News

Furious Hours: Murder, Fraud, and the Last Trial of Harper Lee

May 18, 2019 by Kent County Public Library Leave a Comment

Reverend Willie Maxwell was a rural preacher accused of murdering five of his family members for insurance money in the 1970s. With the help of a savvy lawyer, he escaped justice for years until a relative shot him dead at the funeral of his last victim. Despite hundreds of witnesses, Maxwell’s murderer was acquitted–thanks to the same attorney who had previously defended the Reverend.

Author Harper Lee was fascinated by this true-crime tale unfolding in her native Alabama and spent years working on writing her own version of the case, but that book was never finished.

Now debut author Casey Cep has brought the story to life, from the shocking murders to the courtroom drama to the racial politics of the Deep South. Her newly published book, Furious Hours: Murder, Fraud, and the Last Trial of Harper Lee, also offers a deeply moving portrait of one of the country’s most beloved writers and her struggle with fame, success, and the mystery of artistic creativity.

On Saturday, June 1, Casey Cep will speak about the “beautiful, sobering, and sometimes chilling” story at Kent County Public Library’s Chestertown Branch.

The talk will be followed by a catered reception and book signing. A limited number of copies of Ms. Cep’s book, Furious Hours: Murder, Fraud, and the Last Trial of Harper Lee, will be available for purchase.

This event is made possible due to the generosity of the Friends of Kent County Public Library. For more information about the Friends, visit friendsofthekcpl.org

Space is limited. To reserve your virtual ticket for this FREE event, visit kentcountylibrary.org or call 410.778.3636.

Filed Under: Homepage Notes, Portal Notes

Bugeye Edna Lockwood to Visit Chestertown for Tea Party Festival

May 16, 2019 by Chestertown RiverArts Leave a Comment

Edna Lockwood, the last historic sailing bugeye in the world, will be visiting Chestertown for the Tea Party Festival, May 24- 27.on as part of a National Park Service-funded heritage tour around the Chesapeake Bay.

Owned and operated by the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, Edna Lockwood recently underwent a two-year restoration of her nine-log hull. She was re-launched into the Miles River in St. Michaels, Md., in fall of 2018. This summer and fall, Edna is traveling to ports around the Bay, bringing free experiential programming and interpretation of traditional Chesapeake Bay boatbuilding techniques and the oystering industry past and present.

During her stay at Chestertown CBMM staff members will offer free deck tours form 10 am – 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday, giving guests a chance to explore the bugeye while she’s docked next to the Schooner SULTANA.

Built in 1889 by John B. Harrison on Tilghman Island for Daniel W. Haddaway, Edna Lockwood dredged for oysters on the Chesapeake Bay through winter, and carried freight—such as lumber, grain, and produce—after the dredging season ended. She worked faithfully for many owners, mainly out of Cambridge, Md., until she stopped “drudging” in 1967. In 1973, Edna was donated to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum by John R. Kimberly. Recognized as the last working oyster boat of her kind, Edna Lockwood was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1994.

To learn more about Edna Lockwood and the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, including a full list of stops on Edna’s heritage tour, visit
cbmmshipyard.org/ednalockwood. For more info on the Chestertown Tea Party, visit http://www.chestertownteaparty.org/

Filed Under: Homepage Notes, Portal Notes

Congressman Harris Announces Military Academy Resource Forums for Maryland’s First District

May 16, 2019 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01) has announced three military academy resource forums for young constituents seeking information on applying to the U.S. Service Academies or joining ROTC detachments at civilian colleges and universities.

All interested eighth grade and high school students in Maryland’s First Congressional District are encouraged to attend along with their parents. Representatives from the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, as well as ROTC representatives, have been invited to attend and share their perspectives on the application process. This year, Congressman Harris will be hosting three resource forums to serve the district. Details can be found below:

May 21, 2019; 6—8:00 pm

McFaul Senior Center Activity Room

525 W. MacPhail Road, Bel Air, MD 21014

RSVP at 410-588-5670

May 22, 2019; 6—8:00 pm

Black Diamond Lodge

219 South Fruitland Boulevard (Rt 13 North) Fruitland, MD 21826

RSVP at 443-944-8624

May 23, 2019; 6—8:00 pm

Chesapeake College — Caroline Center

1000 College Cir, Wye Mills, MD 21679, Wye Mills, MD 21679

RSVP at 410-643-5425

Congressman Harris issued the following statement:

“I am pleased to announce that my office will again be hosting military academy resource forums for young constituents to learn more about the multiple ways one can receive a college education and serve in our military. These forums are a great chance for our future leaders and their parents to ask questions and learn more about these incredible opportunities. As a veteran, I am always excited to host these events and look forward to reviewing the applications of these young men and women when it is time for nominating to the academies.”

