters. We WILL continue to fight boldly for all LIFE.
SB13 was one of the horrible laws passed in the legislature this year, and one of its most egregious tenets was Section 6 which threatened anyone – even individuals – with a $10,000 fine for each and every message sent by electronic media that was against abortion or transgender interventions in some way. Electronic media? Yep, so we’re talking emails, digital newsletters, texts, websites, social media… you get the idea.
And now you must be thinking, “But wait, wait, wait. Isn’t that Freedom of Speech? Isn’t Freedom of Speech protected by the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights in the U.S. Constitution?” And I would tell you that you are 100% correct!
It is also protected in Article II, Section 17 of the New Mexico Constitution which states: “Every person may freely speak, write and publish his sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that right; and no law shall be passed to restrain or abridge the liberty of speech or of the press. In all criminal prosecutions for libels, the truth may be given in evidence to the jury; and if it shall appear to the jury that the matter charged as libelous is true and was published with good motives and for justifiable ends, the party shall be acquitted.”
Now you may be asking yourself, “Well, then why on earth would they pass such a law if it is clearly in violation of these rights?”
Because they think we are stupid. They think we are timid. They think we don’t care. They couldn’t be more wrong.
This is one of the big reasons SB13 was put on the list of laws for the referendum. This law must be stopped (and for more reasons than I stated above – along with the other five).
And on a side note, there is good news! The American Center for Law and Justice (Jay Sekulow) has already assured the pro-life organizations that they will defend any of us who the state government tries to fine for making this kind of “illegal” communication. We are sending this email on Independence Day – the very day the newly written Declaration of Independence was announced and celebrated throughout all thirteen colonies.
It is often stated that the reason we wanted to break free from England was because of “No taxation without representation!” That is true, but not entirely. Consider this: That grievance was #17 in a list of 27 grievances in total against King George III and Parliament. The abuse of representative government was mentioned eleven times more often and judicial abuse was listed four times more often than “No taxation.” Although the issue of taxes was hugely important to the colonists, they were fighting for something much greater: freedom.
How is it that we can be fighting against the same oppressive behavior 247 years later? Yet here we are.
We must summon the same courage and tenacity for liberty that our Founding Fathers burned with. We must fan into flame the same passion they had for the most important right – LIFE.
Abortion is wrong. It is evil. It sheds innocent blood and maims the heart, mind, and body of the mother. Abortion seeks to steal, kill, and destroy indiscriminately and strives to leave no survivors in its path, all while making some people loads of money.
But that’s why we’re here, isn’t it? We have been called to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves and for those who are being led like sheep to the slaughter. We are here to defend life (New Mexico Constitution: Article II, Section 4).
Thank you for being here. Thank you for being the power behind the RTLCNM.
Take time to enjoy your family and friends this Independence Day, and teach your young people why America is so exceptional and so important to the world. Inspire them to continue to be faithful Americans, ready to defend our nation against any foe that dares to raise its head against her – foreign or domestic – because our God-given rights must always be protected by someone in the world.
Because they’re worth the fight (and the potential fine)!
My brothers and sisters, Ms. Smith noted in her email to FGGAM yesterday that even sending the email could potentially be viewed as illegal under the provisions of New Mexico’s Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Health Care Protection Act (SB-13) – which was signed into law by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham on April 5, 2023. The final version of SB-13 may be read or saved by clicking here: New Mexico SB-13 (Final) Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Health Care Protection Act.
It seems that following the Supreme Court of the United States’ determination that Roe v. Wade was unconstitutional, many states firmed up their laws restricting abortion; however, as seems to always be the case, New Mexico decided that it knows best and runs as fast as it can in the opposite direction. Lord have mercy on our state and our nation!
Praise God that the bible says the prayers of the righteous in Christ are powerful. Let’s continue to pray for new leaders who will hold and govern from the perspective of a biblical worldview. Let’s also pray that our current leaders who support legislation such as SB-13 will have a change of heart (repentance), in all matters of the sanctity of life and basic human biology.
Scripture to consider:
2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV)
“…if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
Luke 15:10 (NKJV)
“Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
1 Peter 3:12 (NKJV)
“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, [a]nd His ears are open to their prayers; [b]ut the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
Praise Jesus forevermore!
