Open Letter to 8 NYC Council Members

April 5, 2009

To the Honorable Tony Avella, Honorable Simcha Felder,
            Honorable Vincent Ignizio, Honorable Kenneth Mitchell,
            Honorable Eric Ulrich, Honorable James Vacca,
            Honorable Peter Vallone, and Honorable James Oddo:

This letter is to express my deep appreciation for the fortitude each one of you demonstrated last Thursday when the Clinic Access Bill 826 came before the New York City Council for a vote. This bill’s intent is clearly to criminalize peaceful pro-life witness in front of abortion clinics, and moreover, to deny women a loving alternative to abortion.

New York City has been blessed by Monsignor Philip Reily and God’s Precious Helpers. Countless women have celebrated the birthdays of their children due to the loving choice and alternative to abortion these peaceful individuals have offered outside of abortion clinics throughout our City.

I marched with the late John Cardinal O’Connor in rosary processions outside abortion clinics, and I have prayed with my ministers in front of them. Hopefully our prayer and peaceful protest has made a difference in some lives.

Last week, New York City was blessed by your courageous vote to oppose this horrible piece of legislation.

Your votes have made a difference in many lives - you have offered the gift of hope. I will pray that you will remain strong in your convictions, and trust that you will not hesitate to contact me if I can be of any assistance to you.

Respectfully,

Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz
32nd Senatorial District