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CV NEWS FEED // The Catholic Conference of Ohio (CCO) announced Feb. 4 its support for new legislation aimed at preventing Ohio tax dollars from funding practices that intentionally take human life.
The proposed bipartisan bill, set to be introduced in both the Ohio Senate and House, would eliminate state funding for abortion, assisted suicide, and the death penalty. Supporters of the bill argue that linking these bans together strengthens existing laws and helps shield them from legal challenges.
During a Jan. 28 press conference at the Ohio Statehouse, CCO Executive Director Brian Hickey emphasized the moral and ethical foundation behind the effort.
“The Catholic Conference of Ohio fully supports this unique and urgent answer to the moral dangers facing our state and its fiscal consequences,” Hickey said. “Our taxpayer dollars should be used for the common good, not in a way that takes life. We urge the House and Senate to act decisively to pass this bill, making Ohio a leader in affirming a culture of life.”
The CCO officially represents the Church in matters of Ohio public policy affecting the Church and the general welfare of the citizens.
“The Catholic faith teaches us that every life is a gift, created in the image and likeness of God,” Hickey added. “This belief compels us to act with courage and compassion, especially when facing suffering. This legislation exemplifies that courage, offering a consistent and holistic affirmation of life that transcends partisanship by denying the state the ability to fund death.”
The legislation will be introduced in the Ohio Senate by Minority Leader Nickie Antonio, D-Lakewood, and Sen. Steve Huffman, R-Tipp City, while Rep. Adam Mathews, R-Lebanon, and Rep. Jean Schmidt, R-Loveland, will lead the effort in the Ohio House.
Sen. Antonio noted that efforts to end the death penalty in Ohio have been ongoing for years and said public opinion increasingly favors its abolition.
Rachel Muha, founder of Run the Race Center, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting inner-city youth, also spoke at the press conference. After her son Brian was murdered while in college, she chose to forgive his killers rather than pursue the death penalty.
“This effort is more than just a piece of legislation,” Muha said. “To me, it is a declaration of our commitment to love, compassion, and to the value of every human life.”
Since her son’s death, she has committed herself to uplifting at-risk young people and advocating for an end to capital punishment.
“Instead of easy answers, this bill challenges Ohioans to embrace the harder path, the path of love, sacrifice, and compassion,” Muha said. “My son’s killers lacked the love and compassion that could have changed the course of their lives. This bill ensures that our state will always choose love over violence, compassion over convenience, and dignity over despair.”
