Today's Cultural Warfare Update
Jul. 15th, 2005 10:01 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
solarbirdFocus on the Family analysis of Supreme Court nomination process;
"Justice Sunday II," another national churchcast, scheduled for August 14th;
Focus on the Family news article on Supreme Court nomination consultation meetings (ACTION ITEM);
FotF claims women who have abortions are more likely to abuse drugs later;
FotF news action item against anti-discrimination bill in Oregon - adding gayfolk to existing basic civil rights law, claim it will "force churches and religious institutions and organizations into hiring homosexuals" (ACTION ITEM);
FotF action item against embryonic stem-cell research (ACTION ITEM);
FotF action item - charges dropped against Mayor Jason West of New Paltz, who was arrested for performing unauthorised marriage ceremonies for gay and lesbian couples - FotF calls the dropped charges an endorsement of marriage rights, calls for protest letters (ACTION ITEM);
FotF action item against Illinois stem-cell research funding (ACTION ITEM);
FotF: Albertan premier Ralph Klein says Alberta will allow marriage, but "will focus its attention on protecting those who support traditional marriage";
Concerned Women for America on Fx Network's "30 Days" programme.
----- 1 -----
BUSH CONSIDERS HIS NOMINATION OPTIONS
by Pete Winn, associate editor
Focus on the Family
SUMMARY: An analysis of the nominee situation so far.
http://www.family.org/cforum/feature/a0037198.cfm
Thirteen days ago, in announcing the retirement of Supreme
Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, President George W.
Bush told the nation that he -- and he alone -- would be
responsible for nominating her successor.
"I take this responsibility seriously," Bush said at the
time. "I've directed my staff in cooperation with the
Department of Justice to compile information and to
recommend for my review potential nominees who meet a high
standard of legal ability, judgment and integrity, and who
faithfully interpret the Constitution and laws of our
country."
Bush promised he would choose a replacement "in a timely
manner" and that he and his advisers would consult with
the Senate -- a process which should be "characterized by
fair treatment, a fair hearing and a fair vote."
"The nation deserves, and I will select, a Supreme Court
justice that Americans can be proud of," he said.
On Wednesday, Bush told reporters he was open to
suggestions as to who that justice should be.
"You bet, we're considering all kinds of people -- judges,
non-judges," the president said. He also indicated that
First Lady Laura Bush had given him "some good advice . .
. which is to consider women, which, of course, I'm
doing."
The day before, the president met with Senate Majority
Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., Senate Minority Leader Harry
Reid, D-Nev., Senate Judiciary Chairman Arlen Specter,
R-Penn., and Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., the committee's
ranking Democrat.
"The talks seemed to go well for all the participants
involved -- both Democrats and Republicans," according to
Focus on the Family Action Judicial Analyst Bruce
Hausknecht.
"I have noticed since then," he said, "that some of the
Democratic senators are now saying that any consultation
that does not involve the president running a list of his
nominees past Democratic leadership is 'insufficient
consultation.' "
That's out of line, Hausknecht said.
[More at URL]
----- 2 -----
Justice Sunday II
"God Save the United States and this Honourable Court!"
http://www.justicesunday.com/
Washington, D.C. - Two Rivers Baptist Church in Nashville, Tennessee will host Family Research Council's simulcast television program, "Justice Sunday II - God Save the United States and this Honorable Court" Sunday, August 14. Justice Sunday II, the follow-up to "Justice Sunday - Stopping the Filibuster Against People of Faith," will broadcast live in churches across the nation in addition to being carried on hundreds of radio stations, via satellite and webcast on this site.
Partial listing for the event's speakers line-up:
Senator Zell Miller Tony Perkins
(D-GA) Family Research Council
Dr. James Dobson Chuck Colson
Focus on the Family Prison Fellowship Ministries
Bill Donohue Phyllis Schlafly
Catholic League Eagle Forum
Cathy Cleaver Ruse Dr. Jerry Sutton
Family Research Council Two Rivers Baptist Church
Bishop Larry Jackson
Hope Christian Church
For more information regarding the "Justice Sunday II - God Save the United States and this Honorable Court" live simulcast, call the FRC press office at 202/393-2100.
Important: Members of the media must register for FRC media credentials prior to the event.
[Ed. Note: Cathy Cleaver Ruse?! Cathy "Cleaver" Ruse?! What psychotic anti-hippie gave her that name?]
----- 3 -----
President Bush Consults with Senators on High Court Nominee
by Bill Wilson, Washington, D.C., correspondent
Focus on the Family
July 14, 2005
The president is doing a lot of listening.
http://www.family.org/cforum/fnif/news/a0037194.cfm
President Bush has been consulting with Senators as he considers who to nominate to fill the Supreme Court vacancy left by Sandra Day O'Conner. He has even invited several Senate Democrats to a White House meeting.
