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CNA Staff, Nov 6, 2024 / 14:45 pm (CNA).

California and Colorado voted to repeal amendments that defined marriage as between a man and a woman, while Hawaii is on track to repeal its traditional definition of marriage, though it has not yet been called.

The state constitutions of California, Colorado, and Hawaii defined marriage as a union between one man and one woman, but the results of these measures on the 2024 election ballots are set to remove this traditional definition.

The removal of the long-standing language on marriage is largely symbolic since the U.S. Supreme Court already legalized same-sex marriage in all U.S. jurisdictions in its 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision. Nonetheless, in 2020, Nevada became the first state to repeal its constitutional provision defining marriage as between a man and a woman. California, Colorado, and Hawaii joined the ranks this year, removing the definition.

Colorado 

In a roughly 63% to 36% vote, Colorado removed language from its constitution that recognized marriage as "only a union of one man and one woman."

The Colorado bishops made a statement opposing the "Protecting the Freedom to Marry" or Amendment J earlier this year, saying that it was "imperative" for faithful Catholics to oppose the amendment as well as a pro-abortion amendment that would enshrine abortion as a right in the state's constitution.

The main proponent of Amendment J, Freedom to Marry Colorado, raised more than $760,000 and spent less than $600,000 of it. State Rep. Scott Bottoms and the Colorado bishops voiced opposition to the measure, but there was no organized campaign opposing the measure, according to Ballotpedia.

California 

Californians overwhelmingly supported removing the state's traditional definition of marriage from the constitution in a 61% to 38% vote. The amendment not only removed the definition of marriage, like Colorado's, but also added the "right to marry" as a "fundamental right" in the state's constitution.

The California Catholic bishops did not take a stance on the measure, though groups including the California Family Council voiced opposition to it, citing concerns that it could eliminate safeguards and lead to the legalization of other irregular forms of marriage. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, and the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California voiced support for the measure. 

Like Colorado, there were no reported campaigns against the measure. Campaigns supporting the measure totaled more than $3.4 million in funding.

Hawaii

While Hawaii has not yet called the results of its marriage amendment, the state is on track to repeal the Legislature's power to limit marriage to one man and one woman. Though it is the closest of the three states, Amendment 1 is still more than 10 points ahead, according to the New York Times. 

Of the 76% of votes counted in Hawaii, about 56% voted yes for Amendment 1, while about 43% voted no. In Hawaii, blank votes are considered no votes. The amendment needs 51% to pass. 

Like Colorado and California, there were no reported campaigns against it. Supporters had $79,000 in funding. 

American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii, the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, and the Democratic Party of Hawaii, among others, voiced support for the measure. The Hawaii Catholic bishops did not take a stance on the measure. 

Same-sex marriage in the U.S.

According to a 2023 Pew Research survey, 63% of Americans believe same-sex marriage should be legal, while 34% are against it. Support for same-sex marriage increased steadily in the U.S. from 2004 to 2017 while remaining steady since, according to Pew.

The ballot measures in California and Colorado reflect this survey, with similar numbers from their voters.

In point No. 46 of their 2023 document "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States," the U.S. bishops state that "the family — based on marriage between a man and a woman — is the first and fundamental unit of society and is a sanctuary for the creation and nurturing of children. It should be defended and strengthened, not redefined, undermined, or further distorted. Respect for the family should be reflected in every policy and program."

In addition, the Catholic Church teaches that "homosexual persons are called to chastity" and that homosexual acts are contrary to natural law and close the sexual act off from the gift of life, according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (Nos. 2359, 2357). The catechism also condemns any "unjust discrimination" toward people with homosexual inclinations.

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CNA Staff, Nov 6, 2024 / 15:15 pm (CNA).

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is calling for respect and civility after the 2024 U.S. elections concluded with Donald Trump winning a second term as president. 

Trump won the race against Vice President Kamala Harris with a sizable Electoral College victory that stood at 306-226 on Wednesday afternoon. The Republican president-elect also held a roughly 5-million-vote lead in the popular vote. 

In a statement posted to the USCCB's website, conference president Archbishop Timothy Broglio congratulated Trump on his victory and praised the U.S.'s "ability to transition peacefully from one government to the next."

The archbishop noted that the Catholic Church is "not aligned with any political party, and neither is the bishops' conference." 

"No matter who occupies the White House or holds the majority on Capitol Hill, the Church's teachings remain unchanged, and we bishops look forward to working with the people's elected representatives to advance the common good of all," the prelate wrote.

"As Christians, and as Americans, we have the duty to treat each other with charity, respect, and civility, even if we may disagree on how to carry out matters of public policy," he said. "As a nation blessed with many gifts we must also be concerned for those outside our borders and eager to offer assistance to all."

The archbishop urged Americans to pray for President-elect Trump and all elected officials so that they might "rise to meet the responsibilities entrusted to them as they serve our country and those whom they represent."

"Let us ask for the intercession of our Blessed Mother, the patroness of our nation, that she guide to uphold the common good of all and promote the dignity of the human person, especially the most vulnerable among us, including the unborn, the poor, the stranger, the elderly and infirm, and migrants," he said. 

The 2024 election results capped what was effectively a four-year effort by Trump to retake the White House after he lost his first reelection bid to President Joe Biden in 2020. Trump became the first president in nearly 130 years to win a second presidential term nonconsecutively.

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CNA Staff, Nov 6, 2024 / 11:45 am (CNA).

