Press Release

Personhood Mississippi responds to lawsuit against right to life and right to vote in Mississippi.

Submitted by Keith on Thu, 07/15/2010 - 04:27
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Personhood Mississippi responds to lawsuit against right to life and right to vote in Mississippi

ACLU and Planned Parenthood attorneys have filed an injunction against the Mississippi Secretary of State, seeking to disallow Mississippi voters from voting on the Mississippi Personhood Amendment.

Amendment sponsors and volunteers exceeded state signature requirements on February 17, becoming only the fourth successful ballot initiative since 1992. The one-sentence amendment reads, “The term ‘person’ or ‘persons’ shall include every human being from the moment of fertilization, cloning or the functional equivalent thereof.”

“I find it ironic that the plaintiffs would wait until the first day the court is open after Independence Day, then file a lawsuit that seeks to continue the oppression of the preborn and deny the rights of over 130,000 Mississippi voters,” commented Steve Crampton, renowned Liberty Council Constitutional Attorney.

In regards to the injunction, Lt. Governor Phil Bryant said, “It is unfortunate that certain people would want to block the protection of innocent human life here in Mississippi by filing suit. Not only are they trying to stop pro-life policy but are also trying to deny the voters of Mississippi an opportunity to voice their beliefs on this issue. Those of us who believe there is nothing as important as protecting the unborn will continue to fight to give Mississippians the right to vote to end abortion in our state.”

The ACLU has also joined forces with Planned Parenthood in Nevada, Missouri, and Alaska, employing similar tactics to keep Personhood petitioners and voters from exercising their Constitutional rights. In those states, despite costly delays, the courts have yet to issue a ruling.

“As to the statement that we are ‘redefining a fertilized egg as a person’ it has always been the practice of those who want to deny rights to others to use terminology to dehumanize them. There is no such thing as a fertilized egg, as the new life they are referring to is no longer an egg but a person with his or her own DNA,” explained Les Riley, sponsor of the Mississippi Personhood Amendment. “Further, The ACLU and Planned Parenthood attorneys allege that the one-sentence amendment modifies the Bill of Rights, yet the proposed amendment does not modify any section of the Bill of Rights, it simply clarifies to whom those rights apply. We are not in any way ‘amending’ the Bill of Rights. We do not strike out, insert, substitute any words, or formally alter the current Bill of Rights in any way.”

Continued Riley, “This is clearly a preposterous lawsuit, intended to interfere with Mississippi citizens’ right to vote, and to protect Planned Parenthood’s abortion cash cow. Planned Parenthood and the ACLU are seeking to protect Planned Parenthood’s one billion dollar a year profit, while Mississippi voters are seeking to protect innocent life. We intend to fight this suit, defending our rights as Mississippi voters and the most basic right of preborn children, the right to life.”

Historic Campaign Web Portal Launched for Colorado Personhood Amendment

Submitted by Keith on Fri, 07/02/2010 - 19:58
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Historic Campaign Web Portal Launched for Colorado Personhood Amendment

MEDIA ADVISORY, July 2 /Christian Newswire/ — Colorado’s Amendment 62 personhood campaign is set to launch a remarkable Internet tool, MyCampaignTracker.org, on July 4th, 2010. The Tracker will help our state secure recognition of the right to life acknowledged by America’s Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life…”

“We have human rights because we are made in our Creator’s image and likeness,” said amendment co-sponsor Leslie Hanks, “and therefore we have a moral obligation to protect and love our children, born and preborn.”

MyCampaignTracker.org is a multi-functioning website designed to capitalize on the grassroots personhood movement in Colorado, and will be utilized to saturate the state with grassroots activity through November’s election.

MyCampaignTracker.org is designed to encourage the grassroots personhood movement in Colorado to reach local communities across our state with our campaign message of “Persons not Property,” through November’s election.

