Today's Cultural Warfare Update
May. 5th, 2006 12:14 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
solarbirdA lot of interesting things to note today, particularly for Canadians - see the asterisked stories below about the Canada Family Action Coalition.
One interesting US item doesn't need a story with it, really, but: Republican Secretary of State Ken Blackwell won the GOP nomination in Ohio for governor. He's the preferred candidate of the fundamentalist right, and got contributions from every US state and most US territories - see the previous CWU for an article Concerned Women for America linked to about that and him. Also, I haven't been linking to them, but there's a huge, and I mean huge uproar in various parts of the fundamentalist community about the movie The Da Vinci Code, on both sides of the border. As in warnings, alerts, and church classes "preparing" the religious community for it.
Interestingly - and again, this isn't something I'm linking to - Focus on the Family Canada is mailing its (presumed Canadian) subscribers all sorts of the more virulent anti-gay stories they put up on their American website, but don't/aren't putting up on their Canadian website. Clearly, they're sure that their mailing-list readers are a lot more anti-gay than anyone who might come across their website and are tailoring their message accordingly. Meanwhile, and also importantly, the Canada Family Action Coalition has just exploded with activity, with a series of action items for a bill with a series of anti-marriage provisions, endorsement of the AFA boycott against Ford, and other items as well.
Also of note: The American Family Association has gotten up the nerve to start listing Paul Cameron by name as an authoritative source; thanks a lot, Cambridge); this is part of their normal cycle of rehabilitate-and-recycle; somebody who says the things they want to hear gets discredited; they stop quoting them for a while, wait a bit, then start quoting them again when they think nobody's listening anymore; this is the third time Paul Cameron has made it back up to the quotable-by-name level that I'm aware of. Creationists are similarly put through a wash/rinse/repeat cycle.
And finally, I really do plan to put together that analysis piece of a very disturbing new effort on the part of Focus on the Family; their explicit intent with this effort is to replace the rational worldview with a non-rational one based upon religion, that they declare to be the "Biblical" worldview. They've been working towards this for a while, of course - it's very much in line with the Christian Reconstructionist movement - but they haven't come out and said so much of it as they're starting to do now, at least, to people on their mailing list.
But now, today's news.
Iraqi GBLT community under increasing attack after Ayatollah Sistani's call for them to be executed in the "worst, most severe way of killing";
Focus on the Family joins up with the Family Research Council on their "Values Voters Summit" conference this fall - it's basically all the theoconservatives getting together to plan religious political action, plus a big pep rally;
Louisiana House passes comprehensive, South Dakota-like abortion ban; however, this one is stayed until Roe v. Wade is overturned - at least, so far; really, that's not much of a difference, since South Dakota's is too, whether it's written into the bill or not;
Focus on the Family notes teen pregnancy rates are down in Georgia, claims that it's due to abstinence-only education;
Focus on the Family outrage over a Supreme Court decision not to hear an appeal after a case where an anti-abortion activist group printed wanted posters of local doctors who provided abortions, proclaiming them guilty of crimes against humanity and listing their addresses and phone numbers;
FotF warns about the Harry Potter books and says churches aren't doing enough to "address" them;
FotF has guns out against a filibuster against D.C. Appeals Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh; it's all part of an attempt to break the "Gang of 14" compromise, as he was one of the three nominees who the group included as worthy of filibuster;
***** As required by Kansas law, a judge has now ordered an investigation of Dr. George Tiller; he's a high-value target for the anti-abortion activist movement. He had a patient die in his care; the Kansas medical board cleared him of wrongdoing, so they got a petition drive going to force an investigation anyway. This is part of a heightened strategy of legal harassment against abortion providers;
FotF has another one of the anti-gay "ex-gay" conferences, this weekend it's in Florida; protests are expected;
The head of Faith and Freedom Network, sponsour of an effort to repeal LGBT civil rights protections in Washington State, at the White House for National Day of Prayer; part of a delegation meeting with President Bush;
Faith and Freedom Network: Grays Harbour College student senator votes against allowing Gay/Straight Alliance club; receives hail of protest over her vote; FFN outraged that anyone would dare criticise her position;
Family Research Council condemns decision by Senator Specter to delay Kavanaugh nomination again;
***** REHABILITATION WATCH: American Family Association is now listing notorious fraud Dr. Paul Cameron, a famous anit-gay "researcher," by name as an authoritative source again; this is a normal part of the cycle; fundamentalists bring him up; we go through the rounds of all the faked data, all the fraud, the expulsion from the APA for fraud, and eventually he goes away again - until the next rehabilitation cycle; here, he appears to be lying about research done by other people, which is one of his standard fraud mechanisms, and is what first got him in trouble with the APA;
AFA pushing for "Indecency Enforcement Act," to ramp up FCC fines and increase anti-"indecency" enforcement in broadcasting; note that "indecency" is not "obscenity," which is a very different standard;
I've decided to pull in one of the many, many Da Vinci Code stories going around; this one's from the AFA;
The AFA links to a Focus on the Family story pushing the anti-marriage Federal amendment;
AFA reports that the Southern Baptist Convention Resolutions Committee chair is not a big fan of the Exodus Mandate initiative;
United Methodist women's group protests lesbian speaker at Methodist Women's Quadrennial;
Anti-abortion groups working to get "Choose Life" plates approved in Massachusetts;
AFA, other fundamentalists condemn Alan Guttmacher report stating that abortion does not, in and of it self, pose significant health risks above that of pregnancy;
Apparently the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation is running some PSAs on CBS; Traditional Values Coalition is outraged;
TVC ACTION ITEM against CBS for running the GLAAD spots; they demand "equal time" to run spots condemning GBLT people; includes a contact form though CapWiz to send nastygrams to CBS;
TVC updates their war against the judiciary page with a new recommending reading list attacking "our black-robed masters";
Concerned Women for America thank Bill Frist for trying to get the Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act of 2005 though the Senate, but it got blocked on a procedural move;
LifeNews ACTION ITEM to get signatures for California Initiative 73, a parental-notification initiative; they're short on time and low on signatures but still hope to meet their goals by deadline;
National Review writer Ramesh Ponnuru (who also wrote the book The Party of Death: The Democrats, the Media, the Courts, and the Disregard for Human Life), condemns the Guttmacher Institute report on abortion;
American Family Association's Agape Press article on two challenges to New York State's marriage laws;
LifeNews, Concerned Women for America condemn Harvard report showing "virginity pledges" to be ineffective as public policy;
CWA article condemning "another case of discrimination against Christians" by a university for not allowing a student group to register as official; the reason is that the group wants to violate the school's nondiscrimination policies and discriminate officially on both religious and sexual orientation grounds. (They want to officially discriminate against all GBLT people of any faith, and all people not Christians.) They call the nondiscrimination policy a violation of their religious freedoms. You would have seen this exact same path - the right to be anti-(people) is a mandate of our religion - in earlier decades, traditionally targeting people of colour; this is the latest iteration;
***** Canada Family Action Coalition ACTION ITEM to support Bill 208 in Alberta; I could support this bill if it only applied to religious groups, but it also allows public officials to refuse to marry same-sex couples, and specifically exempts them from any consequences for refusing to carry out the marriage law requirements of their post for same-sex couples; it also had a broad public-schools section where any material that includes marriage between people of the same sex has to post notice, provides exemption rights for students, and allows teachers to refuse to participate without penalty of any sort;
***** Canada Family Action Coalition press release calling for unanimous passage of Alberta Bill 208; see previous item for details;
***** CFAC condemns Edmonton Journal editorial against Bill 208;
***** CFAC endorses AFA boycott of Ford, asks its own supporters to join in the boycott; AFA claims credit for Ford's financial troubles;
***** CFAC calls for revocation of GBLT marriage rights.
----- 1 -----
Sistani's Pogrom
Andrew Sullivan
05 May 2006 11:48 am
http://time.blogs.com/daily_dish/2006/05/sistanis_pogrom.html
The religious head of Iraq's Shiite population, Ayatollah Sistani, recently issued an edict calling for the brutal murder of all gay people in Iraq. "The people involved should be killed in the worst, most severe way of killing," this spiritual leader declared. Shiite militias are apparently making good on the fatwa.
[More at URL]
----- 2 -----
'Values Voter Summit' Set for Fall
You're invited to Washington, D.C., to learn about pressing issues.
by Pete Winn, associate editor
Focus on the Family
May 2, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/extras/a0040339.cfm
Pro-family leaders and top policymakers want you to come to the nation's capital this September for a three-day conference on important conservative issues.
Connie Mackey, senior vice president of FRC Action, the non-profit legislative action arm of the Family Research Council, said the idea for "The Washington Briefing: 2006 Values Voter Summit" grew out of a concern among pro-family groups that elected officials are becoming complacent.
[More at URL]
----- 3 -----
Louisiana Moves Toward Abortion Ban
Focus on the Family
Newsbriefs
May 2, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0040340.cfm
The Louisiana Senate passed a bill last week that would outlaw all abortions with the exception of those performed to save the life of the mother, The Daily Reveille reported.
The bill, which passed by a 37-to-7 vote, would mean any doctor who performs an abortion could face 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.
[More at URL]
----- 4 -----
Teen Pregnancies Down in Peach State
Focus on the Family
Newsbriefs
May 2, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0040338.cfm
The number of teen pregnancies in Georgia declined over the last 10 years -- an indication that programs such as those that teach abstinence are working, WTVM-TV reported.
The State Division of Public Health reported that from 1994 to 2004 -- the last year for which the state has complete records -- the rate of pregnancy for girls ages 10-to-19 dropped from 50 per 1,000 to just under 35 per 1,000.
[More at URL]
----- 5 -----
Supreme Court Refuses Abortionist "Wanted Poster" Case
Pro-lifers are left owing millions in damages.
from staff reports
Focus on the Family
May 3, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/news/supreme.html
The Supreme Court earlier this week turned down a case involving "wanted posters" that featured doctors who perform abortions.
The ruling leaves pro-life activists owing punitive damages to doctors and clinics. But the real harm may be what the case does to pro-life free speech.
[...]
"There's a lot of filth and foul stuff going on that the courts are protecting. Is this a right decision? Probably not, based on the fact that far more foul things are being protected," he said. "This is certainly going to chill the free speech rights of those activists, so from that standpoint, this is a decision we ought to be concerned about."
[More at URL]
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Churches Are Not Addressing Harry Potter
Survey shows a large majority of Christian teens have read the books or seen the movies.
Focus on the Family
from staff reports
May 3 , 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/news/churches.html
Nearly four out of five church-going teenagers have been exposed to the wizard-in-training legend, Harry Potter. But, according to a George Barna survey, only four in 100 say the Harry Potter themes have been challenged in their churches.
The survey found that 78 percent of Christian teens have read J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter books and or seen a Potter film. David Kinnaman, vice president of the Barna Research Group, said churches are not doing a good job of offering insight about the series.
[More at URL]
----- 7 -----
Threat of Filibuster Clouds Judicial-Nomination Process
Focus on the Family
Newsbriefs
May 3, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/threat.html
Democrats are again threatening to corrupt the constitutional process by implementing a filibuster against D.C. Appeals Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.
Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., announced Tuesday that, as the Senate Judiciary Committee votes, a filibuster may be the Democrats' response.
[More at URL]
----- 8 -----
Judge Orders Investigation of Late-Term Abortionist
Focus on the Family
Newsbriefs
May 3, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/judge.html
A Kansas judge on Tuesday ordered a grand jury investigation later this month concerning the case of a mentally disabled woman who died after receiving an abortion from late-term abortionist George Tiller.
According to LifeSite News, the order came after more than 7,000 people signed petitions calling for the grand jury. A little used Kansas law allows residents to call for an investigation through petition if they feel justice has not been served.
[More at URL]
----- 9 -----
Florida Hosts Conference on Homosexuality This Weekend
Focus on the Family
Newsbriefs
May 3, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/florida.html
Focus on the Family's international Love Won Out conference will be in Ft. Lauderdale on Saturday despite attempts by gay activists to disrupt the event.
Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church is hosting the one-day conference designed to present the truth about homosexuality.
[More at URL]
----- 10 -----
President Bush Calls the Nation to Prayer
Faith and Freedom Network
Thursday, May 04, 2006
http://www.faithandfreedom.us/weblog/2006/05/president-bush-calls-nation-to-prayer.html
This morning a number of leaders from around the nation met with President Bush at the White House for the National Day of Prayer. Among them was Dr. Joseph B. Fuiten, Chairman of the Board of Faith & Freedom Network and Foundation.
[...]
Dr. Fuiten said he was deeply touched by the President's reminder that our ability to communicate directly with our Heavenly Father is a gift from Him, a gift given to us through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ.
[More at URL]
----- 11 -----
College Student is Ridiculed Because of her Faith
Faith and Freedom Network
Friday, May 05, 2006
http://www.faithandfreedom.us/weblog/2006/05/college-student-is-ridiculed-because.html
Check this out! A Grays Harbor College (Aberdeen, WA) student senator who voted against the charter for a new gay-straight student alliance is being ridiculed by fellow students. Some members of the student body believe she should be censured or lose her senate seat because she believes being gay is “bad behavior.”
Amanda Plumb, a Christian and student leader, simply felt she could not vote in favor of the club for gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transgender and straight students.
[More at URL]
----- 12 -----
FRC: Today's Concession by Chairman Specter is Deeply Troubling
Family Research Council
May 4, 2006 - Thursday
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: JP Duffy or Bethanie Swendsen, (202) 393-2100
http://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=PR06E04&f=PG03I03
Washington, D.C. - Today when the Senate Judiciary Committee was scheduled to vote on the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the DC Circuit Court of Appeals, Chairman Arlen Specter acquiesced to the "Gang of 14" and decided to schedule another hearing on the nomination for Tuesday, May 9. Kavanaugh was first nominated nearly three years ago, in July of 2003, and he has gone through three nominations without a fair vote.
Tom McClusky, Family Research Council's Vice President of Government Affairs, issued the following statement:
"Today's concession by Chairman Specter is deeply troubling. In following assurances from the Democratic members of the Senate Judiciary Committee that further hearings on the Kavanaugh nomination would not result in any changed votes, Chairman Specter has allowed this nomination, already three years in the making, to linger again.
[More at URL]
----- 13 -----
Commentary & News Briefs
May 5, 2006
Compiled by Jenni Parker
http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/5/afa/52006h.asp
...A Family Research Institute spokesman says the homosexual lobby's own research has negated its past claims regarding the impact of homosexual parents on adopted kids. Recent studies by homosexual groups have discovered that a third of the children parented by homosexuals have become homosexuals themselves, despite claims to the contrary by the "gay" lobby. Dr. Paul Cameron, who directed the Family Research Institute's analysis of the homosexual influence on children, says for young children, typically, "their parents are their universe -- their total universe." Therefore, he says, the behavior the parents model profoundly affects what their children learn. And homosexuality, Cameron asserts, "is most of the time a learned activity, a learned taste -- a learned predilection." The FRI analyst says while homosexuals make up less than three percent of the population, their own studies find that 33 percent of the kids who live with them become homosexual. [Bill Fancher]
[More at URL]
----- 14 -----
Pro-Family Media Monitors Pushing for Senate Vote on Indecency Enforcement Act
By Jody Brown
American Family Association
May 4, 2006
http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/5/afa/42006a.asp
(AgapePress) - It's apparent that at least two pro-family groups are losing patience with Senate lawmakers -- one in particular -- who are sitting on a piece of legislation the groups say will protect children and families from vulgarity and obscenity on television.
The Parents Television Council (PTC) and the American Family Association (AFA) are calling on their supporters and others to voice their dissatisfaction with Republican Senator Ted Stevens. Why? Because in their opinion, the lawmaker from Alaska -- who chairs the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation -- has held "hostage" for well over a year the Broadcast Indecency Enforcement Act (HR 310), which would greatly increase fines to broadcasters for violating current indecency laws.
[More at URL]
----- 15 -----
Baehr Calls Blasphemy, Sexual Immorality Good Reasons to Miss Da Vinci Code
-- Also, Christian Critic Says Pre-Release Press Conference Will Reveal Sacrilegious Film's Backers
By Mary Rettig
American Family Association
May 4, 2006
http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/5/afa/42006c.asp
(AgapePress) - A well-known pro-family media critic advises Christians to forego seeing the movie screen adaptation of Dan Brown's novel The Da Vinci Code, and he says they should warn others to avoid the film as well.
Dr. Ted Baehr is chairman of the Christian Film & Television Commission (CFTC) and publisher of Movieguide, a biweekly journal that reviews and rates films according to their values and family-friendly -- or unfriendly -- content. And when it comes to the kind of content viewers will find if they decide to go see the upcoming theatrical release, The Da Vinci Code (rated PG-13), the Christian movie reviewer says, "There's a lot of good reasons for people not to."
On May 17, two days before the movie's general release, a group of Christian leaders are going to hold a press conference in Washington, DC, to address the issues surrounding the controversial film. Baehr, who will be part of that group, says there is a lot more to The Da Vinci Code's plot than just the assertion that Jesus married Mary Magdalene. That is minor, the critic says, compared to some of the other blasphemous ideas presented in the story.
[More at URL]
----- 16 -----
Marriage Amendment Efforts Heat Up
Focus on the Family
Family News in Focus
by Josh Montez
May 5, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/fnif/news/a0040369.cfm
In one month, the U.S. Senate is scheduled to vote on the Marriage Protection Amendment, and religious leaders are lining-up in support.
Efforts encouraging Congress to put a stop to activist judges redefining marriage are ramping up. Forty-three religious leaders signed an open letter voicing their support of the Federal Marriage Amendment. The letter says, “As leaders in our nation's religious communities we call for a constitutional amendment to establish marriage as the exclusive union of one man and one woman.”
[...]
On another front, Focus on the Family Action and the Southern Baptist Convention are encouraging concerned Americans to send one-million post-cards to their elected officials urging support for the Federal Marriage Amendment. Amanda Banks is with Focus on the Family Action.
[More at URL]
----- 17 -----
SBC Official Questions Wisdom of Public School 'Exit Strategy' Proposal
By Jim Brown
American Family Association
May 4, 2006
http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/5/afa/42006b.asp
(AgapePress) - The chairman of the Resolutions Committee for next month's Annual Meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) is being careful not to throw his support behind the idea of developing a plan to remove Baptist children from public schools.
Members of the Resolutions Committee will begin meeting June 7, a week before the SBC meeting, to compile a list of proposed resolutions they deem relevant to this year's convention. One of the submitted proposals calls on the denomination to resolve to develop an "exit strategy" from the public schools, giving "particular attention to the needs of orphans, single parents, and the disadvantaged."
[...]
Personally, the SBC Resolutions Committee chair questions whether urging a church-wide exodus from all public schools across the U.S. is a wise idea. "I think that we have to look at each system," he says.
[More at URL]
----- 18 -----
Group Protests Lesbian Activist as Speaker at Methodist Women's Quadrennial
By Jim Brown
American Family Association
May 4, 2006
http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/5/afa/42006e.asp
(AgapePress) - A coalition of evangelical United Methodist women is protesting a keynote speaker at a large event for Methodist women beginning tonight in Anaheim, California. The denomination's Women's Division is being accused of defying church law by inviting a lesbian activist to address the gathering.
On Saturday morning, lesbian activist and musician Emily Saliers of the group "Indigo Girls" will speak to more than 8,000 women at the United Methodist Women's Assembly. Saliers will appear with her father, Don, a professor at Candler School of Theology. The event takes place every four years and is a gathering of female leaders with the United Methodist Church (UMC).
Fay Short heads RENEW, a network for evangelical women with the UMC. Short says the United Methodist Women's Division (UMW) rejected her group's request that the invitation to Emily Saliers be withdrawn.
"The Methodist Federation for Social Action and Reconciling Ministries, both of which favor the acceptance of homosexual practice, also began to send messages to the Women's Division asking that the Salierses be retained as speakers," she explains. "So, in light of that, the Women's Division at their last board meeting decided that they would not withdraw that invitation."
[More at URL]
----- 19 -----
Massachusetts Woman Wants to Bring Choose Life Plates to Bay State
by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
May 5, 2006
http://www.lifenews.com/state1641.html
Boston, MA (LifeNews.com) -- A Massachusetts woman is leading an effort to bring Choose Life license plates to the Bay State. Merry Nordeen is putting together supporters to allow state residents to purchase the plates for their cars -- with proceeds from the plates funding adoption centers.
However, as has happened in other states, abortion advocates may file a lawsuit seeking to block the state from selling them.
The Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts told AP that the state government should not be sanctioning plates that have what it considers a controversial and one-sided political message.
[More at URL]
----- 20 -----
Critics Suggest Guttmacher's Pro-Abortion Report Ignores Negative Evidence
Consider the Source, Say Pro-Life Leaders
By Bill Fancher and Jody Brown
May 4, 2006
http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/5/afa/42006f.asp
(AgapePress) - Pro-lifers are condemning a pro-abortion report being released today by the Alan Guttmacher Institute. They say the report, titled "Abortion in Women's Lives," attempts to deny the mounting evidence that abortion harms women both physically and psychologically.
According to its website, the Alan Guttmacher Institute (AGI) began as a "semiautonomous division" of Planned Parenthood Federation of America -- and today remains a "special affiliate" to the taxpayer-supported abortion-provider. The Institute's namesake actually served as president of PPFA for more than a decade in the 1960s and 1970s. AGI's mission? To advance "sexual and reproductive health" -- buzzwords typically used by organizations that promote abortion.
Consequently it should come as no surprise that the Institute would release a pro-abortion report. Concerned Women for America (CWA) is not surprised, saying a Guttmacher report on abortion should be taken as seriously as a "tobacco industry report on nicotine."
[...]
The report says there is virtually no risk in first-trimester abortions and that there are no long-term mental effects of abortion. Newman suggests the Institute is releasing the report as a last-ditch effort to salvage what he says is a dying pro-abortion industry.