Each year, Members of Congress have the opportunity to nominate constituents for appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. A nomination is not required to apply to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy or ROTC programs.

For media inquiries, please contact Congressman Harris’ Washington, DC office at 202-225-5311, or contact Victoria Cesaro at Victoria.cesaro@mail.house.gov.

Filed Under: Homepage Notes, Maryland Politics & Policy

Mid-Shore Aviation: Helping Students See the Big Blue Sky of Aviation Careers

May 14, 2019 by The Spy Leave a Comment

One of the most underreported challenges facing American aviation these days is the high demand for jobs in the fields of air traffic control, aviation maintenance, piloting, drone operators, and flight paramedics. In a world that has been pushing vocations like truck driving, EMS technicians, or master welders, the field of aviation tends to get far less attention, but its need for a trained workforce has never been greater.

That’s the point of view of Easton Airport’s newly appointed manager Micah Risher.

Risher, whose own path was dramatically changed when the Trappe native was introduced to the field of aviation as a teenager at the Mid-Shore’s popular airport, has made it a top priority to develop education programs that inform and excite young people about careers that are both high-paying and can be close to home. That is why this year the airport announced the establishment of its own Aviation Careers Education (ACE) program to expose high school students to these high demand, good-paying career opportunities.

Through the use of lessons in flight planning, aviation history, and the physics of flight as well as field trips to aviation-related sites, Easton Airport’s ACE seeks to stimulate student interests that can lead to a secure career down the road.

The Spy caught up with Misah at a recently converted hangar which has now become the new AEC Center at the airport to understand more.

This video is approximately four minutes in length. For more information about the Easton Airport please go here

Filed Under: Homepage Highlights

Mid-Shore’s First-ever Pride Festival Draws Good Crowds

May 11, 2019 by Peter Heck 2 Comments

Part of the crowd at Pride in the Park May 4 – photo by Jim Bogden

Chestertown’s Fountain Park was packed on Saturday, May 4, for the first-ever Pride event celebrated on the Eastern Shore.

The “Pride in the Park” gathering, which featured speeches, music, and a variety of organizations and vendors, was part of a celebration that extended over the whole weekend and included events in Easton and Cambridge as well as Chestertown. Barbi Bedell, one of the organizers, said that Chestertown Councilman David Foster estimated the crowd at about 300. Welcome mats were placed at each corner of the park to convey the spirit of the occasion.

Volunteers and visitors at the PFLAG booth in Fountain Park Saturday — photo by Peter Heck

Claire Hanson, president of the Mid-Shore chapter of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, opened the ceremonies, thanking the many volunteers and supporters for their work and energy before introducing Chestertown Mayor Chris Cerino.

Cerino, noting that the participants were “making history” by participating in the first event of its kind on the Shore, expressed his full support. He noted that many of Chestertown’s leading citizens are gays or lesbians, recognizing their significant contributions to the town’s life and institutions. “Discrimination is never OK for any reason,” he said. He expressed a hope that the Pride celebration could become an annual event, boosting the local economy – and urged attendees to patronize the stores in town. Cerino later entertained the crowd with his guitar and original songs.

Heather Mizeur — photo by Peter Heck

The next speaker was Heather Mizeur, former Delegate and candidate for Governor and owner of a local farm, who described the gathering as “a love festival.” Expanding on that description, she said that pride requires love of one’s self, with the courage to be confident that we all are part of the divine creation. It also involves love of our choices, she said, adding that she was proud to be part of the community as one of a lesbian couple – “I married up,” she said of her partner, Debra. Finally, there is unconditional love – including love for members of the town council who opposed the Pride festival, and others “who struggle to love us.” Mizeur said she looks forward to an era “when there is no more coming out.” She thanked the attendees for showing pride and love, and expressed hope that everyone would have fun.

