Atheists Threaten Florida School Board over Prayer

The Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) has informed the Duval County School Board (DCSB) of Jacksonville, Florida that offering the opportunity for clergy to give an invocation before its monthly board meeting begins is unconstitutional, but most board members disagree.

“We should continue to support religious liberty.”
-- Jason Fischer, DCSB board member

“I feel good about where we are today.  I feel good about what we're doing.  If [the FFRF] want to pursue it further [to court], that's certainly their option.  My biggest concern is this becomes a distraction to education.”
-- Scott Shine, DCSB board member

For background, read U.S. Supreme Court 2014 Ruling Allows Christian Prayer in Civic Meetings, in fact Supreme Court Justice Scalia Said Government Should Favor God of the Bible

Click headlines below to read previous articles:

Prayer Stays in Florida School, Opposing Atheists

Florida Battles Satanic 'Prayer' at Civic Meetings City-by-City

Atheists Say Prayer for Terror-victims is Unconstitutional

Kentucky School Supt. Backs Prayer vs. Atheists

Texas School Supt. Tells Anti-prayer Atheists to Go Fly a Kite



-- From "National group calls Duval school district prayer 'unconstitutional'" by Jason Rantala, WTLV-TV12 (Jacksonville, FL) First Coast News 5/12/16

Schoolboard Chairman Ashley Smith Juarez said they will be consulting the Office of General Council to decide what to do regarding prayer.

Juarez said she cannot recall someone actually complaining about prayer during a meeting.

"We have had members from a variety of religions and a variety of voices there during that time. I do think that is important and it will be something we will continue to focus on in the future," said Juarez.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Non-profit groups wade into Duval County School Board prayer controversy" by Robert Alonso, WOKV-FM104.5 5/13/16

2 non-profit groups reached out to the school board recently about starting off its meetings with a prayer.

The Orlando-based Liberty Counsel did likewise 3 days later, offering to help the district should the FFRF try to take the matter to court.

In its letter, the LC says the FFRF is "litigious", often unsuccessful in court and in the wrong morally and legally.

Earlier this year, the DCSB altered its opening prayer to add a "thought for the day" option, something district officials called an effort to be more inclusive.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Complaint about prayer at Duval School Board meetings stirs debate" by Denise Smith Amos, Florida Times-Union 5/11/16

At most meetings, nearly everyone stands and bows their heads during the invocation, and usually a pastor, priest or other minister prays aloud at the podium. Often the person praying invokes the name of Jesus.

. . . the Liberty Counsel also wrote to each School Board member, urging them to continue with praying during invocation. Richard L. Mast Jr., a Lynchburg, Va., attorney with the Liberty Counsel, offered to provide pro bono assistance to the district.

The Liberty Counsel cited a 2014 US Supreme Court ruling, Town of Greece v. Galloway, saying it “confirmed the constitutionality of prayers given before legislative bodies.”

The Liberty Counsel also referred to a 1994 11th Circuit Court case involving Duval Schools. The court’s ruling in that case allowed religious messages by students, by valedictorians and by graduation speakers.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Prayer Banned in Washington Town — Nobody Cares

Florida School vs. Obama Transgender Bathroom Regs

This week, the Marion County Public Schools of Ocala, Florida enacted a policy in a direct challenge to President Obama's Department of Education heavy-handed edict that schools nationwide must allow men to use girl's restrooms, locker rooms, and showers.

"My concern is that some pervert looking for the opportunity to dress up as a transgender and [prey on] innocent children and because of their perverted action scars [our] children for life."
-- Parent testimony to school board

"There is no legal mandate requiring the district to override the privacy rights of students and concerns of parents, by permitting gender-confused (or attention-seeking) students to inappropriately use restrooms and facilities reserved for the opposite sex.  No school district has ever lost federal funding for maintaining gender-appropriate facilities, despite the claims of activists."
-- Roger K. Gannam, Liberty Counsel (offered to represent school board)

For background, read Department of Education Demands Communal Nudity in Public Schools Using Full Force of Federal Government and now Hillary Clinton Promises Even MORE 'Transgender/Gay Rights'

UPDATE 5/7/16: Illinois Parents Sue School and President Obama over his Transgender Restroom Edict

Also read how enclosed restrooms will soon be eliminated to protect women and children from sexual predators.

Click headlines below to read previous articles:

President Obama's OSHA Teams Up with EEOC to OK Perverts in Employees' Restrooms

Washington, D.C.'s Bathroom 'Bigot Snitch' Law

Virginia Bathroom Privacy Bill Defeated in Legislature

Women's Voices Silenced: Washington Transgender Restrooms

Transgender Restrooms Evolve for South Dakota Schools



-- From "Marion school board blocks transgender kids from choosing restroom" by The Associated Press 4/26/16

A north Florida school board has approved a measure to limit restrooms to students based on their birth sex, not their gender identity.

Board member Carol Ely says transgender students shouldn't get to choose which restroom to use, adding it's "reverse discrimination."

The district started allowing transgender students to choose their restroom two months ago. But a parent claimed his son's privacy rights were being violated because he's not comfortable sharing a restroom with a student who was born female but now identifies as male.

Roger Gannam, an attorney for the conservative legal group Liberty Counsel, is representing the parent of the student who complained. He argued that there is no legal mandate requiring the district to permit transgender students to use the bathroom of their choice.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Marion County School Board rules students must use restroom of biological gender" by Erik Sandoval and Troy Campbell, Reporters, WKMG-TV6 (Orlando, FL) 4/27/16

The new rule takes effect immediately, and the decision brought cheers from the hundreds who gathered at Tuesday night's school board meeting.

