Today's Cultural Warfare Update (1 of 2)
Jul. 8th, 2006 06:44 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
solarbirdFocus on the Family Canada is ratcheting up their anti-marriage-rights efforts, and has sent out a very large Today's Family News with all kinds of propaganda and alerts; see starred items below for details. Also, sorry for the lack of the mid-week CWU; I had a midterm to study for on Friday morning and I'm not sorry I did that instead. Plus, my wrists have been acting up a bit. Stupid RSI.
Also, Washington State residents should note that the Faith and Freedom Network has a target list in judicial elections. See item two.
But now, today's news. This is part one of two:
This is almost a comic book; Memphis church makes a 75 foot tall Christianist version of the Statue of Liberty. Harmless, but at the same time, kind of revealing;
Faith and Freedom Network sends out a paper letter talking about a potential initiative to overturn GBLT civil rights law next year, but, more importantly, is going to push a bunch of new judges running to challenge various incumbents. They're also asking for money again;
Andrew Sullivan summarises the New York Supreme Court ruling saying that it's okay to deny marriage rights to queers - the summary is that since straights have kids irresponsibly, it's important to encourage them to get married and add responsibility. Lesbian and gay couples, on the other hand, have to actively plan to have kids, so clearly don't need the help;
Focus on the Family happy with Georgia and New York State Supreme Court rulings; it's kind of cute to see the misspell "amendment" repeatedly in their graphics; includes ACTION ITEM to demand a vote on the anti-marriage "Marriage Protection Amendment" in the Federal House of Representatives;
Focus on the Family ACTION ITEM to support a new bill against gambling at the Federal level that merged two previous bills;
NEA votes to urge states not screw lesbian and gay married teachers; specifically supporting "the legal rights and obligations of the partners in a legally recognized domestic partnership, civil union, or marriage"; Focus on the Family is, of course, outraged;
Oregon to have a parental-notification abortion law on the ballot this fall;
***** Focus on the Family Canada starts their big anti-marriage campaign; the first is a long story and ACTION ITEM to contact your MPs over the summer, preferably in person, to overturn marriage rights;
***** Remember when I sent out that warning note about the new Focus on the Family think-tank "Institute for Marriage and Family Canada"? One of the key elements of action by the fundamentalist movement is to set up a series of "think tanks" which churn out bogus studies with predetermined conclusions. They're starting to use these now; this new one out states marriage equality for GBLT people is a "tragedy for children";
***** Today's Family News runs the story of the fundamentalist who had a gay father and who hates him very very much; she was brought before Congress to testify earlier; the lie here is, as always, that they take a very bad case - and her childhood was no fun at all, tho' quite frankly, I know lots of people who had lots worse with straight parents - and present it as the standard case for all children raised by LGBT people; this is a standard tool of the fundamentalist movement: take the worst example you can find, and declare it to be the norm;
***** FotF Canada promotes their "Protect Marriage 2006" ACTION ITEM sub-website;
Focus on the Family USA pushes the anti-marriage "Marriage Protection Amendment" House of Representatives vote, scheduled for the week of July 17th; they have an ACTION ITEM to demand support for it, even though it's already failed in the Senate;
Focus on the Family USA reports on a new anti-abortion-rights group demanding "amnesty for the unborn"; I'm surprised they're not using the newer "preborn" language;
FotF: Catholic Church to excommunicate anyone who supports embryonic stem-cell research in any way whatsoever; it's another attempt to put pressure on Catholic lawmakers;
Pennsylvania anti-marriage state amendment dies in state legislature over fight between the theocons who want all forms of civil unions and domestic partnerships banned as well as marriage;
Faith and Freedom Network celebrate the Georgia and New York State Supreme Court rulings;
Focus on the Family ACTION ITEM to oppose a Missouri research initiative supporting embryonic stem-cell research; as always, they continue to call it "cloning";
President Fire Thunder forced out of office by Oglala tribal council;
Michigan anti-abortion group believes they'll make their signature goal for a comprehensive abortion ban ballot measure; it would stay itself pending the overturn of Roe v. Wade;
FotF pushes their IVoteVales.org website again;
FotF condemns GBLT-friendly corporations, calls even private company policies promoting equality for GBLT employees within the workplace "special rights" and a danger to Christians; AFA urges boycotts, like they do, and are doing now against Ford Motor;
FotF promotes theoconservative action group Alaska Family Council;
FotF pushes three Senate bills; two would ban "life-destroying embryonic stem-cell research" and "fetal farming," the last would fund "methods of creating embryonic stem-cell lines without destroying human embryos";
Arkansas Supreme Court rules that a board move to ban lesbian and gay foster parents is outside their authority and that further there is no actual evidence that being raised by GBLT parents hurts children (this is, by the way, true); Focus on the Family is, of course, outraged;
Focus on the Family Canada promotes a one-day training session at the Christian Legal Intervention Academy; their motto, no kidding, is "Integrating Christian Faith and law Since 1978";
----- 1 -----
Church constructs monument to Christianity in likeness of Lady Liberty
72-foot monument in Hickory Hill to be unveiled on July Fourth
By Whitney Boyd
The Memphis Commercial Appeal
June 29, 2006
http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/local/article/0,2845,MCA_25340_4809191,00.html
As drivers wait for a green light on Winchester Road, they automatically lean their heads forward to view the 72-foot sea-foam-green Statue of Liberation overlooking Hickory Hill.
The towering replica of the Statue of Liberty -- with a few Christian touches -- is being erected in front of the 12,000-member World Overcomers Outreach Ministries Church at Winchester and Kirby Parkway.
Replacing the recognizable torch, Lady Liberty holds a cross.
A beige sheet veils much of the $260,000 statue and will be removed during a Fourth of July ceremony.
[More, including pictures, at URL]
----- 2 -----
Faith and Freedom Network and Foundation [Ed. Note: And Foundation? That's new]
Dr. Joseph B. Fuiten, Chairman
Gary Randall, President
July 1, 2006
[Received in paper mail; no URL]
Dear Friends of Faith & Freedom:
The month of June was eventful, to say the least. We, as you, were disappointed that Referendum 65 did not gather enough signatures. So many put so much into the effort.
This is a time to look forward, as we continue to follow what we feel God has called us to do.
Not out of a sense of trying to redeem the past, but rather because it is so vitally important to the cause of defending marriage and the family, we are considering, with legal counsel, the possibility of trying a second time to get HB2661 on the ballot next year. [Ed. Note: What, they're going to try a referendum again instead of an initiative? This section is confusing. Good luck with that if that's the plan.]
If we decide to move on this, will you help and support the effort? Please let us know with your response this month.
Over the next 75 or so days, we are distributing a voter's guide specifically directed toward two of the State Supreme Court seats and three Appeals Court, Division 1 and 2 seats.