Drag queen Marti Cummings, a Kennedyville native now living in New York, recalled his grandmother talking about painting the statue in Fountain Park. He thanked the organizers for their support of inclusion and equality. He recalled being told “you’re a monster, you’re disgusting,” turning the remarks around by saying he could now be disgusting with his “family.” “The truth is, we’re not disgusting. Look at the person next to you – that’s your family,” he said. Noting the high proportion of young people in the gathering, he said, “this is the future of our county.” He finished by urging the young to run for office, noting that he had recently filed his papers as a candidate for New York’s city council.

After the speeches, the Front Porch Orchestra from Easton provided musical entertainment, opening with the disco anthem, “I’m Coming Out.”

Drag queen Marti Cummings — photo by Peter Heck

In addition to Cummings, three drag queens from New York were present in Fountain Park. They and three Broadway performers gave a show at Washington College that evening, sponsored by the college’s EROS chapter. Bedell said the event drew a full crowd.

Other events over the weekend included “Paint with Pride” Thursday evening at Kiln Born Creations in Easton, which drew 40 participant; a comedy show, “Call from the GAZE,” by the Graveyard Goonz, Friday evening, which filled the Eastern Shore Conservation Center in Easton; and a Drag Brunch Sunday afternoon in Cambridge. All ticketed events were sold out, said Bedell.

Among the organizations with booths at the festival were the National Music Festival, the Unitarian Universalists of the Chester River, YMCA Camp Tockwogh, PFLAG, Trans Healthcon Maryland, the Harford County Health Department, Kent-Queen Anne’s Indivisible, the Maryland LGBT Chamber of Commerce, MidShore Behavioral Health, Free State Justice, and For All Seasons.

Paint with Pride participants in Easton, Friday night –photo by Jazmine Gibson

Bedell expressed special thanks to all the committee members, including Hanson, Jim Bogden, Lynn Brennan (who organized the Drag Brunch), Tori Pack and Jazmin Gibson (who organized Paint with Pride and the comedy show – and who were married the following weekend), Michele Drostin, who organized a Pride presence at the Easton Multicultural Festival Saturday morning; and about 20 others who helped make the weekend a success.

The festival went off smoothly without disturbances or protests, Bedell said. Plans are already underway for a second Pride festival next year.

The crowd enjoys the music at Pride in the Park — photo by Jim Bogden

PFLAG President Claire Hansen opens Pride in the Park — photo by Peter Heck

Tori Pack and Lynn Brennan at the comedy night ticket table — photo by Jazmine Gibson

Chris Cerino, mayor of Chestertown, entertains — photo by Jim Bogden

The Front Porch Orchestra of Easton plays at Pride in the Park — photo by Peter Heck

Filed Under: Archives, Homepage Highlights, News, Portal Highlights

Federal REAL ID Implementation will Prompt Recall of Driver’s Licenses and ID Cards

May 10, 2019 by Spy Desk 1 Comment

A group of Marylanders are at risk of having their driver’s licenses or identification cards recalled in June if they don’t satisfy document requirements that are part of the federally-mandated REAL ID process.

The overall deadline for obtaining a REAL ID is October 1, 2020, but more than 66,300 Marylanders with a new REAL ID star license or identification card have not yet filed the required documents. These people have been contacted by the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) multiple times since December and need to bring those documents to the MDOT MVA by June to complete the process. Without those documents, MDOT MVA will start flagging the affected driver’s licenses and identification cards in June as “recalled.”

The recall of a driver’s license will make the physical card invalid. Customers would still be licensed drivers, but if pulled over by law enforcement, they would have their driver’s licenses confiscated. To avoid this, customers who are part of this group MUST come to a MDOT MVA branch with the required documents as soon as possible and are urged to make an appointment. Affected customers have received three notices via email since December that warn of the June 2019 deadline. They will receive three additional notices in the coming weeks via email and the U.S. Postal Service.

“It’s very important that MDOT MVA customers who have received REAL ID notifications pay attention to the deadlines and provide documents to their nearest branch as soon as possible,” said MDOT MVA Administrator Chrissy Nizer.

Some Marylanders who have the new REAL ID license or identification card still must bring in certain documentation to comply with the federal REAL ID requirement.

REAL ID was passed by Congress after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and creates standards for secure driver’s licenses and identification cards nationwide. As of October 1, 2020, all Marylanders must have documents on file and be REAL ID compliant to use a state-issued driver’s license or identification card to board an airplane or enter federal government facilities.

