Trenton 12.16.19

Protecting Religious Exemptions in New Jersey 

12.16.19 Senate & Assembly Session

The New Jersey legislature is moving to pass a law that would remove your right to decline a medical intervention based on your religious beliefs. Join us on Monday, December 16th in the New Jersey State House in Trenton to stand in solidarity to demonstrate our opposition for bill S2173!   

Arrive between 9 & 10 AM to be a part of the "line the capital" demonstration.  NJ Advocates we need to SHOW UP again & line the hallways of the State House to show the legislators that we will not stand for our religious rights being threatened! Links to educational hand-outs are available on the IPNJ website.  Print out multiple copies to distribute to legislators that you may encounter as you walk through the halls of Trenton.  

*Please note: Bill S2173 is on the agenda in the full Senate Session and being held in the Senate Chambers. Bill A3818 is on the agenda for the full Assembly in Assembly Chambers.  No public testimonies will be heard but we can attend as citizens of New Jersey.  Our presence is our voice on Monday!  

Senate Session Etiquette: While legislators are giving comments, it is important to note that clapping, cheering or booing is NOT customary. We want to remain respectful of the proper legislative protocols while in Trenton.      

Tips for Trenton! Attire: Business Casual, comfortable, wear your Oppose S2173/A3818 T-Shirts if you own one! 

**State Issued Identification Required for entry to State House**

Parking: Various parking options available, there is a free parking Garage beneath the State House (the earlier you arrive, the more likely you are to secure parking here), Street/metered parking (bring your quarters) or local parking garages within walking distance available. Additional details here: https://www.state.nj.us/state/museum/rising-tide/directions_parking.pdf 

• Advocate Conduct:  YOU ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE. You are defending your rights, your children’s rights and the rights of your fellow citizens. Walk with your shoulders held high. Be proud.
• Connect with Yourself. Deep breaths, leave your emotions at the door. Emotions will detract from your mission. Stand strong and have confidence. You have every right to be here fighting. Be prepared for emotions to flow and have a strategy ready. Center yourself. Focus on the goal. Our message will only be heard if we deliver it calmly, with facts and in a professional manner.

Engaging Legislators: Senators & Assembly members wear special pins on their lapel. Calmly. introduce yourself, tell them what district you are from and ask them to please oppose A3818/S2173 & share a flyer (link to print out flyers/signs are on our webiste) with them.  Voicing our anger and frustrations in passing will not help our overall cause.  

Security: Please please be gracious and kind to security. Reassure them that you are grateful for what they do. Please refrain from recording, talking or face-timing on your phone when you are going through security. Please do not record security at all. 

Children: Strollers permitted. Please bring games and snacks for your children to keep them occupied. Legislators enjoy engaging with children in the State House, have little Johnny hand them a flyer and tell them how much he wants to stay in school with his friends.    

December 16, 2019 details: 

1 PM Senate Session (S2173 is on the agenda)

1 PM Assembly Session (A3818 is on the agenda)  

Location: New Jersey State House, Trenton, NJ  

We, the people of New Jersey, demand that our rights — including the right to make informed vaccine decisions AND right to make decisions for ourselves and our families — be safeguarded.   Together, we will STAND on 12.16.19 to protect religious freedom for New Jersey citizens.