New Haven, Conn., May 26, 2005 / 12:00 am (CNA).- President George W. Bush's decision to veto embryonic stem-cell research legislation being considered by the U.S. House of Representatives is "a principled stand in defense of human life,” said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. "This is not a partisan issue,” said Anderson. “The bill is sponsored by a member of the president's own party, and unfortunately many members of both parties do not appreciate the grave moral issues that are at stake.”

In a letter to House leaders, outlining administration policy, the White House declares that the bill, H.R. 810, "would require federal taxpayer dollars to be used to encourage the ongoing destruction of nascent human life. The bill would compel all American taxpayers to pay for research that relies on the intentional destruction of human embryos for the derivation of stem cells.”

"The president's strong stand on behalf of society's most vulnerable members is heartening for everyone in the pro-life movement," Anderson concluded.

The Knights of Columbus have 1.7 million members.

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