[More at URL]
----- 21 -----
TVC Urges CBS Affiliates Not To Run GLAAD PSAs
Traditional Values Coalition
http://www.traditionalvalues.org/modules.php?sid=2714
May 4, 2006 - Washington, DC – “I am calling upon TVC supporters to contact their local CBS affiliates to ask that they refuse to air any public service announcements by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) next week during ‘As The World Turns,’” said Traditional Values Coalition Executive Director Andrea Lafferty today. “The underlying message of GLAAD’s PSA is that anyone who opposes homosexual conduct is prejudiced or intolerant. This is propaganda, not accurate information.”
Lafferty is responding to news that CBS has joined with GLAAD to place a PSA in “As The World Turns” to reinforce the message in the show about a boy who tells his parents he’s a homosexual. “GLAAD is using free advertising to push a message about homosexuality that is not true,” said Lafferty. “The homosexual condition is not in-born or unchangeable. Thousands of ex-homosexuals can attest to this fact and their testimonies are well documented by Exodus International.
[...]
“The underlying anti-religious bigotry of GLAAD must be rejected by all Americans and CBS affiliates should refuse to run their inaccurate PSAs next week,” said Lafferty.
[More at URL]
----- 22 -----
CBS/GLAAD Scandal Heats Up
Traditional Values Coalition
http://www.traditionalvalues.org/modules.php?sid=2709
May 4, 2006 – On May 2, TVC issued a call to action to supporters to contact CBS to ask that they provide equal time for opposing viewpoints on homosexuality. CBS has announced it will help the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) air Public Service Announcements promoting the normalization of homosexuality—and condemning critics as intolerant and bigoted.
CBS and GLAAD announced a joint venture to air PSAs on “As The World Turns” on May 9. This episode will feature a teenager who tells his parents that he’s a homosexual.
GLAAD is a notorious anti-Christian group that exerts a powerful influence over what we read and see on TV and in movies about homosexual conduct. GLAAD has issued a Media Guide that instructs reporters on how to report on homosexuality and how to avoid giving critics a fair hearing. GLAAD also meets with script writers, casting directors, and producers to create pro-homosexual programming on TV and in films.
[More at URL]
----- 23 -----
CBS And GLAAD Use PSAs To Label Critics Of Homosexual Sex As Bigots
Traditional Values Coalition
http://www.traditionalvalues.org/modules.php?sid=2706
May 2, 2006 – CBS and the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) have teamed up to produce a series of Public Service Announcements (PSAs) that will be dropped into a day-time soap opera promoting teen homosexuality.
The CBS/GLAAD PSA will be included in the CBS daytime soap opera “As The World Turns” on May 9. This particular show includes a teenager who tells his parents that he is a homosexual. The PSA will tell viewers that they should take a stand against “discrimination” and “prejudice” faced by homosexuals, bisexuals, and transgendered people (cross-dressers, transsexuals, and homosexual drag queens).
This PSA is part of GLAAD’s propaganda campaign called “Be an Ally and a Friend” effort to promote homosexuality, bisexuality and transsexuality as normal sexual behaviors.
GLAAD is one of the most dangerous organizations in America. It has a powerful influence over Hollywood and the print media. The group has published its 7th edition of a “Media Guide” that tells journalists what terms they should use in describing homosexuality. It also tells them to avoid giving fair treatment to organizations that are critical of homosexual behavior. In short, this media guide teaches journalists to censor opposing viewpoints. Read this GLAAD media guide to understand why you do not get an accurate portrayal of homosexuality in the mainstream media. GLAAD is controlling what you read and see.
GLAAD also meets with script writers, directors, and other powerful Hollywood executives to shape the kinds of messages Americans receive in TV programming and in movies about homosexuality.
Your voice matters! Send a strong message to CBS. It is important for Hollywood and network executives to hear your concerns. In 2002, for example, TVC exposed the efforts of Nickelodeon to promote the homosexual agenda. More than a quarter of a million emails went to Nickelodeon to protest the promotion of homosexual “families” by Linda Ellerbee and hosted by Rosie O’Donnell. They were forced to tone down the show because of the incredible public outrage.
GLAAD and groups like the Gay, Lesbian and Student Education Network have done their job well in censoring accurate information about homosexual behavior in the media.
The Hollywood Reporter noted in April, 2005 that “GLAAD and others who carry out its mission meet with editorial boards, casting directors, producers, writers and directors, where they discuss what they are thinking about, what they are working on and offer suggestions on ways to accurately reflect the lifestyle.”
GLAAD is serving as a censor and a gatekeeper on what information Americans receive in the mainstream media about homosexual behavior! It urges journalists and Hollywood producers to promote homosexuality, while condemning any organization or individual who is critical of homosexuality.
GLAAD equates opposition to homosexuality as bigotry, prejudice and discriminatory attitudes—and now CBS is joining with them in promoting their homosexual agenda—to normalize homosexual sex for teenagers!
TVC Urges CBS To Provide Equal Time
Traditional Values Coalition Chairman Rev. Louis P. Sheldon has written a letter of concern to Mr. Leslie Mooves, President and CEO of CBS asking that he provide TVC with equal time to respond to GLAAD’s PSA.
Rev. Sheldon told Moonves: “Most major religions denominations consider homosexuality a sinful and disordered behavior. GLAAD calls these Americans discriminatory and hateful because of their religious beliefs.
“At the very least, I believe CBS should apply an equal time standard to this sort of activity. My organization, Traditional Values Coalition, would be willing to discuss some sort of message which would provide the balance lacking from GLAAD’s anti-religious attacks.”
TAKE ACTION: Use TVC’s CapWiz email system to write a letter of concern to Mr. Moonves asking for CBS to give equal time to TVC to present an alternative viewpoint on homosexual behavior. Forward this alert to your friends!
GLAAD only wants a positive portrayal of homosexuality presented to the American people over public airwaves. This is a betrayal of the public trust. CBS should be willing to present a fair and balanced message on homosexuality—and not promote only one viewpoint on this controversial topic.
Go to TVC’s Media Guide section and click on CBS News to create your letter to Mr. Moonves: Traditional Values Coalition -- Media Guide.
PLEASE FORWARD THIS TO YOUR FRIENDS.
[More at URL]
----- 24 -----
TVC Publishes Recommended Reading List On Judges, Constitution
Traditional Values Coalition
http://www.traditionalvalues.org/modules.php?sid=2707
May 4, 2006 – A reading list of high quality books on judicial tyranny, the Constitution, and religious freedom has just been added to TVC’s “Battle Plan To Take Back Our Courts” web site.
This reading list is directly below our special reports: ..:: Our Battle Plan ::..
Purchase these books and learn more about why federal judges must be restrained from issuing rulings that have no basis in the Constitution or in law. Judges who view the Constitution as a “living document” have rejected the concept of issuing decisions based upon the original intent of the writers of the Constitution or laws. Activist liberal judges issue rulings based upon their feelings and political philosophies—not upon the Constitution or the original intent of the Founding Fathers. This is judicial tyranny—and must be stopped.
Please also read our various reports on judicial tyranny and the importance of putting judicial conservatives on the federal bench: Reports.
[More at URL]
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Plan for Vote on Decency Legislation Thwarted
Amelia Wigton
Concerned Women for America
May 5, 2006
http://www.cwalac.org/article_325.shtml
The long-awaited vote on the Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act of 2005 (H.R. 310) seemed imminent late Tuesday when Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tennessee) attempted to pass it through unanimous consent, but unnamed senators put a last-minute “hold” on the bill, thwarting its passage for now.
Concerned Women for America (CWA) heartily applauds Sen. Frist for hearing the pleas of the American people to help clean up the offensive content that has been spilling into homes, particularly during the Family Hour of 8-9 p.m.
H.R. 310 would raise current Federal Communications Commission (FCC) fines against violators from the current slap-on-the-wrist of $32,500 to a painful $500,000. It would also fine performers based on their premeditated efforts to commit decency violations and would require that networks with more than three violations go through a license renewal hearing.
[More at URL]
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California Pro-Life Group Has Four Days for Abortion Notification Sigs
by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
May 4, 2006
http://www.lifenews.com/state1638.html
Sacramento, CA (LifeNews.com) -- In California, a girl who is under 18 year-old can't get a flu shot, a cavity filled, or an aspirin from the school nurse without her parents knowing. But, she can get a secret abortion if she wants one. Pro-life groups are hoping to change that and have four days left to get signatures on a petition for a state vote to do so.
The Parents’ Right to Know group is collecting signatures on a petition to have a second chance at a vote to require parental notification before a teenager can get an abortion.
For anyone wanting to sign the petition, May 8 is the last day to mail them.
The initiative will require that an abortion practitioner notify in writing a parent or guardian at least 48 hours before performing an abortion on a minor girl.
[...]
ACTION: Visit the web site and sign the petition today. Petitions can be mailed to Parents’ Right to Know, 1703 India St., San Diego, CA 92101. Visit www.parentsright2know.org or www.YESon73.net for more information.
[More at URL]
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Data Failure
Misreporting from the Guttmacher Institute.
National Review
By Ramesh Ponnuru
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=MjBkYzVkMDFjMWU5YWMzZDYxYTJjMGU4YWZjMDgyMjY=
The Alan Guttmacher Institute, the research arm of Planned Parenthood, has done a lot of good and careful work over the years. The report it is releasing today is not among that work. The new report attempts to put social science behind Planned Parenthood's agenda. It pretends that the latest studies all vindicate the view that parental-consent laws on abortion, for example, are "bad public policy." In addition, it claims that abortion almost never has any adverse effects on women and suggests that the only way to reduce abortion rates is to increase access to contraception.
[More at URL]
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Attacks Continue on NY's Marriage Laws
Liberty Counsel Files Briefs in Defense of Traditional Marriage
By Allie Martin
Agape Press
May 2, 2006
http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/5/22006a.asp
(AgapePress) - A Christian law firm is defending traditional marriage in New York's highest court. Florida-based Liberty Counsel has filed two separate briefs at the New York Court of Appeals defending that state's marriage laws.
In the case of Hernandez v. Robles, a judge declared in February 2005 that New York's marriage laws are unconstitutional. Judge Doris Ling-Cohen ruled at that time that individuals have a "fundamental right to choose one spouse," that same-sex marriage "would cause harm to no one," that there is "no legitimate purpose, let alone a compelling interest" in the marriage laws, and ordered that the terms "husband," "wife," "groom," and "bride" be construed as "spouse." The First Department of the Appellate Division later reversed that ruling and upheld the marriage laws.
In the second case -- Samuels v. New York State Department of Health -- Judge Joseph Teresi upheld the state's marriage laws against a challenge brought by 13 same-sex couples. Upon appeal, the Third Department of the Appellate Division also upheld the marriage laws.
Both cases are now before the New York Court of Appeals, the state's highest court. On behalf of the New York Family Policy Council and Concerned Women for America, Liberty Counsel has filed a brief in each of the two cases. Mat Staver, president of the legal group, says marriage laws in the state of New York are clear.
