Letter: Church not the place for politics

As many of you know, I am the mother of a victim of a violent crime, specifically resulting in a charge and conviction for first-degree murder with special circumstances.

This past weekend, while attending mass at Our Lady of Lourdes, a letter soliciting support for Senate Bill 399 was randomly passed out to parishioners. As we all hopefully understand, there is a separation of church and state.

Pending legislation clearly has a conflict with church.

With that belief, while I was attending mass to worship God, I was subjected to lose focus on worship because of a parishoner's need to introduce state business immediately following church.

I would hope in the future that all in this community recognize the right and freedom to practice religion without the distraction of some who choose not to exercise self-control over their own political agenda during a time and place of worship.

In regards to SB399, there are laws in place that have always addressed the case factors proposed in the new bill. These safeguards have been successfully utilized for decades.

In closing, I would like to boldly express that I, Erik's mom, do not support this insensitive, hurtful bill, while representing all victims of violent crimes and their forever bereaved family, friends and communities.

Valorie Ingebretsen
Colusa

Editor's Note: The Senate defeated SB399 on Tuesday.