Some of Virginia's most influential Christian leaders asked Gov. Bob McDonnell and other top officials Thursday to block state funding for Planned Parenthood because the nonprofit organization provides abortions.
The Virginia Christian Alliance presented a petition signed by the Rev. Pat Robertson, the Rev. Jonathan Falwell and dozens of others asking Republicans McDonnell, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling and Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli to help defund the organization.
The pastors cited what they called the "unethical, immoral and racist practices" of Planned Parenthood, the nation's No. 1 abortion provider.
"Today, this African American pastor is declaring war against Planned Parenthood," said the Rev. Joe Ellison, vice president of the Council on Biblical Principles. Ellison acknowledged paying for girlfriends to have abortions while he was in college and the shame he feels because of it.
"We're asking pastors to shut them down in the community. We're asking pastors to pray them out, and we're asking Planned Parenthood to leave our children alone."
Just how much state funding the organization receives is not clear.
Del. Robert Marshall, one of the General Assembly's most ardent pro-life supporters, said Planned Parenthood receives $500,000 per year in state funding, but when pressed he couldn't provide an accounting for that number.
Source: AP | Dena Potter
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