We are particularly interested in the following challenges:
State Supreme Court
Stephen Johnson - Challenger
Justice Susan Owens
State Supreme Court
John Groen - Challenger
Justice Gerry Alexander
Appeals Court Div. I
Justice May Kay Becker
Jeff Teichart - Challenger
Appeals Court III
Justice Christine J. Quinn-Brintnall
Beth Jensen - Challenger
Appeals Court Div II
Justice Joel Penoyar
Brent Boger - Challenger
This is a tremendous opportunity to change the make-up of the Washington Supreme Court. We must not fall short on this effort.
We feel strongly about this matter, yet cannot move forward without your financial support. A number of people have said to us they failed to send their contribution in last month but would certainly do so this month. To impact our state, we must have financial strength.
It was said the reason there were no paid signature gatherers on Ref. 65 was because there was no financial support. I can't speak directly to that, but I can tell you that Faith & Freedom spent an additional $58,000 on Ref. 65 while our income was less than 50% of what it normally is during that period. [Ed. Note: the downside of changing an organisation's name just before a major campaign, maybe?]
The other side is well-funded and highly motivated.
Those of us in the faith community love the Lord, His Word and the values that are based on His Word. However, there must be a time when we translate our beliefs to action. This is that time.
We can't afford any more substantial losses in the cultural war.
Faith & Freedom has the will, the calling, and the ability to lead in these areas, yet we must have your support.
Please take a moment and enclose the most generous check you can write for these eternal causes.
It matters now and it matters for our children.
God Bless You,
Gary Randall
President
Dr. Joseph B. Fuiten
Chairman
PS: As you send in your contribution, remember to let us know if you will support another attempt to get HB2661 before the voters.
----- 3 -----
Those Irresponsible Straights
Andrew Sullivan
06 Jul 2006 12:42 pm
http://time.blogs.com/daily_dish/2006/07/those_irrespons.html
The New York Court of Appeals civil marriage decision is an innovative piece of work - and worth a few preliminary thoughts. The standard is mere rational basis, and the court has decided that a legislature is not being ipso facto irrational in denying gay couples, even with children, the same rights as straight couples without children. Money quote:
[More at URL]
----- 4 -----
Traditional Marriage Makes Gains Across U.S.
Court victories Thursday in two states have turned the nation's focus back toward protecting marriage — and there is much to be optimistic about.
by Wendy Cloyd, assistant editor
Focus on the Family
July 7, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/extras/a0041170.cfm
Even with the highest state courts in New York and Georgia ruling in favor of traditional marriage, as they did Thursday, the battle to defend society's bedrock institution is still being fought in state and federal courtrooms nationwide.
What's more, the November elections will place the issue of how marriage should be defined in front of voters in as many as eight states. Twenty states have already approved marriage-protection amendments to their constitutions, most by margins of at least 70 percent.
[Ed. Note: graph embed, image here:
http://www.family.org/cforum/images/06/mpamap.html ]
[...]
TAKE ACTION
Please contact your U.S. representative and let him or her know that you support the protection of marriage from activist courts by voting for the Marriage Protecftion Amendment.
If you are a CitizenLink Daily Update subscriber, click on the blue "Take Action" button in the e-mail form you received in your inbox to be automatically logged in to our Action Center. Otherwise, click here.
[More at URL]
----- 5 -----
Tell Lawmakers to Impede Internet Gambling
Focus on the Family
Newsbriefs
July 7, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0041178.cfm
The U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday will consider legislation that places tight restrictions on Internet gambling. Your immediate action is needed to ensure lawmakers pass this important bill.
Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., sponsor of HR 4777, and Rep. Jim Leach, R-Iowa, sponsor of HR 4411, have merged their anti-gambling bills to form powerful legislation against Web-based gambling.
Chad Hills, gambling analyst for Focus on the Family Action, said Goodlatte and Leach had strong bills to start with, but merging the two makes for even stronger law.
[...]
TAKE ACTION/FOR MORE INFORMATION
Focus on Social Issues provides and in-depth look at the Leach-Goodlatte bill. [Ed. Note: see next item]
----- 6 -----
Internet Gambling - Take Action
Focus on the Family
[Ed. Note: Update 6 July 2006]
December 1, 2005
by Chad Hills (Updated: July 6, 2006)
Pick up your phone, click your mouse and contact the House before Internet gambling comes to your home.
The Goodlatte Bill (HR 4777) Merges With The Leach Bill (HR 4411) To Form A Stronger Bill Against Internet Gambling
On Wednesday or Thursday of next week (July 12 or 13) the House of Representatives will consider H.R. 4411, the Internet Gambling Prohibition and Enforcement Act. The legislation (link below) from the Rules Committee website is the "merging" of the Goodlatte and Leach Internet gambling bills - both very strong alone.
[More at URL]
----- 7 -----
Teachers Union Votes to Back 'Legally Recognized' Gay Marriage
Focus on the Family
Newsbriefs
July 7, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0041176.cfm
Despite intense pressure from pro-family groups, the National Education Association (NEA) voted this week amend its resolutions to include support for same-sex marriage.
Added to the NEA's resolution about discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation and gender identification is a phrase expressing support for "the legal rights and obligations of the partners in a legally recognized domestic partnership, civil union, or marriage," including adoption.
[...]
Jeralee Smith, former chairman of the NEA Ex-Gay Educators Caucus, said she is considering leaving the union and thinks other Christians should consider doing the same.
"People who share our values -- which is traditional family and a few other things -- can have no integrity unless they are either active on the inside to try and change things," she said, "or they leave the union and take their money out of the union's hands."
[...]
"It seems the NEA has lost all pretense of neutrality," Focus on the Family Education analyst Candi Cushman said, "when it comes to gay marriage and promoting homosexuality."
[More at URL]
----- 8 -----
Oregon Parental-Notification Petitions Turned In
Focus on the Family
Newsbriefs
July 7, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0041175.cfm
Pro-life activists submitted petitions to the secretary of state's office Thursday that seek to put the issue of parental notification prior to abortion before Oregon voters this November, LifeNews reported.
Organizers needed to collect at least 75,630 signatures to qualify the ballot measure; they turned in 115,845.
[More at URL]
----- 9 -----
SEIZING THE OPPORTUNITY TO PROTECT MARRIAGE
Message from Focus on the Family Canada President Terence Rolston
Today’s Family News
Focus on the Family Canada
June 7, 2006
http://www.fotf.ca/tfn/protectmarriage2006/articles/MessageFromPresident.html
With a vote in Parliament promised for this fall, Christians in Canada are being given a remarkable opportunity to once again express the uniqueness of marriage to Canadians and why it is worth protecting as a lifelong institution between one man and one woman.
Protecting marriage is not only for the welfare of our children, our communities and our nation. It is a testimony to the very faith in which we believe. The relationship between a man and woman in marriage is a relationship that symbolizes that of Christ and His Church. How can we not speak up when this God-inspired institution is being addressed by our nation's government? No matter what governments decide or how the law defines marriage, God’s design for marriage is clear and His Truth does not change. Since it is His design, we can’t afford to be silent now that it is before Parliament.