The innovative MyCampaignTracker.org answers the question: “What can I do to help?” Pro-life Coloradans select a campaign activity, follow simple instructions, and make their campaign efforts visible to other Amendment 62 supporters. Supporters can actually watch their efforts combine into a greater whole to make a difference on behalf of preborn babies in Colorado.

Colorado’s Personhood Amendment has boasted one of the largest volunteer signature campaigns in state history, resulting in one of the largest pro-life grassroots organizations Colorado has ever seen. In March, volunteers surprised naysayers by collecting 46,671 signatures, when only just over 15,000 were required. Colorado personhood volunteers are eager to begin using MyCampaignTracker.org.

“Personhood is a movement of average people, with average resources, fighting an enormous battle against the killing of human persons,” stated Keith Mason, co-founder of Personhood USA. “We have seen these people, many of whom had never volunteered for a pro-life cause before, band together with God’s help to post amazing victories in putting Personhood on the ballot. Now, with MyCampaignTracker.org, we have a phenomenal resource that can help us win in November.”

Amendment 62, co-sponsored by Colorado Right To Life and Personhood Colorado, states: “Person defined. As used in sections 3, 6, and 25 of Article II of the state constitution, the term ‘person’ shall apply to every human being from the beginning of the biological development of that human being.”

www.PersonhoodColorado.com

Personhood Certified For Colorado Ballot

Submitted by Keith on Sat, 03/27/2010 - 16:52
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DENVER / March 26 – The Colorado Personhood Amendment’s signatures have been certified, and the Personhood Amendment will be on the Colorado ballot in November.

Personhood Colorado has sponsored a ballot initiative to amend the State Constitution recognizing the Personhood rights of all humans, from their biological beginning to their natural death. The Amendment states: “Section 32. Person defined. As used in sections 3*, 6**, and 25*** of Article II of the state constitution, the term “person” shall apply to every human being from the beginning of the biological development of that human being.”

On March 4, the Colorado Secretary of State disclosed that 15,690 of the 79,648 signatures submitted by Personhood Colorado were invalid. As allowed by Colorado law, volunteers then had 15 days to replace the invalid signatures with new, valid voter signatures. In response, Personhood Colorado volunteers collected 47,114 signatures, three times as many signatures as were required.

Friday, March 26 the Colorado Secretary of State verified that the Personhood Amendment had submitted enough signatures to be on the November 26 ballot, citing that in the first submission, 60,357 of the 79,648 submitted signatures were valid, and that in the 15 day curing period, 35,527 of the 47,114 submitted signatures were found valid. Therefore, of the 126,762 submitted signatures, 95,884 were found to be valid voter signatures, surpassing the required number of 76,047 by nearly 20,000.

“We are very thankful for our volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure that the Personhood Amendment is on the 2010 ballot,” stated Gualberto Garcia-Jones, co-sponsor of the Personhood Amendment. “We are counting on all of our supporters and many volunteers to vote Yes on the Personhood Amendment, Amendment 62, in November.”

Colorado Personhood Amendment Submits 46,671 Signatures – Ensures Spot on 2010 Ballot.

