Tallahassee, Florida – Over the weekend on Saturday, July 30, 2011, Florida Governor Rick Scott signed a package of four pro-life bills at a ceremony in the library of the Governor’s Mansion, marking the culmination of one of the most successful legislative sessions the pro-life movement in Florida’s history.
Governor Scott was joined at the ceremony by the legislative bill sponsors and representatives from the Florida Family Policy Council, the Florida Baptist Convention and the Florida Catholic Conference. Legislators present included (pictured left to right) State Representatives Dennis Baxley, Rachel Burgin, Larry Ahern, Keith Perry, Mat Gaetz, Kelli Stargel and Elizabeth Porter.“We are grateful to have a governor that understands that being pro-life is more than just campaign rhetoric,” said John Stemberger, President of the Florida Family Policy Council. “By his actions today, Governor Rick Scott has proven himself to be a defender of life. How we treat the weakest and most vulnerable members of society says a lot about how civilized we are a people. These laws provide further protection for ‘the least of these’ in our state and Governor Scott is to be commended.” John Stemberger’s wife Olivia and his two sons attended the event as well.
“This event today is the culmination of years of work by countless pro-life members and advocates,” said Bill Warren, Policy Director of the Florida Family Policy Council. “We applaud their commitment to this cause and commend the hard work of this group of bill sponsors.”
The four bills require mothers to view an ultrasound prior to an abortion, ensure that funds collected from the sale of Choose Life license plates are quickly and efficiently distributed throughout the state, prevent the public funding of abortion and ensure that parents are informed when their minor children are pursuing an abortion.
The bills signed in the ceremony were HB 501, CS/HJR 1179, HB 97 and HB 1247.