For the past few weeks, we’ve all had a front row seat at the theater playing out in Washington, DC. D.O.G.E. is making waves at the federal level. Meanwhile, “back at the ranch” some of your Maryland legislators were taking steps to de-criminalize the sale of condoms to your children. How do you feel about that?
On January 16, Del. Nicole Williams (Dist. 22) introduced House Bill 380:
FOR the purpose of repealing the prohibition on and criminal penalty related to the sale of certain contraceptives and contraceptive devices by means of a vending machine or other automatic device at certain schools; and generally relating to the sale of contraceptives and contraceptive devices in school
If passed, this bill would open the way for the installation of vending machines offering condoms and other contraceptives in not only secondary schools but also in your toddler's nursery school. When challenged, Del. Williams stated, “The sky is not gonna fall if we pass this bill.”
Here’s the relevant wording she wanted to repeal (notice the last line):
Article – Criminal Law
[10–105.
(a) A person may not sell or offer for sale a contraceptive or a contraceptive device whether or not advertised as a prophylactic, by means of a vending machine or other automatic device at a kindergarten, nursery school, or elementary or secondary school.
During a Second Reading, where changes to an original bill can be made, it was suggested the vending machines be limited to secondary schools only. While that seems like a more reasonable scenario, the alternate wording was rejected. One has to wonder why it’s so important that your preschool children have access to contraceptives.
Despite opposition, the proposed bill passed through the House and was sent to the Senate for consideration. This article on the Maryland Matters website describes what happened next.
The Senate killed the bill without even giving it a hearing. This quote from the article explains why:
“The legislation ignored Maryland’s real crises — failing schools, a crippling teacher shortage, and soaring living costs — in favor of radical social policies that strip away parental rights and expose children to inappropriate content at an unthinkably young age,” according to a statement Friday from the conservative Freedom Caucus. Republicans had argued that the bill would expose young kids to all sorts of lewd situations, and called it “one of the most extreme and unnecessary bills pushed by progressive lawmakers this session.”
HOW YOUR VOICE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE:
The General Assembly is in session each year for approximately 90 days. During that time, they must introduce, review and vote on a myriad of bills that affect the lives of Marylanders in many ways. When we vote them into office, it’s with the understanding they will represent us in carrying out our wishes while upholding our Constitutional rights. But we have a responsibility to work with them.
If you have not already done so, create an account on myMGA – the General Assembly website. This is a great way to keep up to date on what’s taking place in the Maryland state legislature. It offers a number of tools to follow what’s actually happening on issues you care about.
For example, you can:
- read the actual wording of proposed bills. You’re no longer at the mercy of “experts” telling you what to think or feel.
- follow the progress of all bills you care about through the house and senate.
- get to know who your representatives really are - how they vote, how they interact with each other and how well they stand up for your rights.
- easily access their contact information and connect with them (or their staff) to ask questions or provide your input on an issue
- submit your written or verbal opinion when a bill is coming up for a vote
- watch (either live or at your convenience) the legislative process on video
This article tells you how to get started with using these options. In addition, you’ll find some helpful videos on the General Assembly website itself.
WHAT'S NEXT?
Had HB380 passed and become law, the onus would then be on the local school boards to determine whether to allow the sale of contraceptives to your children. That raises the need to monitor your local school boards as well. What are they working on these days?
Another thing to keep in mind? The defeat of this bill is not permanent. It only takes it off the board for this legislative session. There's a good chance it could be re-introduced in the next session. All the more reason we need to stay in touch with our representatives throughout the year. What are they working on? Do they have a newsletter? If so, that's a good place to stay in touch and to stay informed.
Yes, we do our part when it comes to voting. But our responsibility doesn’t end there. There are a lot of good people in Maryland fighting for our rights. But they can’t do it alone. They need our support. At Convention of States Action, we’re committed to connecting with you on issues you care about. In addition to working toward calling an Article V amending convention, we offer tools and information on how you can make a difference at the state level. We’d love to have you join us as a volunteer. Click here to learn where you can put your talents to work.