Maryland began issuing REAL ID licenses and identification cards in 2009 under a process that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) deemed compliant. However, in October 2017, DHS informed Maryland that all customers with a driver’s license or identification card containing the REAL ID star must have documents on file with MDOT MVA.

As a result, some people have the newly-designed driver’s license or identification card, but still need to bring in documents to become REAL ID compliant. The documents can include: a birth certificate or passport, proof of social security and two documents proving a Maryland home address. For those in this group, including those facing the June deadline, there’s no charge for this process since these customers already paid to get their new license.

Administrator Nizer said that for those unsure whether they are part of the group facing the June recall, “we have developed tools to make checking your REAL ID status as simple as possible.”

People can go to the MVA’s REAL ID Look Up Tool, at www.mva.maryland.gov/realidlookup. When customers enter their driver’s license or identification card number, the tool provides details on their REAL ID status. For those facing the June deadline, the Look Up Tool will indicate:

“You are required to present documents in order to meet federal REAL ID Act requirements. Please bring your documents to a MDOT MVA branch office by MM/DD/YYYY. Failure to respond may result in action against your Maryland Driver’s License or ID card.”

The message asks customers to collect the required documents and make an appointment. Appointments aren’t required, but those who make one are guaranteed to be seen within 15 minutes of the scheduled time. Appointments can be made at www.mva.maryland.gov/realid.

The MVA has added more than 1,900 weekly appointment slots across the state, and now has more than 3,000 appointments available every day. Branch offices in Baltimore City, Essex, Easton, Frederick, Gaithersburg and Westminster have extended hours, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays, continuing through July 2 to assist in handling high volumes of REAL ID transactions. The Loveville branch in St. Mary’s County is offering Saturday hours of 8 a.m. to noon, also through July 2.

After the June deadline, there will still be nearly a million customers in the same situation – they received the new REAL ID license or identification card but need to file documents with the MVA to satisfy federal requirements. Those affected are being notified over a period of time, to ensure staff could meet standards for outstanding service for these customers, other REAL ID applicants and those conducting other business with the MVA. In May, the MVA will start another six-month notification process for people who will face a November 2019 deadline, then other notifications will go out monthly for those facing later deadlines. The timing allows all of these customers six months in order to comply.

There are 5 million Marylanders with a driver’s license or identification card. Of these, 2.3 million to date have the required federal REAL ID documents on file with MDOT MVA.

Note: Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more about federal REAL ID.

Filed Under: Maryland Politics & Policy

Mid-Shore Pro Bono’s “Global Embrace” Event Raises $9,000

May 9, 2019 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

On Sunday, April 28^th, Mid-Shore Pro Bono welcomed more than 150 guests to its “Global Embrace” event hosted by Ms. Leslie Raimond at the historic Toad Hall on Still Pond Creek in Worton, Md. The event raised $9,000 in support of the organization’s Vulnerable Populations Assistance Project that provides critical legal services to the Eastern Shore’s immigrant community.

“It is a pleasure to be part of a community that is willing to enthusiastically participate in efforts to show compassion for those in need and support social justice,” said event host, Leslie Raimond. “This event brought funds and awareness to the issues faced by the Eastern Shore’s immigrant population. Thank you to all who participated and contributed to such a successful event.”

The event theme, a “Global Embrace,” reflected the warm welcome and compassionate care Mid-Shore Pro Bono gives to all of its clients, especially those served by the Vulnerable Populations Assistance Project. The event featured international sparkling wines from France, Italy, Spain and California paired with oysters and hors d’oeuvres. International music by several local performers created a festive atmosphere as attendees sampled the food and wine and learned more about the clients Mid-Shore Pro Bono serves.

“Mid-Shore Pro Bono serves clients from all parts of the Eastern Shore, and this event allowed us to connect with the Kent County community,” said Mid-Shore Pro Bono Executive Director, Sandy Brown. “We are raising awareness across the Shore about the civil legal needs and challenges in our region by sharing our clients’ stories and the services we provide to help them. Thank you to the Kent County Community who came together to make this event an amazing success.”