But, in general, the President is not doing the talking. Democrats are talking about who they want as the next Supreme Court Justice. And the President is listening.
"They've got strong opinions, and I wanted to hear them," he said.
[...]
Even under what currently appears to be a spirit of cooperation, Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., said Senate leadership is gearing up for a filibuster fight.
"It's going to be a big bloody brawl," he said. "I think the President is wise in reaching out and discussing this with people. Still at the end of the day, it is so critical that we get on the Supreme Court somebody that looks at the text of the Constitution and the rights that are in the text of the document and not somebody that looks at this as a living document that can be changed and altered depending on five votes at the Supreme Court."
[...]
TAKE ACTION
If you'd like to encourage President Bush to choose a nominee who will make decisions based on the Constitution rather than legislating from the bench, you can e-mail him through the CitizenLink Action Center.
[Complete article at URL]
----- 4 -----
Women Who Chose Abortion Are More Likely to Abuse Drugs
Focus on the Family
Newsbriefs
July 14, 2005
[Received in email; no URL]
Women who have undergone abortions are three times more
likely to abuse drugs during a subsequent pregnancy than
those who have never ended a pregnancy, according to a
study co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services and the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
The study, as reported by Christian Wire Service, found
that, while women who'd had abortions were at higher risk
for substance abuse, those who had experienced
miscarriages or stillbirths did not show the same trend.
Research suggests that a pregnancy may cause women to
experience unresolved grief about past abortions and they
may seek to mask those feeling through dependence on
drugs.
The data was reviewed by researchers from Bowling State
University, the University of Texas and the Elliot
Institute.
Dr. David Reardon, director of the Elliot Institute, said
most women are deeply conflicted about their past
abortions and pregnancy may arouse or aggravate unsettled
emotions.
"Some women will experience increased anxiety, perhaps
about the health of their unborn baby," Reardon said.
"Others are so awed by the life within them that they
begin to question their past choices and feel drowned in
self blame. Still others may find they have a lot of
unmourned grief related to past abortion that is
interfering with their ability to enjoy and bond with
their new baby."
The information gleaned from this study adds to a growing
body of evidence that ending the life of the pre-born is
not without emotional consequences. Twenty-one other
studies have linked abortion to an increased rate of drug
and alcohol abuse and many studies have linked abortion to
a higher rate of depression, anxiety disorder, suicidal
tendencies and psychiatric hospitalization.
"Whatever the individual experience," Reardon added, "it
is clear that pregnant women with a history of abortion
are at greater risk of trying to suppress their turbulent
emotions by relying on more alcohol, cigarettes, or
illegal drugs."
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Women who have had an abortion
often suffer significant physical, emotional and/or
psychological consequences. The "Post-Abortion Kit:
Resources for Those Suffering From the Aftermath of
Abortion" helps women identify and overcome Post-Abortion
Syndrome -- while finding healing and forgiveness.
http://www.family.org/resources/itempg.cfm?itemid=2326&refcd=CE05FCZL&tvar=no
----- 5 -----
WILL OREGON CHURCHES BE FORCED TO HIRE HOMOSEXUALS?
The Oregon Senate has approved a bill that would legalize
civil unions and force businesses to hire homosexuals.
http://www.family.org/cforum/statenews/a0037177.cfm
Will Oregon Churches be Forced to Hire Homosexuals?
by Mona Passignano, state issues analyst
SUMMARY: The Oregon Senate has approved a bill that would
legalize civil unions and force businesses to hire
homosexuals.
In November 2004, 57 percent of Oregon voters decided that
traditional marriage was important enough to protect it in
their constitution. Now some state lawmakers want to
undermine the will of the people and force same-sex
marriage onto Oregonians.
SB 1000 has already passed in the Senate, and if it is
approved by the House, it would give homosexual couples
the same legal status and benefits of married couples.
But that's not all this bill would do. It also adds sexual
orientation to the state's discrimination laws, placing
sexual orientation alongside race and religion.
In closed meetings, the Senate Rules Committee, along with
other legislators and the ACLU, drafted SB 1000 to assert
that churches, religious organizations and religious
institutions cannot discriminate against homosexuals,
bisexuals, transgender persons and cross-dressers when
hiring to positions which the state will determine are not
"closely connected with or related to the primary purposes
of the church."
According to Stronger Families of Oregon, "In the final
review, religious institutions and their representatives
were excluded from participating in the work session
process considering these amendments."
Despite consistent vitriolic rhetoric from the ACLU
towards keeping church and state separate, this bill gives
the state the authority to decide which positions in your
church are essential and therefore exempt from hiring
homosexuals, bisexuals and cross-dressers.
A hidden economic impact for all businesses is that they
would have to bestow the same benefits given to married
couples to same sex couples as well. This bill effectively
creates new "classes" of specially-protected people solely
based on behavioral choices, and as has been seen in other
states, the economic costs to the state in discrimination
lawsuits is huge.
