Inside the Capitol

The debate over the legalization of sports gambling has intensified at the Legislature, raising concerns about the potential negative impact on individuals and communities. The Minnesota Catholic Conference stands firm in our opposition to the expansion of gambling, advocating instead for strict limitations and expansive safeguards against addiction. 

During the House floor proceedings March 25, Republican legislators tried to prioritize the restoration of religious freedom protections in the Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA) by moving to declare an urgency on the matter, which allows a bill to bypass the committee process and move right to a floor vote.

With the Minnesota Legislature midway through its 2024 legislative session and deciding what bills to advance, the state’s Catholic bishops are urging lawmakers to support legislation that serves the common good, protects religious liberty and strengthens families.

At a House Committee meeting on Feb. 29, it became clear that some Minnesota legislators not only do not respect religious beliefs, but they will also no longer tolerate them.

With the legislative session underway as of Feb. 12, your state senator and representative are back at the Minnesota State Capitol crafting bills and deliberating on legislation that impacts our lives.

On Thursday, Jan. 25, three weeks before the official start of the legislative session, the House Health Finance and Policy Committee held a hearing on HF1930, the End of Life Options Act. Medical professionals, people with disabilities, military veterans, faith leaders, and many more submitted written testimony and testified in person against the bill.

Cycles of abuse, addiction, poor health outcomes, academic under achievement and crime seem impossible to end. All too often, at the heart of these issues is the breakdown of the family.

The desire for parenthood is natural and good. Yet, infertility is a cross borne by approximately 9% of men and 11% of women, and the pain it inflicts prompts many couples to explore assisted reproductive technologies (ART). The Church in her wisdom teaches that there are ethical bounds to the conception of a child that must be safeguarded, and the scientific ability to create a child through various technological means does not make it just for the parents, child or society.