Kentucky, Nebraska, and Colorado voted on school choice ballot measures on Tuesday. While the measure in Colorado has not yet been called, voters are on pace to reject school choice in each state.

Kentucky

With more than 95% of votes counted, Kentucky voters rejected an amendment by an almost 2-1 margin that would have allowed funding for charter schools.

Charter schools in Kentucky are currently legal but not funded by the state. Kentucky Amendment 2, the "Education Opportunities Constitution Amendment," would have allowed the state to provide state funding to students outside of public schools. The amendment would have allowed consideration of a voucher program for students to attend private and parochial schools.

Kentucky's constitution only allows state funding to go toward "common schools," generally interpreted as public schools. If passed, the amendment would have explicitly allowed the government to give "financial support for the education of students outside the system of common schools" for K–12 students, according to the amendment text.

Kentucky school choice advocates have tried to pass funding for charter schools in recent years, but the Kentucky Supreme Court has shut down both attempts.

The coalition opposing the Kentucky charter school amendment spent almost four times as much as supporters.

Nebraska

Nebraska voters repealed a recent school choice scholarship voucher program that established a $10 million fund for scholarships in about a 57-42 vote.

The school choice program, LB 1402, provided scholarships to students to attend qualifying private schools, including parochial schools, with a high priority for students in foster care, students experiencing bullying or harassment, and students in need of special education as well as low-income and lower-middle-class families. It was designed to enable students to apply for and receive scholarships to private schools through scholarship granting organizations.

Support Our Schools, which supported the repeal, had $7.42 million in funding, mostly from the National Education Association and the Nebraska State Education Association. The group working against the repeal, Keep Kids First, had only $1.45 million in funding.   

Colorado 

Colorado voters are on track to reject a school choice amendment with about 72% of votes counted, but the New York Times and The Colorado Sun have yet to call it. 

Colorado Amendment 80 would have established a right to school choice in the state constitution. It needed 55% support to pass. At the time of publication, it only had about 47.9% in favor and about 52% against. 

The school choice amendment would have enshrined a "right to school choice" in the state constitution for K–12 students. Amendment 80 defined school choice as including "neighborhood schools, charter schools, private schools, home schools, open enrollment options, and future innovations in education." The amendment would have given parents "the right to direct the education of their children" while ensuring that all children "have the right to equal opportunity to access a quality education."

Colorado students currently may apply to public schools outside their district or to one of the state's more than 260 charter schools. 

The amendment would have opened up the possibility of school choice programs at parochial schools.

While the Catholic bishops came out in support of school choice, a Colorado home schooling group, Christian Home Educators of Colorado, argued that the measure could lead to "increased government interference" due to its phrasing.

Executive Director of the Colorado Catholic Conference Brittany Vessely told CNA that "the Colorado Catholic Conference of Bishops is disappointed in the loss of Amendment 80." 

"Amendment 80 aligned with Catholic social teaching: to ensure that parents are permitted to select the best education option(s) for their children and each person of every age has a right to education," she explained. "This includes using a portion of state funding for parents to direct to the learning option that best fits the needs of their child." 

"Because of this loss, it is likely that the anti-school choice majorities in the state Legislature will continue to attack Colorado's current school choice options, including charter schools, and erode the rights of conscience and expression for parochial education providers and parents who choose options other than traditional public schools," Vessely noted.

School choice in the U.S.

These votes against school choice bucked the ongoing trend in the U.S. in favor of school choice following a record year in 2023, when 20 states expanded school choice programs, with 11 states enacting "universal" school choice by allowing all students to use state tuition assistance to attend nonpublic schools.

School choice advocates argue that school choice helps parents make the best decision for their parents.  

"Ensuring a quality education for our children is a fundamental duty and right every parent shares," Alleigh Marré, the executive director of American Parents Coalition, a parents' rights group based in Washington, D.C., told CNA.

"Whether it be gender-related policy for sports teams and bathrooms or curriculum that's focused on the activist political issue du jour, school choice is an extremely important issue that gives parents the flexibility to make the best possible decision for their children and family," Marré said.

This story was updated on Nov. 6, 2024, at 2:20 p.m. ET with the statement from the Colorado Catholic Conference.

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Rome Newsroom, Nov 6, 2024 / 12:15 pm (CNA).

European leaders expressed readiness to work with Donald Trump following his historic reelection, emphasizing transatlantic cooperation and shared values while acknowledging challenges ahead.

Trump secured 277 electoral votes and a popular vote margin of 5 million to defeat Democratic challenger Vice President Kamala Harris, becoming the first U.S. president in nearly 130 years to win a nonconsecutive term.

In her congratulatory message, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen affirmed the importance of EU-U.S. relations.

"The EU and the U.S. are more than just allies. We are bound by a true partnership between our people, uniting 800 million citizens," von der Leyen wrote on X, calling for work on "a strong transatlantic agenda."

French President Emmanuel Macron offered congratulations in three languages — French, English, and German — emphasizing a commitment to cooperation "with your convictions and mine. With respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity."

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described Italy and the United States as "sister nations" connected by "an unshakeable alliance, common values, and historic friendship."

"It is a strategic bond that I am certain we will strengthen even further," Meloni added.

The reactions came as Trump declared victory early Wednesday morning in Florida, promising to "deliver the strong, safe, and prosperous America that our children deserve."

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized Germany's role as a "reliable transatlantic partner," particularly regarding what he described as Russia's threat to security in the Euro-Atlantic region. "Germany and the USA are bound by a partnership and friendship that has grown over decades," Scholz wrote on X. "We are better off together. Together we can achieve much more than on our own."