Submitted by Keith on Thu, 03/18/2010 - 22:26
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DENVER/ March 18 – Personhood Colorado, sponsors of the 2010 Personhood Amendment, today submitted 46,671 signatures to the Colorado Secretary of State’s office.
On March 4, the Colorado Secretary of State disclosed that 20.63% of the 79,648 signatures submitted by Personhood Colorado were invalid. As allowed by Colorado law, volunteers then had 15 days to replace the invalid signatures with new, valid voter signatures. That translated to over 1,000 signatures per day.
“Over the past few days, the massive quantities of signatures that poured in just amazed us,” remarked Gualberto Garcia-Jones, co-sponsor of the Personhood Ballot initiative.”That means that we collected over 2,600 signatures each day, about 2 signatures per minute. Some of our volunteers were working all hours of the day, and that is a testament to what we already knew – that Colorado citizens recognize the value of human life and have worked extremely hard to see that each human life is protected.”
The 700+ volunteer petitioners worked around the clock to gather signatures, frequenting churches, grocery stores, Tuesday Caucuses, and other public venues. Many college age church volunteers circulated the petition at Colorado St. Patrick’s Day Parades and college campuses.
“We were told that we needed to replace over 15,000 of our signatures,” commented Keith Mason, co-founder of Personhood USA. “We knew we could do it, because when you are working on such a critical, life and death issue, volunteers are passionate. We knew it would take a lot of hard work and determination, but we never expected such an outpouring of support. It is clear that the people of Colorado wanted to make a statement – that every human life should be protected by love and by law. This effort is more alive and vibrant than ever.”
“We’re so thankful for help from American Life League, Durago-based pro-life group LifeGuard, Personhood USA, and dozens of other pro-life organizations. With their help, we faced a daunting task and succeeded beyond our wildest expectations, glory be to God!” added Leslie Hanks, co-sponsor of the Personhood Amendment. “Now, we’re ready to begin campaigning for life and preparing for victory in November.”
For Interviews Call Keith Mason at 202-595-3500
PersonhoodColorado.com

Press Conference Today to Announce Personhood Signature Count, Also Announcing Plans to Sue Colorado Secretary Of State.

Submitted by Keith on Thu, 03/18/2010 - 13:46
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DENVER / Personhood USA / March 17 – Personhood Colorado has scheduled a press conference to announce plans for a lawsuit against the Secretary of State’s office. Immediately following the announcement, Personhood Colorado will reveal the number of signatures collected over the past 15 days and submit them to the Secretary of State.
Personhood Colorado has sponsored a ballot initiative to amend the State Constitution recognizing the Personhood rights of all humans, from their biological beginning to their natural death.
On March 4, the Colorado Secretary of State disclosed that 15,690 valid signatures would be due today March 18th. Personhood Colorado submitted 79,648 signatures on February 12th 2010, the Secretary of State deemed 20.63% of those signatures “invalid.”
As allowed by Colorado law, volunteers then had 15 days to replace the invalid signatures with new, voter signatures. That translated to over 1,000 signatures per day.
Press Conference Details:
WHO: Personhood Colorado
WHAT: Announcement regarding planned lawsuit and final signature count
WHERE: 1700 Broadway Street (in front of Wells Fargo Building)
WHEN: Thursday, March 18, 2010, at 2:00pm
For More Information Call:
Gualberto Garcia Jones or Keith Mason 303-456-2800
PersonhoodColorado.com

Colorado Personhood Ballot Initiative Must Replace 15,000 signatures in 15 Days

Submitted by Keith on Thu, 03/04/2010 - 15:27
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Colorado Personhood Ballot Initiative Must Replace 15,000 signatures in 15 Days
Denver, Colorado – The Colorado Secretary of State has disclosed that 15,690 of the 79,648 signatures submitted by Personhood Colorado were invalid. Beginning today, March 4, Personhood Colorado will have 15 days, per state initiative law, to replace the signatures.
Every ballot initiative campaign faces the challenge of validating signatures. Incorrect, illegible, or old addresses are typically the culprits, as petition signatures must match the recorded registered voter’s address.
“This is not unexpected news,” commented Keith Mason, co-founder of Personhood USA. “We anticipated that this 15 day curing period would be evoked, and we have been diligently preparing to get over 1,000 signatures each day of the 15 day period. It will be a challenge, but we are ready to get started.”
Personhood Colorado submitted 79,648 signatures on February 12. 76,047 valid signatures were required to put the measure on the 2010 ballot.
“On March 18, we fully expect to have 15,690 valid signatures to submit to the secretary of State’s office, ensuring that the Personhood Amendment is on the 2010 ballot,” continued Mason. “Once the amendment is on the ballot, we will see that every person is protected by love and by law.”
Personhood Colorado is required to submit 15,690 valid signatures of Colorado registered voters on March 18 by 3:00pm.
For More Information
Call 303-456-2800
www.personhoodcolorado.com

Colorado Does it Again - Personhood Colorado Announces Successful Signature Campaign

Submitted by Jonathan on Tue, 02/23/2010 - 01:55
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DENVER / Christian Newswire / February 12 – Personhood Colorado submitted signatures to the Secretary of State’s office today for the Colorado Personhood Amendment. The signatures submitted totaled 79,817, although only 76,047 were required. All signatures are pending validation by the Colorado Secretary of State’s office.

