With the fate of Senate Bill 175 “hanging in the balance with the votes of one or two senators,” Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila has asked life supporters to join him at 3 p.m. today, April 15, on the west steps of the Capitol to pray that the “right to abortion” legislation does not pass.
“I have just decided to head to the west steps of the capitol Tuesday, April 15, at 3 p.m.—the Hour of Divine Mercy—to beg God for his intercession so that this legislation is stopped,” he wrote in a letter distributed April 14. “I prayerfully ask that those of you who can, will come and join me.”
Senate Bill 175 threatens to become the first in the country to create unfettered access to abortion and eradicate life-affirming laws in the state. After passing through committee on party lines April 10, the second reading is scheduled for today in the Senate. If passing in the Senate, it proceeds to the House. Then if passing in the House, it will be sent to Gov. John Hickenlooper.
“This is last-minute, and it’s certain to involve some Holy Week sacrifices … but I’m convinced that moments like this are far more important than we can possibly realize,” the archbishop wrote. “It’s less than 24 hours away, so please pass the word as quickly as you can.”
The Colorado Catholic Conference, which represents the Church’s state level public policy, stated the bill poses an “undeniable and irreparable danger” to pro-life laws.
“This legislation has the potential to eliminate a broad range of policies, including, but not limited to, parental notification, conscience protection for health providers, and the list could go on,” conference director Jenny Kraska said before the Health and Human Services Committee April 10.
It could void state laws that restrict abortion and that protect youths and school policies on abstinence education, she said.
If unable to join the group to pray in person, Archbishop Aquila requests that all join in prayer for this intention at 3 p.m.
For more information on the bill and instructions on how to contact lawmakers, visit www.cocatholicconference.org.