The chancellor also called for closer European unity, noting he would work with French President Emmanuel Macron to coordinate with other EU leaders in upcoming meetings in Budapest.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has maintained closer ties with Trump than many European leaders, was among the first to congratulate the president-elect, calling it "the biggest comeback in U.S. political history" and a "much-needed victory for the world!"

Several European leaders highlighted shared democratic values and mutual interests, even as analysts note potential tensions over issues like NATO funding and climate policy that marked Trump's first term.

NATO chief Mark Rutte wrote on X that he had congratulated Trump on his win, adding that his leadership is "key" to keeping the NATO alliance strong.

"I look forward to working with him again to advance peace through strength through #NATO," he said.

Ukraine and Israel's leaders also signaled their desire to continue close alliances with the U.S., as Trump returns to the White House after making promises to end the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East through an "America First" approach.

In a statement on X congratulating Trump on his presidential win, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Trump's reelection offers "a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America."

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, president of Ukraine, pointed to a September meeting with Trump at which they discussed "the Ukraine-U.S. strategic partnership, the Victory Plan, and ways to put an end to Russian aggression against Ukraine."

"I appreciate President Trump's commitment to the 'peace through strength' approach in global affairs," Zelenskyy said, adding that they "rely on continued strong bipartisan support for Ukraine in the United States."

The president-elect selected Catholic convert and Ohio Sen. JD Vance as his running mate. During the campaign, Trump actively courted Catholic voters, launching a "Catholics for Trump" coalition emphasizing religious liberty, traditional values, and pro-life positions.

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Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Nov 6, 2024 / 12:45 pm (CNA).

The Republican Party will control the United States Senate with a 52-48 majority, which could grow as votes continue to be tallied in five narrowly contested state races.

As of Wednesday morning, Republicans had secured victories in three Senate seats previously held by Democrats: one in West Virginia, one in Montana, and one in Ohio.

Republicans held on to all of the Senate seats they controlled heading into Election Day, guaranteeing that the party will have at least 52 seats and Democrats will have no more than 48. 

Five Senate races are still too close to call as votes continue to be tallied. All are currently held by Democrats. Those races are in Pennsylvania, Nevada, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Arizona.

The House of Representatives is too close to call, but Republicans have won at least 197 seats as of Wednesday morning and Democrats have won at least 177 seats. A House majority requires 218 seats — and there are 61 that have yet to be called. 

Guaranteed Republican flips

West Virginia: The most decisive Republican flip in the Senate came out of West Virginia — where Gov. Jim Justice won the open seat by more than a 40-point margin, securing about 69% of the vote. His opponent, former Wheeling mayor Glenn Elliott, only received 28% of the votes. 

"West Virginians are the best of the best and I love them with all my soul," Justice said in his victory speech.

West Virginia was widely seen as a likely Republican pickup after incumbent Sen. Joe Manchin announced he would not seek reelection and the popular governor of the state decided to enter the race. Manchin, a former governor, was first elected to the Senate in a 2010 special election and was reelected twice.

Montana: The second most decisive flip for Republicans was in Montana, where 38-year-old businessman Tim Sheehy defeated incumbent Sen. Jon Tester by about an eight-point margin. With 87% of the vote tallied, the Republican challenger secured about 53% of the vote and the incumbent Democrat received only 45%. Sheehy tallied about 40,000 votes more than Tester as of Wednesday morning. 

"We the People made our voices heard; we completed our mission; and now we will secure our children's future and save America together!" Sheehy wrote on X.

Tester was first elected to the Senate in 2006 and had represented Montana for three terms before this defeat. 

Ohio: Republicans also flipped the Senate seat in Ohio as Bernie Moreno, a 57-year-old businessman, defeated incumbent Sen. Sherrod Brown. The Republican challenger secured about 50% of the vote and the Democratic challenger fell about four points short, garnering only 46% of the electorate. 

"I am so grateful to Ohioans for their resounding support in this race," Moreno said in a news release. "I look forward to working with the new Republican Senate majority to fix our economy, secure our border, and return to American strength at home and abroad." 

Brown was also first elected to the Senate in 2006 and had represented Ohio for three terms before his defeat.

States too close to call

Five Senate seats that are currently held by Democrats are too close to call. As of Wednesday morning, Republicans hold narrow leads in two of them and Democrats hold narrow leads in the other three.

Pennsylvania: With more than 95% of the vote tallied in Pennsylvania, Republican challenger Dave McCormick is leading three-term incumbent Democratic Sen. Bob Casey Jr. by just over three-quarters of a percentage point.

McCormick, a businessman, has about 49.1% of the votes currently tallied and Casey has 48.3%. As of Wednesday morning, McCormick is ahead by slightly less than 50,000 votes.

Nevada: With 84% of the vote tallied in Nevada, Republican challenger and Afghanistan war veteran Sam Brown is ahead of incumbent first-term Sen. Jacky Rosen. 

Brown is leading by less than one-tenth of a percentage point as of Wednesday morning with about 47.3% of the vote compared with Rosen's 47.2% of the electorate. His current lead is fewer than 1,000 votes.

Michigan: The open Senate seat in Michigan is also hotly contested. Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin holds a narrow lead of less than one-fifth of a percentage point over former Republican Rep. Mike Rogers. With more than 95% of the vote tallied, Slotkin has 48.55% of the vote and Rogers has 48.37% of the electorate.