Nearly 100% of the ticket sales will go directly to the program thanks to the support of many donors and volunteers. The appetizers were graciously donated by Magnolia Caterers, oysters were provided by Orchard Point Oysters, and music was offered by Pam and Bob Ortiz with Fred Schumann, Fredy Granillo and Tia Raimond Jones with Chad Jones. Guest Bartenders were local bar stars, Paul Sonberg with Judge Gale Rasin, Neyah White, Jeff Maguire and Jesse Hammock. The beautiful floral displays were courtesy of Marilee Schumann. Other volunteers important to the success of the event were Kim Kohl, who assisted with promotion, parking attendants, Ian Mulligan and Brendan Cooper, Alosa Communications, that created the event logo, and Price Rentals and Events. The event was spearheaded by Ivette Salarich, Mid-Shore Pro Bono’s Vulnerable Populations Assistance Project Manager, Arlene Lee, Mid-Shore Pro Bono Board Member and Volunteer, and Clarice Gardner, Mid-Shore Pro Bono Intern.

About Mid-Shore Pro Bono
Mid-Shore Pro Bono connects low-income individuals and families who need civil legal services with volunteer attorneys and community resources. The organization serves citizens of the Eastern Shore. For more information or to make a donation, call Mid-Shore Pro Bono at 410-690-8128 or visit www.midshoreprobono.org.

Filed Under: Homepage Notes, Portal Notes

Social Action Committee Invites Chestertown Council to “Undoing Racism” Workshops

May 8, 2019 by Peter Heck 1 Comment

Annie Squire Southworth of Students Talking About Racism addresses the Chestertown Council, as other members of S.T.A.R. and the Social Action Committee listen

Members of the Kent County Social Action Committee for Racial Justice and of S.T.A.R. – Students Talking About Race – came to the Chestertown Council meeting May 6. After explaining their mission, they invited council members to take part in a workshop on undoing racism, being presented in September.

Ileana Lindstrom, of the Political Action and Education affinity groups, gave a brief summary of the Social Action Committee’s origins and mission. Formed in 2017, the SAC was the offshoot of Undoing Racism workshops given in Kent and Queen Anne’s counties – an experience Lindstrom described as creating a “life-changing” awareness of the place of racism in society. She said the workshops defined racism as the combination of race-based prejudice and institutional power.

Ileana Lindstrom of the Kent County Social Action Committee for Racial Justice

Members of the SAC are committed to taking action, such as analyzing data, tracking the records of elected officials and holding them accountable for their decisions, and offering the organization as ally an and resource to institutions in the community, Lindstrom said. The group “was born to end the oppression of persons of color in Kent County,” beginning with a focus on the political, educational, and criminal justice systems. The groups are also focused on bringing an awareness of the contributions of persons of color to the county’s festivals and other public celebrations.

Lindstrom noted that the SAC recognizes the significant responsibilities that the mayor and council members hold, citing the clause of the town charter that states their mission of protecting and serving the town’s residents and visitors. “We also recognize that you cannot be expected to fulfill these responsibilities alone, individually, or as a sitting mayor and town council,” she said, noting that racism can be traced back to the first interactions of Europeans and Native Americans, along with the long history of slavery, with the first recorded arrival of enslaved Africans in Virginia 400 years ago this August. Observing the difficulty of fighting such a long-established and deeply embedded institution, she said, “We can be effective in dismantling racism in Chestertown and throughout Kent County when we work together with that as our goal.”

Announcing that the People’s Institute of Survival and Beyond will be conducting an Undoing Racism workshop in Kent County Sept. 20-22, she asked for a show of hands of council members willing to participate. Mayor Chris Cerino said he was willing, but that he may have a conflict on those dates. Councilman Marty Stetson said he could not commit to the date so far in advance. Stetson later wrote in an email to the council, which he copied to the press, “My failure to say I was willing to attend had nothing to do with the group or subject but with the fact that I was sure I would not attend. I just didn’t want to say I would attend when I knew I would not be willing to give up another evening.” He added, “It would have been easy for me to raise my hand and just not show up – but dishonest.”

Following up, Lindstrom asked council members if they would receive the Social Action Committee as “a skilled and knowledgeable ally and resource.” All members agreed, though Councilwoman Linda Kuiper asked for examples of “blantant, visible racism that exists in Chestertown.” She said she serves everybody in her ward, regardless of political affiliation or color of skin.

