Date: March 16, 2018
Host: Jim Schneider
Guest: Mat Staver
Listen: MP3 | Order
Jim opened this broadcast with the following questions:
–Should the American Lung Association be forced to put up signs at their headquarters telling people where they can buy cigarettes?
–Should People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) be forced to put up signs telling people where they can get a delicious steak dinner?
–Should a weight loss clinic be required to put up signs or give directions to the nearest fast-food restaurant where members can buy a greasy, half-pound hamburger?
–Should Jewish synagogues be forced to put up signs telling people where the nearest mosque is?
These questions may seem ridiculous but that’s what’s happening to pro-life centers in California that have been ordered to put up signs to inform expectant mothers as to where they can go in order to obtain an abortion. The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing the case next Tuesday. The case is NIFLA (National Institute of Family and Life Advocates) v. Becerra.
Joining Jim to discuss this case was Mat Staver. Mat is the founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel, an international nonprofit litigation, education and policy organization, dedicated to advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of human life, and the family. He has over 230 published legal opinions and has authored eight scholarly law review publications and 10 books. He’s argued two landmark cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. He’s the host and producer of Faith and Freedom and Freedom’s Call.
The law that will be argued requires any crisis pregnancy center to post the abortion related notice in the entrances, the lobby, in any printed material and online. It also has to be posted in 48 point font in up to 12 languages.
According to Mat, this is one of 4 cases pending before the Supreme Court. The one that’s going to be argued Tuesday is NIFLA v. Becerra. Becerra is the California attorney general who was applauded by Planned Parenthood when he came on board as attorney general.
Actually, Liberty Counsel’s case is Mountain Right to Life v. Becerra. That’s pending at the Supreme Court. All four cases will be decided together with a decision to be rendered no later than the last week of June. All of them are about free speech with the question being: Does this compelled speech by the government, which is contrary to the mission of a pro-life center, violate the First Amendment right to free speech?
This situation has come through the most frequently reversed, liberal court of appeals in America. That’s the Ninth Circuit Court.
Discover additional details along with what to watch for and what to pray for when you review this edition of Crosstalk.
More Information:
Liberty Council