The school board resolution says transgender students are not protected by law and that students expect not to see people of the opposite sex in the bathroom.

School board vice chairwoman, Kelly King, said that the alternative [private/uni-sex] bathrooms are a safe place for transgender students. King also said she too expects lawsuits if the board approves the restriction.

"We know either way, we are probably going to have some lawsuits. You know, lawsuits regardless," King said.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "ACLU warns Marion County Schools of possible legal issues with bathroom policy" posted at WCJB-TV20 (Gainesville, FL) 4/26/16

In a work session last week, four of the five board members voted to restrict school bathrooms to students based on their birth sex, not based on their gender identity. School Board Chairman Bobby James was the only dissenter and said he wanted to continue to treat transgender issues on a case-by-case basis.

The letter, written by ACLU of Florida LGBT rights staff attorney Daniel Tilley, warns that the policy would not only be harmful to students but would also "violate Title IX sex discrimination requirements, violate the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution and jeopardize federal funding for the school district."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Bathroom ban imposed: School Board blocks transgender kids from choosing restrooms" by Joe Callahan, Staff writer, Ocala StarBanner 4/26/16

. . . Superintendent George Tomyn said the board should wait if they wanted this to be a rule, or policy, and that they were not following proper protocol. [Board member Nancy] Stacy said this was not a rule, but a resolution as a statement to the community. Stacy called for the vote and it passed 4-1.

The local issue began two months ago after the district started allowing transgender students to choose their bathroom, stating that the Office for Civil Rights has made it clear that transgender students have that right.

Two weeks ago, local veterinarian Hal Phillips appeared at a board work session and said his son's Fourth Amendment rights had been violated. Phillips said his son – who attends Vanguard High -- was not comfortable sharing a bathroom with a transgender student, who was born female but now identifies as being male.

The Fourth Amendment protects the privacy of all students, “including bodily privacy in the context of restrooms and locker rooms,” according to board attorney Steven Lake, who shared a PowerPoint about prior court cases at a recent work session.

[Attorney Roger] Gannam, wrote that “students with gender confusion who truly believes he or she is the opposite sex should be treated with care, compassion, and kindness, but must not be officially affirmed in his or her confusion, no matter how sincerely-held.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "A Florida school board just blocked transgender kids from choosing bathrooms" by Elahe Izadi, Washington Post 4/27/16

Conservative legal group Liberty Counsel represented the parent, Harrell “Hal” Phillips and his son, who the organization described as “devout Christians who believe strongly in both biblical modesty and constitutional privacy.”

Phillips’s son was “extremely upset” that a transgender student was using the boys’ bathroom, the group wrote. “This was a place where he has a reasonable expectation that he will not encounter the opposite sex. This deeply violated his religious beliefs of personal modesty and his constitutional rights to privacy.”

According to the measure, single-sex bathrooms and locker rooms designated for girls are restricted to people “who are biological females.” The same goes for facilities designated for boys and people “who are biological males.”

Students who want to use alternative facilities “shall always be offered comparable facilities, as required by law,” the measure states.

The measure also states that transgender individuals are “not a protected class” under the school district’s policies.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Transgender Students Now Have To Follow A New Bathroom Policy In Marion County" by Isabella Alsina, WUFT-TV5/WJUF-FM89.1 (PBS/NPR Gainesville, FL) 4/27/16

After 46 public comments, the board passed the resolution with a 4-1 vote. About 250 people cheered, sang Christian songs and waved banners that read, “God Belongs In My City.”

“The safety issue is the biggest,” said Carol Ely, the school board member for district 2. “Although nothing has happened yet, we’re going to see some things happening.”

Transgender students, former Marion County teachers, pastors, and concerned parents filled the meeting room, office, and parking lot of the school board’s building. Some wore Equality Florida stickers while most wore red stickers reading, “We Stand With God.”

“We cannot help that the Department of Education… is now working under an illegal, unadvertised rule,” said Nancy Stacy, school board member for District 1. “The Federal Department of Education doesn’t even have a right to constitutionally exist. I believe this rule is completely illegal.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read American Consumers Target Anti-family Business Favoring Transgenders

And read Transgenderism is a 'Delusion' According to Victims and Professionals

Gay Agenda Quiz Guilts Florida Middle Schoolers

Yoselis Ramos, a now-suspended, first-year Spanish teacher at Monroe Middle School in Tampa, Florida (Hillsborough County Public Schools) gave a quiz to pre-teens intended to "teach diversity" by forcing students to categorize themselves by "status of privilege."  The quiz equated being born male or female, or a particular skin color, with "being" homosexual or transgender — implying that sexually immoral behavior is genetic (which scientifically is NOT factual).

For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:

Arizona School Sex-laden Quiz Exposed by Students

Pennsylvania School Gives 8th Grade Sadomasochistic Exercise

Pre-teens' Sex Lives Tracked by Feds via Schools

Oral Sex Quiz Given to Pre-teens in Massachusetts

D.C. Middle School 'Sex Test' Riles Parents

Obscene 'Sexual Tension Quiz' in Florida High School

Schools Give Sex Ed Porn to 4 year-olds



-- From "Tampa teacher disciplined over 'privilege' form" by Avery Coffman, WTSP-TV10 (St. Petersburg, FL) 4/7/16

The form was handed out in a Spanish class to seventh- and eighth-graders. At the top, the form asked, "How privileged are you?"

