House Bill 523 (Summarized)
Additional Information
Kentucky House Bill 523, introduced by Representatives Richard White, Josh Calloway, and Emily Callaway, is titled the "Prenatal Equal Protection Act." The bill seeks to amend existing statutes and introduce new sections within Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) Chapter 507 and Chapter 508 to address criminal offenses involving unborn children. Below is a section-by-section summary based on the information available:
- Creation of New Sections in KRS Chapter 507 (Criminal Homicide):
- Prosecution for Homicide of an Unborn Child: The bill proposes new sections that would allow for the prosecution of individuals when the victim is an unborn child. This includes defining the act of causing the death of an unborn child as a form of criminal homicide.
- Exceptions: Provisions are included to exempt cases involving spontaneous miscarriages and lawful medical procedures performed with the requisite consent.
- Amendment of KRS 507.010 (Definitions):
- Definition of Terms: The bill seeks to amend this section to define relevant terms, potentially including "unborn child," "spontaneous miscarriage," and "lawful medical procedure," to provide clarity within the context of the proposed law.
- Creation of New Sections in KRS Chapter 508 (Assault):
- Prosecution for Assault of an Unborn Child: Similar to the homicide provisions, the bill introduces sections that would permit prosecution for assault offenses committed against an unborn child.
- Exceptions: As with the homicide sections, exceptions are provided for spontaneous miscarriages and lawful medical procedures.
- Amendment of KRS 501.090 (Defense of Duress):
- Duress Defense for Mothers: The bill proposes amendments to allow the defense of duress in prosecutions of intentional homicide where the victim is an unborn child, specifically when the defendant is the child's mother.
- Creation of a New Section in KRS Chapter 15:
- Attorney General's Jurisdiction: This section grants the Attorney General concurrent jurisdiction with Commonwealth's and county attorneys to prosecute offenses under the proposed act.
- Repeal of Existing Statutes (KRS 507A.010 to 507A.060):
- Repeal of Fetal Homicide Statutes: The bill seeks to repeal existing statutes related to fetal homicide, possibly to replace them with the new provisions introduced in this act.
- Amendments to KRS 311.732, 402.205, and 439.265:
- Conforming Amendments: These sections are amended to align with the new provisions introduced by the bill, ensuring consistency across related statutes.
The bill emphasizes equal protection for unborn children under the law, aiming to redefine certain criminal offenses to include unborn victims. It includes specific exceptions to protect medical practitioners performing lawful procedures and women experiencing spontaneous miscarriages.
For a comprehensive understanding and the exact legal language, it is advisable to review the full text of the bill, which can be accessed through the Kentucky Legislature's official website or the provided links.
Churches Across Kentucky Stand in Strong Support
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 13, 2024
Frankfort, KY – Churches across the Commonwealth of Kentucky stand in unwavering support of House Bill 523, introduced by Representatives Richard White and Josh Calloway. This legislation is a critical step in protecting the lives of pre-born Kentuckians by ensuring they receive the same legal protections as those already born.
While we are thankful surgical abortions are no longer taking place in Kentucky, abortion has not ended. Pre-born Kentuckians are being transported across state lines to Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and Virginia to be slaughtered, and abortion pills are flooding into our state, enabling at-home chemical abortions. The legal loopholes that allow this must be closed, and HB 523 seeks to do just that.
In November, messengers at the Kentucky Baptist Convention’s Annual Meeting overwhelmingly passed a resolution calling for the abolition of abortion and the establishment of equal justice and protection for the pre-born. While many pastors signing in support of HB 523 are part of Kentucky Baptist churches, this coalition includes pastors from churches across Kentucky who stand united in the biblical call to establish justice for the pre-born. Today, 128 pastors from across the state have signed in support of this bill, listed below, with more adding their names daily.
We strongly urge Kentucky House leadership and our representatives to give this bill a fair hearing on the floor and pass it with overwhelming support. HB 523 is more than just legislation—it is about safeguarding the children of our Commonwealth and affirming their inherent dignity and worth.