How do we take a stand for marriage? Jesus commanded us to be a salt and light in our world. When a family is whole and functioning well, it is contagious. It makes people want to have that type of family and marriage. People, young and old, who come into a home that values marriage and the family recognize that there is something different there. They may ask why you believe this issue of marriage is so important. And you can say, “Because my God and my Creator designed it that way and I want you to know that blessing also.” It will be a testimony that shows the love of Christ and will draw people to Him.
[More at URL]
----- 10 -----
CANADIAN MARRIAGE POLICY: A TRAGEDY FOR CHILDREN
Special Report from the Institute of Marriage and Family Canada
By Seana Sugrue
Today’s Family News
June 7, 2006
http://www.imfcanada.org/events/sugrue/060526-SugruePaper.pdf
It has become fashionable to believe that marriage and children share only an incidental connection. Marriage is, according to many intellectuals and jurists, first and foremost about the companionate and emotional needs of consenting adults. For this reason, it is contended that the rules governing marriage laws should be purged of any expectation that children are begotten from adult sexual unions. Moreover, there ought to be no expectation that children are to be raised by their mother and father within the institution of marriage.
[More at URL]
----- 11 -----
WHAT ABOUT THE CHILDREN? A FIRST-PERSON ACCOUNT OF GROWING UP WITH A HOMOSEXUAL FATHER
Interview with Dawn Stefanowicz
Today’s Family News
Focus on the Family Canada
June 7, 2006
http://www.fotf.ca/tfn/protectmarriage2006/articles/WhatAboutTheChildren.html
You have probably noticed all the clamour in the news about marriage, homosexuality and equality of late. It seems that much of the marriage debate has been reduced to one-line arguments and demands for recognition. But amidst the ruckus, if you listen very carefully, you may hear the voice of somebody else who has a different message. It’s a message urging us to look beyond adult self-interest and instead examine how the most vulnerable in our society will be affected by redefining marriage. Canadian Dawn Stefanowicz knows from first-hand experience what it means to grow up in a home with a homosexual parent. She told her story to TFN and thinks
[More at URL]
----- 12 -----
What YOU Can Do To Protect Marriage In Canada
Focus on the Family Canada
Online as of July 8, 2006
http://www.fotf.ca/tfn/protectmarriage2006/articles/WhatYouCanDo.html
Prime Minister Stephen Harper has indicated that the House of Commons will vote in the fall to determine whether to revisit the definition of marriage issue. Many Canadians would rather not deal with this again. But even though dealing with the same issue for so long can be tiring, now is not the time to give up. This is our opportunity to stand up for marriage as God made it.
What can you do to help restore the traditional definition of marriage in Canadian law? Here are a number of suggestions which should help you get involved.
1) Pray constantly! Although many people think the result of the upcoming vote won’t be much different than last year, we know that with God all things are possible. Remember to keep this issue in your prayers. Pray that Canadians will realize the seriousness of redefining the institution that God created to be the foundation for families.
2) Get informed: Stay up-to-date by subscribing to Today’s Family News, a complimentary e-news service from Focus on the Family Canada. Read some of the good articles or books which explain why redefining marriage is not a trivial thing. On TFN’s marriage page, you will find a large list of articles that clearly explain the implications of redefining marriage.
3) Phone, write or email your MP: Encourage those who are working hard for God’s design for marriage and respectfully explain your beliefs to those who disagree. Check out these articles for suggestions on making contact with your MP (phone, email etc.) or writing a letter to him or her. Don’t be intimidated or discouraged by the thought of expressing your thoughts to the government. Their job is to listen to you! Contact information for your MP is here.
[More at URL]
----- 13 -----
New on TFN > Protect Marriage 2006
Focus on the Family Canada
Today's Family News
http://www.fotf.ca/tfn/protectmarriage2006/index.html
Whether you are looking for the most recent news, background research, detailed reports or simple suggestions on what you can do this new page has what you are looking for. Let others know about it!
[More at URL]
----- 14 -----
Two Top State Courts Rule for Marriage
Challenges in New York and Georgia are turned aside.
by Wendy Cloyd, assistant editor
Focus on the Family
July 6, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/extras/a0041155.cfm
The highest state courts in New York and Georgia today ruled against homosexual activists who challenged protections for marriage.
James C. Dobson, Ph.D., chairman of Focus on the Family Action, said the courts may finally be realizing their proper role.
"These rulings represent a significant victory for America's families," he said, "and, I hope, signal an awareness by the judicial branch that the people don't want courts acting as superlegislatures. In each case, the high court affirmed existing state policy passed the way laws and constitutional amendments are supposed to be passed -- by elected officials or the people themselves."
[...]
TAKE ACTION:
The U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on the federal Marriage Protection Amendment the week of July 17. It would be the first step toward constitutionally defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Please contact your representative and let him or her know that you support the protection of marriage from activist courts.
If you are a CitizenLink Daily Update subscriber, click on the blue "Take Action" button in the e-mail to be automatically logged in to our Action Center. Otherwise, click on this link.
----- 15 -----
Group Seeks Amnesty for the Unborn
Campaign counters a human-rights group's efforts to expand abortion internationally.
from staff reports
Focus on the Family
July 6, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/news/a0041149.cfm
Amnesty International is working to make abortion an international human right -- a decision that has spawned a countercampaign for life by the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC).
SPUC launched the online Amnesty for Babies campaign to coincide with the first meeting of the new Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, last week.
[More at URL]
----- 16 -----
Catholics Could Be Excommunicated Over Embryonic Stem-Cell Research
Any support could lead to immediate penalty.
from staff reports
Focus on the Family
July 6, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/news/a0041148.cfm
The Catholic Church is warning members they'll be excommunicated if they support controversial embryonic stem-cell research.
Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo, head of the Pontifical Council for the Family, said those who do the research, women who donate the eggs and politicians who vote for the laws are subject to the Catholic Church's most drastic sanction.
Trujillo told a Catholic magazine that embryonic stem-cell research is equivalent to abortion because it takes a human life; the process of harvesting the cells always requires the destruction of a human embryo.
[More at URL]
----- 17 -----
Pennsylvania Marriage Protection On Ice
Focus on the Family
Newsbriefs
July 6, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0041152.cfm
Pennsylvania lawmakers recessed last weekend without taking action on a bill that would constitutionally define marriage as one man and one woman.
According to the York Daily Record, the impasse effectively means the language can't be added to the Constitution until 2009 at the earliest.
The proposed constitutional amendment was tabled amid a disagreement between House and Senate Republicans over the scope of the amendment.
[More at URL]
----- 18 -----
New York and Georgia Uphold Traditional Marriage
Faith and Freedom Network
Thursday, July 06, 2006
http://www.faithandfreedom.us/weblog/2006/07/new-york-and-georgia-uphold.html
The Georgia Supreme Court and the New York Supreme Court both ruled in favor of traditional marriage today.
