XPost: alt.irish.republican, alt.abortion, alt.religion.christia   
   .roman-catholic   
   XPost: sac.politics, alt.politics.republicans, alt.fan.rush-limbaugh   
   XPost: alt.religion.christian.roman-catholic, alt.atheism, alt.abortion   
   From: Cicero2@hotmail.com   
      
   A New York chapter of an Irish-American Catholic group is now tussling   
   with one of the state’s newly elected Democratic senators over his   
   affirmative vote on an abortion law that has drawn the ire of faith   
   leaders.   
      
   The Ancient Order of Hibernians JFK Division IV – based in Huntington –   
   recently wrote to State Sen. James Gaughran to inform him that he was no   
   longer invited to their festivities honoring St. Patrick’s Day, over his   
   support of the law. The Reproductive Health Act, which was passed in New   
   York in late January, changes the state’s law to allow women to receive   
   abortions up to birth if their health is determined to be at risk.   
      
   “The membership is dismayed that a member of their order could vote for   
   such a law that, in fact, allows for infanticide,” Rev. Msgr. Steven R.   
   Camp, the chaplain of the group and pastor at St. Patrick’s Church in   
   Huntington, said in a letter obtained by Huntington Now. “This law   
   violates all the principles the AOH has ascribed to since its founding,   
   adherence to the principles of our Roman Catholic faith, and the security   
   of the Irish race.   
      
   “At our recent meeting, a resolution was put forth and passed unanimously   
   by the membership, to rescind your invitation to the Annual Grand Marshal   
   Dinner Dance on March 8th as well as to march in the Annual Parade, with   
   the Hibernians, on March 10th,” he added.   
      
   Gaughran, in response, wrote that he found it “troubling and contrary to   
   the principle that our elected officials must represent all their   
   constituents, not just those with whom they share their religious beliefs.   
      
   “Regarding the Reproductive Health Act, I made clear this year — as I have   
   in years past — that I would support this legislation and had many   
   conversations with voters about it,” he said.   
      
   Gaughran also claimed he has not renewed his membership in the group, nor   
   does he consider himself an active member.   
      
   “We may disagree on these issues, but please understand that I do truly   
   respect and appreciate your positions,” he said, according to Huntington   
   Now. “While I was saddened that no effort was made to discuss this matter   
   with me prior to the Division’s decision, I hope that this may serve as an   
   impetus to open a dialogue where we can work together for the betterment   
   of all our neighbors.”   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)