Utah Decries Porn—Causes Erectile Dysfunction etc.

Yesterday, Utah Governor Gary Herbert signed first-in-the-nation legislation declaring that pornography has created a “public health crisis” that impacts brain development, causes myriad disorders, and leads to a plethora of negative effects on society including addictions, violence, human trafficking and causes permanent harm to children.  Ironically, many liberal and feminist organizations are applauding this move by the oft-criticized conservative state.

“Pornography encourages viewers to view their sexual partners in a dehumanized way, and it increases the acceptance and enjoyment of sexual violence and harmful beliefs about women, sex and rape.”
-- Dawn Hawkins, National Center on Sexual Exploitation

UPDATE 8/16/16: Pornography Causes Erectile Dysfunction, Psychiatrists Say

For background, read how more and more schools incorporate pornography in the curriculum because experts say it belongs in the classroom.

Click headlines below to read previous articles:

Homosexual Teacher Says Child Porn OK to View

Homosexual Teacher Arrested for Watching Anal Sex Pornography in Classroom

California Government Enables Pornography Industry

Also read Failed Sexual Utopia Plagued by Rampant Disease



-- From "Utah leaders call pornography a public health crisis" by The Associated Press 4/19/16

A host of speakers including Gov. Gary Herbert spoke Tuesday during a ceremonial signing of a state resolution declaring pornography a public health crisis. They said it warps children's minds, damages mental health, undermines marriages and contributes to sexual violence.

The non-binding declaration in the predominantly Mormon state of Utah doesn't ban anything, but echoes concerns raised by many conservative religious groups as porn becomes more accessible on smartphones and tablets.

The Free Speech Coalition, an adult entertainment trade group, called it an "old-fashioned" morals bill that is driven by ignorance and opposition to sex education.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Utah’s governor signs resolution calling porn a ‘health hazard’" by CNN Wire 4/20/16

S.C.R. 9 Concurrent Resolution on the Public Health Crisis: This resolution declares that pornography is “a public health hazard leading to a broad spectrum of individual and public health impacts and societal harms.”

It also says pornography “equates violence toward women and children with sex and pain with pleasure, which increases the demand for sex trafficking, prostitution, child sexual abuse images, and child pornography.”

H.B. 155 Reporting of Child Pornography . . . requires that computer technicians who find child pornography during their work should report it to law enforcement officials. The bill further stipulates that “the willful failure to report the child pornography” would be a class B misdemeanor.

H.B. 155 also specifies that Internet service providers are not liable if the provider “reports child pornography in compliance with specified federal law.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "‘Evil, degrading, addictive, harmful’: Utah officially deems porn a public health crisis" by Niraj Chokshi, Washington Post 4/19/16

[State senator] Todd Weiler, the resolution’s chief Senate sponsor, acknowledged the ridicule he received when he first unveiled the measure, which largely focuses on pornography’s impact on children.

The resolution is non-binding and requires no public spending, so its impact rests on community action, Weiler said. Parents must make it safe for children to speak with them about pornography, he said. Communities must mobilize to limit its access, for example, in places that offer free wireless internet access.

“If a library or a McDonald’s or anyone else was giving out cigarettes to our children, we would be picketing them,” Weiler said. “And, yet, our children are accessing pornography on their tablets on these sites and we seem to be okay with that.”

“This is a $7 billion industry,” Weiler said. “Help us protect children from your evil, degrading, addictive, harmful substances. If adults want to do that, that’s their choice, but we’re talking about developing adolescent minds of our nation’s future.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Utah Governor Declares Porn A Public Health Crisis" by Katie Jerkovich, Daily Caller 4/19/16

“This isn’t just a religious moral issue,” said Republican state Sen. Todd Weiler. “Some people want to make this about sex education; no boy or girl needs to see those images to learn how families are created.”

But not everyone was in favor of the declaration. An adult entertainment trade group sent out a statement in response to the move.

“The true public health crisis are socially conservative politicians like these who have fought adequate, science-based sexual health education for over 35 years,” said the Free Speech coalition.