The Georgia Court decided unanimously that the ban on same-sex marriage that had been approved by 76% of Georgia voters did not violate the state’s single-subject rule for ballot measures.
[More at URL]
----- 19 -----
Missouri to Decide Whether Human Cloning is Constitutionally Protected
Vote "No" on the unethical embryonic stem-cell research initiative.
by Jessica Headley, CitizenLink staff
Focus on the Family
July 5, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/news/a0041136.cfm
The people of Missouri will decide the fate of a controversial human-cloning and embryonic stem-cell research amendment that will appear on the ballot this fall.
The so-called "Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative" would constitutionally protect human cloning and embryonic stem-cell research as well as allow tax dollars to fund such endeavors.
[More at URL]
----- 20 -----
South Dakota Tribal President Who Proposed Abortion Clinic Ousted
Focus on the Family
Newsbriefs
July 5, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0041140.cfm
After proposing that tribal sovereignty entitled the Oglala Sioux Tribe in South Dakota to act outside of the state's ban on abortion and build an abortion clinic, tribal president Cecelia Fire Thunder has been removed from office, The Washington Post reported.
The tribal council voted 9-5 last Thursday for her ouster.
Fire Thunder announced plans for a clinic shortly after the law was passed this spring.
[More at URL]
----- 21 -----
Final Push in Michigan to Gather Abortion-Ban Signatures
Focus on the Family
Newsbriefs
July 5, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0041139.cfm
Michigan Citizens for Life took advantage of the Fourth of July holiday to circulate a petition to change the state constitution to legally define life as existing from the moment of conception and banning abortions, The Detroit Free Press reported.
Judy Zabik, director of the Livingston chapter of Right to Life, Lifespan, said about a quarter of a million petitions have been circulating and the groups needs at least 317,757 valid signatures to get a measure on November's ballot.
[More at URL]
----- 22 -----
I Vote Values
Understand why it's important to register to vote and why it's essential to take your values to the polling place.
Online as of July 8, 2006
http://www.ivotevalues.org/
"If America is to survive, we must elect more God-centered men and women to public office." -- Billy Graham
122 days until Election Tuesday
[More at URL]
----- 23 -----
Most Fortune 500 Companies Dubbed 'Gay-Friendly'
Nation's largest gay-activist group releases its annual report.
from staff reports
Focus on the Family
July 3, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/extras/a0041121.cfm
The pro-gay Human Rights Campaign (HRC) announced last week that 253 of the Fortune 500 companies offer health-insurance benefits to same-sex partners and 430 grant special rights based on "sexual orientation."
Joe Solmonese, president of HRC, said his group is largely responsible for the trends.
"We're not only tracking progress in corporate America, but we're actively involved in making it," he said. "Our Workplace Project has worked with hundreds of executives and employees over the past year alone, providing on-site training and cutting-edge research to assist employers implementing fair and equal policies."
[...]
"The real danger here ultimately is to Christian employers. What began as something voluntary will become mandatory," he said. "It's really not about extending tolerance, but about putting corporate American power behind the homosexual agenda, which is aimed directly at the church."
[More at URL]
----- 24 -----
Alaska Family Council Gets Under Way
Nonprofit group will coordinate efforts of pro-family residents.
by Wendy Cloyd, assistant editor
Focus on the Family
July 3, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/news/a0041124.cfm
Alaska is a land rich in beauty and culture. More than a half million people are spread out over the vast expanse of mountain ranges, forests and tundra. A group of pro-family advocates hopes to bring people together to work on issues of concern.
CitizenLink talked with Jim Minnery, founder and board member of the newly forming Alaska Family Council (AFC), in an Anchorage cafe. He said that although Alaska has a large pro-family population — in 1998, 70 percent voted in favor of an amendment to protect traditional marriage — until now there has not been an organization working full time to address public-policy issues affecting families.
[...]
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
To learn more about how to become a part of the Alaska Family Council, send an e-mail to Jim Minnery at minnery@alaska.net or call (907) 279-2825.
[More at URL]
----- 25 -----
Senate to Vote on Three Stem-Cell Bills
Focus on the Family
July 3, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0041123.cfm
Senate leaders announced Friday that three bills dealing with the issue of embryonic stem-cell research will be brought up for a vote.
Life-Destroying Embryonic Stem-Cell Research
The House passed H.R. 810 -- the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act -- in May 2005. Under the bill, researchers could use federal funds to experiement on "unused" embryos donated by in-vitro fertilization clinics.
Such human embryos could be implanted and allowed to be born.
The bill is sponsored by Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo.
Fetal-Farming Ban
Introduced in June 2006 by Sens. Sam Brownback, R-Kan. and Rick Santorum, R-Pa., S.B. 3504 would "prohibit the solicitation or acceptance of tissue from fetuses gestated for research purposes."
The bill has not stirred much controversy and simply stated, bans growing embryos for the purpose of harvesting stem cells. Human embryos are always destroyed in the process of gathering the cells.
Alternative Stem-Cell Research
Sens. Rick Santorum, R-Pa. and Arlen Specter, R-Pa., co-sponsored a bill last week that "would require the National Institute of Health to research and fund methods of creating embryonic stem-cell lines without destroying human embryos."
S. 2754 is titled the Alternative Pluripotent Stem Cell Therapies Enhancement Act.
All three bills are expected to receive a vote this month.
[More at URL]
----- 26 -----
Court Says Foster Kids Do Fine in Same-Sex Homes
Focus on the Family
Newsbriefs
June 30, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0041106.cfm
The Arkansas State Supreme Court ruled Thursday that homosexuals cannot be barred from becoming foster parents because such placement has not been shown to harm children, The Associated Press reported.
In 1999 the Child Welfare Agency Review Board determined that foster kids would be more likely to thrive if placed in a traditional home with a husband and wife.
All seven justices declared that the board's decision to exclude gays from the foster-parenting program inappropriately imposed a moral view. The court also declared that the state Legislature should determine eligibility, not the board.
[More at URL]
----- 27 -----
Christian Legal Intervention Academy (CLIA)
Integrating Christian Faith and Law Since 1978
Calgary, AB
Delta Bow Valley Hotel
September 30, 2006
http://www.christianlegalfellowship.org/Conference%202006/CLIA/2006_christian_legal_intervention_aca.htm
Click here to view Registration Costs (Chart)
Click here to view CLIA Tentative Schedule
Click here to view Pro Bono Accounting Form
All attendees must complete the CLIA Application Form
(also includes a Request for Financial Assistance, where applicable)
The Christian Legal Intervention Academy (CLIA) invites Christian lawyers and upper year law students to attend an intensive, one-day Mini-Academy training event to take place September 30 in Calgary, Alberta in conjunction with the CLF National Conference (September 29th to October 1st).