[More on URL]
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Harvard Report Bashing Abstinence Education Relies on Decade-Old Data
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by Janice Shaw Crouse
May 4, 2006
Dr. Janice Shaw Crouse is a senior fellow of Concerned Women for America's Beverly LaHaye Institute.
http://www.lifenews.com/nat2237.html
A report released this week by a Harvard University student, and published in the online edition of "The American Journal of Public Health," purports to show that virginity pledges are ineffective. This major hit at abstinence pledges contains several problems: The data is a decade old, there are no data comparisons, and the report relies on self-responses of adolescents.
Clearly, the left is at it again -- taking or manufacturing any possible "evidence" in order to slam abstinence programs.
Plainly put, it is a matter of survival for the left because the network of consultants and experts for comprehensive sex education subsists on government contracts. And, we are talking about big money. For example, in 2002, abstinence programs received only $102 million in federal funding compared to at least $427 million allocated to comprehensive sex education and contraception programs. Last year, when the president proposed increasing funding for abstinence-until-marriage programs, more than 200 left-wing groups lobbied Capitol Hill to oppose the increase.
[More at URL]
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Christian Student Group Rejected at Cal State – San Bernardino
Concerned Women for America
5/4/2006
http://www.cwfa.org/articles/10652/CWA/misc/index.htm
Across the nation, it is becoming almost common for the religious and academic rights of students to be trampled in the name of tolerance. Pro-life and pro-family speech and beliefs are most often targeted. Ryan Sorba, a senior at California State University – San Bernardino studying psychology, joins CWA policy analyst Martha Kleder and Bob Knight, Director of CWA’s Culture & Family Institute, is discussing the difficulties he has faced trying to establish a Christian Student Association on campus. Click here to listen.
For more information on the case visit: http://www.thefire.org/index.php/case/696.html
["Another case of discrimination against Christians" is the CWA summary on the audio.]
[Ed. Note: okay, here's the deal: this is another group that isn't allowed to have official status at a university because they want to violate the school's nondiscrimination policy. As usual, and I'm pretty sure I've reported on this particular group a few times before, they want to officially discriminate on the basis of religion and sexual orientation, barring non-Christians and GBLT people of any religion from being members and holding positions of authority.]
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Alberta Action Alert - May 3, 2006
Bill 208
Online as of May 5, 2006
http://www.familyaction.org/Articles/issues/family/marriage/05-03-2006-ABActionAlert.htm
Bill 208, Protection of Fundamental Freedoms (Marriage) Statutes Amendment Act, was introduced in Alberta Legislature by MLA Ted Morton. The Bill may be viewed here - Bill 208 Alberta. MLA Morton stated that Bill 208 was needed to “ensure that creating the new right to same-sex marriage does not lead to restrictions on the rights and freedoms of those who disagree with same-sex marriage." Due to the failure of proper legislating by the previous federal Liberal government the need for such protection is now REALITY in provinces.
It is incumbent upon all Albertans who want protection of their values and views on marriage as “one man and one woman” to tell their MLA to vote in favor of this legislation. It May be voted on as early as May 15 so act NOW! It is very unfortunate in Canada that we would have to have such legislation brought in but based on evidence of what courts, human rights commissions and activists have been doing , it is absolutely necessary.
See CFAC's May 3, news release here: Bill 208 News Release).
If you do not know who your MLA is : find out and call them. They must hear from those who support freedom and protection of average citizens like us. Teacher’s Union and activists are already crying foul. That kind of “ cry” is the very proof that we need this Bill. Previous court cases and human rights complaints are also reasons. And the prosecution of Canadians, mainly Christian, who oppose homosexual marriage, (which has already occurred), is a huge reason for this legislation.
find your MLA at www.gov.ab.ca ( click on - contact your MLA). This is very crucial at this time in Alberta’s history and will influence Canada also.
[Ed. Note: text of bill here: http://www.assembly.ab.ca/net/index.aspx?p=bills_bill&selectbill=208 ]
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Canada Family Action Coalition is calling for EVERY Alberta MLA to support Bill 208
Protection of Fundamental Freedoms (Marriage) Statutes Amendment Act
CFAC News Release
Canada Family Action Coalition
May 3, 2006
http://www.familyaction.org/Articles/issues/family/marriage/05-03-2006-NewsRelease.htm
CFAC is calling on every Albertan to make known your views on this matter to their MLA. That what democracy allows.
“It is unfortunate that we have to have such an Act in Canada and Alberta but due to the injustices of Courts, Human Right tribunals and the previous federal government is an absolute necessity”, say Brian Rushfeldt Executive Director CFAC. MLA Morton stated the need this way, to “ensure that creating the new right to same-sex marriage does not lead to restrictions on the rights and freedoms of those who disagree with same-sex marriage."
The previous PM, Martin’s promise of “ protection” when the marriage definition was altered by Parliament was a hollow deceptive promise. It had no jurisdiction in provincial matters. Martin and the Liberals knew that but Canadians fell for their lie.
Now it is time for Albertans to protect ourselves against the attacks by activists who misuse the courts and so called human rights commissions. It is also protection from judges who allow themselves to be misused.
[More at URL]
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CFAC Commentary on the Edmonton Journal article on Bill 208:
Canada Family Action Coalition
Online as of May 5, 2006
http://www.familyaction.org/Articles/issues/family/marriage/kill-bill-208.htm
It is quite amazing to see thoughtful half truths of some media. The argument in the story below leaves out the pieces that cannot fit the agenda and arguments of the Journal on marriage/education.
Educators are there to educate children, not to promote certain social causes based on philosophy or fiction. As a parent I do pay taxes, and yes I do have a say as to what the public monopoly tells my children. The questionable marriage law is not “hard fact” as the Journal seems to infer. Laws change yearly, even weekly with some judges. Do the hard facts of biology and natural reality mean anything? Modern marriage may be a man made idea but the union of a man and woman is not man made. Of course if you ignore the sexual union aspect of marriage then you can argue marriage on a whole different basis. That seems to be what the Journal and most homosexual activists want to do.
To tell children ( sorry- teach children) that two things are equal when logic and fact proves otherwise is false and misleading. In fact teaching children information that is knowingly wrong should be considered illegal. Perhaps parents can rather than signing an opt-out form (if they ever see one) have schools, teachers and even the Education ministry charged for providing inaccurate, incomplete or misleading information. Is there not a law that requires accurate and truthful teaching by tax paid educators?
[More at URL]
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Ford Headed toward Bankruptcy, but Support of Homosexual Groups Continues
Canada Family Action Coalition
May 4, 2006
http://www.familyaction.org/Articles/issues/sexuality/boycott-ford-5-4-2006.htm
Canadians, To those of you who have boycotted Ford, thank you. If you were unaware of what Ford is doing , read the following. Then make the decision, can you support such an anti-family, anti-child philosophy as we see in the details. -- CFAC
American Family Assocation
Action Alert - May 4, 2006
Ford Motor Company continues to give money to help finance homosexual organizations pushing homosexual marriage.
Chairman Bill Ford evidently is willing to take Ford into bankruptcy in order to continue support of homosexual groups and homosexual marriage. Ford's sales dropped 5% in March and 7% in April. Ford's stock has dropped more than 14% since the boycott began to the lowest price in nearly 20 years. Some feel the stock, now at $6.78, will be at $3 in a matter of months and are bailing out now rather than lose more money on Ford stock.
Ford is a "Platinum Sponsor" of the Human Rights Campaign, a leading advocate of homosexual marriage. In order to be a "Platinum Sponsor" of HRC, Ford had to give HRC $150,000. Other homosexual organizations getting financial support from Ford include GLAAD, Michigan Pride, Triangle Foundation, GLSEN, Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, and PFLAG to name only a few.
[More at URL]
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Marriage for Children’s Sake is but One Form
Canada Family Action Coalition
May 5, 2006
http://www.familyaction.org/Articles/issues/family/marriage/marriage-for-childrens-sake.htm
The quote from the below mentioned article is important to Canada and the whole unsettled issue of marriage. The French report that is referenced below is available here (PDF) and an English summary is available here (PDF) and on preservemarriage.ca.
Since the debate about altering the institution of marriage never had proper debate nor study this report, by France, of all countries is very significant. Children’s best interests were not debated and really never considered by the Liberal government before they jammed through, by forcing MP votes, Bill C 38.
Children got the short treatment on many fronts from the Liberal government. Child porn laws were never “fixed”, age of consent for sex with children was held at 14 by Liberals, ND and Bloc. Internet luring laws that Liberals devised are not effective, and minimum sentences to keep perverts out of society were refused totally by the former government.
[More at URL]
One interesting US item doesn't need a story with it, really, but: Republican Secretary of State Ken Blackwell won the GOP nomination in Ohio for governor. He's the preferred candidate of the fundamentalist right, and got contributions from every US state and most US territories - see the previous CWU for an article Concerned Women for America linked to about that and him. Also, I haven't been linking to them, but there's a huge, and I mean huge uproar in various parts of the fundamentalist community about the movie The Da Vinci Code, on both sides of the border. As in warnings, alerts, and church classes "preparing" the religious community for it.
Interestingly - and again, this isn't something I'm linking to - Focus on the Family Canada is mailing its (presumed Canadian) subscribers all sorts of the more virulent anti-gay stories they put up on their American website, but don't/aren't putting up on their Canadian website. Clearly, they're sure that their mailing-list readers are a lot more anti-gay than anyone who might come across their website and are tailoring their message accordingly. Meanwhile, and also importantly, the Canada Family Action Coalition has just exploded with activity, with a series of action items for a bill with a series of anti-marriage provisions, endorsement of the AFA boycott against Ford, and other items as well.
Also of note: The American Family Association has gotten up the nerve to start listing Paul Cameron by name as an authoritative source; thanks a lot, Cambridge); this is part of their normal cycle of rehabilitate-and-recycle; somebody who says the things they want to hear gets discredited; they stop quoting them for a while, wait a bit, then start quoting them again when they think nobody's listening anymore; this is the third time Paul Cameron has made it back up to the quotable-by-name level that I'm aware of. Creationists are similarly put through a wash/rinse/repeat cycle.
And finally, I really do plan to put together that analysis piece of a very disturbing new effort on the part of Focus on the Family; their explicit intent with this effort is to replace the rational worldview with a non-rational one based upon religion, that they declare to be the "Biblical" worldview. They've been working towards this for a while, of course - it's very much in line with the Christian Reconstructionist movement - but they haven't come out and said so much of it as they're starting to do now, at least, to people on their mailing list.
But now, today's news.
