as Lord's lobbyist Frustrated by what he saw as a lack of Christian voice in government, Rev. Duane Motley, of Spencerport, decided to speak up "I'm the voice for Christians," said Rev. Duane Motley, sitting in his office located on North Greece Road in front of First Bible Baptist, a church he and his wife helped to found. "Being in the ministry I see what's happening to our society."What he sees troubles him. Motley, who has resided in Spencerport with his wife, Nancy, for 34 years now, works as a full-time lobbyist, heading New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedom, a six-person lobbying group that he started 19 years ago. Motley said his path from preacher to lobbyist came out of necessity back in 1989. First Bible Baptist began housing Northstar Christian Academy, a Christian day school. With the addition of the school, Rochester Gas and Electric decided that the church should be forced to pay commercial rates for its gas and electric. Knowing that this would be extremely difficult for the organization to afford, the church's head minister asked Motley to take legal action. Motley's legal recourse was to sue the State of New York. The trial went to the State Supreme Court where First Bible Baptist won. It was then elevated to the Middle Court level where the state won a split decision. So, Motley decided to fight at the Appeals Court level where he finally won in a unanimous decision that became a national precedent setting ruling. "It's threatening taking on the state," Motley said. "I don't recommend it unless there isn't another option." No matter how intimidating, three years of litigation paved the way for First Bible Baptist and all other churches throughout the country. Throughout the process, however, Motley said he became aware that Christians were not well represented in government. This realization led him to become a full-time lobbyist and to create New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedom. The group that Motley describes as "pro-life, pro-family, pro-Christian" takes a public stance on about 500 bills a year. The group, funded through churches and individuals, works to influence the outcome of a bill by either supporting it, attempting to block it or trying to alter it to include a Christian clause. Motley spends much of his time in Albany working to educate legislators on the positions that he and his constituents will be taking on a number of particular issues. Motley said his main fights right now concern gambling, battling the "homosexual agenda," and defending pro-life actions. Motley said New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms have been able to impact several laws. Some that he is most proud of are: •Churches will only pay residential gas and electric rates •Pushed to outlaw possessing child pornography •Minors Display Bill - if children are part of clientele, then the scantily clothed photos on the cover of magazines must be covered up •Computer porn bill - making it illegal to transmit pornography to children over the internet •Baby AIDS Bill - notifies mothers that they have AIDS and urges them to avoid breastfeeding their newborns. Motley is currently fighting a Women's Health Care Bill that would mandate that companies expand their health coverage to cover the cost of abortions. Motley said he would like to either block the bill or add a clause that would exempt any religious organizations or Christian run businesses from supplying such coverage. When he's not grabbing the ear of a legislator, Motley is talking to the masses. Motley said he tries to preach two to three times a week at many different churches and prepares a radio program. "As a lobbyist I have influence on every legislator and through the churches I have influence throughout the state," said Motley. Motley added that he has tried to develop a close relationship with each of New York's legislators regardless of their positions on the issues that he deals with. "As a minister I'm concerned about them spiritually," Motley said. "Who knows when I'll get a chance to tell people about the Gospel?" Legislative Day 2001 Once a year, New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms take the Christians to the Capitol. The group has formed a day in which Christians from all over New York state can go to the Capitol to learn what's going on with their government and learn how to get involved. This year, Legislative Day will be held March 20. It is still possible to register. Call 225-2220 for more information. The event represents the largest gathering of Christians in the Capitol, drawing 1,500 people on average. Motley said he works to bring in top-notch speakers to talk about the issues of the day and creates an opportunity for attendees to meet their legislators. Past Legislative Days have featured the famous preacher Rev. Jerry Falwell and nationally syndicated columnist Cal Thomas. This year's slate of speakers includes: •John C. Willke, physician, author, lecturer, television and radio personality who specializes in human sexuality, will talk about pro-life issues. •Rev. Tom Grey, full-time organizer of the National Coalition Against Legalized Gambling, is active in anti-gambling crusades. •Alan Sears, attorney, president and general counsel for the Alliance Defense Fund, has become famous for his work to prosecute those involved in child pornography. •Nancy Sheltra, Republican senator from Vermont, who has been working hard to overturn the Civil Unions Bill. Motley said he is hoping for another strong turnout this year. He's also added a program that specifically educates teenagers, with the hope of getting the younger generation more involved. "This day educates our people as to what type of impact they can have in government," said Motley |