While Kentucky has taken important steps by banning surgical abortions and considering restrictions on abortion pills, these efforts, though commendable, are not enough. We must go further. As Scripture says, “lay the axe at the root of the tree” (Matthew 3:10). The root of this issue is the failure to afford pre-born Kentuckians the same rights and protections under the law as those already born. This bill seeks to correct that injustice.
HB 523 represents a firm commitment to defend the most vulnerable among us, ensuring that Kentucky remains a state where life is cherished and protected from its very beginning. We call on all legislators, regardless of party, to stand for life and to uphold the value of every human being created in the image of God.
Media Advisory: Invitation to Capitol Rotunda Rally for HB 523
Members of the press are invited to attend a Capitol Rotunda Rally in support of HB 523.
- When: Friday, February 14, 2024, at 8:00 AM
- Where: Kentucky State Capitol Rotunda, Frankfort, KY
- Who: Pastors, legislators, and Kentuckians supporting HB 523
Speakers will include bill sponsors, pastors, and other advocates calling for legislative action to protect the pre-born. Interviews with speakers and organizers will be available upon request.
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Let us act boldly and decisively to protect the lives of pre-born children, for to protect them is to protect the future of Kentucky itself.
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Signed,
Pastor Clay Hall, Oak Grove Baptist Church, Paducah, KY
Pastor Wesley Russell, Immanuel Baptist Church, Pikeville, KY
Pastor Jerry Dorris, Reformation Church, Shelbyville, KY
Pastor Steven Stanley, Redeeming Grace Church, Morehead, KY
HB 523 Supporting Pastors, Alphabetized by Church
- Pastor H. Michael Shultz Jr., Antioch Baptist Church, Lewisburg, KY
- Pastor Brandon Bramlett, Bandana Baptist Church, Bandana, KY
- Pastor Dylan Alexander, Barrett’s Creek Baptist Church, Grayson, KY
- Pastor John Rodgers, Beaver Lick Baptist Church, Union, KY
- Pastor Scott Van Neste, Bellepoint Baptist Church, Frankfort, KY
- Pastor Stephen Brogli, Bethel Baptist Church, Harrodsburg, KY
- Pastor Brandon Sickling, Bethlehem Baptist Church, La Center, KY
- Pastor Chris Parrish, Buck Run Baptist, Frankfort, KY
- Pastor Brad Hockensmith, Buffalo Lick Baptist Church, Shelbyville, KY
- Pastor Vernon L. Jones, Buffalo MBC, Corbin, KY
- Pastor Jim Orrick, Bullitt Lick Baptist Church, Shepherdsville, KY
- Pastor Jonathan Brewster, Burlington Baptist Church, Burlington, KY
- Pastor Nick Forsythe, Calvary Baptist Church, Grand Rivers, KY
- Pastor Brian Nevins, Calvary Chapel NKY, Florence, KY
- Pastor Tray Earnhart, Cedar Grove Baptist Church, Shepherdsville, KY
- Pastor Alex Garner, Christ Community Baptist Church, Prestonsburg, KY
- Pastor Michael Clary, Christ the King Church, Ft Thomas, KY
- Pastor James Slone, Church of Christ, Hueysville, KY
- Pastor James Kelly, Clear Creek MBC, Mt. Vernon, KY
- Pastor Luther Thomack, Clearfield Baptist Church, Morehead, KY
- Pastor Mickey Brown, Community Life Church, Paducah, KY
- Pastor Robert Riddle, Community Well Church, Paintsville, KY
- Pastor Evan Dollar, Covenant of Grace Seventh Day Baptist, Wellington, KY