As of Wednesday morning, Slotkin's lead is fewer than 10,000 votes. 

Wisconsin: With more than 95% of the vote counted in Wisconsin, incumbent Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin leads Republican challenger and businessman Eric Hovde by more than four-fifths of a percentage point. Baldwin has nearly 49.4% of the vote and Hovde has just over 48.5%. 

Decision Desk HQ has called the race for Baldwin, but most organizations still see the race as too close to call. Baldwin has declared victory, but Hovde has not conceded. Baldwin leads Hovde by nearly 40,000 votes. 

Arizona: In Arizona's open Senate seat, Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego leads Republican Kari Lake by less than three percentage points. Because only 60% of the votes have been counted as of Wednesday morning, the race remains too close to call. 

Gallego holds about 50.4% of the vote and Lake holds about 47.5%. The Democrat has a lead of more than 60,000 votes.

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CNA Staff, Nov 6, 2024 / 13:15 pm (CNA).

Voters in Nebraska approved a measure Tuesday to require all Nebraska businesses to offer their employees one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, a new policy that will go into effect on Oct. 1, 2025.

"Paid Sick Leave for Nebraskans," Initiative 436, qualified for the ballot in mid-August after a robust signature campaign, which was funded in large part by a national progressive group. The measure passed overwhelmingly, with roughly 75% voting in favor. 

The measure mandates that employers offer up to five days (40 hours) of paid sick leave per year for businesses with fewer than 20 employees, or seven days (56 hours) for businesses with 20 or more employees.

The measure's passage comes after several paid sick leave proposals repeatedly failed in the Nebraska Legislature. As of 2023, 15 states and the District of Columbia offer some amount of paid sick leave, according to the health policy group KFF. 

The Nebraska Catholic Conference, which advocates for policy on behalf of the state's bishops, had encouraged Catholics to give the proposal their attention and consideration. 

"We encourage all Catholics to strongly review the paid sick leave ballot proposal. Catholic social teaching places a strong emphasis on human dignity, the good of the family, and the dignity of work," Tom Venzor, executive director of the Nebraska Catholic Conference, said in a statement to CNA.

"It's important that Catholics properly form their conscience on these matters and exercise their right to vote in a way that upholds the common good."

The policy of paid sick leave isn't specifically mentioned in the Church's teachings. However, the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, a 2004 document that compiles the Church's various teachings on labor, devotes an entire section to "rest from work," which mainly pertains to the importance of employers giving workers the opportunity to observe the Sabbath rest. 

"Rest from work is a right. … As God 'rested on the seventh day from all the work which he had done' (Gen 2:2), so too men and women, created in his image, are to enjoy sufficient rest and free time that will allow them to tend to their family, cultural, social, and religious life," the document says.

"Public authorities have the duty to ensure that, for reasons of economic productivity, citizens are not denied time for rest and divine worship. Employers have an analogous obligation regarding their employees."

On Election Day, Nebraska voters also approved medical marijuana and rejected a measure that would have expanded abortion, instead approving one that restricts abortion after roughly 12 weeks of pregnancy. 

The "Protect Women and Children" amendment, Initiative 434, will amend the state constitution to outlaw abortion "in the second and third trimesters" except in cases of medical emergencies or when the baby is the result of rape or incest. The measure passed roughly 55-45. 

Meanwhile, voters rejected a pro-abortion ballot measure, Initiative 439, which would have enshrined in the state constitution the "right" to have an abortion until the point of viability or later to protect the health of the pregnant woman.

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CNA Staff, Nov 6, 2024 / 13:45 pm (CNA).

Missourians on Tuesday voted to overturn the state's near-ban on abortion and enshrine a provision guaranteeing "reproductive freedom" in the state constitution. 

Voters narrowly approved Amendment 3 on Nov. 5, which adds a "fundamental right to reproductive freedom" to the state constitution, threatening to undo decades of pro-life gains.

Missouri was one of the first states to fully ban abortion after the fall of Roe v. Wade in 2022 and has not had a functioning abortion clinic within its borders for years. 

The measure prohibits "any regulation of abortion, including regulations designed to protect women undergoing abortions and prohibit any civil or criminal recourse against anyone who performs an abortion and hurts or kills the pregnant women," according to the secretary of state's office. 

It mandates that the government "shall not deny or infringe upon a person's fundamental right to reproductive freedom," including "prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, birth control, abortion care, miscarriage care, and respectful birthing conditions." 

The amendment is set to come into effect Dec. 6, teeing up years of litigation as pro-abortion advocates are expected to sue to remove each of Missouri's pro-life protections in light of the new constitutional provision. 

The amendment's appearance on the ballot was the subject of a protracted court battle earlier this year, with pro-lifers arguing that the final proposed language not only violated state law by failing to list which laws it would repeal but also mislead voters about the scope and gravity of what they would be voting for. The Missouri Supreme Court ultimately voted 4-3 to allow the measure to appear before voters. 

Missouri law currently extends protection to unborn babies throughout all of pregnancy with the only exception being cases of "medical emergency."

Down, but not out

Catholic and pro-life groups reacted to the news of Amendment 3's passage with dismay but expressed a commitment to continue to fight the liberalization of Missouri's abortion laws in court. 

The Missouri Catholic Conference (MCC), which advocates policy on behalf of the state's Catholic bishops, had previously called Amendment 3 "an extreme constitutional amendment that legalizes abortion at any stage of pregnancy with no protections for the preborn child, even when the child is capable of feeling pain."