This attempt by the Oregon Legislature to legalize civil
unions is a slap in the face to Oregon citizens who voted
in November to protect traditional marriage.
TAKE ACTION: If you are an Oregon citizen, contact your
state representatives and let them know that you are
opposed to SB 1000 which would allow civil unions and
would add sexual orientation into Oregon's
anti-discrimination laws. Also let them know that it is a
disgrace that to try and force churches and religious
institutions and organizations into hiring homosexuals,
bisexuals and transgender persons.
You can find contact information for your representatives
in the CitizenLink Action Center:
http://www3.capwiz.com/fof/officials/membersearch/?state=OR&searchlast=&lvl=state
----- 6 -----
Stem Cells Get Complicated
by Aaron Atwood, assistant editor
Focus on the Family
July 13, 2005
SUMMARY: Lawmakers and researchers jump through ethical
hoops for federal dollars.
http://www.family.org/cforum/feature/a0037181.cfm
Sens. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., and Tom Harkin, D-Iowa,
advocated lifting the ban on embryonic stem-cell research
enacted by President Bush. In a hearing July 12 the Health
and Human Services subcommittee heard testimony from four
scientists about the possibilities of alternatives to
embryonic stem-cell research.
Specter -- recently diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease and
undergoing chemotherapy treatments -- promised to bring
the debate to a personal level and air a "long list of my
medicines and my ailments." His disdain for the delay in
federal funding for embryonic stem-cell research was
evident.
"I think it's time that a little h--- was raised about the
subject," Specter said in an interview with The Associated
Press. Specter held an hourglass that he said represented
his life slipping away like the sand.
Scientists at the hearing testified on various methods
that they said extracted stem cells without harming
embryos -- methods they hoped would sidestep the ethical
controversy.
However, Carrie Gordon Earll, senior issues analyst for
Focus on the Family Action, said the proposed alternatives
have not been clinically tested and have no peer review to
support the claims.
"The alternatives are not a good use of time and
resources," she said. "Science shows that adult stem cells
are just as flexible and proven to treat diseases. If we
really care about patients we'll fund adult stem-cell
research. That is where the hope lies."
Recent actions on Capitol Hill have given lawmakers
several options. The House passed H.R. 810 that provided
federal funding for embryonic stem-cell research May 24.
The Senate version is sponsored by Specter and Harkin.
Should it pass, the president has vowed to veto it.
The bill is sadly lacking according to David Prentice,
senior fellow for life sciences at the Family Research
Council.
"This bill simply creates incentive to kill more embryos,"
he said. "There is precious little evidence that this will
lead to more cures. Even the embryonic researchers are
saying that a cure is decades away."
Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, is said to be writing
legislation to modify the ban on embryonic stem-cell
research. Currently the ban states no federal funds can go
toward research on embryos created after 2001. The
Hutchison initiative is said to move that date to 2005.
Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., is proposing bans on human
cloning and production of chimeras, which are animal-human
hybrids. The bills, S.658 and S.659, are in committee.
A bill introduced by Rep. Roscoe Bartlett, R-Md., would
set aside $15 million for funding alternative stem-cell
extraction that does not destroy human life.
"Bartlett's bill funds ethical alternatives and mentions
the pluripotency of adult stem cells," Prentice said,
referring to their ability to develop into any type of
cell. "We obviously want to encourage ethical stem-cell
research, but think we already have an alternative: Adult
stem cells haven't been mentioned in statute before. Adult
stem cells are already successfully treating thousands of
patients with cancer, anemia and Parkinson's. We want to
encourage more research that will help patients."
TAKE ACTION: Tell your Senators to oppose the
Harkin-Specter bill. You can find contact information in
the CitizenLink Action Center:
http://www.family.org/cforum/action_center.cfm?capwizurl=http://www3.capwiz.com/fof/dbq/officials/
FOR MORE INFORMATION: If you want to learn more about the
evidence in support of adult stem-cell research, you'll
want to read this summary on the Focus on Social Issues
Web site:
http://www.family.org/cforum/fosi/bioethics/cloning/a0036470.cfm
----- 7 -----
Charges Dropped Against Mayor who Married Gays
Focus on the Family
Newsbriefs
July 13, 2005
[Received in email; no URL]
Charges against New Paltz, N.Y., Mayor Jason West, who
illegally married homosexual couples on the steps of the
city's village hall, have been dropped. The prosecutor
decided pursuing a trial would be too divisive in the
13,000 member community, The Associated Press reported.
West, who performed a marriage ceremony for 24 gay couples
in February of 2004, claimed he was upholding the couples'
constitutional rights to equal protection by allowing them
to marry.