Regina Stiles' daughter is in the class. When her daughter came to the "Disability" column, she had to reveal that she had ADHD.

Other sections included religion and gender where kids were asked to circle "Cisgender," "Transgender" or "GenderQueer."

After Stiles along with several other angry parents questioned the principal, he launched an investigation.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Public School Teacher Gives ‘Privilege’ Survey To SEVENTH GRADERS — IN SPANISH CLASS" by Eric Owens, Education Editor, Daily Caller 4/7/16

The three sex-related columns [on the categorization form] — “Sex,” Gender” and “Sexual Orientation” — offer an array of choices for the seventh-grade and eighth-grade students including “Intersex,” “Cisgendered,” “Transgendered,” Genderqueer” and “Pansexual.”

People are “cisgender” if their stated gender matches their physical sex. The word means normal. “Intersex” is the very rare condition of having genitals that aren’t wholly male or female. “Pansexual” means feeling sexual attraction toward all genders and gender identities. (It’s way broader, apparently, than merely bisexual.) “Genderqueer” means subjectively feeling that traditional boy/girl norms don’t apply to you because you are a special snowflake.

School district spokeswoman Tanya Arja assured WTSP [TV-10] that the survey is not part of the official Hillsborough County Public Schools curriculum.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read the extent of sexualization in America's public schools:  It flows from the top, including President Obama's demand for communal nudity in schools by forcing the Gay Agenda on schools using taxpayer dollars; and it comes from elite educators who teach kids how to be homosexual including teaching kindergartners about sex change as well as homosexual teachers indoctrinating 8-year-olds, and teachers training pre-teens in masturbation; and schools even hire abortionists and sex workers to teach sex education, while judges rule abstinence education illegal, so it's no surprise that this public school sexualization is making criminals of children nationwide.

Florida Defunds Planned Parenthood, Liberals Fume

Yesterday, Florida Governor Rick Scott signed House Bill (HB) 1411 to eliminate all state funding of any organization that performs abortions.  The new law that takes effect July 1st also bans sale of aborted fetus remains and enacts requirements for fetus disposal.  Planned Parenthood, which is spending about as much money fighting the legislation as it receives annually from the state, may contest the law in court as unconstitutional.

“Abortionists will finally be held to the same standard as all other physicians who perform invasive procedures in a non-hospital setting by the requirement to have admitting privileges or a transfer agreement with a nearby hospital.  It is incomprehensible that opponents suggest the bill makes women less safe.”
-- Ingrid Delgado, Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops

For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:

Planned Parenthood Funding Cut Off in Utah & Texas

Oklahoma Gov. Terminates Payments to Planned Parenthood for Ripping off Taxpayers

Taxpayers' $Billions to Abortionists: Government Report

Also read 75% of Abortion Clinics Closed: Jan. 2015 vs. 1991

And read Planned Parenthood Illegally Dumps Babies in Landfills in Ohio, Kentucky and South Carolina

-- From "Florida Governor Signs Law to Cut Funding for Abortion Clinics" by Liam Stack, New York Times 3/25/16

State funding of abortion was already prohibited in Florida, but the law signed by the Republican governor also cut off funding for preventive services at clinics that also provide abortions.

The law appeared to be aimed at Planned Parenthood, which said on Friday that it could mean the end of birth control, cancer screenings, tests for diseases and other services for thousands of low-income women in Florida.

Cecile Richards, the president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, said in a statement that the new law seemed “designed to rip health care away from those most at risk.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Gov. Rick Scott signs abortion restrictions, medical marijuana laws" by Michael Auslen, Miami Herald/Times Tallahassee Bureau 3/25/16

Starting July 1, abortion clinics will be required to have admitting privileges or transfer agreements with a nearby hospital. They also will face annual inspections by the state as part of a law that sponsor Sen. Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland, said is about ensuring women’s safety.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, which has an ongoing lawsuit over a mandatory 24-hour abortion waiting period passed last year, said it hasn’t decided whether it will sue the state over the new law. The organization did decry Scott’s decision in a statement by executive director Howard Simon.

The law redefines the trimesters of a pregnancy, validating claims by state regulators last summer alleging Florida’s Planned Parenthood sites violated their licenses. And the funding cuts could affect six Planned Parenthood clinics.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Florida governor signs law tightening abortion clinic restrictions" by Margie Menzel, Florida Times-Union 3/25/16

The bill, which passed largely along party lines, restricts state agencies, local governments and Medicaid managed-care plans from contracting with organizations that own, operate or are affiliated with clinics that perform elective abortions. Duval County is one of the health departments with a Planned Parenthood contract that may be affected by that provision.

Senate sponsor Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland, said on the Senate floor that the bill would likely close six of Florida’s 65 abortion clinics.

Additionally, the bill changes the definition of a first trimester to the period from fertilization through the end of the 11th week of pregnancy. That’s a different definition than the state has used in the past, but it’s consistent with an administrative action last year by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, which alleged that five clinics — including three Planned Parenthood facilities — performed second-trimester abortions without the proper licenses. Clinics have filed challenges, contending that the state changed the definition of a first trimester without notice.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Gov. Rick Scott Signs Abortion Bill Into Law" by Lynn Hatter, WFSU (PBS & NPR Tallahassee, FL) 3/25/16

“Would I like a bill that outlaws abortion? Sure. But that’s not what this bill does. Because that’s unconstitutional. Because we’re allowed to have a woman’s right to choose," Stargel argued prior to the bill passing the Senate.

