Portland, Maine, Aug 5, 2019 / 15:01 pm
A pair of petition campaigns for a people's veto referendum vote have kicked off in Maine with the support of the state's Catholic bishop, as residents attempt to repeal a law that legalizes taxypayer-funded abortion, and another one that legalizes assisted suicide.
Maine Gov. Janet Mills (D) has signed two pieces of legislation that have caught the ire of the state's pro-life and Catholic communities during her short tenure as governor. The first, LD 820, "An Act To Prevent Discrimination in Public and Private Insurance Coverage for Pregnant Women in Maine" was passed by the legislature in mid-May and was signed into law shortly thereafter.
LD 820 requires that MaineCare, the state's Medicaid program, and other insurance companies that offer plans in the state, cover abortion services if they also cover maternity benefits.
"Good citizens who diligently pay their taxes are being forced to fund abortions, with no way to avoid the reality that they are paying for an immoral act," said Bishop Robert Deeley of the Diocese of Portland in a letter to his diocese dated July 18.