CLIA will provide detailed substantive and tactical training to practicing lawyers and upper year law students who seek to make a difference in Canadian society by advocating on behalf of truth and life. The day will help participants to proactively prepare for, and provide quality legal representation in important constitutional and human rights cases relating to issues of religious freedom.
[More at URL]
Also, Washington State residents should note that the Faith and Freedom Network has a target list in judicial elections. See item two.
But now, today's news. This is part one of two:
This is almost a comic book; Memphis church makes a 75 foot tall Christianist version of the Statue of Liberty. Harmless, but at the same time, kind of revealing;
Faith and Freedom Network sends out a paper letter talking about a potential initiative to overturn GBLT civil rights law next year, but, more importantly, is going to push a bunch of new judges running to challenge various incumbents. They're also asking for money again;
Andrew Sullivan summarises the New York Supreme Court ruling saying that it's okay to deny marriage rights to queers - the summary is that since straights have kids irresponsibly, it's important to encourage them to get married and add responsibility. Lesbian and gay couples, on the other hand, have to actively plan to have kids, so clearly don't need the help;
Focus on the Family happy with Georgia and New York State Supreme Court rulings; it's kind of cute to see the misspell "amendment" repeatedly in their graphics; includes ACTION ITEM to demand a vote on the anti-marriage "Marriage Protection Amendment" in the Federal House of Representatives;
Focus on the Family ACTION ITEM to support a new bill against gambling at the Federal level that merged two previous bills;
NEA votes to urge states not screw lesbian and gay married teachers; specifically supporting "the legal rights and obligations of the partners in a legally recognized domestic partnership, civil union, or marriage"; Focus on the Family is, of course, outraged;
Oregon to have a parental-notification abortion law on the ballot this fall;
***** Focus on the Family Canada starts their big anti-marriage campaign; the first is a long story and ACTION ITEM to contact your MPs over the summer, preferably in person, to overturn marriage rights;
***** Remember when I sent out that warning note about the new Focus on the Family think-tank "Institute for Marriage and Family Canada"? One of the key elements of action by the fundamentalist movement is to set up a series of "think tanks" which churn out bogus studies with predetermined conclusions. They're starting to use these now; this new one out states marriage equality for GBLT people is a "tragedy for children";
***** Today's Family News runs the story of the fundamentalist who had a gay father and who hates him very very much; she was brought before Congress to testify earlier; the lie here is, as always, that they take a very bad case - and her childhood was no fun at all, tho' quite frankly, I know lots of people who had lots worse with straight parents - and present it as the standard case for all children raised by LGBT people; this is a standard tool of the fundamentalist movement: take the worst example you can find, and declare it to be the norm;
***** FotF Canada promotes their "Protect Marriage 2006" ACTION ITEM sub-website;
Focus on the Family USA pushes the anti-marriage "Marriage Protection Amendment" House of Representatives vote, scheduled for the week of July 17th; they have an ACTION ITEM to demand support for it, even though it's already failed in the Senate;
Focus on the Family USA reports on a new anti-abortion-rights group demanding "amnesty for the unborn"; I'm surprised they're not using the newer "preborn" language;
FotF: Catholic Church to excommunicate anyone who supports embryonic stem-cell research in any way whatsoever; it's another attempt to put pressure on Catholic lawmakers;
Pennsylvania anti-marriage state amendment dies in state legislature over fight between the theocons who want all forms of civil unions and domestic partnerships banned as well as marriage;
Faith and Freedom Network celebrate the Georgia and New York State Supreme Court rulings;
Focus on the Family ACTION ITEM to oppose a Missouri research initiative supporting embryonic stem-cell research; as always, they continue to call it "cloning";
President Fire Thunder forced out of office by Oglala tribal council;
Michigan anti-abortion group believes they'll make their signature goal for a comprehensive abortion ban ballot measure; it would stay itself pending the overturn of Roe v. Wade;
FotF pushes their IVoteVales.org website again;
FotF condemns GBLT-friendly corporations, calls even private company policies promoting equality for GBLT employees within the workplace "special rights" and a danger to Christians; AFA urges boycotts, like they do, and are doing now against Ford Motor;
FotF promotes theoconservative action group Alaska Family Council;
FotF pushes three Senate bills; two would ban "life-destroying embryonic stem-cell research" and "fetal farming," the last would fund "methods of creating embryonic stem-cell lines without destroying human embryos";
Arkansas Supreme Court rules that a board move to ban lesbian and gay foster parents is outside their authority and that further there is no actual evidence that being raised by GBLT parents hurts children (this is, by the way, true); Focus on the Family is, of course, outraged;
Focus on the Family Canada promotes a one-day training session at the Christian Legal Intervention Academy; their motto, no kidding, is "Integrating Christian Faith and law Since 1978";
----- 1 -----
Church constructs monument to Christianity in likeness of Lady Liberty
72-foot monument in Hickory Hill to be unveiled on July Fourth
By Whitney Boyd
The Memphis Commercial Appeal
June 29, 2006
http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/local/article/0,2845,MCA_25340_4809191,00.html
As drivers wait for a green light on Winchester Road, they automatically lean their heads forward to view the 72-foot sea-foam-green Statue of Liberation overlooking Hickory Hill.
The towering replica of the Statue of Liberty -- with a few Christian touches -- is being erected in front of the 12,000-member World Overcomers Outreach Ministries Church at Winchester and Kirby Parkway.
Replacing the recognizable torch, Lady Liberty holds a cross.
A beige sheet veils much of the $260,000 statue and will be removed during a Fourth of July ceremony.
[More, including pictures, at URL]
----- 2 -----
Faith and Freedom Network and Foundation [Ed. Note: And Foundation? That's new]
Dr. Joseph B. Fuiten, Chairman
Gary Randall, President
July 1, 2006
[Received in paper mail; no URL]
Dear Friends of Faith & Freedom:
The month of June was eventful, to say the least. We, as you, were disappointed that Referendum 65 did not gather enough signatures. So many put so much into the effort.
This is a time to look forward, as we continue to follow what we feel God has called us to do.
Not out of a sense of trying to redeem the past, but rather because it is so vitally important to the cause of defending marriage and the family, we are considering, with legal counsel, the possibility of trying a second time to get HB2661 on the ballot next year. [Ed. Note: What, they're going to try a referendum again instead of an initiative? This section is confusing. Good luck with that if that's the plan.]
If we decide to move on this, will you help and support the effort? Please let us know with your response this month.
Over the next 75 or so days, we are distributing a voter's guide specifically directed toward two of the State Supreme Court seats and three Appeals Court, Division 1 and 2 seats.
We are particularly interested in the following challenges:
State Supreme Court
Stephen Johnson - Challenger
Justice Susan Owens
State Supreme Court
John Groen - Challenger
Justice Gerry Alexander
Appeals Court Div. I
Justice May Kay Becker
Jeff Teichart - Challenger
Appeals Court III
Justice Christine J. Quinn-Brintnall
Beth Jensen - Challenger
Appeals Court Div II
Justice Joel Penoyar
Brent Boger - Challenger
This is a tremendous opportunity to change the make-up of the Washington Supreme Court. We must not fall short on this effort.