Iraqi GBLT community under increasing attack after Ayatollah Sistani's call for them to be executed in the "worst, most severe way of killing";
Focus on the Family joins up with the Family Research Council on their "Values Voters Summit" conference this fall - it's basically all the theoconservatives getting together to plan religious political action, plus a big pep rally;
Louisiana House passes comprehensive, South Dakota-like abortion ban; however, this one is stayed until Roe v. Wade is overturned - at least, so far; really, that's not much of a difference, since South Dakota's is too, whether it's written into the bill or not;
Focus on the Family notes teen pregnancy rates are down in Georgia, claims that it's due to abstinence-only education;
Focus on the Family outrage over a Supreme Court decision not to hear an appeal after a case where an anti-abortion activist group printed wanted posters of local doctors who provided abortions, proclaiming them guilty of crimes against humanity and listing their addresses and phone numbers;
FotF warns about the Harry Potter books and says churches aren't doing enough to "address" them;
FotF has guns out against a filibuster against D.C. Appeals Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh; it's all part of an attempt to break the "Gang of 14" compromise, as he was one of the three nominees who the group included as worthy of filibuster;
***** As required by Kansas law, a judge has now ordered an investigation of Dr. George Tiller; he's a high-value target for the anti-abortion activist movement. He had a patient die in his care; the Kansas medical board cleared him of wrongdoing, so they got a petition drive going to force an investigation anyway. This is part of a heightened strategy of legal harassment against abortion providers;
FotF has another one of the anti-gay "ex-gay" conferences, this weekend it's in Florida; protests are expected;
The head of Faith and Freedom Network, sponsour of an effort to repeal LGBT civil rights protections in Washington State, at the White House for National Day of Prayer; part of a delegation meeting with President Bush;
Faith and Freedom Network: Grays Harbour College student senator votes against allowing Gay/Straight Alliance club; receives hail of protest over her vote; FFN outraged that anyone would dare criticise her position;
Family Research Council condemns decision by Senator Specter to delay Kavanaugh nomination again;
***** REHABILITATION WATCH: American Family Association is now listing notorious fraud Dr. Paul Cameron, a famous anit-gay "researcher," by name as an authoritative source again; this is a normal part of the cycle; fundamentalists bring him up; we go through the rounds of all the faked data, all the fraud, the expulsion from the APA for fraud, and eventually he goes away again - until the next rehabilitation cycle; here, he appears to be lying about research done by other people, which is one of his standard fraud mechanisms, and is what first got him in trouble with the APA;
AFA pushing for "Indecency Enforcement Act," to ramp up FCC fines and increase anti-"indecency" enforcement in broadcasting; note that "indecency" is not "obscenity," which is a very different standard;
I've decided to pull in one of the many, many Da Vinci Code stories going around; this one's from the AFA;
The AFA links to a Focus on the Family story pushing the anti-marriage Federal amendment;
AFA reports that the Southern Baptist Convention Resolutions Committee chair is not a big fan of the Exodus Mandate initiative;
United Methodist women's group protests lesbian speaker at Methodist Women's Quadrennial;
Anti-abortion groups working to get "Choose Life" plates approved in Massachusetts;
AFA, other fundamentalists condemn Alan Guttmacher report stating that abortion does not, in and of it self, pose significant health risks above that of pregnancy;
Apparently the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation is running some PSAs on CBS; Traditional Values Coalition is outraged;
TVC ACTION ITEM against CBS for running the GLAAD spots; they demand "equal time" to run spots condemning GBLT people; includes a contact form though CapWiz to send nastygrams to CBS;
TVC updates their war against the judiciary page with a new recommending reading list attacking "our black-robed masters";
Concerned Women for America thank Bill Frist for trying to get the Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act of 2005 though the Senate, but it got blocked on a procedural move;
LifeNews ACTION ITEM to get signatures for California Initiative 73, a parental-notification initiative; they're short on time and low on signatures but still hope to meet their goals by deadline;
National Review writer Ramesh Ponnuru (who also wrote the book The Party of Death: The Democrats, the Media, the Courts, and the Disregard for Human Life), condemns the Guttmacher Institute report on abortion;
American Family Association's Agape Press article on two challenges to New York State's marriage laws;
LifeNews, Concerned Women for America condemn Harvard report showing "virginity pledges" to be ineffective as public policy;
CWA article condemning "another case of discrimination against Christians" by a university for not allowing a student group to register as official; the reason is that the group wants to violate the school's nondiscrimination policies and discriminate officially on both religious and sexual orientation grounds. (They want to officially discriminate against all GBLT people of any faith, and all people not Christians.) They call the nondiscrimination policy a violation of their religious freedoms. You would have seen this exact same path - the right to be anti-(people) is a mandate of our religion - in earlier decades, traditionally targeting people of colour; this is the latest iteration;
***** Canada Family Action Coalition ACTION ITEM to support Bill 208 in Alberta; I could support this bill if it only applied to religious groups, but it also allows public officials to refuse to marry same-sex couples, and specifically exempts them from any consequences for refusing to carry out the marriage law requirements of their post for same-sex couples; it also had a broad public-schools section where any material that includes marriage between people of the same sex has to post notice, provides exemption rights for students, and allows teachers to refuse to participate without penalty of any sort;
***** Canada Family Action Coalition press release calling for unanimous passage of Alberta Bill 208; see previous item for details;
***** CFAC condemns Edmonton Journal editorial against Bill 208;
***** CFAC endorses AFA boycott of Ford, asks its own supporters to join in the boycott; AFA claims credit for Ford's financial troubles;
***** CFAC calls for revocation of GBLT marriage rights.
----- 1 -----
Sistani's Pogrom
Andrew Sullivan
05 May 2006 11:48 am
http://time.blogs.com/daily_dish/2006/05/sistanis_pogrom.html
The religious head of Iraq's Shiite population, Ayatollah Sistani, recently issued an edict calling for the brutal murder of all gay people in Iraq. "The people involved should be killed in the worst, most severe way of killing," this spiritual leader declared. Shiite militias are apparently making good on the fatwa.
[More at URL]
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'Values Voter Summit' Set for Fall
You're invited to Washington, D.C., to learn about pressing issues.
by Pete Winn, associate editor
Focus on the Family
May 2, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/extras/a0040339.cfm
Pro-family leaders and top policymakers want you to come to the nation's capital this September for a three-day conference on important conservative issues.
Connie Mackey, senior vice president of FRC Action, the non-profit legislative action arm of the Family Research Council, said the idea for "The Washington Briefing: 2006 Values Voter Summit" grew out of a concern among pro-family groups that elected officials are becoming complacent.
[More at URL]
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Louisiana Moves Toward Abortion Ban
Focus on the Family
Newsbriefs
May 2, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0040340.cfm
The Louisiana Senate passed a bill last week that would outlaw all abortions with the exception of those performed to save the life of the mother, The Daily Reveille reported.
The bill, which passed by a 37-to-7 vote, would mean any doctor who performs an abortion could face 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.
[More at URL]
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Teen Pregnancies Down in Peach State
Focus on the Family
Newsbriefs
May 2, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0040338.cfm
The number of teen pregnancies in Georgia declined over the last 10 years -- an indication that programs such as those that teach abstinence are working, WTVM-TV reported.
The State Division of Public Health reported that from 1994 to 2004 -- the last year for which the state has complete records -- the rate of pregnancy for girls ages 10-to-19 dropped from 50 per 1,000 to just under 35 per 1,000.
[More at URL]
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Supreme Court Refuses Abortionist "Wanted Poster" Case
Pro-lifers are left owing millions in damages.
from staff reports
Focus on the Family
May 3, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/news/supreme.html
The Supreme Court earlier this week turned down a case involving "wanted posters" that featured doctors who perform abortions.
The ruling leaves pro-life activists owing punitive damages to doctors and clinics. But the real harm may be what the case does to pro-life free speech.
[...]
"There's a lot of filth and foul stuff going on that the courts are protecting. Is this a right decision? Probably not, based on the fact that far more foul things are being protected," he said. "This is certainly going to chill the free speech rights of those activists, so from that standpoint, this is a decision we ought to be concerned about."
[More at URL]
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Churches Are Not Addressing Harry Potter
Survey shows a large majority of Christian teens have read the books or seen the movies.
Focus on the Family
from staff reports
May 3 , 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/news/churches.html
Nearly four out of five church-going teenagers have been exposed to the wizard-in-training legend, Harry Potter. But, according to a George Barna survey, only four in 100 say the Harry Potter themes have been challenged in their churches.
The survey found that 78 percent of Christian teens have read J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter books and or seen a Potter film. David Kinnaman, vice president of the Barna Research Group, said churches are not doing a good job of offering insight about the series.
[More at URL]
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Threat of Filibuster Clouds Judicial-Nomination Process
Focus on the Family
Newsbriefs
May 3, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/threat.html
Democrats are again threatening to corrupt the constitutional process by implementing a filibuster against D.C. Appeals Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.
Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., announced Tuesday that, as the Senate Judiciary Committee votes, a filibuster may be the Democrats' response.
[More at URL]
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Judge Orders Investigation of Late-Term Abortionist
Focus on the Family
Newsbriefs
May 3, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/judge.html
A Kansas judge on Tuesday ordered a grand jury investigation later this month concerning the case of a mentally disabled woman who died after receiving an abortion from late-term abortionist George Tiller.
According to LifeSite News, the order came after more than 7,000 people signed petitions calling for the grand jury. A little used Kansas law allows residents to call for an investigation through petition if they feel justice has not been served.
[More at URL]
----- 9 -----
Florida Hosts Conference on Homosexuality This Weekend
Focus on the Family
Newsbriefs
May 3, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/florida.html
Focus on the Family's international Love Won Out conference will be in Ft. Lauderdale on Saturday despite attempts by gay activists to disrupt the event.
Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church is hosting the one-day conference designed to present the truth about homosexuality.
[More at URL]
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President Bush Calls the Nation to Prayer
Faith and Freedom Network
Thursday, May 04, 2006
http://www.faithandfreedom.us/weblog/2006/05/president-bush-calls-nation-to-prayer.html
This morning a number of leaders from around the nation met with President Bush at the White House for the National Day of Prayer. Among them was Dr. Joseph B. Fuiten, Chairman of the Board of Faith & Freedom Network and Foundation.
[...]
Dr. Fuiten said he was deeply touched by the President's reminder that our ability to communicate directly with our Heavenly Father is a gift from Him, a gift given to us through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ.
[More at URL]
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College Student is Ridiculed Because of her Faith
Faith and Freedom Network
Friday, May 05, 2006
http://www.faithandfreedom.us/weblog/2006/05/college-student-is-ridiculed-because.html
Check this out! A Grays Harbor College (Aberdeen, WA) student senator who voted against the charter for a new gay-straight student alliance is being ridiculed by fellow students. Some members of the student body believe she should be censured or lose her senate seat because she believes being gay is “bad behavior.”
Amanda Plumb, a Christian and student leader, simply felt she could not vote in favor of the club for gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transgender and straight students.
[More at URL]
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FRC: Today's Concession by Chairman Specter is Deeply Troubling
Family Research Council
May 4, 2006 - Thursday
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: JP Duffy or Bethanie Swendsen, (202) 393-2100
http://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=PR06E04&f=PG03I03
Washington, D.C. - Today when the Senate Judiciary Committee was scheduled to vote on the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the DC Circuit Court of Appeals, Chairman Arlen Specter acquiesced to the "Gang of 14" and decided to schedule another hearing on the nomination for Tuesday, May 9. Kavanaugh was first nominated nearly three years ago, in July of 2003, and he has gone through three nominations without a fair vote.
Tom McClusky, Family Research Council's Vice President of Government Affairs, issued the following statement:
"Today's concession by Chairman Specter is deeply troubling. In following assurances from the Democratic members of the Senate Judiciary Committee that further hearings on the Kavanaugh nomination would not result in any changed votes, Chairman Specter has allowed this nomination, already three years in the making, to linger again.
