The feature story in the last Catalyst read “Nazi Slur of Vatican Implicates Congressmen.” It described the Catholic-bashing letter that The Population Institute sent to its members in May. In it, the Vatican was labeled “the anti-contraceptive gestapo.” The Catholic League wrote to all the current Congressmen who serve on the Public Policy Advisory Committee of the organization, asking that they resign in response to the bigoted letter.
Senator Daniel K. Inouye of Hawaii complied with the League’s request and resigned from his post with The Population Institute. Senator Barbara Boxer of California put The Population Institute on notice, warning that any future examples of “inappropriate” and “offensive” fundraising letters would lead her “to reconsider” her position with the organization. Congressman Robert Torricelli of New Jersey said he did not believe that the fundraising letter was meant to label the Vatican as “the anti-contraceptive gestapo,” but added that he warned The Population Institute to be more careful in how it phrases its letters.
For the record, no reply was given by Sen. Paul Simon, Rep. Jim Leach and Rep. Sam Gejdenson. League members in the states where these three Congressmen live may want to contact them directly. Listed below are their addresses, phone and fax numbers. If they still decide to do nothing, it might be a good idea to pass this information along to those who will be running against them in the next election.
Senator Paul Simon
462 D.soB Washmgton, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-2152 FAX (202) 224-0868
Rep. Jim Leach
2186 RHOB Washington, D.C. 20515 (202) 225-6576 FAX (202) 226-1278
Rep.SamuelG€jdenson
2416 RHOB Washington, D.C. 20515 (202) 225-2076 FAX (202) 225-4977