“We should live in a society where sexuality is spoken about openly, and discussed in nuanced and educated ways, and not stigmatized.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Is porn immoral? That doesn’t matter: It’s a public health crisis." by Gail Dines, professor of sociology at Wheelock College in Boston, posted at Washington Post 4/8/16

. . . no matter what you think of pornography (whether it’s harmful or harmless fantasy), the science is there. After 40 years of peer-reviewed research, scholars can say with confidence that porn is an industrial product that shapes how we think about gender, sexuality, relationships, intimacy, sexual violence and gender equality — for the worse. By taking a health-focused view of porn and recognizing its radiating impact not only on consumers but also on society at large, Utah’s resolution simply reflects the latest research.

Extensive scientific research reveals that exposure to and consumption of porn threaten the social, emotional and physical health of individuals, families and communities, and highlights the degree to which porn is a public health crisis rather than a private matter. But just as the tobacco industry argued for decades that there was no proof of a connection between smoking and lung cancer, so, too, has the porn industry, with the help of a well-oiled public relations machine, denied the existence of empirical research on the impact of its products.

Because so much porn is free and unfiltered on most digital devices, the average age of first viewing porn is estimated by some researchers to be 11. In the absence of a comprehensive sex-education curriculum in many schools, pornography has become de facto sex education for youth. . . .

As the evidence piles up, a coalition of academics, health professionals, educators, feminist activists and caregivers has decided that they can no longer allow the porn industry to hijack the physical and emotional well-being of our culture. . . .

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Teen Students Across America Learn to Produce & Distribute Child Pornography

And read Child-Self Porn Legalized in New Mexico: Sexting

Indiana Outlaws Killing Disabled, Abortionists Sue

Yesterday, Gov. Mike Pence signed House Enrolled Act 1337, which makes it illegal to perform abortions on babies based on fetal genetic abnormalities or the fetus's race, sex or ancestry, and mandates that otherwise aborted babies must be buried or cremated.  Planned Parenthood has announced it will seek a court injunction to continue its butchery status quo.

"I believe that a society can be judged by how it deals with its most vulnerable — the aged, the infirm, the disabled and the unborn."
-- Gov. Mike Pence, Indiana

For background, read Arizona Bans Race- or Sex-Selection Abortion and hampers Abortion of Disabled

Also read Government Wants 'Defective Babies' to Harvest Organs

Click headlines below to read previous articles:

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

Aborted Babies Incinerated to Produce Waste Heat

Abortions Outlawed at 20 Weeks in South Dakota

Abortionists, Satanists Team Up vs. Missouri Law

Abortionist Says: God Called Me to Kill Black Babies

Most Abortions are Black and Hispanic Babies

Also read Feminists Decry Super Bowl Ad for 'Humanizing Fetuses'

-- From "New Indiana law bans abortions based on fetal genetic abnormalities like Down syndrome" by The Associated Press 3/24/16

Republican Gov. Mike Pence signed the measure just hours ahead of his deadline to take action on the proposal approved by the Republican-dominated Legislature two weeks ago, the governor's office said. It is due to take effect in July, but Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky said it will ask a court to block the measure before that can happen.

Pence called the bill "a comprehensive pro-life measure that affirms the value of all human life."

Pence was a prominent abortion rights opponent while serving in Congress before being elected governor in 2012 and received perfect scores from Indiana Right to Life for his record of opposing abortion.

Pence is also facing a tough re-election campaign in a rematch against Democrat John Gregg and will be counting on a strong turnout from his evangelical base in November. Gregg said Thursday he would have vetoed the measure.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Indiana Governor Signs Abortion Bill With Added Restrictions" by Mitch Smith, New York Times 3/24/16

The law, which passed both chambers of the Republican-controlled General Assembly with large majorities, builds on Indiana’s already restrictive abortion rules, and was cheered by anti-abortion groups that had encouraged Gov. Mike Pence to sign it.

In addition to holding doctors liable if a woman has an abortion solely because of objections to the fetus’s race, sex or a disability, like Down syndrome, the law restricts fetal tissue donation and requires doctors performing abortions to have admitting privileges at a hospital or to have an agreement with a doctor who does.

The measure drew a sharp rebuke from the Planned Parenthood Action Fund and other abortion rights groups, and the law returned Indiana to the center of a national debate about social issues.