MCC issued a statement Nov. 6 expressing sadness that voters had chosen not to safeguard the vulnerable, emphasizing the Church's commitment to protecting the dignity of all human life, particularly women and children. 

Tuesday's result is "not the end of our work," the bishops noted. 

"We reaffirm our commitment to walking with mothers and fathers facing unforeseen pregnancies, along with parents facing hardship in their pregnancies. For those women who have been wounded by abortion, the Church will continue to provide true hope and healing," they continued. 

"We are grateful to the Catholic faithful, clergy, and all people of goodwill who worked tirelessly in this election to uphold the dignity of the human person. It is important to remember that we are called by our faith to continue to promote and proclaim the inherent dignity of all. Let us continue to pray and work for a greater recognition of the gift of each and every human life in our society."

A spokeswoman for Missouri Stands With Women, the main pro-life political group opposing the amendment, told CNA that it plans to continue its advocacy efforts in the state despite being massively outfunded by the pro-abortion lobby. 

"This is not the result we wanted but despite being outspent by millions of dollars, life won in the majority of Missouri counties," Stephanie Bell noted. 

"Our work to protect the safety of women and the dignity of life continues. Life supporters will not sit back and watch as Big Abortion works to dismantle all the health and safety protections put in place to protect women and babies. We will continue to fight and ultimately be victorious against the forces who see no value in life."

Mary Catherine Martin, senior counsel at the Thomas More Society, a Catholic law firm that challenged the amendment in court, signaled the firm's readiness to engage in further legal action.

"Missourians have been tragically deceived by a dazzling misinformation campaign funded by out-of-state millionaires and other mega-corporations that will profit from giving abortions and gender 'care' to Missouri women and children," Martin said in a statement.

"The Thomas More Society will not abandon Missouri in this post-Amendment 3 world. We stand ready to help defend the rights of Missouri's parents, women, children, and babies, against the assaults that are planned by the proponents of Amendment 3."

Mary Elizabeth Coleman, a Missouri state senator who joined the lawsuit challenging the amendment, expressed commitment to further political action, including the possibility of bringing another abortion vote to the people of Missouri. 

"This won't be the last time Missourians vote on so-called 'reproductive rights,' which has been co-opted by the left to include gender-transition surgeries for kids without parental consent, and I will do everything in my power to ensure that vote happens," Coleman said. 

Deacon Sam Lee, a St. Louis-based pro-life lobbyist who works with Missouri Stands With Women, told CNA late last week that Catholics in Missouri intensified their prayer efforts in the last days before the election. 

Notably, Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski of St. Louis urged all Catholics to participate in prayer and fasting leading up to the election, personally leading a special Mass and Holy Hour at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis on Nov. 3.

Lee last week described seeing numerous "No on Amendment 3" yard signs displayed by Catholics in the St. Louis area. He also said he has been encouraging Catholics to educate their family members, friends, and neighbors about the amendment and its implications, aiming to counter the influence of the well-funded pro-abortion organizations supporting Amendment 3.

The deacon previously told CNA that the broad language of "reproductive freedom" could have unintended consequences beyond abortion, such as enshrining a right for minors to seek gender-transition procedures without parental consent. 

Elsewhere on Election Day, voters in Florida, Nebraska, and South Dakota voted down major pro-abortion proposals, marking the first victories at the ballot box for pro-life advocates since the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Seven other states, including Missouri, saw voters approve measures to expand abortion.

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Buenos Aires, Argentina, Nov 6, 2024 / 14:15 pm (CNA).

The "No to Trafficking" Team of the Argentine bishops' National Commission for Justice and Peace has issued a statement hailing the country's Supreme Court ruling in a case involving surrogate motherhood.

The court rejected the request of a "married" male couple who had contracted with a woman for a child and wanted to be registered as the parents instead of the birth mother, which the bishops' commission called in a statement an "unprecedented exemplary ruling."

The statement noted that "the mother is the one who gives birth, regardless of the subjective self-representations and private wishes of third parties."

Furthermore, "taking into account all the rights that are involved" in relation to surrogacy, and in order to "limit any potential regulation to not affect the most vulnerable, that is, poor women and children processed as objects of desire," the Supreme Court urged the nation's Legislature to "correct the lack of regulation" on the subject.

This is the first time the Argentine Supreme Court has ruled on a case involving surrogacy.

The ruling rejected a legal action by a homosexual "married couple" who turned to a woman to bear a child and then requested from the judges a new birth certificate that challenged the woman as the parent so that they would be considered the parents of the newborn.

Thus the child was registered as the son of the woman who gave birth and of one of the contracting couple, who had given his prior consent.

The ruling makes it clear that in this matter there is no "legal vacuum" in Argentina and that surrogate motherhood or so-called "rent-a-womb" is a practice contrary to the law.

For the No to Trafficking Team, which is committed to "raising awareness and making visible the nature and dehumanizing effects of this new form of trafficking for the purpose of reproductive exploitation and child trafficking," it is "timely and necessary to issue a statement, which will be a light and educational guide for our community regarding this harmful and inhumane form of human trafficking."

The topic was also addressed by Nicolás Lafferriere, who holds a doctorate in legal sciences, on his program "Por la Vida" ("For Life") on Radio María, who pointed out that the persons involved did not ask for prior legal authorization for the surrogacy and that, according to this court ruling, "people cannot make contracts to change the rules of filiation; that is, how maternal, paternal, and filial ties are established."

On the other hand, despite recognizing the "procreative will," Laferriere pointed out that this has a limit and that limit, set by law, is surrogacy or rent-a-womb.

