Daily Archives: January 23, 2014

At Large By Rina Jimenez-David Philippine Daily Inquirer

I must have led a blameless life, I quipped to my companions as we stood outside the Pasay City Hall of Justice Wednesday afternoon. For the first time in my life, I was going to enter a court room and experience a court hearing, and what do you know, the case involved an issue concerning reproductive healthand free speech, freedom of assembly, and freedom of religion, even.

The case involved a petition for a temporary restraining order against the Asia Pacific Conference on Reproductive and Sexual Health Rights being held at the Philippine International Convention Center (today, Friday, is the last day).

In the petition filed by Pro-Life Philippines Foundation Inc., it was alleged that if the conference, which involves about 1,500 participants from all over the Asia and Pacific region, including the Philippines, would be allowed to push through, it would result in offenses against decency, good customs and public policy.

The petitioners zeroed in on two workshops that were to take place yesterday: one on Womens Right to Safe Abortion Services, and another on Access to Medical Abortion. As the counsel from Pro-Life insisted, because abortion is illegal in our statutes, holding such workshops is likewise illegal in this country, much less in a government-owned (PICC is owned and managed by the central bank) facility.

The petition, let me point out, was filed on the eve of the conferences opening, and if the TRO had been granted, it would have led to the padlocking of the PICC premises, and, to my mind, the blackening of the image of the Philippines not just to the numerous foreign delegates, but to the whole world, laying to waste our Department of Tourisms drive to promote conference tourism.

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Though initially fazed, the conference organizers decided to fight the petition in court and contacted friends in the legal profession to come to their defense.

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Free speech and RH

State Rep. Greg Hughes (R-Draper), lawyer Max Miller and director of the Institute for Justice Washington Chapter Bill Maurer debate free speech within campaign finance. Photo by Erin Burns.

In a forum yesterday, commentators at the Hinckley Institute discussed the regulations of free speech within campaign finance. The debate stemmed from controversy about HB 43, signed by Gov. Gary Herbert in April 2013.

The bill maintains the previously unlimited financial donations to non-profits but instates a full disclosure policy. This includes the donors name, address, employer and if the donor agreed to allow their money to be used for political purposes. The bills sponsor, State Rep. Gregory Hughes (R-Draper) defended it.

[The policy] would create transparency for voters, Hughes said.

Speaking against this policy was Bill Maurer, director of the Institute for JusticeWashington Chapter. He stated donors to political campaigns have a right to remain anonymous. Maurer said the policy would be harmful to donors and the political system because it creates a potential for harassment if the database is accessible to the public.

People assume disclosure is relatively benign, Maurer said. Its not.

Max Miller, a lawyer for more than 40 years, asked Maurer if the Institute for Justice would file a lawsuit against the policy. Maurer stated the Institute is not currently pursuing one.

There are ways to improve HB 43 that would make it better from a First Amendment standpoint, Maurer said. But he believes the bill should be scrapped altogether.

Hughes disagreed and said the policy creates an equal playing field for corporations.

I didnt see this country become what it is in this anonymous sort of way, Hughes said. Stand up for what you believe in, get out there and say this is how I think things ought to be.

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Politicos debate free speech rights

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) January 23, 2014

California Exotic Novelties, the global leader of innovation in adult novelties, is crowned Novelty Company of the Year by the Free Speech Coalition.

Were so deeply touched by this amazing honor, says Susan Colvin, President and CEO of California Exotic Novelties. Thank you to Diane Duke and everyone from the Free Speech Coalition. You do such a great service to our industry, and that makes this recognition that much more special. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!

The FSC Awards presentation was held at 6 p.m. on Jan. 22 at the W Hotel in Hollywood, Calif., in conjunction with the FSC Summit and XBIZ 360 conference.

Diane Duke, Executive Director of the Free Speech Coalition, says, This award serves to recognize California Exotic Novelties for their many years as a leader in the pleasure products sector and for their continued innovation, high standards and ethics. Congratulations!

California Exotic Novelties is celebrating their 20th Anniversary this year. As a leader in innovation and the worlds largest and most respected pleasure product company, they have set the standard in excellence in adult novelties.

For more information about the Free Speech Coalition, contact info(at)freespeechcoalition(dot)com or (818) 348-9373. For information about California Exotic Novelties, visit http://www.CalExotics.com.

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CalExotics Crowned Novelty Company of the Year