The law could also put some doctors who perform abortions in jeopardy if it is learned that a woman told them that she chose to end her pregnancy because of gender, disabilities or other reasons limited by the law.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Pence signs new abortion restrictions into law with a prayer" by Chelsea Schneider and Tony Cook, Indianapolis Star 3/25/16

It's a divisive issue that's once again placed the state at the center of a national debate. And a legal challenge to the law, which takes effect in July, is already in the works. Less than half an hour after Pence signed the measure, Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky said it plans to request a preliminary injunction to block the new restrictions . . . [by] working with the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana in its plans to file a legal challenge.

“By enacting this legislation, we take an important step in protecting the unborn, while still providing an exception for the life of the mother. I sign this legislation with a prayer that God would continue to bless these precious children, mothers and families,” Pence said in a statement.

The controversial and potentially unconstitutional measure further restricts abortion in Indiana — already one of the most restrictive states in the nation. . . .

Social conservative groups, including Indiana Right to Life and the American Family Association of Indiana, had advocated for the new restrictions. Micah Clark, the leader of the family association, has said the measure “protects these special needs children from an intentional abortion based upon their genetics” in an email to supporters.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Indiana Bans Abortions Based On Gender, Race And Prenatal Diagnosis Of Disabilities" by Reuters 3/25/16

Republicans ushered the bill through the state legislature over the last three months despite opposition from some conservative lawmakers, including Representative Cindy Kirchhofer, who felt the measure was too restrictive.

North Dakota is the only U.S. state that prohibits abortions based on fetal anomalies. Seven states ban those based on gender, and Arizona prohibits those based on race, according to the Guttmacher Institute, an organization that tracks abortion laws.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Indiana Becomes Second State to Ban Abortions Based on Down Syndrome" by Steven Ertelt, Micaiah Bilger, LifeNews.com 3/24/16

. . . The bill also has several other abortion-related measures, including a requirement that aborted or miscarried babies’ bodies be cremated or buried and another requirement that abortionists who have hospital admitting privileges renew them annually. The burial/cremation requirement backs up a law passed in 2015 by Gov. Pence requiring that aborted babies’ bodies be disposed of in a humane way.

Indiana state Sen. Liz Brown, who worked with [Sen. Travis] Holdman on the measure, said previously that many families face pressure to abort from doctors or other health care professionals when their babies are diagnosed with an illness or disability in the womb. LifeNews has documented numerous cases of families saying the same thing.

“What we hear from doctors is — it would really be better off if you were not born,” Brown said. “If you are born, we will love you, and we think you have equal rights and should be a member of society. In fact, we have the Americans with Disabilities Act and have to make accommodations. But we don’t want to make the accommodation before you’re born, and in fact, it would really be easier if you were not born.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Pence signs new abortion restrictions into law" by Chelsea Schneider, Tony Cook and Shari Rudavsky, Indianapolis Star 3/24/16

. . . questions remain about whether the bill will have much of a practical impact on the decisions women make or on Indiana's abortion rate, which has declined 20 percent in the past five years and is below the national average.

. . . it's unclear how the law would play out in real life. The proposed ban on abortions would apply only when the sole reason for seeking the procedure is because the fetus may have a disability or is of a certain gender, race, color, national origin or ancestry.

Beth Cate, a public policy professor at Indiana University, questioned whether doctors would be left to infer a woman’s reasons for seeking an abortion based on her medical questions.

How do you know the reason a woman is seeking an abortion unless she explicitly states it — or does the doctor try to read her mind?

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read this Gallup poll: Americans Want Abortion Laws Changed

And read 'Free' Abortions Promised by Hillary Clinton for Planned Parenthood Endorsement

Missouri Christians' Likely Big Win vs. Gay Agenda

In the wake of the Supreme Court's creation of same-sex "marriage," Missouri voters will soon be given the opportunity to amend their state constitution to protect the religious liberty of citizens from attacks by the sexual revolutionaries.  Senate Joint Resolution 39, passed 21-11 this morning, and is expected to pass the Missouri House, thus putting the measure to the voters.