- Pastor Justin Ramey, Crider Baptist Church, Princeton, KY
- Pastor Matt Shown, Crossroads Fellowship, Cadiz, KY
- Pastor David Shepherd, Cumberland Baptist Church, Russell Springs, KY
- Pastor Clint Gentry, Elm Grove Baptist Church, Murray, KY
- Pastor Ricky Simpson, Evergreen Baptist Church, Frankfort, KY
- Pastor Jonathan Bennett, Farmdale Baptist Church, Frankfort, KY
- Pastor Lee Nessmith, Fellowship Louisville, Louisville, KY
- Pastor Scott Fickes, First Baptist Church, Barlow, KY
- Pastor Jonathan Harralson, First Baptist Church, Earlington, KY
- Pastor Jacob Clutts, First Baptist Church, Henderson, KY
- Pastor Steven Bell, First Baptist Church, Hindman, KY
- Pastor Timothy Scott, First Baptist Church, Independence, KY
- Pastor Kyle Franklin, First Baptist Church, Kuttawa, KY
- Pastor Brian Arnold, First Baptist Church, Paducah, KY
- Pastor Anthon Hall, First Baptist Church, Silver Grove, KY
- Pastor Jason Tackett, First Baptist Church, West Liberty, KY
- Pastor Jeffrey Ryder, First Baptist Church, West Liberty, KY
- Pastor Travis Kaiser, Florence Baptist Church, Florence, KY
- Pastor Dithson Noel, Florence Baptist Church, Florence, KY
- Pastor Aaron Profitt, Forgiven Ministries, Whitesburg, KY
- Pastor Kim Reeder, Grace Baptist Church, Murray, KY
- Pastor Todd Meadows, Grace Baptist Church, Somerset, KY
- Pastor Mike Lindon, Grace Baptist Church, West Liberty, KY
- Pastor Joe Wilson, Grace Reformed Baptist Church, Owensboro, KY
- Pastor Ben Carlson, Grace Reformed Baptist Church, Owensboro, KY
- Pastor Faris Sahawneh, Hardmoney Baptist Church, Boaz, KY
- Pastor Hunter Wood, Harmony MBC, Versailles, KY
- Pastor Boo Cartwright, Harvest Church, Eminence, KY
- Pastor Rocky Slone, Hellier MBC, Elkhorn City, KY
- Pastor Daniel Akers, Heritage Baptist Church, Lexington, KY
- Pastor Hunter Norwick, Heritage Church, Shelbybville, KY
- Pastor Marcus Burnett, High Point Baptist Church, Mayfield, KY
- Pastor Joseph Harness, Hites Run Baptist Church, Hardinsburg, KY
- Pastor Vance Hoppe, Honey Hill Chapel, Hawesville, KY
- Pastor Chad Frizzell, Hope Community Church, Clinton, KY
- Pastor Jeffery Patton, Hueysville Church of Christ, Hueysville Ky, KY
- Pastor Wesley Russell, Immanuel Baptist Church, Pikeville, KY
- Pastor Ryan Fullerton, Immanuel Baptist Church, Louisville, KY
- Pastor James Bufkin, Immanuel Baptist Church, Louisville, KY
- Pastor Kris Castro, Immanuel Baptist Church, Louisville, KY
- Pastor Jeff King, Immanuel Baptist Church, Louisville, KY
- Pastor Danny Trevino, Immanuel Baptist Church, Louisville, KY
- Pastor Jarrad Mattingly, Kings Baptist Church, Taylorsville, KY
- Pastor Justin Williams, Lakeville Baptist Church, Salyersville, KY
- Pastor Jon Welch, Leesburg Christian, Cynthiana, KY
- Pastor Jason Brown, Liberty Avenue Baptist Church, Berea, KY
- Pastor Joshua Hall, Ligon Church of God of Prophecy, Hi Hat, KY
- Pastor Darrell Crawford, Living Hope Baptist Church, Hopkinsville, KY
- Pastor David Barnard, Locust Grove Baptist Church, Girdler, KY
- Pastor Victor Sholar, Main Street Baptist Church, Lexington, KY
- Pastor Shane Davenport, Mississippi Baptist Church, Bardwell, KY
- Pastor Zach Wilson, Mt Washington MBC, Mt Washington, KY
- Pastor Trevor Bates, Muldraugh Baptist Church, Muldraigh, KY