We feel strongly about this matter, yet cannot move forward without your financial support. A number of people have said to us they failed to send their contribution in last month but would certainly do so this month. To impact our state, we must have financial strength.
It was said the reason there were no paid signature gatherers on Ref. 65 was because there was no financial support. I can't speak directly to that, but I can tell you that Faith & Freedom spent an additional $58,000 on Ref. 65 while our income was less than 50% of what it normally is during that period. [Ed. Note: the downside of changing an organisation's name just before a major campaign, maybe?]
The other side is well-funded and highly motivated.
Those of us in the faith community love the Lord, His Word and the values that are based on His Word. However, there must be a time when we translate our beliefs to action. This is that time.
We can't afford any more substantial losses in the cultural war.
Faith & Freedom has the will, the calling, and the ability to lead in these areas, yet we must have your support.
Please take a moment and enclose the most generous check you can write for these eternal causes.
It matters now and it matters for our children.
God Bless You,
Gary Randall
President
Dr. Joseph B. Fuiten
Chairman
PS: As you send in your contribution, remember to let us know if you will support another attempt to get HB2661 before the voters.
----- 3 -----
Those Irresponsible Straights
Andrew Sullivan
06 Jul 2006 12:42 pm
http://time.blogs.com/daily_dish/2006/07/those_irrespons.html
The New York Court of Appeals civil marriage decision is an innovative piece of work - and worth a few preliminary thoughts. The standard is mere rational basis, and the court has decided that a legislature is not being ipso facto irrational in denying gay couples, even with children, the same rights as straight couples without children. Money quote:
[More at URL]
----- 4 -----
Traditional Marriage Makes Gains Across U.S.
Court victories Thursday in two states have turned the nation's focus back toward protecting marriage — and there is much to be optimistic about.
by Wendy Cloyd, assistant editor
Focus on the Family
July 7, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/extras/a0041170.cfm
Even with the highest state courts in New York and Georgia ruling in favor of traditional marriage, as they did Thursday, the battle to defend society's bedrock institution is still being fought in state and federal courtrooms nationwide.
What's more, the November elections will place the issue of how marriage should be defined in front of voters in as many as eight states. Twenty states have already approved marriage-protection amendments to their constitutions, most by margins of at least 70 percent.
[Ed. Note: graph embed, image here:
http://www.family.org/cforum/images/06/mpamap.html ]
[...]
TAKE ACTION
Please contact your U.S. representative and let him or her know that you support the protection of marriage from activist courts by voting for the Marriage Protecftion Amendment.
If you are a CitizenLink Daily Update subscriber, click on the blue "Take Action" button in the e-mail form you received in your inbox to be automatically logged in to our Action Center. Otherwise, click here.
[More at URL]
----- 5 -----
Tell Lawmakers to Impede Internet Gambling
Focus on the Family
Newsbriefs
July 7, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0041178.cfm
The U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday will consider legislation that places tight restrictions on Internet gambling. Your immediate action is needed to ensure lawmakers pass this important bill.
Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., sponsor of HR 4777, and Rep. Jim Leach, R-Iowa, sponsor of HR 4411, have merged their anti-gambling bills to form powerful legislation against Web-based gambling.
Chad Hills, gambling analyst for Focus on the Family Action, said Goodlatte and Leach had strong bills to start with, but merging the two makes for even stronger law.
[...]
TAKE ACTION/FOR MORE INFORMATION
Focus on Social Issues provides and in-depth look at the Leach-Goodlatte bill. [Ed. Note: see next item]
----- 6 -----
Internet Gambling - Take Action
Focus on the Family
[Ed. Note: Update 6 July 2006]
December 1, 2005
by Chad Hills (Updated: July 6, 2006)
Pick up your phone, click your mouse and contact the House before Internet gambling comes to your home.
The Goodlatte Bill (HR 4777) Merges With The Leach Bill (HR 4411) To Form A Stronger Bill Against Internet Gambling
On Wednesday or Thursday of next week (July 12 or 13) the House of Representatives will consider H.R. 4411, the Internet Gambling Prohibition and Enforcement Act. The legislation (link below) from the Rules Committee website is the "merging" of the Goodlatte and Leach Internet gambling bills - both very strong alone.
[More at URL]
----- 7 -----
Teachers Union Votes to Back 'Legally Recognized' Gay Marriage
Focus on the Family
Newsbriefs
July 7, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0041176.cfm
Despite intense pressure from pro-family groups, the National Education Association (NEA) voted this week amend its resolutions to include support for same-sex marriage.
Added to the NEA's resolution about discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation and gender identification is a phrase expressing support for "the legal rights and obligations of the partners in a legally recognized domestic partnership, civil union, or marriage," including adoption.
[...]
Jeralee Smith, former chairman of the NEA Ex-Gay Educators Caucus, said she is considering leaving the union and thinks other Christians should consider doing the same.
"People who share our values -- which is traditional family and a few other things -- can have no integrity unless they are either active on the inside to try and change things," she said, "or they leave the union and take their money out of the union's hands."
[...]
"It seems the NEA has lost all pretense of neutrality," Focus on the Family Education analyst Candi Cushman said, "when it comes to gay marriage and promoting homosexuality."
[More at URL]
----- 8 -----
Oregon Parental-Notification Petitions Turned In
Focus on the Family
Newsbriefs
July 7, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0041175.cfm
Pro-life activists submitted petitions to the secretary of state's office Thursday that seek to put the issue of parental notification prior to abortion before Oregon voters this November, LifeNews reported.
Organizers needed to collect at least 75,630 signatures to qualify the ballot measure; they turned in 115,845.
[More at URL]
----- 9 -----
SEIZING THE OPPORTUNITY TO PROTECT MARRIAGE
Message from Focus on the Family Canada President Terence Rolston
Today’s Family News
Focus on the Family Canada
June 7, 2006
http://www.fotf.ca/tfn/protectmarriage2006/articles/MessageFromPresident.html
With a vote in Parliament promised for this fall, Christians in Canada are being given a remarkable opportunity to once again express the uniqueness of marriage to Canadians and why it is worth protecting as a lifelong institution between one man and one woman.
Protecting marriage is not only for the welfare of our children, our communities and our nation. It is a testimony to the very faith in which we believe. The relationship between a man and woman in marriage is a relationship that symbolizes that of Christ and His Church. How can we not speak up when this God-inspired institution is being addressed by our nation's government? No matter what governments decide or how the law defines marriage, God’s design for marriage is clear and His Truth does not change. Since it is His design, we can’t afford to be silent now that it is before Parliament.