Meanwhile, the Florida Family Policy Council is claiming a major victory. Last year the council’s John Stemberger criticized Governor Rick Scott for not banning state funding from flowing to Planned Parenthood after false accusations last summer that planned parenthood was illegally selling fetal remains caused a national uproar.

“We would have liked for him by executive order to de-fund Planned Parenthood without having to go through this process," Stemberger said. "But we are pleased he signed this today. He did the right thing, and so we’re happy about that. We wish he would have exercised leadership, but he followed the leadership of the legislature and the same result has occurred.”

Florida’s Planned Parenthood Clinics say they’ll weather the coming storm. Public dollars are already prohibited from funding abortions, but the bill would cut off reimbursements for routine preventive services as well if they are done by an abortion provider.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Gov. Rick Scott signs abortion restrictions bill into law" by Gray Rohrer, Orlando Sentinel 3/25/16

The law, which takes effect July 1, requires doctors performing abortions to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital, requires annual licensure inspections for clinics and bans the purchase, sell or transfer of fetal remains. The law upgrades the failure to properly dispose of fetal tissue from a second-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree misdemeanor.

A similar law in Texas, which women’s health activists say has helped shut down several abortion clinics there, is under review by the U.S. Supreme Court. During a debate on the Senate floor earlier this year, sponsor Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland, said the bill would likely close six of Florida's 65 abortion clinics.

[Last year, Gov.] Scott’s investigation . . . did cite three clinics for performing abortions after the first trimester. Planned Parenthood disputed those allegations, and the case is still pending in court. A separate criminal investigation prompted by House Republicans turned up nothing.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Planned Parenthood Caught Selling Aborted Babies on Video

And read ObamaCare Funnels $1 Million to Planned Parenthood

Florida School Rejects Gay Agenda ENDA Proposal

The one-town-at-a-time strategy of the Gay/Transgender Agenda hit a road block last week when the Brevard County School Board, after hearing from residents, voted unanimously against an ordinance change proposed by a Heritage High School (Palm Bay, Florida) sexual revolutionary teacher to grant special rights based on "sexual orientation" and "gender identity."

"You can see the spirit of the town here. This is not San Francisco, folks. This is Brevard County."
-- Friar Demetri Tsigas, Greek Orthodox priest, Melbourne, FL

"There is a spiritual force here, and it is evil."
-- Terry Rocks, The Brevard Youth Network

"The majority is speaking tonight. We are speaking tonight. We are saying we want God’s word in our public schools. We are the majority. We want godly principles in our public schools. We want Jesus Christ back in our schools."
-- Bradford Cole, resident of Cape Canaveral, FL

For background, read President Obama Forces Wildest Transgender Agenda on School Children Using Full Force of Federal Government and now Hillary Clinton Promises Even MORE 'Transgender/Gay Rights'

Also read Transgender Restrooms for South Dakota Schools Passes

UPDATE 4/2/16: Toilets NOT in Restrooms will be New Design for Transgender Agenda

And read how the Gay/Transgender Agenda attacks one town at a time across America because the sexual revolutionaries have been unable to force the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) through Congress.

Also read Transgenderism is a 'Delusion' According to Victims and Professionals



-- From "Brevard Schools meeting on LGBT rights draws crowds" by Sachelle Saunders - Reporter, WKMG-TV6 (Orlando, FL) 2/24/16

The cause is led primarily by LGBT high school teacher and advocate Daniel Wal-Desousa.

Dozens of parents, grandparents, and Brevard County School workers lined up to express their concern about changing the anti-discrimination policy.

After a more than five-hour meeting, the board ultimately decided to hold off on sending the anti-discrimination policy word changes to a public hearing, until they can all agree on the implications of it.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Brevard school board kills LGBT proposal" by Ilana Kowarski, Florida Today - USA TODAY Network 2/24/16

Nearly 100 people signed up to speak at the meeting, and most of those who spoke were in opposition to the LGBT policy.

Policy opponents said they feared the LGBT policy would mean that those who voice religious objections to gay marriage in local schools would be branded as bigots and disciplined for discrimination. Some opponents said they wanted to preach scripture in schools, and many said they were concerned about transgender individuals using public school bathrooms. They argued that the LGBT policy threatened morality.

The Liberty Counsel, a national litigation and advocacy organization that represents the interests of American evangelical Christians and cultural conservatives, sent a letter to the Brevard School Board prior to this hearing, stating its strong opposition to the LGBT policies and its willingness to legally challenge the policies if they are imposed. That public letter was cited multiple times during the course of the school board hearing.

In the conclusion of its letter, the Counsel added, "If the District enacts these misguided changes, and instead violates the First Amendment rights of other students and teachers, Liberty Counsel stands prepared to advocate on their behalf against the District."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Florida school board unanimously rejects homosexual, transgender concessions" by Fr. Mark Hodges, LifeSiteNews 2/26/16

The [Liberty Counsel] letter continued, "'Sexual orientation' or 'gender identity'...are not like others protected by law.  They are subjective, behavior-based categories, rather than federally-recognized immutable characteristics like race, color, sex, national origin, or constitutionally-protected fundamental rights, like religion."

The letter also notes that the "legal bullying" of the Obama administration's Office of Civil Rights' "baseless" statements "strong-arm[ing] school districts" for transgender bathrooms "cites no legal authority – case law or statutory – for the claim that Title IX now applies to students claiming to be the opposite sex."

"A student with gender confusion who truly believes he or she is the opposite sex should be treated with care, compassion, and kindness, but must not be officially affirmed in his or her confusion, no matter how sincerely-held," the lawyers' letter stated.