UPDATE 3/16/16: 'Gay Marriage' Battle NOT Over in Some States

For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:

West Virginia Legislature Passes Religious Freedom Restoration Act

North Carolina Lawmakers to Overturn Gay/Transgender Agenda

Indiana Religious Liberty Law (to fight Gay Agenda) Jettisoned by Republicans

Arkansas Religious Freedom Law NOT Gay Enough

Religious Liberty in Homosexualists' Crosshairs

Also read how Missouri voters brought prayer back to public schools.

-- From "39-Hour Filibuster Over Gay Marriage Issue Ends in Missouri Senate" by CBS News (KMOX) & The Associated Press 3/9/16

The measure comes after bakers and florists have faced legal challenges in other states for declining to provide services for same-sex weddings due to their religious beliefs.

“No one should be compelled to make a work with their own hands that’s offensive to their beliefs,” Republican sponsor Sen. Bob Onder said during earlier debate on the measure.

Democrats fought the measure for days, saying it would allow discrimination against same-sex couples and could hurt the state economy.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Missouri State Senators End Marathon Filibuster Over 'Religious Freedom' Bill" by Erik Ortiz and The Associated Press posted at NBC News 3/9/16

[Measure SRJ 39] proposes to amend the Missouri Constitution and prohibit the state from "penalizing clergy, religious organizations, and certain individuals for their religious beliefs concerning marriage between two people of the same sex."

Republican state Sen. Bob Onder, who sponsored the bill, said he believes the amendment "is entirely defensive, in that it prevents state and local governments from imposing penalties. It is a shield, not a sword."

Missouri's legislative session runs through mid-May, which leaves plenty of time for Resolution 39 to also move through the Republican-led House. It would then be submitted to statewide voters in either the August primary or November general election.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Epic Missouri Filibuster Over Bill Shielding Opponents Of Same-Sex Weddings Ends" by Merrit Kennedy, National Public Radio NPR 3/9/16

The proposed state constitutional amendment . . . states that clergy and places of worship would be protected should they decline to host or perform ceremonies and other services for same-sex couples because of their beliefs.

The measure would also shield vendors who refuse to provide services, and individuals who decline "to personally be a participant in a wedding or marriage."

St. Louis Public Radio says the bill sponsor argues it "would not harm the LGBT community or seek to revoke their right to marry."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Missouri 'religious freedom bill' passes as 39-hour filibuster ends" by Greg Botelho and Seth Kovar, CNN 3/9/16

Similar bills have come up in other states where Republicans hold sway, almost always bringing controversy with them. . . .

[However,] Missouri's legislation is different than most in that it involves amending the state's constitution and it has a narrow focus, according to its sponsor.

"We spent a lot of time writing it to avoid the controversies we've seen in other states," Republican Sen. Bob Onder said.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Missouri Senate Filibusters Against Bill Protecting Opponents of Same-Sex Marriage" by Austin Huguelet And Richard Pérez-Peña, New York Times 3/8/16

. . . the Missouri bill, similar to one being considered in Georgia, would go further than any law now in place, prompting challenges that could keep the issue before the courts for years.

Donald Hinkle, the director of public policy for the Missouri Baptist Convention, which supports the measure, said he was confident of passage. “You’re talking about a state that voted 71 percent to 29 percent to say that marriage is between one man and one woman and put that in the Constitution,” he said, referring to a 2004 ballot measure banning same-sex marriage.

Twenty-one states — including Indiana and Arkansas last year — have enacted what backers call religious freedom laws [RFRA], which do not mention same-sex couples but subject discrimination lawsuits to tough scrutiny if the discrimination is based on a defendant’s sincere religious belief.

. . . But the bill would also protect any religious organization acting “in accordance with a sincere religious belief” about same-sex marriage, in a passage that does not limit itself to weddings. And it gives a long list of things that qualify as religious organizations, including schools, charities and retirement homes, as long as their public identity and purpose are “in whole or in part religious.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Supreme Court Justice Scalia Said Government Should Favor God of the Bible

Dr. Ben Carson Leads Christian Get-Out-the-Vote

Retired neurosurgeon, Ben Carson, called an end to his presidential bid and simultaneously the non-profit organization My Faith Votes announced that he will chair the group.

“I believe Christians in this country can easily determine the next president of the United States and all other national and local leaders, should they simply show up at the polls. When we do vote, We The People will once again solidify our commitment to the Judeo-Christian values upon which our nation was founded.”
-- Dr. Ben Carson, former 2016 GOP presidential candidate

For background, read about the nationwide efforts to register more Christians to vote.

