CAN Drafts Model Legislation – Politicians Getting Onboard

(April 10, 2009) Since the release of Christian Action Network's documentary film 'HomeGrown Jihad,' state lawmakers and members of the U.S. Congress have expressed interest in proposing legislation that would outlaw the existence of the type terrorist training compounds exposed in the film.  

On April 8, 2009, Martin Mawyer, President of the Christian Action Network (CAN) invited over a dozen attorneys to a meeting in New York City to create such model legislation. The attorneys in attendance practiced a diverse range of the law and included experts in defense, prosecution, contract and constitutional law. This dream-team of legal minds was led by CAN's General Counsel, Attorney David Carroll of Columbis, Ohio, who drafted the initial legislation.

The idea to create this model legislation came about last summer when Virginia State Senator Ken Cuccinelli and Republican candidate for Attorney General of Virginia contacted Mawyer about the existence of at least two terrorist compounds located in Virginia. Later, Mawyer met with Cuccinelli's Chief of Staff where ideas were exchanged about drafting legislation that would improve the ability of Virginia law enforcement to search and seize these compounds. CAN presented the initial draft of the legislation and it was discussed in the Virginia Senate during the summer session of 2008. The bill was not passed, however, and CAN is preparing an aggressive campaign during the 2009 session in the Virginia Senate and General Assembly as other lawmakers have expressed support.

The introduction of legislation reads: "CONSIDERING that the state of ____________, we have witnessed a rise in Closed Community Compounds deemed a threat to public security and safety, and a situation of virtual no-go zones where state police are intimidated or for some reason unable to enter safely into such compounds where terrorist training is suspected of occurring……"

The meeting concluded that this model legislation would have better success at the state level of government, and that the statute should put greater emphasis on the potential abuse of women and neglect of children.   

Copies of this Model Legislation can be seen by clicking on the image below, or, discussed by contacting its Program Director at 434-851-5584.