How do we take a stand for marriage? Jesus commanded us to be a salt and light in our world. When a family is whole and functioning well, it is contagious. It makes people want to have that type of family and marriage. People, young and old, who come into a home that values marriage and the family recognize that there is something different there. They may ask why you believe this issue of marriage is so important. And you can say, “Because my God and my Creator designed it that way and I want you to know that blessing also.” It will be a testimony that shows the love of Christ and will draw people to Him.
[More at URL]
----- 10 -----
CANADIAN MARRIAGE POLICY: A TRAGEDY FOR CHILDREN
Special Report from the Institute of Marriage and Family Canada
By Seana Sugrue
Today’s Family News
June 7, 2006
http://www.imfcanada.org/events/sugrue/060526-SugruePaper.pdf
It has become fashionable to believe that marriage and children share only an incidental connection. Marriage is, according to many intellectuals and jurists, first and foremost about the companionate and emotional needs of consenting adults. For this reason, it is contended that the rules governing marriage laws should be purged of any expectation that children are begotten from adult sexual unions. Moreover, there ought to be no expectation that children are to be raised by their mother and father within the institution of marriage.
[More at URL]
----- 11 -----
WHAT ABOUT THE CHILDREN? A FIRST-PERSON ACCOUNT OF GROWING UP WITH A HOMOSEXUAL FATHER
Interview with Dawn Stefanowicz
Today’s Family News
Focus on the Family Canada
June 7, 2006
http://www.fotf.ca/tfn/protectmarriage2006/articles/WhatAboutTheChildren.html
You have probably noticed all the clamour in the news about marriage, homosexuality and equality of late. It seems that much of the marriage debate has been reduced to one-line arguments and demands for recognition. But amidst the ruckus, if you listen very carefully, you may hear the voice of somebody else who has a different message. It’s a message urging us to look beyond adult self-interest and instead examine how the most vulnerable in our society will be affected by redefining marriage. Canadian Dawn Stefanowicz knows from first-hand experience what it means to grow up in a home with a homosexual parent. She told her story to TFN and thinks
[More at URL]
----- 12 -----
What YOU Can Do To Protect Marriage In Canada
Focus on the Family Canada
Online as of July 8, 2006
http://www.fotf.ca/tfn/protectmarriage2006/articles/WhatYouCanDo.html
Prime Minister Stephen Harper has indicated that the House of Commons will vote in the fall to determine whether to revisit the definition of marriage issue. Many Canadians would rather not deal with this again. But even though dealing with the same issue for so long can be tiring, now is not the time to give up. This is our opportunity to stand up for marriage as God made it.
What can you do to help restore the traditional definition of marriage in Canadian law? Here are a number of suggestions which should help you get involved.
1) Pray constantly! Although many people think the result of the upcoming vote won’t be much different than last year, we know that with God all things are possible. Remember to keep this issue in your prayers. Pray that Canadians will realize the seriousness of redefining the institution that God created to be the foundation for families.
2) Get informed: Stay up-to-date by subscribing to Today’s Family News, a complimentary e-news service from Focus on the Family Canada. Read some of the good articles or books which explain why redefining marriage is not a trivial thing. On TFN’s marriage page, you will find a large list of articles that clearly explain the implications of redefining marriage.
3) Phone, write or email your MP: Encourage those who are working hard for God’s design for marriage and respectfully explain your beliefs to those who disagree. Check out these articles for suggestions on making contact with your MP (phone, email etc.) or writing a letter to him or her. Don’t be intimidated or discouraged by the thought of expressing your thoughts to the government. Their job is to listen to you! Contact information for your MP is here.
[More at URL]
----- 13 -----
New on TFN > Protect Marriage 2006
Focus on the Family Canada
Today's Family News
http://www.fotf.ca/tfn/protectmarriage2006/index.html
Whether you are looking for the most recent news, background research, detailed reports or simple suggestions on what you can do this new page has what you are looking for. Let others know about it!
[More at URL]
----- 14 -----
Two Top State Courts Rule for Marriage
Challenges in New York and Georgia are turned aside.
by Wendy Cloyd, assistant editor
Focus on the Family
July 6, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/extras/a0041155.cfm
The highest state courts in New York and Georgia today ruled against homosexual activists who challenged protections for marriage.
James C. Dobson, Ph.D., chairman of Focus on the Family Action, said the courts may finally be realizing their proper role.
"These rulings represent a significant victory for America's families," he said, "and, I hope, signal an awareness by the judicial branch that the people don't want courts acting as superlegislatures. In each case, the high court affirmed existing state policy passed the way laws and constitutional amendments are supposed to be passed -- by elected officials or the people themselves."
[...]
TAKE ACTION:
The U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on the federal Marriage Protection Amendment the week of July 17. It would be the first step toward constitutionally defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Please contact your representative and let him or her know that you support the protection of marriage from activist courts.
If you are a CitizenLink Daily Update subscriber, click on the blue "Take Action" button in the e-mail to be automatically logged in to our Action Center. Otherwise, click on this link.
----- 15 -----
Group Seeks Amnesty for the Unborn
Campaign counters a human-rights group's efforts to expand abortion internationally.
from staff reports
Focus on the Family
July 6, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/news/a0041149.cfm
Amnesty International is working to make abortion an international human right -- a decision that has spawned a countercampaign for life by the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC).
SPUC launched the online Amnesty for Babies campaign to coincide with the first meeting of the new Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, last week.
[More at URL]
----- 16 -----
Catholics Could Be Excommunicated Over Embryonic Stem-Cell Research
Any support could lead to immediate penalty.
from staff reports
Focus on the Family
July 6, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/news/a0041148.cfm
The Catholic Church is warning members they'll be excommunicated if they support controversial embryonic stem-cell research.
Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo, head of the Pontifical Council for the Family, said those who do the research, women who donate the eggs and politicians who vote for the laws are subject to the Catholic Church's most drastic sanction.
Trujillo told a Catholic magazine that embryonic stem-cell research is equivalent to abortion because it takes a human life; the process of harvesting the cells always requires the destruction of a human embryo.
[More at URL]
----- 17 -----
Pennsylvania Marriage Protection On Ice
Focus on the Family
Newsbriefs
July 6, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0041152.cfm
Pennsylvania lawmakers recessed last weekend without taking action on a bill that would constitutionally define marriage as one man and one woman.
According to the York Daily Record, the impasse effectively means the language can't be added to the Constitution until 2009 at the earliest.
The proposed constitutional amendment was tabled amid a disagreement between House and Senate Republicans over the scope of the amendment.
[More at URL]
----- 18 -----
New York and Georgia Uphold Traditional Marriage
Faith and Freedom Network
Thursday, July 06, 2006
http://www.faithandfreedom.us/weblog/2006/07/new-york-and-georgia-uphold.html
The Georgia Supreme Court and the New York Supreme Court both ruled in favor of traditional marriage today.
The Georgia Court decided unanimously that the ban on same-sex marriage that had been approved by 76% of Georgia voters did not violate the state’s single-subject rule for ballot measures.
