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Official Statement from Mormon Women for Ethical Government on the January 6 Commission
On January 6, 2021, violent insurrectionists stormed the U.S. Capitol with the stated intent to subvert the democratically manifested will of the American people and stop the peaceful transition of power. These unprecedented events caused irreparable harm. Amid the throng of insurrectionists, several individuals lost their lives and hundreds were injured. The slow law enforcement and military response exposed national security risks, fractured citizens’ trust, and, ultimately, weakened our nation. Yesterday, the U.S. Capitol was the site of a quieter and, perhaps, more lasting assault. Rejecting good faith efforts on the part of Democratic leadership to construct a bipartisan investigative commission, the GOP leadership and 35 senators effectually sided with…
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Call to Action: Request Your Senators Support a Bipartisan Commission to Investigate the January 6 Insurrection
On January 6, 2021, Americans watched, horrified, as an attack was carried out on our nation’s Capitol building, threatening all members of the U.S. Congress and hundreds of staff and security personnel. The result was tragic, with as many as 150 people injured or killed. This assault was not only physical but also symbolic, as it sought to disrupt the Constitutionally mandated process of certifying the electoral ballots. Motivated by a big lie, the insurrection was a bald-faced assault on the institutions and norms of American democracy. When America has been attacked in the past, as with the September 11 terrorist attacks, an independent bipartisan commission has been established to…
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Call to Action: Tell Your Utah State Reps to Delay Passing 2nd Amendment Sanctuary and Critical Race Theory Resolutions
On May 19, Utah will be holding a special legislative session to consider “crucial budget issues” and other bills added at the request of legislators. On May 17, Governor Cox approved 22 issues to be discussed in the special session. Although he had been asked to add establishing Utah as a Second Amendment sanctuary state and banning critical race theory to the approved topics list, Governor Cox declined to do so. Instead, he expressed support for delaying discussion of any legislation regarding establishing Utah as a Second Amendment sanctuary state or dealing with diversity, equity, and inclusion in education until those topics could be heard in a normal session. He…
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Principles of Ethical Government: Maximize Participation and Equitable Access
Mormon Women for Ethical Government’s Principles of Ethical Government (2)(a) states: (a) Political structures and electoral systems should be designed to maximize participation of and provide equitable access to all citizens in a society (see Mosiah 29:32). The Book of Mormon instructs us to “do your business by the voice of the people” (Mosiah 29:26). The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also works this principle into its governance, stating that “all things shall be done by common consent in the church” (D&C 26:2). America, the world’s oldest democratic republic, was likewise founded on this very principle. As citizens of such a democratic republic, we hold fast to our…
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Earth Day Call to Action: Request Responsible Legislation for Environmental Stewardship
As women of faith, our ethic of environmental stewardship is informed by prophetic counsel. For example, President Russell M. Nelson proclaimed: “We should care for the earth, be wise stewards over it, and preserve it for future generations.” Likewise, MWEG’s Principle of Ethical Government (2f) states: “Governments and members of society have an obligation to exercise responsible stewardship of the earth, thereby protecting not only the wellbeing of their citizens, but also that of both future generations and other citizens of the planet (see D&C 59:18-21 and D&C 104:13-15).” We are at a critical juncture for taking effective action and implementing policy to mitigate the effects of climate change. This…
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An Open Letter to Idaho Legislators on Early Childhood Education Funding from the Idaho Chapter of MWEG
Dear Idaho legislators, On behalf of the Idaho chapter of Mormon Women for Ethical Government (MWEG), we call on you to vote yes on SB 1193 in support of early childhood education funding for the state of Idaho. These previously approved funds will cost the citizens of Idaho nothing to accept — but will pay significant dividends for them in the years to come. Our children, who make up 20% of our population and all of our future, need access to early childhood education to prepare for their K-12 education. Idaho is one of only four states that does not fund education for children under 5. Local school boards and…