[More at URL]
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Commentary & News Briefs
May 5, 2006
Compiled by Jenni Parker
http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/5/afa/52006h.asp
...A Family Research Institute spokesman says the homosexual lobby's own research has negated its past claims regarding the impact of homosexual parents on adopted kids. Recent studies by homosexual groups have discovered that a third of the children parented by homosexuals have become homosexuals themselves, despite claims to the contrary by the "gay" lobby. Dr. Paul Cameron, who directed the Family Research Institute's analysis of the homosexual influence on children, says for young children, typically, "their parents are their universe -- their total universe." Therefore, he says, the behavior the parents model profoundly affects what their children learn. And homosexuality, Cameron asserts, "is most of the time a learned activity, a learned taste -- a learned predilection." The FRI analyst says while homosexuals make up less than three percent of the population, their own studies find that 33 percent of the kids who live with them become homosexual. [Bill Fancher]
[More at URL]
----- 14 -----
Pro-Family Media Monitors Pushing for Senate Vote on Indecency Enforcement Act
By Jody Brown
American Family Association
May 4, 2006
http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/5/afa/42006a.asp
(AgapePress) - It's apparent that at least two pro-family groups are losing patience with Senate lawmakers -- one in particular -- who are sitting on a piece of legislation the groups say will protect children and families from vulgarity and obscenity on television.
The Parents Television Council (PTC) and the American Family Association (AFA) are calling on their supporters and others to voice their dissatisfaction with Republican Senator Ted Stevens. Why? Because in their opinion, the lawmaker from Alaska -- who chairs the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation -- has held "hostage" for well over a year the Broadcast Indecency Enforcement Act (HR 310), which would greatly increase fines to broadcasters for violating current indecency laws.
[More at URL]
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Baehr Calls Blasphemy, Sexual Immorality Good Reasons to Miss Da Vinci Code
-- Also, Christian Critic Says Pre-Release Press Conference Will Reveal Sacrilegious Film's Backers
By Mary Rettig
American Family Association
May 4, 2006
http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/5/afa/42006c.asp
(AgapePress) - A well-known pro-family media critic advises Christians to forego seeing the movie screen adaptation of Dan Brown's novel The Da Vinci Code, and he says they should warn others to avoid the film as well.
Dr. Ted Baehr is chairman of the Christian Film & Television Commission (CFTC) and publisher of Movieguide, a biweekly journal that reviews and rates films according to their values and family-friendly -- or unfriendly -- content. And when it comes to the kind of content viewers will find if they decide to go see the upcoming theatrical release, The Da Vinci Code (rated PG-13), the Christian movie reviewer says, "There's a lot of good reasons for people not to."
On May 17, two days before the movie's general release, a group of Christian leaders are going to hold a press conference in Washington, DC, to address the issues surrounding the controversial film. Baehr, who will be part of that group, says there is a lot more to The Da Vinci Code's plot than just the assertion that Jesus married Mary Magdalene. That is minor, the critic says, compared to some of the other blasphemous ideas presented in the story.
[More at URL]
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Marriage Amendment Efforts Heat Up
Focus on the Family
Family News in Focus
by Josh Montez
May 5, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/fnif/news/a0040369.cfm
In one month, the U.S. Senate is scheduled to vote on the Marriage Protection Amendment, and religious leaders are lining-up in support.
Efforts encouraging Congress to put a stop to activist judges redefining marriage are ramping up. Forty-three religious leaders signed an open letter voicing their support of the Federal Marriage Amendment. The letter says, “As leaders in our nation's religious communities we call for a constitutional amendment to establish marriage as the exclusive union of one man and one woman.”
[...]
On another front, Focus on the Family Action and the Southern Baptist Convention are encouraging concerned Americans to send one-million post-cards to their elected officials urging support for the Federal Marriage Amendment. Amanda Banks is with Focus on the Family Action.
[More at URL]
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SBC Official Questions Wisdom of Public School 'Exit Strategy' Proposal
By Jim Brown
American Family Association
May 4, 2006
http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/5/afa/42006b.asp
(AgapePress) - The chairman of the Resolutions Committee for next month's Annual Meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) is being careful not to throw his support behind the idea of developing a plan to remove Baptist children from public schools.
Members of the Resolutions Committee will begin meeting June 7, a week before the SBC meeting, to compile a list of proposed resolutions they deem relevant to this year's convention. One of the submitted proposals calls on the denomination to resolve to develop an "exit strategy" from the public schools, giving "particular attention to the needs of orphans, single parents, and the disadvantaged."
[...]
Personally, the SBC Resolutions Committee chair questions whether urging a church-wide exodus from all public schools across the U.S. is a wise idea. "I think that we have to look at each system," he says.
[More at URL]
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Group Protests Lesbian Activist as Speaker at Methodist Women's Quadrennial
By Jim Brown
American Family Association
May 4, 2006
http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/5/afa/42006e.asp
(AgapePress) - A coalition of evangelical United Methodist women is protesting a keynote speaker at a large event for Methodist women beginning tonight in Anaheim, California. The denomination's Women's Division is being accused of defying church law by inviting a lesbian activist to address the gathering.
On Saturday morning, lesbian activist and musician Emily Saliers of the group "Indigo Girls" will speak to more than 8,000 women at the United Methodist Women's Assembly. Saliers will appear with her father, Don, a professor at Candler School of Theology. The event takes place every four years and is a gathering of female leaders with the United Methodist Church (UMC).
Fay Short heads RENEW, a network for evangelical women with the UMC. Short says the United Methodist Women's Division (UMW) rejected her group's request that the invitation to Emily Saliers be withdrawn.
"The Methodist Federation for Social Action and Reconciling Ministries, both of which favor the acceptance of homosexual practice, also began to send messages to the Women's Division asking that the Salierses be retained as speakers," she explains. "So, in light of that, the Women's Division at their last board meeting decided that they would not withdraw that invitation."
[More at URL]
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Massachusetts Woman Wants to Bring Choose Life Plates to Bay State
by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
May 5, 2006
http://www.lifenews.com/state1641.html
Boston, MA (LifeNews.com) -- A Massachusetts woman is leading an effort to bring Choose Life license plates to the Bay State. Merry Nordeen is putting together supporters to allow state residents to purchase the plates for their cars -- with proceeds from the plates funding adoption centers.
However, as has happened in other states, abortion advocates may file a lawsuit seeking to block the state from selling them.
The Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts told AP that the state government should not be sanctioning plates that have what it considers a controversial and one-sided political message.
[More at URL]
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Critics Suggest Guttmacher's Pro-Abortion Report Ignores Negative Evidence
Consider the Source, Say Pro-Life Leaders
By Bill Fancher and Jody Brown
May 4, 2006
http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/5/afa/42006f.asp
(AgapePress) - Pro-lifers are condemning a pro-abortion report being released today by the Alan Guttmacher Institute. They say the report, titled "Abortion in Women's Lives," attempts to deny the mounting evidence that abortion harms women both physically and psychologically.
According to its website, the Alan Guttmacher Institute (AGI) began as a "semiautonomous division" of Planned Parenthood Federation of America -- and today remains a "special affiliate" to the taxpayer-supported abortion-provider. The Institute's namesake actually served as president of PPFA for more than a decade in the 1960s and 1970s. AGI's mission? To advance "sexual and reproductive health" -- buzzwords typically used by organizations that promote abortion.
Consequently it should come as no surprise that the Institute would release a pro-abortion report. Concerned Women for America (CWA) is not surprised, saying a Guttmacher report on abortion should be taken as seriously as a "tobacco industry report on nicotine."
[...]
The report says there is virtually no risk in first-trimester abortions and that there are no long-term mental effects of abortion. Newman suggests the Institute is releasing the report as a last-ditch effort to salvage what he says is a dying pro-abortion industry.
[More at URL]
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TVC Urges CBS Affiliates Not To Run GLAAD PSAs
Traditional Values Coalition
http://www.traditionalvalues.org/modules.php?sid=2714
May 4, 2006 - Washington, DC – “I am calling upon TVC supporters to contact their local CBS affiliates to ask that they refuse to air any public service announcements by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) next week during ‘As The World Turns,’” said Traditional Values Coalition Executive Director Andrea Lafferty today. “The underlying message of GLAAD’s PSA is that anyone who opposes homosexual conduct is prejudiced or intolerant. This is propaganda, not accurate information.”
Lafferty is responding to news that CBS has joined with GLAAD to place a PSA in “As The World Turns” to reinforce the message in the show about a boy who tells his parents he’s a homosexual. “GLAAD is using free advertising to push a message about homosexuality that is not true,” said Lafferty. “The homosexual condition is not in-born or unchangeable. Thousands of ex-homosexuals can attest to this fact and their testimonies are well documented by Exodus International.
[...]
“The underlying anti-religious bigotry of GLAAD must be rejected by all Americans and CBS affiliates should refuse to run their inaccurate PSAs next week,” said Lafferty.
[More at URL]
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CBS/GLAAD Scandal Heats Up
Traditional Values Coalition
http://www.traditionalvalues.org/modules.php?sid=2709
May 4, 2006 – On May 2, TVC issued a call to action to supporters to contact CBS to ask that they provide equal time for opposing viewpoints on homosexuality. CBS has announced it will help the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) air Public Service Announcements promoting the normalization of homosexuality—and condemning critics as intolerant and bigoted.
CBS and GLAAD announced a joint venture to air PSAs on “As The World Turns” on May 9. This episode will feature a teenager who tells his parents that he’s a homosexual.
GLAAD is a notorious anti-Christian group that exerts a powerful influence over what we read and see on TV and in movies about homosexual conduct. GLAAD has issued a Media Guide that instructs reporters on how to report on homosexuality and how to avoid giving critics a fair hearing. GLAAD also meets with script writers, casting directors, and producers to create pro-homosexual programming on TV and in films.
[More at URL]
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CBS And GLAAD Use PSAs To Label Critics Of Homosexual Sex As Bigots
Traditional Values Coalition
http://www.traditionalvalues.org/modules.php?sid=2706
May 2, 2006 – CBS and the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) have teamed up to produce a series of Public Service Announcements (PSAs) that will be dropped into a day-time soap opera promoting teen homosexuality.
The CBS/GLAAD PSA will be included in the CBS daytime soap opera “As The World Turns” on May 9. This particular show includes a teenager who tells his parents that he is a homosexual. The PSA will tell viewers that they should take a stand against “discrimination” and “prejudice” faced by homosexuals, bisexuals, and transgendered people (cross-dressers, transsexuals, and homosexual drag queens).
This PSA is part of GLAAD’s propaganda campaign called “Be an Ally and a Friend” effort to promote homosexuality, bisexuality and transsexuality as normal sexual behaviors.
GLAAD is one of the most dangerous organizations in America. It has a powerful influence over Hollywood and the print media. The group has published its 7th edition of a “Media Guide” that tells journalists what terms they should use in describing homosexuality. It also tells them to avoid giving fair treatment to organizations that are critical of homosexual behavior. In short, this media guide teaches journalists to censor opposing viewpoints. Read this GLAAD media guide to understand why you do not get an accurate portrayal of homosexuality in the mainstream media. GLAAD is controlling what you read and see.