"Many parents ... stood up in opposition to this dangerous policy change. We win when we show up," Mat Staver, founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel, said in a press release.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Click headlines below to read previous articles:

Christian Lawmakers, Gov. Overturn Charlotte, NC Gay/Transgender Agenda Ordinance

Accused Bisexual Abuser Hired by Multiple Schools

Child-Self Porn Legalized in New Mexico: Sexting

Opposing Sexual Deviancy Verboten in California School

PDF: Liberty Counsel letter to Brevard schools

Florida Police Let Abortionists Prohibit Prayer

After a challenge from pro-life lawyers, police in Hollywood, Florida now claim they never told Christians that the government would support attempts by the local abortion clinic to force eviction of praying pro-lifers from the public sidewalk at the clinic.

"It's not loud prayer. It's simply praying for the unborn child and for women."
-- John Hickey, Volunteer, 40 Days for Life Hollywood

For background, read Maine Sues Pastor for Preaching Too Loud on Abortion, but Court Orders Portland, Maine to Pay $56,500 for Muzzling Pro-lifer

Also read U.S. Supreme Court Rules Unanimously that Christians are Free to Speak near Abortion Clinics

Click headlines below to read previous articles:

Christians Arrested for Praying Too Loud Near Chicago Abortion Clinic

Pastor's Wife Fined for Praying Too Loud in North Dakota

California Law Forces Abortion Business on Pro-lifers

Also read Pro-lifers March on Washington, D.C. Amid Government Shutdown

And read how public schools across America muzzle pro-life students and ban pro-life student clubs.

-- From "Antiabortion Protesters Say Hollywood Police Violated Their Constitutional Rights" by Jerry Iannelli, New Times Broward-Palm Beach 2/22/16

Representatives from Hollywood, Florida's 40 Days for Life chapter say that five times over the past three years, the group has, successfully and without incident, held prayer vigils outside A Woman's Center of Hollywood, an abortion provider located on Hollywood Boulevard. During such vigils, group members pray and try to educate women about alternatives to abortion.

But on February 10, three group members claim, a Hollywood Police officer ordered them off a sidewalk, violating their constitutional rights of free speech and assembly. While they are now demanding an apology from the police department, the department claims the protesters had actually been trespassing on private property.

. . . The group provided documentation that shows it applied for a permit to assemble outside the center from February 10 to March 20.

The group says three or four people were praying outside the center for 12 hours a day, each day.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Florida police block pro-life peaceful protest at abortion clinic, Thomas More Society responds" posted at The Global Dispatch 2/19/16

Thomas More Society attorneys have sent a letter to the City of Hollywood, Florida, and the Hollywood Police Department challenging a police officer’s recent order forbidding pro-lifers from standing on a public sidewalk in front of a clinic that performs abortions, apparently at the clinic’s request. On the first day of the Spring 40 Days for Life prayer vigil outside A Woman’s Center of Hollywood abortion facility, Officer Del Castillo of the Hollywood Police Department told pro-life volunteers that they could not stand on the public sidewalk in front of the abortion clinic. Thomas More Society contends that this demand is a blatant violation of the pro-lifers’ First Amendment rights.

This is the third year that volunteers participating in the 40 Days for Life Hollywood prayer vigils have had a peaceful presence on the public property – including both the sidewalk and swale (grassy area between the street and sidewalk) – outside A Woman’s Center. However, last week, on the first day of this years’ campaign, Officer Del Castillo of the Hollywood Police Department told the pro-lifers that they could not stand on the public sidewalk because the clinic had said they did not want the pro-lifers there.  He stated that the abortion clinic has the right to determine who may and may not stand on the sidewalk in front of its building.  He implied that if this order was not obeyed, pro-lifers could be ticketed.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Thomas More Society Challenges Public Sidewalk Restriction at Abortion Clinic" posted at Christian Newswire 2/17/16

"Forbidding pro-lifers from standing on public property violates 75 years of clear Supreme Court precedent that gives broad protections to those engaging in free speech in public places," said Corrina Konczal, Thomas More Society Associate Counsel. "We are confident that, once the city and Chief of Police are made aware of this officer's unconstitutional ban, that they will reverse this order and assure our clients of their rights to publicly pray and hold signs on any sidewalk in the city."

. . . The attorneys' missive notes specifically that "Officer Del Castillo's order is a clearly unconstitutional restriction of our clients' freedom of speech in a traditional public forum – a public sidewalk." The letter requests a response from the city and police department by this Friday.

"We should not be banned from the public sidewalk just because we're pro-life," said John Hickey, a 40 Days for Life Hollywood volunteer. "We're exercising our First Amendment rights by holding a peaceful prayer vigil to help women and unborn children. Hopefully, Officer Del Castillo's supervisors will reverse his incorrect order so that our free speech will be respected for the rest of the 40 Days vigil."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Federal Judge Censors Pro-life Ads on Indiana Buses

And read Oregon Woman Fired for Being Pro-life Leader

Prayer Stays in Florida School, Opposing Atheists

Last summer the Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) threatened the Okaloosa County School District with legal action if school board meetings continue to open with prayer, but after months of vocal support from residents, the board voted to continue the prayers.