Also read Families are Greatest Enemy of Democrats at Polls

And read Abortionists Must Defeat Christianity, Hillary Says

-- From "Ben Carson ends campaign, will lead Christian voter group" by Tal Kopan, CNN 3/4/16

The tax-exempt nonprofit educational group [My Faith Votes] says it will undertake a national media campaign that will gather steam into the November presidential election.

"In the last four presidential elections, an average of less than five million votes separated the major candidates." My Faith Votes President Sealy Yates, said in a statement. "Yet, more than 25 million Christians didn't bother to even show up at the polls in 2012."

The group said Carson agreed to take on the position the same day he announced he could not see a "path forward" for his presidential campaign on Wednesday. He did not participate in the GOP debate on Thursday.

Asked if the new job would preclude him from endorsing a fellow candidate, Carson confidante and business manager Armstrong Williams said he was "never" going to endorse a candidate.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Ben Carson launches new campaign to convince Christians to vote after quitting presidential race" by Lorraine Caballero, The Christian Times 3/7/16

While Carson's new group is non-partisan and non-denominational, he will focus on campaigning to convince Christians to use their power to vote, My Faith Votes' spokesman Johnnie Moore explained. In an email, Moore also said the organization's central cause is to remind people of faith of their moral responsibility to vote by tapping televangelists, local preachers, radio personalities, and even YouTube. The organization is also planning to talk to Catholic leaders next.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Ben Carson Asked, Should a Muslim be President?

Nullify 'Gay Marriage:' S. Carolina; Other States

Conservative state legislatures across America will consider various measures in 2016 to counteract effects of the 2015 Supreme Court decision that redefined marriage, including a bill in South Carolina aimed at nullifying the same-sex "marriage" ruling.

"I think there's a lot of states that are looking at this and seeing what can be done to make sure that religious freedoms are respected."
-- Rep. Mike Cierpiot, Missouri House Majority Leader (30th District)

UPDATE 3/16/16: 'Gay Marriage' Battle NOT Over in Some States

For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:

'Gay Marriage' Stopped in Alabama by Judges

Homosexualists Battle Lawmakers in Indiana Over Religious Liberty

North Carolina Law Allows Magistrates to Refuse 'Gay Marriage'

Supreme Court's 'Gay Marriage' Ruling is Illegitimate, Scholars Say

Also read Catholic School Must Hire Homosexuals, Court Rules

And read Supreme Justice Scalia Says the Federal Government SHOULD Favor Religion

-- From "States plan renewed debate on LGBT rights, religious freedom" by David A. Lieb, Associated Press 1/5/16

There are 22 states with laws barring discrimination based on sexual orientation and 21 with laws limiting the government's ability to burden the free exercise of religion. But just four states — Connecticut, Rhode Island, Illinois and New Mexico — have both.

The ACLU will be seeking to expand the list of places barring discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. It's targeting at least a half dozen states — Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania — that have Republican-led legislatures and also may be pivotal in presidential elections.

The Family Research Council, which opposed the Houston ordinance, is supporting state measures that would grant broad protections "from government discrimination" against people "who have a sincere belief — religious or not — in natural marriage," said Quena Gonzalez, the group's director of state and local affairs.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read about the Gay Agenda strategy of attacking one town, or one state at a time, to elevate "gay rights" over religious liberty.

From "Spartanburg County lawmaker files bill to get rid of same-sex marriage" by Zach Fox, Spartanburg Herald Journal 1/5/16

[South Carolina state] Rep. Bill Chumley, R-Woodruff, and Rep. Mike Burns, R-Taylors, pre-filed a bill in the House to define marriage as between one man and one woman. He also aims for his bill to invalidate same-sex marriages in South Carolina. The bill is titled as the South Carolina Natural Marriage Defense Act.

"I represent the people, and the people have shown several times that they are opposed to this, and are in favor of traditional marriage," Chumley said.

The bill also proposes the South Carolina Attorney General to represent state officials in lawsuits relating to same sex-marriages.

The Supreme Court ruling in June legalizing same-sex marriage came down to a 5 to 4 vote, Chumley said. He said the split vote was indicative of the views of all Americans.