GLAAD also meets with script writers, directors, and other powerful Hollywood executives to shape the kinds of messages Americans receive in TV programming and in movies about homosexuality.
Your voice matters! Send a strong message to CBS. It is important for Hollywood and network executives to hear your concerns. In 2002, for example, TVC exposed the efforts of Nickelodeon to promote the homosexual agenda. More than a quarter of a million emails went to Nickelodeon to protest the promotion of homosexual “families” by Linda Ellerbee and hosted by Rosie O’Donnell. They were forced to tone down the show because of the incredible public outrage.
GLAAD and groups like the Gay, Lesbian and Student Education Network have done their job well in censoring accurate information about homosexual behavior in the media.
The Hollywood Reporter noted in April, 2005 that “GLAAD and others who carry out its mission meet with editorial boards, casting directors, producers, writers and directors, where they discuss what they are thinking about, what they are working on and offer suggestions on ways to accurately reflect the lifestyle.”
GLAAD is serving as a censor and a gatekeeper on what information Americans receive in the mainstream media about homosexual behavior! It urges journalists and Hollywood producers to promote homosexuality, while condemning any organization or individual who is critical of homosexuality.
GLAAD equates opposition to homosexuality as bigotry, prejudice and discriminatory attitudes—and now CBS is joining with them in promoting their homosexual agenda—to normalize homosexual sex for teenagers!
TVC Urges CBS To Provide Equal Time
Traditional Values Coalition Chairman Rev. Louis P. Sheldon has written a letter of concern to Mr. Leslie Mooves, President and CEO of CBS asking that he provide TVC with equal time to respond to GLAAD’s PSA.
Rev. Sheldon told Moonves: “Most major religions denominations consider homosexuality a sinful and disordered behavior. GLAAD calls these Americans discriminatory and hateful because of their religious beliefs.
“At the very least, I believe CBS should apply an equal time standard to this sort of activity. My organization, Traditional Values Coalition, would be willing to discuss some sort of message which would provide the balance lacking from GLAAD’s anti-religious attacks.”
TAKE ACTION: Use TVC’s CapWiz email system to write a letter of concern to Mr. Moonves asking for CBS to give equal time to TVC to present an alternative viewpoint on homosexual behavior. Forward this alert to your friends!
GLAAD only wants a positive portrayal of homosexuality presented to the American people over public airwaves. This is a betrayal of the public trust. CBS should be willing to present a fair and balanced message on homosexuality—and not promote only one viewpoint on this controversial topic.
Go to TVC’s Media Guide section and click on CBS News to create your letter to Mr. Moonves: Traditional Values Coalition -- Media Guide.
PLEASE FORWARD THIS TO YOUR FRIENDS.
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TVC Publishes Recommended Reading List On Judges, Constitution
Traditional Values Coalition
http://www.traditionalvalues.org/modules.php?sid=2707
May 4, 2006 – A reading list of high quality books on judicial tyranny, the Constitution, and religious freedom has just been added to TVC’s “Battle Plan To Take Back Our Courts” web site.
This reading list is directly below our special reports: ..:: Our Battle Plan ::..
Purchase these books and learn more about why federal judges must be restrained from issuing rulings that have no basis in the Constitution or in law. Judges who view the Constitution as a “living document” have rejected the concept of issuing decisions based upon the original intent of the writers of the Constitution or laws. Activist liberal judges issue rulings based upon their feelings and political philosophies—not upon the Constitution or the original intent of the Founding Fathers. This is judicial tyranny—and must be stopped.
Please also read our various reports on judicial tyranny and the importance of putting judicial conservatives on the federal bench: Reports.
[More at URL]
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Plan for Vote on Decency Legislation Thwarted
Amelia Wigton
Concerned Women for America
May 5, 2006
http://www.cwalac.org/article_325.shtml
The long-awaited vote on the Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act of 2005 (H.R. 310) seemed imminent late Tuesday when Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tennessee) attempted to pass it through unanimous consent, but unnamed senators put a last-minute “hold” on the bill, thwarting its passage for now.
Concerned Women for America (CWA) heartily applauds Sen. Frist for hearing the pleas of the American people to help clean up the offensive content that has been spilling into homes, particularly during the Family Hour of 8-9 p.m.
H.R. 310 would raise current Federal Communications Commission (FCC) fines against violators from the current slap-on-the-wrist of $32,500 to a painful $500,000. It would also fine performers based on their premeditated efforts to commit decency violations and would require that networks with more than three violations go through a license renewal hearing.
[More at URL]
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California Pro-Life Group Has Four Days for Abortion Notification Sigs
by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
May 4, 2006
http://www.lifenews.com/state1638.html
Sacramento, CA (LifeNews.com) -- In California, a girl who is under 18 year-old can't get a flu shot, a cavity filled, or an aspirin from the school nurse without her parents knowing. But, she can get a secret abortion if she wants one. Pro-life groups are hoping to change that and have four days left to get signatures on a petition for a state vote to do so.
The Parents’ Right to Know group is collecting signatures on a petition to have a second chance at a vote to require parental notification before a teenager can get an abortion.
For anyone wanting to sign the petition, May 8 is the last day to mail them.
The initiative will require that an abortion practitioner notify in writing a parent or guardian at least 48 hours before performing an abortion on a minor girl.
[...]
ACTION: Visit the web site and sign the petition today. Petitions can be mailed to Parents’ Right to Know, 1703 India St., San Diego, CA 92101. Visit www.parentsright2know.org or www.YESon73.net for more information.
[More at URL]
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Data Failure
Misreporting from the Guttmacher Institute.
National Review
By Ramesh Ponnuru
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=MjBkYzVkMDFjMWU5YWMzZDYxYTJjMGU4YWZjMDgyMjY=
The Alan Guttmacher Institute, the research arm of Planned Parenthood, has done a lot of good and careful work over the years. The report it is releasing today is not among that work. The new report attempts to put social science behind Planned Parenthood's agenda. It pretends that the latest studies all vindicate the view that parental-consent laws on abortion, for example, are "bad public policy." In addition, it claims that abortion almost never has any adverse effects on women and suggests that the only way to reduce abortion rates is to increase access to contraception.
[More at URL]
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Attacks Continue on NY's Marriage Laws
Liberty Counsel Files Briefs in Defense of Traditional Marriage
By Allie Martin
Agape Press
May 2, 2006
http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/5/22006a.asp
(AgapePress) - A Christian law firm is defending traditional marriage in New York's highest court. Florida-based Liberty Counsel has filed two separate briefs at the New York Court of Appeals defending that state's marriage laws.
In the case of Hernandez v. Robles, a judge declared in February 2005 that New York's marriage laws are unconstitutional. Judge Doris Ling-Cohen ruled at that time that individuals have a "fundamental right to choose one spouse," that same-sex marriage "would cause harm to no one," that there is "no legitimate purpose, let alone a compelling interest" in the marriage laws, and ordered that the terms "husband," "wife," "groom," and "bride" be construed as "spouse." The First Department of the Appellate Division later reversed that ruling and upheld the marriage laws.
In the second case -- Samuels v. New York State Department of Health -- Judge Joseph Teresi upheld the state's marriage laws against a challenge brought by 13 same-sex couples. Upon appeal, the Third Department of the Appellate Division also upheld the marriage laws.
Both cases are now before the New York Court of Appeals, the state's highest court. On behalf of the New York Family Policy Council and Concerned Women for America, Liberty Counsel has filed a brief in each of the two cases. Mat Staver, president of the legal group, says marriage laws in the state of New York are clear.
[More on URL]
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Harvard Report Bashing Abstinence Education Relies on Decade-Old Data
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by Janice Shaw Crouse
May 4, 2006
Dr. Janice Shaw Crouse is a senior fellow of Concerned Women for America's Beverly LaHaye Institute.
http://www.lifenews.com/nat2237.html
A report released this week by a Harvard University student, and published in the online edition of "The American Journal of Public Health," purports to show that virginity pledges are ineffective. This major hit at abstinence pledges contains several problems: The data is a decade old, there are no data comparisons, and the report relies on self-responses of adolescents.
Clearly, the left is at it again -- taking or manufacturing any possible "evidence" in order to slam abstinence programs.
Plainly put, it is a matter of survival for the left because the network of consultants and experts for comprehensive sex education subsists on government contracts. And, we are talking about big money. For example, in 2002, abstinence programs received only $102 million in federal funding compared to at least $427 million allocated to comprehensive sex education and contraception programs. Last year, when the president proposed increasing funding for abstinence-until-marriage programs, more than 200 left-wing groups lobbied Capitol Hill to oppose the increase.
[More at URL]
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Christian Student Group Rejected at Cal State – San Bernardino
Concerned Women for America
5/4/2006
http://www.cwfa.org/articles/10652/CWA/misc/index.htm
Across the nation, it is becoming almost common for the religious and academic rights of students to be trampled in the name of tolerance. Pro-life and pro-family speech and beliefs are most often targeted. Ryan Sorba, a senior at California State University – San Bernardino studying psychology, joins CWA policy analyst Martha Kleder and Bob Knight, Director of CWA’s Culture & Family Institute, is discussing the difficulties he has faced trying to establish a Christian Student Association on campus. Click here to listen.
For more information on the case visit: http://www.thefire.org/index.php/case/696.html
["Another case of discrimination against Christians" is the CWA summary on the audio.]
[Ed. Note: okay, here's the deal: this is another group that isn't allowed to have official status at a university because they want to violate the school's nondiscrimination policy. As usual, and I'm pretty sure I've reported on this particular group a few times before, they want to officially discriminate on the basis of religion and sexual orientation, barring non-Christians and GBLT people of any religion from being members and holding positions of authority.]
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Alberta Action Alert - May 3, 2006
Bill 208
Online as of May 5, 2006
http://www.familyaction.org/Articles/issues/family/marriage/05-03-2006-ABActionAlert.htm
Bill 208, Protection of Fundamental Freedoms (Marriage) Statutes Amendment Act, was introduced in Alberta Legislature by MLA Ted Morton. The Bill may be viewed here - Bill 208 Alberta. MLA Morton stated that Bill 208 was needed to “ensure that creating the new right to same-sex marriage does not lead to restrictions on the rights and freedoms of those who disagree with same-sex marriage." Due to the failure of proper legislating by the previous federal Liberal government the need for such protection is now REALITY in provinces.
It is incumbent upon all Albertans who want protection of their values and views on marriage as “one man and one woman” to tell their MLA to vote in favor of this legislation. It May be voted on as early as May 15 so act NOW! It is very unfortunate in Canada that we would have to have such legislation brought in but based on evidence of what courts, human rights commissions and activists have been doing , it is absolutely necessary.
See CFAC's May 3, news release here: Bill 208 News Release).