TAKE ACTION: Contact officials in Ulster county and let
them know that, by dropping the charges, District Attorney
Donald Williams is sending the message to New Yorkers that
homosexual marriage is okay. You can e-mail them through
the CitizenLink Action Center.
http://www3.capwiz.com/fof/officials/locality/?entity_id=235&state=NY
----- 8 -----
Illinois Designates Funds for Stem-Cell Research
Focus on the Family
Newsbriefs
July 13, 2005
[Received in email; no URL]
Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich declared Tuesday that
the state will spend 10 million dollars on stem-cell
research -- both adult and embryonic -- a move that did
not require legislative approval, The Associated Press
reported.
Adult stem-cell research -- drawing cells from umbilical
cord blood and other types of tissue -- shows promise in
the treatment of many diseases; morally controversial
embryonic stem-cell research has yielded no promise of
such remedy and requires the destruction of life to
harvest cells.
Undaunted by ethical concerns, Blagojevich designated the
funds to be given as grants to medical facilities and
appointed the Illinois Department of Public Health to
oversee the distribution.
TAKE ACTION: If you are a resident of Illinois, please
use the CitizenLink Action Center to contact Governor
Blagojevich and tell him that, while you encourage
continued research using adult stem-cells, you do not
approve of state fund being used for the taking of human
life in the form of embryonic stem-cell research.
http://www3.capwiz.com/fof/bio/?id=217&lvl=S&chamber=G
----- 9 -----
Canadian Premier: No One Will Be Forced to Support Gay Marriage
Focus on the Family
Newsbriefs
July 13, 2005
[Received in email; no URL]
Alberta's chief executive says the Canadian province will
allow same-sex marriages but will take action to protect
those who oppose it on social, cultural or religious
grounds, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reports.
Premier Ralph Klein said Tuesday the province will abandon
its fight against gay marriage -- "much to our chagrin" --
and will issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples once
a federal gay marriage bill makes its way through the
Canadian Senate.
But Klein said the province's government and legislature
will focus its attention on protecting those who support
traditional marriage -- and who oppose same-sex marriage.
"Cultural beliefs or values," Klein said, "whether
religious or non-religious, will be free to express
opposition to the change to the traditional definition of
marriage and will not be required to advocate, teach or
promote about marriage in a way that conflicts with their
beliefs," he said.
The provincial legislation would mean religious leaders or
marriage commissioners wouldn't have to perform same-sex
marriages if they didn't want to, Klein said.
----- 10 -----
Family News in Focus
Friday, July 15, 2005
Focus on the Family
Terry Phillips
http://www.oneplace.com/Ministries/Family_News_in_Focus/
* US sends very special envoy to Rwanda - A look at World Relief's AIDS program with Mrs. Bush
1. Laura Bush in Africa about AIDS relief and education programmes. Met with World Relief to highlight aid programmes. World Relief spokesperson talks about fighting AIDS via abstinence-only. Organisation is "promoting abstinence and fidelity." "God's ways for sexual purity, god's ways for compassionate care."
* Group of demonstrators pray in front of White House that Mr. Bush make pro-life nomination to the Supreme Court
2. "They knew the might be arrested, as it turned out, that's what happened." Calls for Bush to nominate anti-abortion justices. "It was one third of my generation that was killed by abortion in the United States since 1973." "Eight Christians, kneeling before the White House in prayer, were cuffed and taken away." "They were standing for life." "They said they gave up their rights for those that currently have no rights."
* Evidence of why the abortion industry doesn't like giving women the right to know through "informed consent" laws
4. Abortions in Minnesota dropped 3%; anti-abortion activsts credit "informed consent" laws. Around 2,000 women decided not to get an abortion after receiving "information," claims "they recognised their unborn child is a human being." Mississippi claims "our abortions have been cut in half" when "informed consent" and parental consent laws passed. Calls for more laws.
* Congress asks Americans to support this weekend's National Weekend of Prayer and Reflection on genocide situation in Darfur, Sudan
5. Sen. Brownback (Kansas) calls for prayers to end genocide in Darfur. Prayer call has "bipartisan support." National Day of Prayer chair: "You need to be calling on the lord to address this issue."
* Musical project honoring substance and tradition of genre known as Negro Spirituals moves into Washington D.C next week
3. Arthur Jones hosting programme - "message relevant for today." "One clear message is courage during suffering."
----- 11 -----
Fx Network’s ’30 Days’ Pushes Homosexual Lifestyle; Still Truth is Heard
Concerned Women for America
7/14/2005
http://www.cwfa.org/articles/8538/CWA/family/index.htm
Robert Knight, director of CWA’s Culture & Family Institute was recently interviewed for comment on the Fx Network’s show ’30 Days.’ The show featured a young man with strong Christian faith living with a homosexual in San Francisco’s Castro district for 30 days. During that time, the young man is persuaded over and over to change or renounce the biblical teaching that homosexuality is a sin. In this piece, Bob recounts how the show unfolded and you will hear Bob’s comments from the show. Click here to listen.
