Los Angeles, Calif. � "It is unacceptable that mayor-elect of Los
Angeles, Antonio Villaraigosa, continues to profess Catholicism as his
faith while acting in direct opposition to the Church's teachings on
the evil of abortion," said Joseph Starrs, director of American Life
League's Crusade for the Defense of Our Catholic Church. "As the young
adults who are participating in this year's Crusade for Life 800-mile
walk across California continue to proclaim, you can't be both
Catholic and pro-abortion."
More than a dozen young people, who hail from across the United
States, Mexico and Canada, are in the midst of a trek from San Diego
to Sacramento to speak about the incompatibility of Catholicism and
support of abortion. The group plans to peacefully protest today's
inauguration of Antonio Villaraigosa as mayor of Los Angeles.
"Villaraigosa is no friend to preborn babies," said Starrs. "According
to Planned Parenthood, the nation's largest abortion provider, while
serving as a state assemblyman Villaraigosa had a 'perfect'
pro-abortion voting record, including a vote in support of
partial-birth abortion."
The American Life League Crusade walkers will be a strong, prayerful
presence at the inauguration, holding signs and wearing t-shirts
bearing the message: "You can't be Catholic and pro-abortion."
"It is our hope that the mayor will reject his support of the violent
act of abortion," said Stevie Antonovich, a Crusade walker from
Wyoming. "We also pray that Cardinal Mahoney will speak up for the
innocent babies by instructing Mr. Villaraigosa in the clear Church
teaching that Catholics cannot support abortion in any way."
Since launching the Crusade in January 2003, American Life League has
conducted numerous ad campaigns, organized protests, and activated
Catholics across the country all to encourage the bishops of the
Church to act on this grave matter. For more information about the
walks, see www.CrusadeForLife2005.com.
Source: ALL Press Release
