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February 14, 2012 (HLIWorldWatch.org) – While condemning the recent “compromise” and decision by the Obama administration to force the funding of contraception and abortifacients through employer-provided medical insurance, Human Life International (HLI) President Father Shenan J. Boquet said President Obama’s decision may have had a positive effect in motivating the public to stand up for life and religious liberty.

“As bad as it is to see the administration take this position, it’s now actually calling us who stand for life and who really want to see the dignity of every person upheld, and religious freedom protected, [to get involved],” said Fr. Boquet. “This is our chance, this is our moment, and I really think they may have awakened a sleeping giant.”

Fr. Boquet made the comments in a video interview with ProLifeNews.tv filmed during the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington, D.C. on Friday. HLI was a co-sponsor of the conference.

During the interview, Fr. Boquet called President Obama’s recent actions imposing the contraception mandate “disrespectful” and “an attack against our religious freedom.” And while the Catholic Church is seen as the main opponent of the mandate in the media, Fr. Boquet pointed out that people of all faiths are coming together in opposition.

“It’s not just a Catholic issue. You’re hearing Protestant, Jew, even people who don’t claim any religious status, recognizing what’s at stake here,” Fr. Boquet said. “And if we don’t voice and push back, then what will be the next thing?”

Fr. Boquet urged the public to stay involved, and to be active in their opposition to President Obama’s attack on religious liberty and the Culture of Life.

“It’s important to get people off the pew and out into the street,” he said.

“We have the power to change this. The question is: Are we willing to move away from apathy and indifference and really engage in a charitable and loving way, [recognizing] that the person in the womb is a brother and a sister?”

Fr. Boquet said he was seeing a resurgence of the pro-life cause internationally, as well as in the United States.

“This is a moment where people are hungry for truth,” he said, citing the excitement and activism of pro-life advocates with whom HLI works with around the world. But he was quick to note that the opposition is not backing down easily.

“The agenda on the Left … is also pumping up their media too and trying to … convince people that we are threatening choice, that we are threatening people’s rights. No, we’re speaking for the rights of every person,” said Fr. Boquet.

“[We] help people to see that it is in their best interest, it’s in the human interest, to protect life.”

Reprinted with permission from HLIWorldWatch.org