- Pastor Charles Dunbar, Nehemiah Christian Church, Paducah, KY
- Pastor Derek Morris, New Hope Baptist Church, Stanford, KY
- Pastor Jared Gullion, New Liberty Baptist Church, New Liberty, KY
- Pastor Johnnie Draffen, New Life Apostolic Tabernacle, Paducah, KY
- Pastor Jarib Burnett, New Salem Baptist Church, Hustonville, KY
- Pastor Bryan Jackson, Northside Church of God, Paducah, KY
- Pastor Clay Hall, Oak Grove Baptist Church, Paducah, KY
- Pastor Tanner Dikin, Oak Grove Baptist Church, Paducah, KY
- Pastor Nicholas Clark, Oak Grove Baptist Church, Cadiz, KY
- Pastor Peyton Bowman, Ottawa Baptist Church, Brodhead, KY
- Pastor Vernon Carpenter, Pigeon Fork Baptist Church, Waddy, KY
- Pastor Jason Mier, Redeemer Presbyterian Church, Louisville, KY
- Pastor Steven Stanley, Redeeming Grace Church, Morehead, KY
- Pastor John Fry, Redeeming Grace Church, Morehead, KY
- Pastor Jerry Dorris, Reformation Church, Shelbyville, KY
- Pastor Bert Lace, Reformation Church, Shelbyville, KY
- Pastor Tanner Cartwright, Reformation Church, Shelbyville, KY
- Pastor Kevin Whitt, Reformation Church, Shelbyville, KY
- Pastor Randy Joe McPheron, Rockcastle Baptist Association, Mt. Vernon, KY
- Pastor Ronald Jr., Metheny, Roland Memorial MBC, Greenville, KY
- Pastor Joshua Saylor, Rowan Community Church, Morehead, KY
- Pastor Michael Thiessen, Royal Spring Chapel, Georgetown, KY
- Pastor James Hardin, Scaffold Cane Baptist, Mt. Vernon, KY
- Pastor Ragon Grimes, Second Baptist Church - Princeton, Princeton, KY
- Pastor Andrew Stewart, Sexton Fork Baptist Church, Burkesville, KY
- Pastor Gregory Stinnett, Sharpe Missionary Baptist Church, Benton, KY
- Pastor Shawn Ward, Sidney Missionary Baptist, Sidnet, KY
- Pastor Zach Hill, Silver City Church, Mt Sterling, KY
- Pastor Rusty Hedrick, Slaty Point Baptist Church, Morehead, KY
- Pastor Peter Phillips, Smithfield Baptist Church, Smithfiled, KY
- Pastor Cameron Graves, Smyrna Missionary Baptist Church, Louisville, KY
- Pastor Israel Douglas, Smyrna Missionary Baptist Church, Louisville, KY
- Pastor Bryson Amyx, Sola Church, Richmond, KY
- Pastor Stephen McDaniel, Sola Church, Richmond, KY
- Pastor Tracey Royalty, Sovereign Grace Church, Lawrenceburg, KY
- Pastor TJ Wilder, Sovereign Grace Church, Lawrenceburg, KY
- Pastor Joseph Spurgeon, Sovereign King Church, Clarksville, IN
- Pastor Joshua Hastings, Sovereign Way Reformed Church, West Liberty, KY
- Pastor David Sims, St. James Church, Louisville, KY
- Pastor Zack Paul, Suthards Baptist Church, Dawson Springs, KY
- Pastor Andy Lawrence, The Point Community Church, Frankfort, KY
- Pastor Kyle Reeder, The Solid Rock Baptist Church, Benton, KY
- Pastor Benjamin Sanders, Torch Community Church, Florence, KY
- Pastor Bryan Carnes, Torch Community Church, Florence, KY
- Pastor Joseph Lacy, Trinity Christian Fellowship, Morehead, KY
- Pastor Matthew Fowler, Union MBC, Marion, KY
- Pastor Travis Vaughn, Unity MBC, Louisville, KY
- Pastor Reginald Hall, Victory Baptist Church, Leburn, KY
- Pastor Caleb Davis, Watts Chapel Baptist Church, Crab Orchard, KY
- Pastor Dwayne Bryan, Westwood Free Will Baptist Church, Ashland, KY
- Pastor Jarrod Sutton, White Oak MBC, Corbin, KY
- Pastor Brad Henson, Woodlawn Church, Paducah, KY