http://www.cwfa.org/play.asp?id=cw20050714a
"Justice Sunday II," another national churchcast, scheduled for August 14th;
Focus on the Family news article on Supreme Court nomination consultation meetings (ACTION ITEM);
FotF claims women who have abortions are more likely to abuse drugs later;
FotF news action item against anti-discrimination bill in Oregon - adding gayfolk to existing basic civil rights law, claim it will "force churches and religious institutions and organizations into hiring homosexuals" (ACTION ITEM);
FotF action item against embryonic stem-cell research (ACTION ITEM);
FotF action item - charges dropped against Mayor Jason West of New Paltz, who was arrested for performing unauthorised marriage ceremonies for gay and lesbian couples - FotF calls the dropped charges an endorsement of marriage rights, calls for protest letters (ACTION ITEM);
FotF action item against Illinois stem-cell research funding (ACTION ITEM);
FotF: Albertan premier Ralph Klein says Alberta will allow marriage, but "will focus its attention on protecting those who support traditional marriage";
Concerned Women for America on Fx Network's "30 Days" programme.
----- 1 -----
BUSH CONSIDERS HIS NOMINATION OPTIONS
by Pete Winn, associate editor
Focus on the Family
SUMMARY: An analysis of the nominee situation so far.
http://www.family.org/cforum/feature/a0037198.cfm
Thirteen days ago, in announcing the retirement of Supreme
Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, President George W.
Bush told the nation that he -- and he alone -- would be
responsible for nominating her successor.
"I take this responsibility seriously," Bush said at the
time. "I've directed my staff in cooperation with the
Department of Justice to compile information and to
recommend for my review potential nominees who meet a high
standard of legal ability, judgment and integrity, and who
faithfully interpret the Constitution and laws of our
country."
Bush promised he would choose a replacement "in a timely
manner" and that he and his advisers would consult with
the Senate -- a process which should be "characterized by
fair treatment, a fair hearing and a fair vote."
"The nation deserves, and I will select, a Supreme Court
justice that Americans can be proud of," he said.
On Wednesday, Bush told reporters he was open to
suggestions as to who that justice should be.
"You bet, we're considering all kinds of people -- judges,
non-judges," the president said. He also indicated that
First Lady Laura Bush had given him "some good advice . .
. which is to consider women, which, of course, I'm
doing."
The day before, the president met with Senate Majority
Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., Senate Minority Leader Harry
Reid, D-Nev., Senate Judiciary Chairman Arlen Specter,
R-Penn., and Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., the committee's
ranking Democrat.
"The talks seemed to go well for all the participants
involved -- both Democrats and Republicans," according to
Focus on the Family Action Judicial Analyst Bruce
Hausknecht.
"I have noticed since then," he said, "that some of the
Democratic senators are now saying that any consultation
that does not involve the president running a list of his
nominees past Democratic leadership is 'insufficient
consultation.' "
That's out of line, Hausknecht said.
[More at URL]
----- 2 -----
Justice Sunday II
"God Save the United States and this Honourable Court!"
http://www.justicesunday.com/
Washington, D.C. - Two Rivers Baptist Church in Nashville, Tennessee will host Family Research Council's simulcast television program, "Justice Sunday II - God Save the United States and this Honorable Court" Sunday, August 14. Justice Sunday II, the follow-up to "Justice Sunday - Stopping the Filibuster Against People of Faith," will broadcast live in churches across the nation in addition to being carried on hundreds of radio stations, via satellite and webcast on this site.
Partial listing for the event's speakers line-up:
Senator Zell Miller Tony Perkins
(D-GA) Family Research Council
Dr. James Dobson Chuck Colson
Focus on the Family Prison Fellowship Ministries
Bill Donohue Phyllis Schlafly
Catholic League Eagle Forum
Cathy Cleaver Ruse Dr. Jerry Sutton
Family Research Council Two Rivers Baptist Church
Bishop Larry Jackson
Hope Christian Church
For more information regarding the "Justice Sunday II - God Save the United States and this Honorable Court" live simulcast, call the FRC press office at 202/393-2100.
Important: Members of the media must register for FRC media credentials prior to the event.
[Ed. Note: Cathy Cleaver Ruse?! Cathy "Cleaver" Ruse?! What psychotic anti-hippie gave her that name?]
----- 3 -----
President Bush Consults with Senators on High Court Nominee
by Bill Wilson, Washington, D.C., correspondent
Focus on the Family
July 14, 2005
The president is doing a lot of listening.
http://www.family.org/cforum/fnif/news/a0037194.cfm
President Bush has been consulting with Senators as he considers who to nominate to fill the Supreme Court vacancy left by Sandra Day O'Conner. He has even invited several Senate Democrats to a White House meeting.
But, in general, the President is not doing the talking. Democrats are talking about who they want as the next Supreme Court Justice. And the President is listening.