"What will we teach our children if we give in to these bullies?  That a godless few can scare us?"
-- Robert English, resident of Laurel Hill, Florida

For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:

North Carolina Citizens Demand Prayer in Public School

Let us Pray in School: It's the Law in Missouri

Wyoming School Allows Prayer Under Lawsuit Threat

Ohio School Board Wants Prayer, Ignoring Atheists

Louisiana Students, School Reject ACLU's Ungodly Demand

Atheists Threaten Arkansas School so Citizens Pray Publicly

Texas School Supt. Tells Anti-prayer Atheists to Go Fly a Kite

Also read Florida Battles Satanic 'Prayer' at Civic Meetings City-by-City

However 'Minion of Satan' Defied by Florida County Official





-- From "Okaloosa County school board votes for prayer before meetings" by Leah Johnson, Northwest Florida Daily News (Fort Walton Beach, FL) 1/11/16

“The resolution is put together by following court cases and research on other resolutions,” said board attorney Jeff McInnis. “It’s not a resolution that will advance a particular religion over another.”

“(The) School Board … has established and wishes to maintain a tradition … by allowing for an opening invocation as legislative prayer at meetings … to assist the board members in setting their minds to a higher purpose and to ease their task of governing the school district,” the resolution says.

Board members said the resolution will be enacted around March.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Multi-faith prayer will resume in Okaloosa County School Board meetings" by Leah Johnson, Northwest Florida Daily News (Fort Walton Beach, FL) 1/9/16

“We are going to have prayer,” said Chairperson Cathy Thigpen. “It was a three to two vote. This will set forth parameters to have that happen.”

To maintain tradition yet still be fair, Thigpen said the board is working on a comprehensive list of religious leaders they hope to invite to board meetings.

“I’m excited,” she said. “Hundreds could offer prayer. I hope the community can be a part.”

Okaloosa County will join Walton County in opting to keep their invocation. Santa Rosa County removed prayer from its meetings more than five years ago.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Residents urge School Board to resume prayer at meetings" by Kelly Humphrey, Northwest Florida Daily News (Fort Walton Beach, FL) 11/5/15

"We're here to influence the board to continue their traditional invocation, and not bow down to a godless bully group." said Laurel Hill resident Robert English.

During a period for public comments on the issue, English maintained that there was no mention of the concept of separation of church and state in the U.S. Constitution, and cited numerous examples of governmental references to God on currency and in Florida's state motto.

At its July 27 meeting, School Board attorney Jeff McInnis announced that the board had decided to temporarily adopt a moment of silence in place of the traditional invocation while the matter was investigated. The board requested that McInnis research legal precedent and present them with an opinion by the end of September.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "School Board asked to stop praying" by Katie Tammen, Northwest Florida Daily News (Fort Walton Beach, FL) 9/30/15

The two and half page letter from the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) arrived late last month and School Board attorney Jeff McInnis is still sorting through its implications.

“In an abundance of caution we are having a moment of silence as I research their demands,” McInnis said at the board’s recent meeting.

Up until now, the board began each meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation given by a board member or the superintendent.

McInnis said the prayers pre-date his hiring two decades ago and its the first such complaint he can recall receiving.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Florida Bans Prayer at Christian Football Game

And read 'God Bless America' Banned from Florida School

Florida Bans Prayer at Christian Football Game

Although the Florida District 2A Championship slated Cambridge Christian School of Tampa vs. University Christian from Jacksonville, state officials barred a 30-second prayer from being said from the PA system prior to the matchup at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando. Nonetheless, the teams and fans joined in unamplified prayer to start the game.

“The facility is a public facility, predominantly paid for with public tax dollars, makes the facility ‘off limits’ under federal guidelines and precedent court cases.  In Florida Statutes, the FHSAA (host and coordinator of the event) is legally a ‘State Actor,’ we cannot legally permit or grant permission for such an activity.”
-- Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA)

For background, read North Dakota Bans Prayer at Catholic School Football Game and also read Football Coach Forced to Stop Praying After Games in Washington

Click headlines below to read previous articles:

'God Bless America' Banned from Florida School

Florida Student Failed for Being Christian, Lawyer Says

Florida School Teaches Islam Including Prayer Rugs

Atheists, Satanists Force Bible Ban in Florida

Florida Battles Satanic 'Prayer' at Civic Meetings City-by-City



-- From "Florida schools barred from public prayer before 2A state title game" by WTSP-TV10 (St. Petersburg-Tampa, FL) posted at USA TODAY 12/4/15

The decision was made Thursday in an email from the head of the Florida State High School Athletic Association, Dr. Roger Dearing. Dearing took less than four hours to review the issue [saying] because the game is being played at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, which is predominately paid for with tax dollars, and because the athletic association is a state agency, prayer is not allowed.

“Here’s the problem,” [Cambridge Christian's Tim] Euler said, “Florida State Legislature is opened up with prayer in a building that is paid by tax dollars. What is the difference?”

He adds, “If they can pray there, we can pray here, and I want them to be able to pray there and I want us to be able to pray here. So I think his reasoning is flawed at the core of it.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Christian high schools denied prayer before football game" by Josh Rojas, Reporter, Bay News 9 (St. Petersburg, FL) 12/4/15

"What we really want to do is raise awareness," said Tim Euler, the Head of Cambridge Christian School. "All we're asking for is an opportunity for two Christian schools to pray."

"We've played 13 football games this year," he said. "We've prayed before every one of them."

"I don't foresee Florida High School budging on this," he said.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Florida schools barred from public prayer before 2A state title game" by Ramon Gibbs, The Oceanside Post 12/9/15

. . . the football players used the strength of their voices to loudly recite the Lord's Prayer.

"We do this [in] every game, we pray over the loudspeaker".

Bobby Lattimore from Tampa saw it as a natural occurrence saying, "They are Christian Schools".

