Pastors Urge Cuomo to Prioritize The Safe Re-Opening of Churches for Congregational Worship
Rochester, NY—Today, 300 pastors from across New York have signed on to an open letter urging Gov. Andrew Cuomo to prioritize the safe re-opening of churches for congregational worship. Rev. Jason J. McGuire, Executive Director of New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms (NYCF), made the following remarks: “It has been nearly two months since Gov. Andrew…
State Should Stop Social Distancing From The Developmentally Disabled
In recent weeks, the New York Post has reported on the unacceptable spike in COVID-19 infections and fatalities at many New York nursing homes, and on Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s unwillingness to acknowledge the state’s role in the problem or fix it. Sadly, some group homes for the developmentally disabled have also become COVID-19 hotspots. Both…
NYCF Says Assure Continuity of Government Without Compromising Safety Or Convictions
As the New York State Legislature prepares to hold critical budget votes during the coronavirus outbreak, it is entering uncharted waters. Today, the State Assembly is poised to pass Assembly Resolution No. 854 (Peoples-Stokes). The proposed Resolution indicates that during a state of emergency, the Speaker of the Assembly may “allow for members to be…
NYCF Denounces Senator Schumer’s Dangerous Rhetoric
Yesterday, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in June Medical Services v. Russo (previously known as June Medical Services v. Gee), a constitutional challenge to a Louisiana statute that requires abortion practitioners to have hospital admitting privileges within 30 miles of the clinic in which they perform abortions. In addition, a pro-abortion rally was…
NYCF Reacts To Cuomo Adoption Comments
The Cuomo administration has submitted public comments in opposition to a proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that would protect faith-based child welfare organizations from unfair discrimination based upon their beliefs about marriage and family. Jason J. McGuire, Executive Director of New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms (NYCF), made the…
Appeals Court Lets New Hope Family Services Keep Serving Families—For Now
Albany, NY—Yesterday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit issued a temporary injunction allowing New Hope Family Services to continue providing various adoption-related services. New Hope is a Christian charity that the State of New York is attempting to close because of its unwillingness to place children in households headed by same-sex couples.…
Andrew Cuomo Can’t Put Politics Aside—Even For Kids In Need
Albany, NY—Yesterday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo threatened legal action against a proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that would protect faith-based child welfare organizations from unfair discrimination based upon their beliefs about marriage and family. Jason J. McGuire, Executive Director of New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms (NYCF), made the following…
New York’s ‘Compromised Three’ Join Democrats In Passing ‘Equality Act’
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted, 236-173-23, to pass the so-called Equality Act (H.R.5–Cicilline). This misleadingly-named bill would make “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” protected characteristics under the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Rather than promoting fairness and justice, H.R.5 would punish employers, faith-based charities, and everyday Americans who decline to live in accordance…
After Skirmish, Schimminger Saves Lobby For Life Day
Yesterday, New York State Right to Life (NYSRTL) announced that it would hold its 2019 Lobby for Life Day in the Well, an open area of the Legislative Office Building in Albany. The event is scheduled for May 1, 2019. The organization—which has used the Well for its annual event for many years—had reportedly been…
NYCF Delivers Remarks To The Putnam County Legislature Upon Passage Of RHA Resolution
Carmel, NY—Today, the Putnam County Legislature passed a resolution urging the repeal of provisions of New York’s Reproductive Health Act (RHA). The resolution calls upon members of the State Legislature to “introduce and support statewide legislation restoring the protections for unborn children formerly contained in the New York Penal Law and the New York Public…
Life-Affirming Demonstration Held Outside Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office
Albany, NY – Following its annual Legislative Day event on March 19, 2019, New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms (NYCF) delivered 20,689 petitions calling for the repeal of the Reproductive Health Act to the office of Gov. Andrew Cuomo. The petitions were collected through individuals and organizations allied with New Yorkers for Life. Jason J. McGuire,…
Evangelical Organization Expects 1,200 For Annual Lobby Day
Albany, NY – New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms (NYCF), the statewide organization that educates and activates evangelical Christians regarding matters of public policy, will hold its annual Legislative Day on Tuesday, March 19, 2019. Legislative Day 2019 will take place at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The event…
Gillibrand, Schumer Block Passage of Born-Alive Infants Bill
Rochester, NY—Today, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) brought Sen. Ben Sasse’s Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act (BAASPA) (Bill S.311-Sasse) to the Senate floor for potential passage. Sadly, a procedural vote on the bill failed, as Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY)—along with many of their colleagues—voted “nay.” Jason J. McGuire, Executive…
HHS Finalizes New Rule on Title X Family Planning Funds
Albany, NY—Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a final rule revising regulations that govern the Title X family planning program. The rule is known as the Protect Life Rule. Jason J. McGuire, Executive Director of New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms (NYCF), made the following remarks: “The finalized Protect Life Rule…
Reprehensible Reproductive Health Act Becomes Law
Albany, NY – Today, the New York State Legislature voted to pass the Reproductive Health Act (RHA) (Bill S.240 – Krueger/A.21 – Glick). Governor Andrew Cuomo swiftly signed the legislation into law. Rev. Jason J. McGuire, Executive Director of New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms, made the following remarks: “In his recent Ellis Island address, Gov. Andrew…
An Open Letter To Legislative Leadership Regarding The Reproductive Health Act
Earlier today, New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms released an open letter to Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie on the Reproductive Health Act. In that letter, we request that the legislative leaders reconsider their support for the bill and outline specific concerns with its provisions. In our view, certain aspects…