"They've got strong opinions, and I wanted to hear them," he said.
[...]
Even under what currently appears to be a spirit of cooperation, Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., said Senate leadership is gearing up for a filibuster fight.
"It's going to be a big bloody brawl," he said. "I think the President is wise in reaching out and discussing this with people. Still at the end of the day, it is so critical that we get on the Supreme Court somebody that looks at the text of the Constitution and the rights that are in the text of the document and not somebody that looks at this as a living document that can be changed and altered depending on five votes at the Supreme Court."
[...]
TAKE ACTION
If you'd like to encourage President Bush to choose a nominee who will make decisions based on the Constitution rather than legislating from the bench, you can e-mail him through the CitizenLink Action Center.
[Complete article at URL]
----- 4 -----
Women Who Chose Abortion Are More Likely to Abuse Drugs
Focus on the Family
Newsbriefs
July 14, 2005
[Received in email; no URL]
Women who have undergone abortions are three times more
likely to abuse drugs during a subsequent pregnancy than
those who have never ended a pregnancy, according to a
study co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services and the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
The study, as reported by Christian Wire Service, found
that, while women who'd had abortions were at higher risk
for substance abuse, those who had experienced
miscarriages or stillbirths did not show the same trend.
Research suggests that a pregnancy may cause women to
experience unresolved grief about past abortions and they
may seek to mask those feeling through dependence on
drugs.
The data was reviewed by researchers from Bowling State
University, the University of Texas and the Elliot
Institute.
Dr. David Reardon, director of the Elliot Institute, said
most women are deeply conflicted about their past
abortions and pregnancy may arouse or aggravate unsettled
emotions.
"Some women will experience increased anxiety, perhaps
about the health of their unborn baby," Reardon said.
"Others are so awed by the life within them that they
begin to question their past choices and feel drowned in
self blame. Still others may find they have a lot of
unmourned grief related to past abortion that is
interfering with their ability to enjoy and bond with
their new baby."
The information gleaned from this study adds to a growing
body of evidence that ending the life of the pre-born is
not without emotional consequences. Twenty-one other
studies have linked abortion to an increased rate of drug
and alcohol abuse and many studies have linked abortion to
a higher rate of depression, anxiety disorder, suicidal
tendencies and psychiatric hospitalization.
"Whatever the individual experience," Reardon added, "it
is clear that pregnant women with a history of abortion
are at greater risk of trying to suppress their turbulent
emotions by relying on more alcohol, cigarettes, or
illegal drugs."
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Women who have had an abortion
often suffer significant physical, emotional and/or
psychological consequences. The "Post-Abortion Kit:
Resources for Those Suffering From the Aftermath of
Abortion" helps women identify and overcome Post-Abortion
Syndrome -- while finding healing and forgiveness.
http://www.family.org/resources/itempg.cfm?itemid=2326&refcd=CE05FCZL&tvar=no
----- 5 -----
WILL OREGON CHURCHES BE FORCED TO HIRE HOMOSEXUALS?
The Oregon Senate has approved a bill that would legalize
civil unions and force businesses to hire homosexuals.
http://www.family.org/cforum/statenews/a0037177.cfm
Will Oregon Churches be Forced to Hire Homosexuals?
by Mona Passignano, state issues analyst
SUMMARY: The Oregon Senate has approved a bill that would
legalize civil unions and force businesses to hire
homosexuals.
In November 2004, 57 percent of Oregon voters decided that
traditional marriage was important enough to protect it in
their constitution. Now some state lawmakers want to
undermine the will of the people and force same-sex
marriage onto Oregonians.
SB 1000 has already passed in the Senate, and if it is
approved by the House, it would give homosexual couples
the same legal status and benefits of married couples.
But that's not all this bill would do. It also adds sexual
orientation to the state's discrimination laws, placing
sexual orientation alongside race and religion.
In closed meetings, the Senate Rules Committee, along with
other legislators and the ACLU, drafted SB 1000 to assert
that churches, religious organizations and religious
institutions cannot discriminate against homosexuals,
bisexuals, transgender persons and cross-dressers when
hiring to positions which the state will determine are not
"closely connected with or related to the primary purposes
of the church."
According to Stronger Families of Oregon, "In the final
review, religious institutions and their representatives
were excluded from participating in the work session
process considering these amendments."
Despite consistent vitriolic rhetoric from the ACLU
towards keeping church and state separate, this bill gives
the state the authority to decide which positions in your
church are essential and therefore exempt from hiring
homosexuals, bisexuals and cross-dressers.
A hidden economic impact for all businesses is that they
would have to bestow the same benefits given to married
couples to same sex couples as well. This bill effectively
creates new "classes" of specially-protected people solely
based on behavioral choices, and as has been seen in other
states, the economic costs to the state in discrimination
lawsuits is huge.