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Christians taking it on the chin again with denial of prayer request before big game" by Chris Ingram, posted at Tampa Tribune 12/4/15

In his letter to the FHSAA, [University Christian Head of School Heath] Nivens wrote, “…. it is obvious that the occasion to pray and thank the Lord for his blessings over our school and student-athletes is one of utmost importance to us. Our administrative team at UCS is in full support of having Mr. Euler pray before our competition over the loud speaker. Furthermore, I too agree that the fans from both schools and those in attendance would be in full understanding given the core values of both institutions.”

. . . from government and media, to academia and the courts, we live in a society that, although correctly protecting the rights of many minorities, is far too inconsiderate of the rights of Christians.

The fear of lawsuits is making us vanilla clones of each other. Different views, ideas and perspectives should be shunned in favor of a one-size fits-all approach to life, education, opportunity and even sports. That is, unless you fit into one of government’s preferred and approved classes of people who deserve special treatment — of which being a Christian is not one.

To read the entire opinion column above, CLICK HERE.

Also read North Carolina Citizens Demand Prayer in Public School

U.S. Schools Force Islamic Terror Singing, Posters

Parents across America are now attuned to politically correct Islamic indoctrination, and that means their local public schools can't get away with:  forced singing of Islamic fight songs and praise to Allah by seventh-graders at Spring View Middle School in Huntington Beach, California; forced drawing of Islamic terrorist banners at Salem (Utah) Junior High School, in the Nebo School District; and forced listening to Islamic preaching at Barron Collier High School, in Naples, Florida.

“I believe that by singing this song, the children feel comfortable believing that maybe Allah is the only god, and maybe that they should start following him.  And that I’m not OK with.”
-- Susan Negron, grandparent of student taught song

“I feel like [the Islamic preaching] was being hidden from us.”
-- Jennifer Mansfield, Florida parent

For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:

Lawmakers Counter Islamic Teaching in Tennessee

Georgia School: Learn Islam or Take Lower Grade

Massachusetts Students Forced To Learn Muslim Conversion

Students Required to Pretend Being Muslim in Wisconsin

Pennsylvania School Staff to Mosque for Islamic Training

Florida School Teaches Islam Including Prayer Rugs

Teaching Girls to Wear Muslim Hijab in California School

Celebrate Islam Day Canceled at Ohio School





-- From "Parents Speak Out After Teacher Presents Song About Islam To Seventh-Graders" posted at KCBS-TV2 CBSLA.com (Los Angeles, CA) 11/17/15

The teacher says she was trying to teach her seventh-grade class about the religion of Islam by using a catchy tune.

Using the melody of the song “This Is My Fight Song,” the teacher applied custom lyrics, such as:

“Like a sandstorm in the desert, sending camels into motion, like how a single faith can make a heart open, they might only have one god, but they can make an explosion.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Huntington Beach school district apologizes for use of song about Islam" by Megan Nicolai, Staff Writer, Orange County Register 11/19/15

On Tuesday, Nichole Negron posted pictures on a Huntington Beach community Facebook page showing pictures from a notebook her son brought home with drawings and song lyrics that included a stick-figure man saying, “Believe in Allah! There is no other god” and lyrics to a song that described spreading Islam. District officials said the lesson took place before Friday’s terrorist attacks in Paris.

The Ocean View district issued a statement Wednesday from Superintendent Carol Hansen saying a school administrator and the teacher met with the family Tuesday.

Ojaala Ahmad, communications coordinator for the Los Angeles office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said while she didn’t know the teacher’s intentions behind using the song in her lesson on Islam, words in the lyrics like “explosion” were unfortunate. They might perpetuate an idea that terrorism or violence are supported by the religion, she said.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Utah School Apologizes for Terrorism Poster Assignment" by Michelle L. Price, Associated Press 11/19/15

A Utah school apologized Thursday for a classroom assignment in which students were asked to create a propaganda poster for a group such as Islamic State to understand the goals and methods of terror groups.

School officials were first alerted to the assignment when parents complained.

The worksheet said the purpose of the poster was "to help students understand the goals of terrorist groups and the methods they use to gain support."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Utah school realizes it shouldn’t ask students to make terrorist propaganda posters" by Sarah Larimer, Washington Post 11/20/15

The front of the assignment worksheet listed “8 Reasons Young Muslims Join ISIS.”

CBS affiliate KUTV posted pictures of the assignment worksheet, which mentioned the Islamic State, and told students to create a “neat, colored, professional” poster.

“We shouldn’t be talking about how ISIS recruits, we should be discussing the events of what they have caused to figure a way of how to deter that and how to help better the world,” said the parent, Annie Langston, according to ABC News. “I thought this isn’t right, not right now.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Barron Collier parent says school hid Islamic preaching" By Lucas Seiler, Reporter, WBBH-TV2 (Fort Myers, FL) 11/19/15

A group of AP honors students were listening to a world-renowned expert, Omer Taspinar, discuss U.S.-Turkey relations. The district says three parents have mistaken a conversation that happened at the end of the event as promoting Islam.

[Parent Jennifer] Mansfield said her son listened to a Muslim man preach Islam, talk about the Paris terrorist attacks and how the United States needs to accept Syrian refugees.

"He thought that we as the U.S. should open our borders," she said. "He mentioned the horrific tragedy in Paris and how ISIS is not representative of Islam, but a radical perversion of it. You cannot walk into a school and speak about religious beliefs and what yours are."

[School spokesperson Greg Turchetta responded,] "When educated students begin asking educated questions at the end... and somebody asks [Mr. Taspinar] an enlightened questions, he's going to give him an answer."

