Alabama’s legislative session, which began in early February, is expected to end sometime in mid-May. So far, there has been no legislative action aimed at undoing the damage done by H.B. 56. So a group of faith leaders are upping the ante. Tomorrow, they’re going to unveil a “hard-hitting” TV ad urging the Legislature to act. Here’s the advisory we received:
MONTGOMERY, AL– On Tuesday, April 3 at 12 noon CDT at the Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery, a coalition of clergy leaders from across Alabama will unveil a hard-hitting, first-of-its-kind TV ad campaign calling on state legislators to repair the disastrous flaws of HB 56, Alabama’s discriminatory immigration law. The ad, voiced by Rev. Steve Jones of Southside Baptist Church in Birmingham, points out the many ways in which the immigration law, HB 56, has negatively affected Alabama’s churches, farms, schools, children and families.
Set to premiere in Montgomery on Tuesday evening and continue for two weeks, the groundbreaking ad urges lawmakers to reconsider the law that has divided communities, hurt the economy and bred a climate of fear and suspicion. The law penalizes faith communities for following the Scriptural mandate to act as good Samaritans and care for those in need. Faith Leaders for a Welcoming Alabama, the group behind the ad, is a new coalition of nearly two dozen clergy leaders from across the state joining together to speak out against HB 56.
WHAT: Press conference of new faith leader coalition premiering TV ad campaign opposing immigration law HB 56
WHO: Alabamian clergy, people of faith, and community members including:
Rev. Ron Higey, Pastor, Birmingham International Church (Birmingham, AL)
Rev. J. Stephen Jones, Senior Pastor, Southside Baptist Church (Birmingham, AL)
Rabbi Elliot Stevens, Rabbi, Temple Beth Or (Montgomery, AL)
Rev. Richard Stryker, Superintendent of the Southeast District, Northern Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church (Alexander City, AL)
Rev. German Gomez, San Juan Mission, 1st United Methodist Church (Clanton, AL)
Rev. Angie Wright (Moderator), Pastor, Beloved Community Church (Birmingham, AL)
WHEN: Tuesday, April 3 at 12:00 p.m. CDT
WHERE: Civil Rights Memorial, 400 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL
We’ll post the ad as soon as it becomes public. We’ll have an update on this press event tomorrow, too. Stay tuned!