This attempt by the Oregon Legislature to legalize civil
unions is a slap in the face to Oregon citizens who voted
in November to protect traditional marriage.
TAKE ACTION: If you are an Oregon citizen, contact your
state representatives and let them know that you are
opposed to SB 1000 which would allow civil unions and
would add sexual orientation into Oregon's
anti-discrimination laws. Also let them know that it is a
disgrace that to try and force churches and religious
institutions and organizations into hiring homosexuals,
bisexuals and transgender persons.
You can find contact information for your representatives
in the CitizenLink Action Center:
http://www3.capwiz.com/fof/officials/membersearch/?state=OR&searchlast=&lvl=state
----- 6 -----
Stem Cells Get Complicated
by Aaron Atwood, assistant editor
Focus on the Family
July 13, 2005
SUMMARY: Lawmakers and researchers jump through ethical
hoops for federal dollars.
http://www.family.org/cforum/feature/a0037181.cfm
Sens. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., and Tom Harkin, D-Iowa,
advocated lifting the ban on embryonic stem-cell research
enacted by President Bush. In a hearing July 12 the Health
and Human Services subcommittee heard testimony from four
scientists about the possibilities of alternatives to
embryonic stem-cell research.
Specter -- recently diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease and
undergoing chemotherapy treatments -- promised to bring
the debate to a personal level and air a "long list of my
medicines and my ailments." His disdain for the delay in
federal funding for embryonic stem-cell research was
evident.
"I think it's time that a little h--- was raised about the
subject," Specter said in an interview with The Associated
Press. Specter held an hourglass that he said represented
his life slipping away like the sand.
Scientists at the hearing testified on various methods
that they said extracted stem cells without harming
embryos -- methods they hoped would sidestep the ethical
controversy.
However, Carrie Gordon Earll, senior issues analyst for
Focus on the Family Action, said the proposed alternatives
have not been clinically tested and have no peer review to
support the claims.
"The alternatives are not a good use of time and
resources," she said. "Science shows that adult stem cells
are just as flexible and proven to treat diseases. If we
really care about patients we'll fund adult stem-cell
research. That is where the hope lies."
Recent actions on Capitol Hill have given lawmakers
several options. The House passed H.R. 810 that provided
federal funding for embryonic stem-cell research May 24.
The Senate version is sponsored by Specter and Harkin.
Should it pass, the president has vowed to veto it.
The bill is sadly lacking according to David Prentice,
senior fellow for life sciences at the Family Research
Council.
"This bill simply creates incentive to kill more embryos,"
he said. "There is precious little evidence that this will
lead to more cures. Even the embryonic researchers are
saying that a cure is decades away."
Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, is said to be writing
legislation to modify the ban on embryonic stem-cell
research. Currently the ban states no federal funds can go
toward research on embryos created after 2001. The
Hutchison initiative is said to move that date to 2005.
Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., is proposing bans on human
cloning and production of chimeras, which are animal-human
hybrids. The bills, S.658 and S.659, are in committee.
A bill introduced by Rep. Roscoe Bartlett, R-Md., would
set aside $15 million for funding alternative stem-cell
extraction that does not destroy human life.
"Bartlett's bill funds ethical alternatives and mentions
the pluripotency of adult stem cells," Prentice said,
referring to their ability to develop into any type of
cell. "We obviously want to encourage ethical stem-cell
research, but think we already have an alternative: Adult
stem cells haven't been mentioned in statute before. Adult
stem cells are already successfully treating thousands of
patients with cancer, anemia and Parkinson's. We want to
encourage more research that will help patients."
TAKE ACTION: Tell your Senators to oppose the
Harkin-Specter bill. You can find contact information in
the CitizenLink Action Center:
http://www.family.org/cforum/action_center.cfm?capwizurl=http://www3.capwiz.com/fof/dbq/officials/
FOR MORE INFORMATION: If you want to learn more about the
evidence in support of adult stem-cell research, you'll
want to read this summary on the Focus on Social Issues
Web site:
http://www.family.org/cforum/fosi/bioethics/cloning/a0036470.cfm
----- 7 -----
Charges Dropped Against Mayor who Married Gays
Focus on the Family
Newsbriefs
July 13, 2005
[Received in email; no URL]
Charges against New Paltz, N.Y., Mayor Jason West, who
illegally married homosexual couples on the steps of the
city's village hall, have been dropped. The prosecutor
decided pursuing a trial would be too divisive in the
13,000 member community, The Associated Press reported.
West, who performed a marriage ceremony for 24 gay couples
in February of 2004, claimed he was upholding the couples'
constitutional rights to equal protection by allowing them
to marry.