Mansfield, though, says the fact that an expert on Muslim relations talked to students equates to preaching Islam. And she says the same would be the case if an expert on Christianity spoke to students during school hours.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Angry Muslims Storm New Jersey School Board Demanding Holidays

And read Muslims in Washington, D.C. Force Christmas Off School Calendar

Gay Teacher Arrest: Watching Anal Sex in Classroom

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'Minion of Satan' Defied by Florida County Official

Representatives of every religion, and even atheists, have been allowed to give invocations at Lake County (Florida) Board meetings because, as Chairman Jimmy Conner explains, “It’s the law.  They opened without being disruptive, and we welcomed them.”  However, Conner says the Board is drawing the line at a self-described "minion of Satan."

For background, read Florida Battles Satanic 'Prayer' City-by-City

Also read Satanic Book Distribution in Florida Schools





-- From "Chaz Stevens: Man wants to give satanic invocation at Lake County, Florida, meeting" by The Associated Press 10/23/15

Chaz Stevens, a self-described atheist, tells local media that his request this week is part of his "Satan or Silence Project." His goal is to persuade elected officials to either drop prayers before meetings or allow him to lead a satanic prayer.

Commission Chairman Jimmy Conner says he will not allow the request.

In the past, Stevens has helped sway several cities to have a moment of silence before meetings instead of a prayer. He says he consider filing a lawsuit if Lake County denies his request.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "South Florida atheist blogger brings public prayer issue to Central Florida" posted at Sun Sentinel (Broward County, FL) 10/23/15

A South Florida atheist blogger whose actions have prompted Dania Beach and other cities to open civic meetings with a moment of silence instead of a prayer is now threatening to sue Lake County in Central Florida if officials pray during a commission meeting but don't allow him to give a satanic invocation.

Because of Stevens, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs and Delray Beach have also switched to a moment of silence.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Man battling to recite Satanic prayer at commision meeting" by David Williams, WOFL-TV35 (Orlando, FL) 10/23/15

It began with an email Stevens sent to the Commission on Tuesday October 20, 2015, citing the U.S. Supreme Court ruling allowing prayer at government meetings. In it, Stevens asks that he be allowed to “give a Satanic invocation” in Lake County. He claims his invocation would be “solemn and respectful in tone” and “invite lawmakers to reflect upon shared ideas and common ends."  FOX 35 asked Stevens why he wants to give a Satanic invocation.

"Satanism, that is the boogie man for Christianity, it’s about performance art, it’s the thing that was going to get the most attention, and I like the attention,” he explained. “The attention draws eyes to the cause. At least maybe I could get some people thinking that maybe this is not a good idea, 'Maybe I don't want to spend a couple hundred thousand taxpayer dollars money that could be spent feeding little kids.' Instead, they are going to fight a militant which is guaranteed me in the law by the Fourteenth Amendment."

If a legal battle erupts, Chairman Conner said, the group called The Liberty Council will represent the Commission on this issue, at no cost to Lake County taxpayers.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "'Minion of Satan' asks to give invocation in Lake" by Christal Hayes, Staff Writer, Orlando Sentinel 10/22/15

Atheist Chaz Stevens, 51, said his request this week is part of his "Satan or Silence Project" aimed at persuading elected officials to either drop prayers before meetings or allow him to lead a prayer and ask for blessings from the devil.

"At best, it [the invocation] is going to be solemn and right to the occasion, but it might very well raise the dead," he said Thursday. "I mean think about it. We're talking about Satan."

But commission Chairman Jimmy Conner said he has no plans to accept the "over-the-top" request.

"There won't be any satanic prayers while I'm chairman," Conner said. "The man isn't going to bully me. If he hates God, he can do that. But we're not going to spread devil worshipping in our chamber."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Man wants to give satanic invocation at Lake County meeting, threatens to sue if refused" posted at WFTV-TV9 (orlando, FL) 10/22/15

Conner is standing his ground, despite a Supreme Court ruling allowing volunteers to give an invocation, and laws prohibiting the government from choosing one religion over another.

"No thanks to all the liberal courts in this country, including the Supreme Court, who have no idea what the founding fathers intended for our country to be," said Conner.

"Are you willing to forego an invocation?" asked Channel 9 Janai Norman.

"No, absolutely not. I think it's time for this community to rally around the truth. The truth is the Lord. The trust is almighty God. It certainly isn't Satan," Conner said.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.


From "Self-described 'minion of Satan' to give invocation next year at Lighthouse Point City Hall" by Anne Geggis, Sun Sentinel (Broward County, FL) 10/7/15

A year into Stevens' campaign, the Jupiter man recently got a date he can make: The city of Lighthouse Point has scheduled him to give an invocation at its July 12 meeting. Stevens figures some religious traditions are more welcome in front of city commissions than others, even though court rulings require they all be treated the same.

Lighthouse Point City Clerk Jennifer Oh said that Stevens was offered the first available date.

[Stevens is] waiting on his prayer opportunity in Boca Raton, Dania Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale Beach, Lake Worth and Pompano Beach, which he's requested with profanity-laced emails to various city officials.

For the city halls across South Florida in his crosshairs, though, Stevens is emblematic of "extremists" who shouldn't be tolerated, some officials say. "If we keep retreating, the next thing you know we'll be taking "In God We Trust' off our money," said Pompano Beach City Commissioner Ed Phillips.

"Our religion is constantly under attack," Phillips said. "He is trying to shut down how we open our meetings. We're saying, 'God give us strength and wisdom to do what is right.'"

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.