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March 9, 2023More than 300 Catholic faithful from all seven dioceses in Florida and all eight bishops were present in Tallahassee for Catholic Days at the Capitol, March 7-8. The event is an opportunity for participants to meet with their elected officials and use their voice as constituents and faithful Catholics to advocate for several key legislative issues. On Tuesday, the event kicked off with a briefing hosted by FCCB policy experts to discuss the issues of importance to the bishops and help participants prepare for meeting with their lawmakers. At the state Capitol on Wednesday, hundreds of Catholics dressed in red could be seen attending committee meetings and watching the Senate in session. That evening, the event culminated with the 48th Annual Red Mass of the Holy Spirit at the Co-Cathedral of St.Thomas More, offered for those working in the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government.
Three legislative issues currently being considered by the Florida legislature were at the center of this year's advocacy efforts.
Abortion Limits: HB 7 (Persons-Mulicka) / SB 300 (Grall) would protect women and preborn children from abortion after six weeks gestation, as well as regulate chemical abortions. Additionally, the bills provide for increased funding (from $4 million to $25 million) and expansion of eligible services to assist pregnant women, families and their children in the first years of life. (FCCB supports)
Educational Choice: HB 1 (Tuck) / SB 202 (Simon) would make educational savings accounts (ESAs) available to all families, including homeschool students, regardless of income. (FCCB supports)
Unanimous Juries in Capital Sentencing: HB 555 (Jacques) / SB 450 (Ingoglia) would repeal current provisions requiring a jury to be unanimous in order to recommend a death sentence and require that only 8 of the 12 jurors recommend death. (FCCB opposes)