Iranian Christian converts denied ability to work
Twenty-five Iranian Christian converts signed a joint statement regarding the deprivation of their right to work, according to Article 18, reports ICC. Ratified by Iran in 1975, Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights says, “No one shall be subject to coercion which would impair his freedom to have or to adopt a religion of his choice.”
Signatories included several Christians previously imprisoned for their faith such as Sam Khosravi, Maryam Fallahi and Mary Mohammadi.
The statement’s release on May 7th coincided with International Workers’ Day and detailed the obstacles that Iranian authorities place in the way of Christians’ ability to work, even in self-employment.
Although Christianity is constitutionally recognized in Iran, that only includes indigenous Christians such as those from Armenian or Assyrian backgrounds. Persian-speaking converts have no such rights for gathering and recognition.
Iran is the 9th worst nation in the world for the persecution of Christians.
California’s infanticide bill closer to becoming law
On April 19th, California took another step toward decriminalizing infanticide up until 28 days after birth.
In an appalling 11-3 vote, California’s Assembly Bill 2223 passed in the Assembly Health Committee, reported California Family Council.
Authored by Democrat Speaker Pro Tempore Kevin Mullin and introduced by Democrat Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks, the bill passed despite nearly 2,000 people traveling to Sacramento to try and persuade legislators face-to-face to vote “no.”
Two key pro-lifers also spoke in person before the Assembly Health Committee.
Dr. Vansen Wong, a pro-life OB/GYN who has practiced medicine for 30 years, said this.
WONG: “The moral acceptance of killing babies is gaining popularity, promoted most recently by Professor Peter Singer at Princeton University. He stated, ‘Of course, infanticide needs to be strictly legally controlled and rare, but it should not be ruled out, any more than abortion.’
“A close inspection of this bill does allow for the legalization of the killing of innocent newborn children up to the age of 28 days. A ‘yes’ vote is an unequivocal and complete approval of a legalized killing of a newborn baby. And, with all of my heart, I oppose AB 2223, and urge you to vote no.”
And Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, an abortion survivor himself, spoke out against A.B. 2223.
HIBBS: “My name is Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills and thankfully represented about 3,000 people this morning that were out on the Capitol steps. My passion is more one of experience. I’m a survivor of an abortion [on] December 24, 1957. I’m very glad to be here.
“Those that are supporting this bill. They’re supporting a bill that legalizes the termination of a born child, a child that is now beyond the age of debate. Is it life? Or is it a blob? Or is it whatever? This is a living, breathing child.
“The Bible says, in Proverbs 31:8, ‘Defend those who have no voice and those who are destined to be crushed.’ That’s a 3,000-year-old proverb that sounds like it was written yesterday. I would ask you to consider that. I urge you, please, on behalf of the citizens of California to oppose AB 2223. Thank you.”
Despite the overwhelming opposition, with hundreds of people lining up in the hallways to voice their opposition in the hearing, the bill passed with all the Democrats voting yes, and the Republicans voting no.
If you live in California, please access a special California Family Policy action page on how you can help defeat AB 2223 which would legalize infanticide in the Golden State. We have it linked in our transcript today at www.TheWorldview.com.