TAKE ACTION: Contact officials in Ulster county and let
them know that, by dropping the charges, District Attorney
Donald Williams is sending the message to New Yorkers that
homosexual marriage is okay. You can e-mail them through
the CitizenLink Action Center.
http://www3.capwiz.com/fof/officials/locality/?entity_id=235&state=NY
----- 8 -----
Illinois Designates Funds for Stem-Cell Research
Focus on the Family
Newsbriefs
July 13, 2005
[Received in email; no URL]
Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich declared Tuesday that
the state will spend 10 million dollars on stem-cell
research -- both adult and embryonic -- a move that did
not require legislative approval, The Associated Press
reported.
Adult stem-cell research -- drawing cells from umbilical
cord blood and other types of tissue -- shows promise in
the treatment of many diseases; morally controversial
embryonic stem-cell research has yielded no promise of
such remedy and requires the destruction of life to
harvest cells.
Undaunted by ethical concerns, Blagojevich designated the
funds to be given as grants to medical facilities and
appointed the Illinois Department of Public Health to
oversee the distribution.
TAKE ACTION: If you are a resident of Illinois, please
use the CitizenLink Action Center to contact Governor
Blagojevich and tell him that, while you encourage
continued research using adult stem-cells, you do not
approve of state fund being used for the taking of human
life in the form of embryonic stem-cell research.
http://www3.capwiz.com/fof/bio/?id=217&lvl=S&chamber=G
----- 9 -----
Canadian Premier: No One Will Be Forced to Support Gay Marriage
Focus on the Family
Newsbriefs
July 13, 2005
[Received in email; no URL]
Alberta's chief executive says the Canadian province will
allow same-sex marriages but will take action to protect
those who oppose it on social, cultural or religious
grounds, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reports.
Premier Ralph Klein said Tuesday the province will abandon
its fight against gay marriage -- "much to our chagrin" --
and will issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples once
a federal gay marriage bill makes its way through the
Canadian Senate.
But Klein said the province's government and legislature
will focus its attention on protecting those who support
traditional marriage -- and who oppose same-sex marriage.
"Cultural beliefs or values," Klein said, "whether
religious or non-religious, will be free to express
opposition to the change to the traditional definition of
marriage and will not be required to advocate, teach or
promote about marriage in a way that conflicts with their
beliefs," he said.
The provincial legislation would mean religious leaders or
marriage commissioners wouldn't have to perform same-sex
marriages if they didn't want to, Klein said.
----- 10 -----
Family News in Focus
Friday, July 15, 2005
Focus on the Family
Terry Phillips
http://www.oneplace.com/Ministries/Family_News_in_Focus/
* US sends very special envoy to Rwanda - A look at World Relief's AIDS program with Mrs. Bush
1. Laura Bush in Africa about AIDS relief and education programmes. Met with World Relief to highlight aid programmes. World Relief spokesperson talks about fighting AIDS via abstinence-only. Organisation is "promoting abstinence and fidelity." "God's ways for sexual purity, god's ways for compassionate care."
* Group of demonstrators pray in front of White House that Mr. Bush make pro-life nomination to the Supreme Court
2. "They knew the might be arrested, as it turned out, that's what happened." Calls for Bush to nominate anti-abortion justices. "It was one third of my generation that was killed by abortion in the United States since 1973." "Eight Christians, kneeling before the White House in prayer, were cuffed and taken away." "They were standing for life." "They said they gave up their rights for those that currently have no rights."
* Evidence of why the abortion industry doesn't like giving women the right to know through "informed consent" laws
4. Abortions in Minnesota dropped 3%; anti-abortion activsts credit "informed consent" laws. Around 2,000 women decided not to get an abortion after receiving "information," claims "they recognised their unborn child is a human being." Mississippi claims "our abortions have been cut in half" when "informed consent" and parental consent laws passed. Calls for more laws.
* Congress asks Americans to support this weekend's National Weekend of Prayer and Reflection on genocide situation in Darfur, Sudan
5. Sen. Brownback (Kansas) calls for prayers to end genocide in Darfur. Prayer call has "bipartisan support." National Day of Prayer chair: "You need to be calling on the lord to address this issue."
* Musical project honoring substance and tradition of genre known as Negro Spirituals moves into Washington D.C next week
3. Arthur Jones hosting programme - "message relevant for today." "One clear message is courage during suffering."
----- 11 -----
Fx Network’s ’30 Days’ Pushes Homosexual Lifestyle; Still Truth is Heard
Concerned Women for America
7/14/2005
http://www.cwfa.org/articles/8538/CWA/family/index.htm
Robert Knight, director of CWA’s Culture & Family Institute was recently interviewed for comment on the Fx Network’s show ’30 Days.’ The show featured a young man with strong Christian faith living with a homosexual in San Francisco’s Castro district for 30 days. During that time, the young man is persuaded over and over to change or renounce the biblical teaching that homosexuality is a sin. In this piece, Bob recounts how the show unfolded and you will hear Bob’s comments from the show. Click here to listen.
http://www.cwfa.org/play.asp?id=cw20050714a