“We are thrilled with these results. These signatures represent thousands of hours of hard work,” remarked Gualberto Garcia-Jones, co-sponsor of the amendment. “All of our volunteers are 100% committed to seeing that the dignity and personhood of preborn babies is recognized in Colorado, and it shows.”

The proposed amendment states “Section 32. Person defined. As used in sections 3*, 6**, and 25*** of Article II of the state constitution, the term “person” shall apply to every human being from the beginning of the biological development of that human being.”

The signature campaign had hundreds of churches that petitioned repeatedly, along with over 1,000 petition circulators and even more volunteers. All signatures submitted were gathered by volunteers, and the campaign was 100% volunteer-run, with no paid petitioners or staff.

“Colorado is paving the way for personhood,” commented Keith Mason, co-founder of Personhood USA. “Hundreds of thousands of Americans are catching the vision of personhood, and we expect that several other states will soon follow Colorado in putting personhood on the ballot.

”Once the signatures are verified by the Colorado Secretary of State, the amendment will be placed on the 2010 ballot and put to a vote.

“Our grassroots, volunteer campaign will continue to be a success, because we are working towards a very worthy cause – protecting the lives of innocent Colorado citizens,” Garcia-Jones continued. “The 79,817 signatures are an indicator that the people of Colorado are determined to protect innocent life; we will not rest until every child is protected by love and by law.”

 

Personhood Colorado is a grassroots organization comprised of Colorado citizens who value all human life, from biological beginning to natural death. Personhood Colorado has sponsored the Personhood Amendment to the Colorado constitution.

Colorado Personhood Amendment Encounters Historical March for Life Success, Legal Setbacks

Submitted by Keith on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 16:17
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Colorado Personhood Amendment Encounters Historical March for Life Success, Legal Setbacks

Contact: Keith Mason, Personhood USA, 202-595-3500 ext. 1

DENVER, Jan. 25 /Christian Newswire/ — Friday’s Colorado March for Life, presented by Colorado Right to Life, was the largest in recent history, with marchers at the State Capitol numbering nearly 1,500. The march was marked by an unprecedented number of teens, with young people making up the majority of participants.

‘Personhood’ was the theme, with each speaker highlighting the need to recognize Personhood rights for preborn babies from the moment of their biological beginning. The Personhood USA slogan “Persons Not Property” was displayed prominently, and chants of “Roe v. Wade has got to go!” resounded through the streets surrounding the March.

The March for Life began with a press conference featuring film and television star Eduardo Verastegui. “I am here to support the Personhood movement, and to ask everyone to sign the petition so we can pass this amendment,” declared Verastegui. “Coming from Mexico, I come from a different perspective where the personhood movement is a reality…I am very proud to tell you that in over half of the country, 17 states already, life is protected from the moment of conception to natural death. I would love to see that reality here in America.”

Speakers included Maria Lancaster, a mom who adopted her daughter Elisha as a frozen embryo, Rebecca Keissling, author of “Conceived in Rape: A Story of Hope”, and Pastor Jim Shaddix from Riverside Baptist Church.

Prominent figures included Denver Bishop James D. Conley, Senator Scott Renfroe, Senator Dave Schultheis, Senator Kevin Lundberg, State Representative Amy Stephens, State Representative B.J. Nikkel, State Representative Cory Gardner, Tom Lucero, currently running for Colorado’s 4th Congressional District, and Jimmy Lakey, currently running for Colorado’s 7th Congressional District.