"This ruling puts an end to a series of court rulings that have occurred throughout the country, generally very favorable to surrogacy but outside the text of the law. So the court, in some way, is aware of this, and here it sets a stop, sets a limit," he pointed out.

"The judge, when the law is clear, cannot put his own criteria above the criteria of the law, and in some way it puts a limit on all those rulings that over the last few years have been legitimizing surrogacy in our country," the lawyer said.

The Catholic Church and surrogacy

The document Dignitas Infinita, published in April by the Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith with the approval of Pope Francis, lists 13 serious violations of human dignity.

Among them, it states in No. 48 that "the Church also takes a stand against the practice of surrogacy, through which the immensely worthy child becomes a mere object." 

"First and foremost, the practice of surrogacy violates the dignity of the child" and "the dignity of the woman, whether she is coerced into it or chooses to subject herself to it freely," the document states.

"In this practice, the woman is detached from the child growing in her and becomes a mere means subservient to the arbitrary gain or desire of others," the dicastery explains.

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA's Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.

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Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Nov 6, 2024 / 09:20 am (CNA).

Measures to legalize marijuana were defeated in three of the four states where it was on the ballot. Attempts to legalize recreational use of the drug came up short in Florida, North Dakota, and South Dakota on Election Day, while two measures authorizing medical use in Nebraska succeeded. 

Additionally, Massachusetts voters decided against a measure that had aimed to legalize psychedelics.

Catholic bishops across the United States have urged Catholic voters throughout the election cycle to cast their votes against marijuana legalization initiatives. 

Read the following to see details on the results of each ballot measure. 

Amendment 3 in Florida

The constitutional amendment that would have authorized recreational marijuana in the Sunshine State has failed, coming up short of the requisite 60% approval to pass, with about 55.9% approval, according to results available at the time of publication. 

Amendment 3 sought to legalize purchase, possession, and use of up to 3 ounces of recreational marijuana and up to 5 ounces of marijuana concentrate for adults 21 years or older. It would have also facilitated both medical and "other state-licensed entities" to buy, cultivate, and sell marijuana and marijuana accessories. 

Gov. Ron DeSantis, who had actively campaigned against the measure, declared the amendment's failure to secure a 60% majority at 8 p.m. Tuesday.

DeSantis had avidly opposed the passage of Amendment 3, describing it as a corporate money grab from the weed industry. 

"Amendment 3 is bankrolled by one Big Weed company that has buried special privileges for itself in the text of the amendment," he wrote in a social media post leading up to Election Day. "It's not about freedom, it's about corporate greed."

The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops released a statement ahead of Election Day urging Catholics to vote no on Amendment 3.

"Legalizing marijuana makes it more accessible, removes the criminal penalties and stigma attributable to it, and creates the impression that it is safe to use," the bishops wrote. "Taken together, these factors ultimately lead to increased use of the drug — by as much as 20% in adults." 

The bishops also included a statement from Pope Francis at the 31st International Drug Enforcement Conference in June 2014. "The problem of drug use is not solved with drugs!" the Holy Father stated emphatically. "Drug addiction is an evil, and with evil there can be no yielding or compromise."

Initiative Measures 437 and 438 in Nebraska 

Both measures seeking to legalize and regulate medical marijuana have passed in Nebraska with support from over 70% of voters.

Measure 437 decriminalizes the possession of up to 5 ounces of medical marijuana, while Measure 438 removes penalties for distribution of the substance and establishes a regulatory board to oversee it. Patients over 18 could obtain up to 5 ounces of medical marijuana at the recommendation of a medical professional. Patients under 18 could also be authorized with written parental consent.

Nebraska and Idaho are the only two states that have yet to pass legislation that permits some form of medical marijuana possession.

Measure 5 in North Dakota 

As of this morning, results show that North Dakota's ballot measure proposing the legalization of recreational marijuana has failed.

Measure 5 was defeated after securing only 47% approval.

Had it passed, the measure would have sanctioned possession of up to 1 ounce of marijuana flower, 4 grams of cannabinoid concentrate, up to 1,500 mg of THC in the form of cannabinoid products, and 300 mg of edibles. Individuals would also have authorization to possess three plants each and up to six plants per household.

Under the measure, the state Legislature would have had to establish a department or agency to regulate the production and distribution of marijuana products. This department would have been allowed to sanction up to seven cultivation facilities and 18 marijuana retailers. 

North Dakota previously rejected measures related to legalizing marijuana in 2018 by 59% and 2022 by 55%. 

"Marijuana is not the harmless drug that some imagine it to be," the bishops of North Dakota wrote in a statement ahead of the election opposing the measure. "Regular marijuana use is also associated with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and suicide," they pointed out. "Significant numbers of users become addicted to marijuana, and it often serves as a gateway to even harder drugs."

Initiated Measure 29 in South Dakota 

South Dakota's measure on recreational marijuana use also appears to have failed, according to the latest polling at the time of publication. At the time of publication, results showed just 44% approval for the measure. 

Measure 29 sought to legalize recreational use, possession, and distribution of marijuana for individuals 21 and over. Under the measure, possession would be limited to 2 ounces of marijuana, 16 grams of concentrated cannabis, and 1,600 mg of THC in the form of cannabis products. Individuals would also be authorized to possess up to six plants each but no more than 12 plants per household. 

The measure placed limits on the use of marijuana in public areas where minors are present, such as preschools, elementary schools, high schools, and juvenile detention centers, as well as any public spaces where smoking tobacco is also prohibited. 