Lindstrom said the students’ presentation that would follow would point to some instances of racism they had experienced. Also, she said, participation in the Undoing Racism workshop would help clarify some of the issues. And she said that members of the Social Action Committee were willing to meet one-on-one with council members to help them understand the issues facing people of color in the community.

Finally, Lindstrom asked council members if they were willing to take part in the SAC’s regular meetings, which are the second and third Tuesdays of the month in Sumner Hall. All said they would be willing, with Councilman David Foster adding that he had already attended meetings.

Paul Tue introduces members of Students Talking About Race at the May 6 Council meeting

Lindstrom then introduced Paul Tue, who with Barbie Glenn was a co-founder of S.T.A.R. Tue briefly outlined S.T.A.R.’s program. Tue then introduced three student S.T.A.R. members who addressed the council.

Riley Glenn summarized the group’s accomplishments since its founding a little over a year ago, beginning with “encouraging uncomfortable conversations,” forming partnerships and taking action to address inequities. The group spoke at and helped organize the March for Our Lives in Chestertown, assisted the Social Action Committee in interviewing candidates in the 2016 local elections, and attended a number of events addressing the issue of racism in the community. She said the students had come to understand that racism has “shaped all of us, and none of us are exempt from its forces.”

Tykee Bryant was the second of the students to speak. He said he sees racism on a daily basis in the school and the community. Black students are punished more harshly for identical offenses. He said he hears racial slurs and comments from fellow students and teachers. Also, Latino students are told not to speak Spanish, even though others are praised for knowing a foreign language when they do so.

The third student to speak was Annie Squire Southworth, who spoke to misconceptions regarding racism. She listed as examples of racism housing discrimination, inequities in pay, mortgage lending, and rates of policing and incarceration in minority communities. “If you refuse to acknowledge that racism is a problem in Kent County, that is racism,” she said. “We are all responsible for ending racism.” She ended by extending her invitation to local leaders to join S.T.A.R. in combatting racism, and to attend the Undoing Racism workshops this fall.

Kuiper asked if the students received training in multicultural competency and diversity as part of their mission. Southworth said that their anti-racism training encompasses all of those issues.

In closing, Lindstrom thanked the council for the opportunity to introduce the Social Action Committee and S.T.A.R. to the council and to explain their programs.

At the conclusion of the meeting, several members of the Social Action Committee spoke from the audience to reinforce the group’s appeal to council members to take positive steps to address racism in the community and to attend the workshops.

Filed Under: Archives, Council, Homepage Highlights, News, Portal Highlights

Harris Applauds Trump Announcement of Conscience Protection Rule

May 3, 2019 by Spy Desk 3 Comments

On Thursday, May 2, President Donald Trump announced a finalization of a rule on conscience protection in a statement during the National Day of Prayer. In his remarks, the president stated, “Just today, we finalized new protections of conscience rights for physicians, pharmacists, nurses, teachers, students, and faith-based charities. Together, we are building a culture that cherishes the dignity and worth of human life. Every child – born and unborn – is a sacred gift from God.”

Today, Health and Human Services is enforcing its authority on previous conscience protection policies by implementing a rule titled, “Protecting Statutory Conscience Rights in Health Care; Delegations of Authority.” This rule enhances the authority of 25 pre-existing laws that protect the longstanding conscience rights of Americans in healthcare funded by HHS.

Congressman Andy Harris introduced H.R. 2014, the Conscience Protection Act, on April 1, 2019, with 80 additional Members of Congress co-sponsoring the bill. The Conscience Protection Act would take the next step in protecting the rights of conscience for medical providers by guaranteeing a private right of action for individuals whose conscience rights have been violated and supporting Americans in having freedom of religion and conscience in healthcare.

Rep. Harris made the following statement supporting the president’s remarks:

“I support President Trump in his remarks today and in his efforts to protect the conscience of Americans who provide health care. Just last month, I led 80 Members of Congress in introducing the Conscience Protection Act, H.R. 2014, which amends the Public Health Service Act to prevent any federal, state, or local government from penalizing or discriminating against a health care provider if the provider does not participate in highly controversial abortion practices. As a physician and lawmaker, I support conscience protection because I strongly believe that health care providers should not be forced to violate their conscience when providing care for patients, and I applaud President Trump and his administration in their efforts to support conscience protection for all Americans.”

Filed Under: Maryland Politics & Policy

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