“It was amazing to see such a sizeable crowd standing as a witness for pre-born babies. The West side of the Capitol was filled to overflowing!” remarked Gualberto Garcia-Jones, co-sponsor of the Colorado Personhood Amendment. “Volunteers returned hundreds of full petitions, and we passed out hundreds of blank petitions to both existing and new volunteers.”

Along with the large turnout and petition success came some negative news from the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office. The deadline date has changed from February 15th to February 12th, losing a critical weekend for the signature drive. “We are disappointed by this news, but not discouraged,” continued Garcia-Jones. “We will continue to work day and night to ensure we have the signatures needed to get on the ballot.”

Personhood Colorado Announces Roe v. Wade Memorial Press Conference with Star of Pro-Life Movie 'Bella'

Submitted by Keith on Mon, 01/18/2010 - 16:46
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Denver, CO January 18, 2010 – Personhood Colorado announces its upcoming press conference on the Roe v. Wade Memorial featuring the star of "Bella," winner of the People's Choice Award at the 2006 Toronto International Film Festival.

Hollywood star Eduardo Verastegui will announce his support of the 2010 Colorado Personhood Amendment and comment on the recent success of Human Life Amendments in his native country of Mexico.

Verastegui will also urge all Colorado voters to sign the Personhood Petition.

*Who*: Eduardo Verastegui, star of film and television

*What*: Personhood Colorado Press Conference

*Where*: the West steps of the Colorado State Capitol

*When*: Friday, January 22, 2010 at 9:00AM

Press conference to precede Colorado March for Life, details to follow.

Contact: Keith Mason 303-459-4005

Pastors Commit Sanctity of Life Sunday to Petitioning for Preborn Lives

Submitted by Keith on Wed, 01/13/2010 - 19:30
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Pastors Commit Sanctity of Life Sunday to Petitioning for Preborn Lives
Washington D.C., January 13, 2010 – Pastors across the nation have committed to using January 24 – traditionally Sanctity of Life Sunday – as an opportunity to put their faith in action and gather signatures for the Personhood movement.

“At First Baptist Jackson, we are thrilled to give our people the opportunity to sign a petition to put the Personhood Initiative on the ballot,” stated Pastor Stan Buckley, Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Jackson, Mississippi. “Abortion – the taking of innocent human life – is one of the most important issues facing our state and our nation. We encourage more Christians and more churches to get involved in the fight for life. Getting the Personhood initiative on the ballot is a huge step because we believe the people of Mississippi, if given the opportunity, will choose life!”

Petition drives in Colorado and Mississippi are getting close to having enough signatures to put personhood amendments on the ballot. “In every Personhood campaign, churches are the key,” explained Keith Mason, cofounder of Personhood USA. “This year, we are very excited that hundreds of churches around the country will be honoring the sanctity of life.”

“By default, we are called to protect human life with our God given rights and resources,” added Pastor Adam Briggs of Damascus Road Bible Fellowship in Indiana. “Let all pastors join together and publicly declare the personhood of all human beings!”

Currently Montana, Colorado, Mississippi, Florida and California are all gathering signatures to put personhood amendments on their state’s ballot. In these states pastors can celebrate Petition for Life Sunday by collecting signatures to protect every child by love and by law.

In other states, pastors can encourage their flocks to restore the dignity of every human person, by supporting or even leading the personhood efforts in their state. Over 40 states are working towards Personhood for all human beings.

More information about Petition for Life Sunday is available at www.PersonhoodUSA.com.

“We will win the battle and restore dignity to every human person in America! Let’s use the coming sanctity of life Sunday to protect children not just in word, but also in deed by affirming their personhood rights in our law and by love,” concluded Mason.

Personhood USA is a grassroots Christian organization founded to establish personhood efforts across America to create protection for every child by love and by law. Personhood USA is committed to assisting and supporting Personhood Legislation and Constitutional Amendments and building local pro-life organizations through raising awareness of the personhood of the pre-born.

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