"As Christians, we must carefully consider how "recreational" marijuana legalization will affect the welfare of individuals and the common good," bishops in South Dakota said ahead of Election Day in a joint statement regarding the measure.

"There is a widespread perception in society today that marijuana is a harmless drug," they added. "This perception is radically at odds with the available evidence."

Question 4 on psychedelics in Massachusetts

A ballot initiative in Massachusetts that sought to legalize psychedelic drugs also appears to have failed after securing less than 45% approval. 

Question 4 is an indirectly initiated state statute on the Massachusetts ballot that would have legalized certain "natural" psychedelic substances and created an advisory board to regulate licensing and distribution. Currently, psychedelics are only legal in Oregon and Colorado. 

The measure permitted individuals 21 and over to possess, grow, and use natural psychedelic substances that derive from plants or fungi, such as Ibogaine and psilocybin.

Bishop Robert Joseph McManus of Worcester released a fact sheet on the measure last month in a letter to Catholic priests in the diocese. In it, he instructed them to urge the faithful to vote against the measure. 

"The use of such natural drugs can alter one's perception of reality, cause extreme feelings of euphoria or despair, and can worsen mental health issues," McManus wrote, further describing the measure as "reckless, irresponsible, and dangerous to the public."

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CNA Staff, Nov 6, 2024 / 10:15 am (CNA).

Voters in Florida, Nebraska, and South Dakota on Tuesday night voted down major pro-abortion proposals in their states, while seven other states saw voters approve measures to expand abortion, in several cases codifying abortion access into the state constitution.

After back-to-back pro-life losses in half a dozen states since 2022, the rejection of the pro-abortion measures in three states on Tuesday represent the first victories at the ballot box for pro-life advocates since the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

Meanwhile, several states that already do little to restrict abortion committed to make the procedure even more accessible. And in a handful of states, notably Missouri, Tuesday's results could ultimately negate the strong pro-life legal protections currently in place.

Here's a breakdown of the results in each state that voted on abortion Nov. 5.

Arizona codifies abortion as a 'fundamental right'

Voters in Arizona definitively approved Proposition 139, which provides constitutionally for a "fundamental right to abortion." The measure says the state cannot restrict abortion until the point of "viability," at approximately 24 weeks of pregnancy, unless it has a compelling reason and does so in the least restrictive way possible.

The measure also prevents the state from interfering with abortions after viability if, in the good faith judgment of a treating health care professional, an abortion is "necessary to protect the life or physical or mental health of the pregnant individual."

The measure will undo Arizona's current abortion law, which restricts most abortions after 15 weeks. 

The Arizona Catholic Conference, representing the state's bishops, had in late August released a statement expressing "strong opposition" to Proposition 139, saying that despite its claims to be "moderate in nature," the language of the proposal would make Arizona "one of the most extreme states in terms of abortion."

Colorado solidifies its abortion bona fides

Already one of the most permissive states in the country in terms of abortion, Colorado voters approved Amendment 79, which enshrines in the state constitution the state laws already in place that allow abortion through all nine months of pregnancy.

Specifically, it amends the state constitution to say that the government "shall not deny, impede, or discriminate against the exercise of the right to abortion, including prohibiting health insurance coverage for abortion."

The Colorado Catholic Conference had strongly urged all people to vote no on Amendment 79, noting that among other things, it could open the door for direct taxpayer funding for abortion.

Florida rebuffs abortion lobby, keeps pro-life protections in place

Pro-life advocates expressed elation early in the night Nov. 5 as Florida voters rejected Amendment 4, which would have added a right to abortion before the point of "viability" to the state's constitution and allowed for abortions later in pregnancy if a woman's doctor deems it necessary to end the life of her child. 

The pro-abortion lobby poured more than $100 million into Florida in an effort to enshrine abortion in the state constitution and negate the state's Heartbeat Protection Act, one of the most pro-life laws in the country, which restricts abortion after six weeks of pregnancy with limited exceptions.

The measure failed after garnering 57% of the vote; it needed 60% to pass. The measure was strongly opposed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Catholic Church in Florida.

The pro-abortion amendment would have directed that "no law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient's health." It offered no guidelines in determining a patient's "health," rather leaving that assessment up to "the patient's health care provider.

On Tuesday night, the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops said it was "profoundly relieved at the defeat of Florida's pro-abortion Amendment 4."

"This is a positive outcome for Florida and all efforts to promote the flourishing of our state," the bishops said.

The bishops noted that though the amendment failed, "a majority of Floridians voting in the general election supported it."

"Much work remains to open hearts and minds to the dignity and goodness of life in the womb and at every stage," the bishops continued. "We will continue to proclaim in our churches and in the public square the value of every human life and to highlight that there is a better way forward for women, families, and society than abortion." 

Maryland overwhelmingly codifies abortion

Similar to Colorado, Maryland does little to protect unborn children and the measure approved by voters on Tuesday codifies its already permissive abortion laws into the state constitution. 

The Maryland Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment, or Question 1, cements an abortion "right" in the state's constitution and will make it impossible for pro-life laws to be enacted, advocates say. Maryland voters overwhelmingly approved the measure, with roughly 75% voting yes. 

Maryland currently places no gestational limits on abortion. Parental notice is required for a minor to have an abortion, but critics say that requirement is easy to circumvent.