[More at URL]
----- 19 -----
Missouri to Decide Whether Human Cloning is Constitutionally Protected
Vote "No" on the unethical embryonic stem-cell research initiative.
by Jessica Headley, CitizenLink staff
Focus on the Family
July 5, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/news/a0041136.cfm
The people of Missouri will decide the fate of a controversial human-cloning and embryonic stem-cell research amendment that will appear on the ballot this fall.
The so-called "Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative" would constitutionally protect human cloning and embryonic stem-cell research as well as allow tax dollars to fund such endeavors.
[More at URL]
----- 20 -----
South Dakota Tribal President Who Proposed Abortion Clinic Ousted
Focus on the Family
Newsbriefs
July 5, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0041140.cfm
After proposing that tribal sovereignty entitled the Oglala Sioux Tribe in South Dakota to act outside of the state's ban on abortion and build an abortion clinic, tribal president Cecelia Fire Thunder has been removed from office, The Washington Post reported.
The tribal council voted 9-5 last Thursday for her ouster.
Fire Thunder announced plans for a clinic shortly after the law was passed this spring.
[More at URL]
----- 21 -----
Final Push in Michigan to Gather Abortion-Ban Signatures
Focus on the Family
Newsbriefs
July 5, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0041139.cfm
Michigan Citizens for Life took advantage of the Fourth of July holiday to circulate a petition to change the state constitution to legally define life as existing from the moment of conception and banning abortions, The Detroit Free Press reported.
Judy Zabik, director of the Livingston chapter of Right to Life, Lifespan, said about a quarter of a million petitions have been circulating and the groups needs at least 317,757 valid signatures to get a measure on November's ballot.
[More at URL]
----- 22 -----
I Vote Values
Understand why it's important to register to vote and why it's essential to take your values to the polling place.
Online as of July 8, 2006
http://www.ivotevalues.org/
"If America is to survive, we must elect more God-centered men and women to public office." -- Billy Graham
122 days until Election Tuesday
[More at URL]
----- 23 -----
Most Fortune 500 Companies Dubbed 'Gay-Friendly'
Nation's largest gay-activist group releases its annual report.
from staff reports
Focus on the Family
July 3, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/extras/a0041121.cfm
The pro-gay Human Rights Campaign (HRC) announced last week that 253 of the Fortune 500 companies offer health-insurance benefits to same-sex partners and 430 grant special rights based on "sexual orientation."
Joe Solmonese, president of HRC, said his group is largely responsible for the trends.
"We're not only tracking progress in corporate America, but we're actively involved in making it," he said. "Our Workplace Project has worked with hundreds of executives and employees over the past year alone, providing on-site training and cutting-edge research to assist employers implementing fair and equal policies."
[...]
"The real danger here ultimately is to Christian employers. What began as something voluntary will become mandatory," he said. "It's really not about extending tolerance, but about putting corporate American power behind the homosexual agenda, which is aimed directly at the church."
[More at URL]
----- 24 -----
Alaska Family Council Gets Under Way
Nonprofit group will coordinate efforts of pro-family residents.
by Wendy Cloyd, assistant editor
Focus on the Family
July 3, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/news/a0041124.cfm
Alaska is a land rich in beauty and culture. More than a half million people are spread out over the vast expanse of mountain ranges, forests and tundra. A group of pro-family advocates hopes to bring people together to work on issues of concern.
CitizenLink talked with Jim Minnery, founder and board member of the newly forming Alaska Family Council (AFC), in an Anchorage cafe. He said that although Alaska has a large pro-family population — in 1998, 70 percent voted in favor of an amendment to protect traditional marriage — until now there has not been an organization working full time to address public-policy issues affecting families.
[...]
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
To learn more about how to become a part of the Alaska Family Council, send an e-mail to Jim Minnery at minnery@alaska.net or call (907) 279-2825.
[More at URL]
----- 25 -----
Senate to Vote on Three Stem-Cell Bills
Focus on the Family
July 3, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0041123.cfm
Senate leaders announced Friday that three bills dealing with the issue of embryonic stem-cell research will be brought up for a vote.
Life-Destroying Embryonic Stem-Cell Research
The House passed H.R. 810 -- the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act -- in May 2005. Under the bill, researchers could use federal funds to experiement on "unused" embryos donated by in-vitro fertilization clinics.
Such human embryos could be implanted and allowed to be born.
The bill is sponsored by Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo.
Fetal-Farming Ban
Introduced in June 2006 by Sens. Sam Brownback, R-Kan. and Rick Santorum, R-Pa., S.B. 3504 would "prohibit the solicitation or acceptance of tissue from fetuses gestated for research purposes."
The bill has not stirred much controversy and simply stated, bans growing embryos for the purpose of harvesting stem cells. Human embryos are always destroyed in the process of gathering the cells.
Alternative Stem-Cell Research
Sens. Rick Santorum, R-Pa. and Arlen Specter, R-Pa., co-sponsored a bill last week that "would require the National Institute of Health to research and fund methods of creating embryonic stem-cell lines without destroying human embryos."
S. 2754 is titled the Alternative Pluripotent Stem Cell Therapies Enhancement Act.
All three bills are expected to receive a vote this month.
[More at URL]
----- 26 -----
Court Says Foster Kids Do Fine in Same-Sex Homes
Focus on the Family
Newsbriefs
June 30, 2006
http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0041106.cfm
The Arkansas State Supreme Court ruled Thursday that homosexuals cannot be barred from becoming foster parents because such placement has not been shown to harm children, The Associated Press reported.
In 1999 the Child Welfare Agency Review Board determined that foster kids would be more likely to thrive if placed in a traditional home with a husband and wife.
All seven justices declared that the board's decision to exclude gays from the foster-parenting program inappropriately imposed a moral view. The court also declared that the state Legislature should determine eligibility, not the board.
[More at URL]
----- 27 -----
Christian Legal Intervention Academy (CLIA)
Integrating Christian Faith and Law Since 1978
Calgary, AB
Delta Bow Valley Hotel
September 30, 2006
http://www.christianlegalfellowship.org/Conference%202006/CLIA/2006_christian_legal_intervention_aca.htm
Click here to view Registration Costs (Chart)
Click here to view CLIA Tentative Schedule
Click here to view Pro Bono Accounting Form
All attendees must complete the CLIA Application Form
(also includes a Request for Financial Assistance, where applicable)
The Christian Legal Intervention Academy (CLIA) invites Christian lawyers and upper year law students to attend an intensive, one-day Mini-Academy training event to take place September 30 in Calgary, Alberta in conjunction with the CLF National Conference (September 29th to October 1st).
CLIA will provide detailed substantive and tactical training to practicing lawyers and upper year law students who seek to make a difference in Canadian society by advocating on behalf of truth and life. The day will help participants to proactively prepare for, and provide quality legal representation in important constitutional and human rights cases relating to issues of religious freedom.
[More at URL]