If you do not know who your MLA is : find out and call them. They must hear from those who support freedom and protection of average citizens like us. Teacher’s Union and activists are already crying foul. That kind of “ cry” is the very proof that we need this Bill. Previous court cases and human rights complaints are also reasons. And the prosecution of Canadians, mainly Christian, who oppose homosexual marriage, (which has already occurred), is a huge reason for this legislation.
find your MLA at www.gov.ab.ca ( click on - contact your MLA). This is very crucial at this time in Alberta’s history and will influence Canada also.
[Ed. Note: text of bill here: http://www.assembly.ab.ca/net/index.aspx?p=bills_bill&selectbill=208 ]
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Canada Family Action Coalition is calling for EVERY Alberta MLA to support Bill 208
Protection of Fundamental Freedoms (Marriage) Statutes Amendment Act
CFAC News Release
Canada Family Action Coalition
May 3, 2006
http://www.familyaction.org/Articles/issues/family/marriage/05-03-2006-NewsRelease.htm
CFAC is calling on every Albertan to make known your views on this matter to their MLA. That what democracy allows.
“It is unfortunate that we have to have such an Act in Canada and Alberta but due to the injustices of Courts, Human Right tribunals and the previous federal government is an absolute necessity”, say Brian Rushfeldt Executive Director CFAC. MLA Morton stated the need this way, to “ensure that creating the new right to same-sex marriage does not lead to restrictions on the rights and freedoms of those who disagree with same-sex marriage."
The previous PM, Martin’s promise of “ protection” when the marriage definition was altered by Parliament was a hollow deceptive promise. It had no jurisdiction in provincial matters. Martin and the Liberals knew that but Canadians fell for their lie.
Now it is time for Albertans to protect ourselves against the attacks by activists who misuse the courts and so called human rights commissions. It is also protection from judges who allow themselves to be misused.
[More at URL]
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CFAC Commentary on the Edmonton Journal article on Bill 208:
Canada Family Action Coalition
Online as of May 5, 2006
http://www.familyaction.org/Articles/issues/family/marriage/kill-bill-208.htm
It is quite amazing to see thoughtful half truths of some media. The argument in the story below leaves out the pieces that cannot fit the agenda and arguments of the Journal on marriage/education.
Educators are there to educate children, not to promote certain social causes based on philosophy or fiction. As a parent I do pay taxes, and yes I do have a say as to what the public monopoly tells my children. The questionable marriage law is not “hard fact” as the Journal seems to infer. Laws change yearly, even weekly with some judges. Do the hard facts of biology and natural reality mean anything? Modern marriage may be a man made idea but the union of a man and woman is not man made. Of course if you ignore the sexual union aspect of marriage then you can argue marriage on a whole different basis. That seems to be what the Journal and most homosexual activists want to do.
To tell children ( sorry- teach children) that two things are equal when logic and fact proves otherwise is false and misleading. In fact teaching children information that is knowingly wrong should be considered illegal. Perhaps parents can rather than signing an opt-out form (if they ever see one) have schools, teachers and even the Education ministry charged for providing inaccurate, incomplete or misleading information. Is there not a law that requires accurate and truthful teaching by tax paid educators?
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Ford Headed toward Bankruptcy, but Support of Homosexual Groups Continues
Canada Family Action Coalition
May 4, 2006
http://www.familyaction.org/Articles/issues/sexuality/boycott-ford-5-4-2006.htm
Canadians, To those of you who have boycotted Ford, thank you. If you were unaware of what Ford is doing , read the following. Then make the decision, can you support such an anti-family, anti-child philosophy as we see in the details. -- CFAC
American Family Assocation
Action Alert - May 4, 2006
Ford Motor Company continues to give money to help finance homosexual organizations pushing homosexual marriage.
Chairman Bill Ford evidently is willing to take Ford into bankruptcy in order to continue support of homosexual groups and homosexual marriage. Ford's sales dropped 5% in March and 7% in April. Ford's stock has dropped more than 14% since the boycott began to the lowest price in nearly 20 years. Some feel the stock, now at $6.78, will be at $3 in a matter of months and are bailing out now rather than lose more money on Ford stock.
Ford is a "Platinum Sponsor" of the Human Rights Campaign, a leading advocate of homosexual marriage. In order to be a "Platinum Sponsor" of HRC, Ford had to give HRC $150,000. Other homosexual organizations getting financial support from Ford include GLAAD, Michigan Pride, Triangle Foundation, GLSEN, Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, and PFLAG to name only a few.
[More at URL]
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Marriage for Children’s Sake is but One Form
Canada Family Action Coalition
May 5, 2006
http://www.familyaction.org/Articles/issues/family/marriage/marriage-for-childrens-sake.htm
The quote from the below mentioned article is important to Canada and the whole unsettled issue of marriage. The French report that is referenced below is available here (PDF) and an English summary is available here (PDF) and on preservemarriage.ca.
Since the debate about altering the institution of marriage never had proper debate nor study this report, by France, of all countries is very significant. Children’s best interests were not debated and really never considered by the Liberal government before they jammed through, by forcing MP votes, Bill C 38.
Children got the short treatment on many fronts from the Liberal government. Child porn laws were never “fixed”, age of consent for sex with children was held at 14 by Liberals, ND and Bloc. Internet luring laws that Liberals devised are not effective, and minimum sentences to keep perverts out of society were refused totally by the former government.
[More at URL]
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2006-05-06 12:00 am (UTC)Uh, has anyone told them this is a work of fiction? And a not particularly original one?
no subject
Date: 2006-05-06 01:02 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-05-08 04:12 am (UTC)Erin Schram
no subject
Date: 2006-05-08 04:32 am (UTC)And finally, I really do plan to put together that analysis piece of a very disturbing new effort on the part of Focus on the Family; their explicit intent with this effort is to replace the rational worldview with a non-rational one based upon religion, that they declare to be the "Biblical" worldview. They've been working towards this for a while, of course - it's very much in line with the Christian Reconstructionist movement - but they haven't come out and said so much of it as they're starting to do now, at least, to people on their mailing list.
Be careful about exclusive language. I consider myself both rational and a follower of the Bible. I simply consider the parts of the Bible about executing gays and witches to be as obsolete as the parts about not eating pork or combining two types of cloth. The Christian Reconstructionists (of whom I see no signs in my church) might be non-rational (I agree that they are idiotic), but try not to label all religion or Christianity as devoid of rationality. For my part, I will keep denying their claim to represent mainstream Christianity.
I do admit that it is easier for someone who relies on the Bible to be pigheadedly blind to reality than someone who relies on science. Science has an ethic about checking results. However, several ways of life that have roots in rational thought, such as Communism and hedonism, are even more pigheaded than Christianity. And as far as religions go, Christianity is more rational than most. We Christians believe that truth is sacred, and Christian Europe was fertile ground for the growth of modern science.
The problem is that some religious folk treat their sacred writings as the only source of truth. One apocryphal story is that when the Arabic general Amr ibn-al-As conquered Alexandria, Egypt, in 646 A.D., he deliberately burned the Library of Alexandria to the ground, arguing that if the information in the library was in the Quran, then it was superfluous, and if the information was not in the Quran, then it was corrupting. In reality, sacred writings are good for dealing with the sacred, but everyday life needs more truth and information than that. There is nothing in the Bible, the Quran, or the writings of Confucius on how to change the spark plugs in my car.
A second problem with labeling the Christian Reconstuctionists as non-rational is the implicit value that all non-rationality is evil. Many of us science fiction and fantasy fans like playing with the irrational and unreal. We even live in it slightly. Which leads me into item #6, Focus on the Family ranting against the Harry Potter stories. They complain that churches are not challenging the themes in the series. Hah! If I found out that the students in my Sunday School class read J.K. Rowling's books, I would be glad. It would give me a point of reference to help explain Christian themes to them, like sin, evil, love, and redemption.
I know what themes bother them. A few years ago, our public library acquired Harry Potter and the Bible: The Menace behind the Magick by Richard Abanes, a Focus in the Family writer. Abanes is an honest scholar, so he did not lie about the four Harry Potter books he reviewed. However, he has a strange blind spot. He had written books before on the evils of cults and the occult. Whenever he sees magic (he insists on spelling it "magick", as some occultists do) in stories, he assumes it refers to the occult. He has apparently never read a fairy tale, heard a ghost story, or otherwise encountered fantasy folklore, except for Lord of the Rings and the Chronicles of Narnia. In addition to thinking that stories of magic lead to the occult, he also thinks that the characters in the Harry Potter books are bad role models. His standards are so high that most Biblical characters would count as bad role models too.
Erin Schram
no subject
Date: 2006-05-08 04:46 am (UTC)I am. They're not. Or rather, they are, but not in ways you would appreciate.
And as far as religions go, Christianity is more rational than most.
It appears to me that they're attacking the concept of the rational person as anathema to true Christianity, as they see it.
The problem is that some religious folk treat their sacred writings as the only source of truth.
Yes, that's my concern, and what I appear to be seeing here.
A second problem with labeling the Christian Reconstuctionists as non-rational is the implicit value that all non-rationality is evil.
As I'd hoped to make clear, I'm not using "non-rational" to mean "crazy," and I'm certainly not using it to mean "evil." That's your assumption set stepping in. I think it's a very bad idea, and certainly very dangerous to me personally, but that's not the same thing.
And Christian Reconstructionist thought is pretty expressly non-rational; it's received-truth/mystical, where the mystical part is derived from Biblical sources. (Modulo the inevitability of massive reinterpretation in their "literal" readings.) I mean, when you've got them expressly rejecting the Enlightenment and attacking the Renaissance as when things started to go wrong because Man started looking to the World instead of God - well, that's pretty much an outright reject of the principles of rationality-based thought. And when Focus on the Family is quoting Ben Franklin (hideously out of context in such a way as to completely change his meaning) to make it appear that he denounced rational men, then I'd say you're pretty clearly looking at a rejection of the rational worldview, in favour of their received-truth/mystical worldview. And when they say that, and talk about worldviews...
...well, I really need to get to that special post. Hell, I think I've just written half of it.
I mean, I have the advantage of having seen what I'm talking about and you don't, but please don't make those kinds of assumptions about how I think about this stuff. I'm not even an atheist, or even agnostic, so the idea that I'd be rejecting those sorts of themes out of hand is just on-its-face wrong.
no subject
Date: 2006-05-08 12:21 pm (UTC)The Protestant Reformation had its roots in the Renaissance. Reformation thought presumes that rational people can read the Bible and understand God's will without the central authority of the Catholic Church. So the Reconstructionists are rejecting Protestantism too. I presume they want to be the new central authority.
As I'd hoped to make clear, I'm not using "non-rational" to mean "crazy," and I'm certainly not using it to mean "evil." That's your assumption set stepping in.
Yes, it is my assumption, because merely labeling them as non-rational is too weak a condemnation to be worthy of an argument. You are using "non-rational" in a literal sense, that their results are not derived from rational thought. However, even a statement without a logical deduction could be true. Showing that the Reconstructionists non-rational removes much support for their conclusions, but to defy those conclusions you must also demonstrate them false.
Glancing over your later postings shows another meaning of "non-rational", that the Reconstructionists deliberately avoid checking matters logically. I'll look into this later--I have to run off to work now.
Erin Schram
no subject
Date: 2006-05-08 04:04 pm (UTC)