The Catholic bishops of Maryland had warned that "a vote against the constitutional amendment is a vote for women and justice" — while acknowledging that "nothing regarding abortion would change in Maryland if this amendment does not pass."

Missouri votes to undo pro-life protections

Missouri was one of the first states to fully ban abortion after the fall of Roe v. Wade. On Tuesday, voters narrowly approved Amendment 3, which adds a "fundamental right to reproductive freedom" to the state constitution, threatening to undo decades of pro-life gains. 

Missouri's Amendment 3 prohibits "any regulation of abortion, including regulations designed to protect women undergoing abortions and prohibit any civil or criminal recourse against anyone who performs an abortion and hurts or kills the pregnant women," according to the secretary of state's office. 

It mandates that the government "shall not deny or infringe upon a person's fundamental right to reproductive freedom," including "prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, birth control, abortion care, miscarriage care, and respectful birthing conditions."

The amendment's appearance on the ballot was the subject of a court battle, with pro-lifers arguing that the final proposed language not only violated state law by failing to list which laws it would repeal but also mislead voters about the scope and gravity of what they would be voting for. The Missouri Supreme Court ultimately voted 4-3 to allow the measure to appear before voters. 

Missouri law had extended protection to unborn babies throughout all of pregnancy with the only exception being cases of "medical emergency."

The Missouri Catholic Conference, which advocates policy on behalf of the state's Catholic bishops, has called the measure "an extreme constitutional amendment that legalizes abortion at any stage of pregnancy with no protections for the preborn child, even when the child is capable of feeling pain."

Montana enshrines pro-abortion court ruling

Voters in Montana, where abortion has been legal for years due to a court ruling, voted roughly 57-43 to establish a "right" to abortion in the state constitution. 

Ballot Issue No. 14 amends the Montana Constitution "to expressly provide a right to make and carry out decisions about one's own pregnancy, including the right to abortion," according to the secretary of state's office.

The initiative, also known as CI-128, guarantees the right to abortion before fetal viability, enshrining a 1999 Montana Supreme Court ruling that held that pre-viability abortions fall under a constitutional "right to privacy."

Montana's Catholic bishops issued a joint letter in May denouncing the proposed pro-abortion constitutional amendment, calling the initiative an attack on the "recognition of the infinite dignity enjoyed by all persons" that fails to respect "life as a precious gift from God and recognize our sacred duty to nurture and protect every human life."

On a resource page about the amendment, the bishops noted that the vast majority of the funding for the pro-abortion amendment came from organizations outside Montana.

Nebraska considers competing measures to deliver pro-life victory

Nebraska voters were in the unusual position of choosing between two competing abortion-related ballot measures, one pro-life and one pro-abortion. The voters rejected the measure that would have expanded abortion and approved one that restricts abortion after 12 weeks of pregnancy. 

The proposed "Protect Women and Children" amendment, Initiative 434, amends the state constitution to outlaw abortion "in the second and third trimesters" except in cases of medical emergencies or when the baby is the result of rape or incest. The measure passed roughly 55-45. 

Nebraska's current state law restricts abortion after roughly 12 weeks. 

Meanwhile, voters rejected the pro-abortion ballot measure, Initiative 439, which would have enshrined in the state constitution the "right" to have an abortion until the point of viability or later to protect the health of the pregnant woman.

Officials had clarified that because the Nebraska measures are mutually exclusive and could both be added to the constitution, the measure with the most "for" votes would be adopted.

Nevada takes a step toward fully codifying abortion

Nevadans approved a measure, Question 6, that if ultimately adopted will codify already-existing state laws into the state constitution that allow for abortion up to roughly 24 weeks into pregnancy.

The measure passed roughly 63-37. 

In Nevada, a simple majority vote in two consecutive elections is required for state constitutional amendments. So despite passing Nov. 5, the same measure must be approved in 2026 as well.

The Nevada Catholic Conference had urged all voters to vote no on Question 6, saying that among other things it will remove parental notification, consent, and family involvement from "all reproductive decisions for their minor children, including abortion."

New Yorkers vote to protect 'reproductive health care and autonomy'

An "equal rights" amendment will be added to the New York Constitution after voters approved it Tuesday. New York is already a haven for abortion, which is accessible through all nine months of pregnancy.

Though it does not explicitly mention abortion, New York's Proposal 1 will bar discrimination based on "pregnancy outcomes," "gender expression," and "reproductive health care and autonomy," effectively enshrining abortion in the state constitution.

On May 7, a New York state court blocked the proposal from reaching the ballot, citing procedural errors. A unanimous appellate court decision on June 18 reversed the lower court ruling, placing the measure back on the ballot.

The bishops of New York state had urged Catholic New Yorkers to oppose Proposal 1, warning that it would enshrine the right to abortion in the state constitution as well as potentially restrict parents' rights to make medical and other decisions for their minor children, including so-called "gender affirming" procedures.

South Dakota keeps abortion ban in place

By a vote of nearly 60-40, voters in South Dakota rejected a measure that would have instituted a "right" to abortion there. The measure, Amendment G, would have established "a constitutional right to an abortion," legalizing abortion for any reason during the first trimester and allowing for the regulation of abortion after that point.

Michael Pauley, executive director of the South Dakota Catholic Conference, wrote in a September column that the battle over Amendment G "is a serious matter that affects both the common good of the state and the interests of the Church."

"A 'no' vote on G gives these babies a chance to be born. But if a majority vote 'yes,' these babies will die. That is the stark choice before us. Only rarely is an issue of such eternal significance placed into our hands," Pauley wrote.

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