As many states push more regulations on abortion, Illinois is putting less.
State lawmakers recently sent a bill to the governor’s desk establishing abortion as a fundamental right for women. The Reproductive Health Act will give women more abortion rights.
But last Friday a Tri-State pastor’s prayer at the Illinois state capitol garnered mixed reactions.
State Representative Darren Bailey invited pastor Cory Musgrave from New Beginnings Church in Fairfield to lead the House’s daily prayer. What he said had many in the chambers feeling disrespected.
Eyewitness News’ spoke with him and he says his message was misunderstood.
Musgrave pleaded with God after the state passed the abortion rights bill during his prayer.
“I ask you to rise up, oh God, and judge Illinois for the sanctioned destruction of the innocent unborn. For when Your judgements are in this state, the inhabitants of Illinois learn righteousness,” he said in the prayer.
Musgrave says he viewed it as a biblical statement, not political and believes some misunderstood.
“People thought the word judge or judgement some people misconstrued that as wrath or I wanted God to do something bad, no. The definition of judge is to make a decision and my prayer is to God you have to make a decision on this because we are hopelessly divided as a nation on this issue,” said Musgrave.
We’re told women on the democratic side turned their backs because they felt disrespected by what he said.
Musgrave says it’s hard to watch his state go in a direction he does not support but will continue to pray for the right decision to be made. “I don’t have hatred for anyone . I love the mother that had to make that choice and is dealing with it or the legislators that put this in.”
The representative that sponsored the abortion rights bill says she has no comment on the prayer.
Governor Pritzker has vowed to sign the abortion rights bill into law.
