By Patrick Downes
Hawaii Catholic Herald
The annual mid-afternoon Rally and March for Life at the state capitol on Jan. 21 expressed a little more political resolve than usual, buoyed by references to the inauguration the day before of pro-life president George W. Bush and by the assurances of new and veteran lawmakers.
The majority of the speakers this year were politicians beginning with Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona who read President Bush’s “Presidential Proclamation on Life” which asserted the president’s support of the pro-life movement through such measures as the partial-birth abortion ban.
Several members of the state legislature took to the microphone to praise the approximately 250 assembled for their commitment to the cause. Some promised to push legislation to curtail abortion and to block efforts to legalize physician-assisted suicide.
The yearly event, sponsored by Hawaii Right to Life, marks the Jan. 22 anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion in the United States.
The crowd that gathered on the rear steps of the capitol building facing the statue of Queen Liliuokalani was a colorful assortment of old and young, in all manner of attire from business suits to T-shirts, representing different faiths.
The red “stop” signs with their anti-abortion messages were everywhere. Children held onto the strings of helium filled balloons bearing pro-life slogans. A few Knights of Columbus banners affirmed the presence of that Catholic fraternal organization.
Present in the crowd were about 10 Catholic priests, including diocesan administrator Father Thomas Gross, and a sprinkling of deacons. Several participants were in wheelchairs.
“Values mean a lot in this state,” Lt. Gov. Aiona told the demonstrators before reading the president’s brief message. “You are the people who have made that loud and clear.”
“We have a responsibility to defend the innocent and the powerless,” the lieutenant governor concluded. “Thank you for your love and courage.”
Kymberly Pine, a freshman state representative, said she had been warned that participating in the pro-life rally would jeopardize her political future. But the Catholic lawmaker said she wasn’t fazed.
“I’m not here to stay in power. I’m here to do what I believe in,” she said to cheers and applause.
She said, it is rather the anti-life politicians who should be answerable for their record.
“We need to hold these representatives and senators responsible,” Pine said. “Ensure that your voice, our voice, is heard.”
Rep. Colleen Meyer thanked the crowd for coming.
“I want to salute each and every one of you,” she said. “You have a clear vision. You are here every year and I really applaud you for that.”
She said that this year she would introduce abortion parental notification and consent legislation.
“Hawaii is one of six states in the U.S. that allows abortion without parental consent or notification,” Meyer said.
“There is so much more to do,” she said. “Let’s keep up the fight.”
Among the other lawmakers speaking were representatives William “Bud” Stonebreaker, Lynn Finnegan, Mark Moses and Michael Magaoay.
The event began with worship music by Protestant pastor David Vargas and his choir followed by a presentation of colors and the Pledge of Allegiance led by the Knights of Columbus.
Father Gordian Carvalho, pastor of St. John Apostle and Evangelist Parish in Mililani, have the opening invocation and homily. Also speaking were Janet Marlette and Gail Low of Moms United for Change and Kelly Rosati of Hawaii Family Forum.
The rally and talks concluded with a mile-and-a-half march and a blessing.