"Apparently, those four people believe like we do," he said. "I do believe that something that's a close vote like that sends a message, it's not cut and dry."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "South Carolina Bill Seeks to Nullify SCOTUS Opinion on Marriage" posted at Tenth Amendment Center 12/9/15

. . . [The House Bill H4513] legislation declares “It is the policy of the State of South Carolina to defend natural marriage as recognized by the people of this State in the Constitution and laws of the State of South Carolina.”

It further asserts, “Natural marriage between one man and one woman as recognized by the people of this State remains the law in South Carolina, regardless of any court decision to the contrary. A court decision purporting to strike down natural marriage, including Obergefell v. Hodges, 135 S.Ct. 2584 (2015), is unauthoritative, void, and of no effect.”

H4513 would also prohibit state agencies from enforcing any court order that has the effect of violating South Carolina’s laws protecting natural marriage, and would prohibit the state from applying any levy upon the property or arresting “any government official or individual who does not comply with any unlawful court order regarding natural marriage within South Carolina.”

Practically speaking, H4513 would require the state of South Carolina to defend a state or local official who found him or herself in a situation similar to Rowan County clerk Kim Davis in Kentucky when a federal judge required her to issue marriage licenses to gay couples and threw her in jail when she refused to comply. It would prohibit the use of state facilities, and the assistance of state and local law enforcement in enforcing any federal rulings. These actions would undoubtedly make it difficult for the feds to enforce their will.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "South Carolina Bill Blocks Enforcement of Same-Sex Marriage Ruling" by Joe Wolverton, II, J.D., posted at The New American 12/14/15

States, as creators of the federal government, are the arbiters of the limits of the latter’s power, and forcing them to accept the definition of "marriage" to include same-sex unions certainly falls outside those limits.

One way that states can continue simultaneously supporting the Constitution and their own sovereignty is by nullifying the federal court’s extra-constitutional edict. The South Carolina bill would take that state along this constitutionally sound course.

Nullification recognizes that states retain the power to invalidate any federal measure that exceeds the few and defined powers allowed the federal government as enumerated in the U.S. Constitution.

. . . Fortunately, Bill Chumley, Mike Burns, and several other state legislators across the country are stepping into the breach to restore the principles of federalism and limited government established by our Founding Fathers.

To read the entire opinion column above, CLICK HERE.

Also read President Obama's Homosexual Christmas Proclamation

And read Plural Marriage Now: 3 Gay Men 'Marry' — Polyamory

Homosexualists Launch Commerce Attack on Indiana

Last April, the Indiana legislature and governor were bullied by homosexualists nationwide to weaken the religious liberty of citizens, but that law didn't go far enough according to Gay Agenda advocates.

UPDATE 2/3/16: Gay Agenda Bill Dies in Indiana Legislature (see excerpts below)

For background, read Indiana Law to Fight Gay Agenda Jettisoned by Republicans and also read Media, Gays Shut Down Indiana Christian Pizza Restaurant

And read Homosexualists' Bullying of Commerce Challenged

Click headlines below to read previous articles:

Lesbian Denver Official Nixes Christian Business at Airport

Gay Agenda: IBM Boycotts Christian Louisiana Gov. Jindal

Corporations Embrace Gay Agenda, With a Vengeance

Pro Sports, GOP Urge Supreme Court to Go Gay







-- From "150 businesses in group pushing for Indiana LGBT protections" by Brian Slodysko, Associated Press 12/2/15

A coalition of 150 Indiana businesses said Wednesday that the absence of a state law guaranteeing LGBT civil rights protections could hamper the ability of companies to draw talented workers, harming the state economy.

Indiana Competes, which includes Eli Lilly and Co., Cummins, AT&T and Anthem among its ranks, plans to hold events around the state in the coming weeks to publicize the issue ahead of the legislative session that begins in January.

[Last April, the] law was changed amid the unrest. But in the aftermath, business groups and other supporters of gay and lesbian rights have pushed for a statewide ban on disicimination in housing, employment and public accommodation based on a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. Religious conservatives, however, object because they believe it could force Christian businesses owners to violate sincerely held religious beliefs.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Indiana Businesses Join Forces To Push For LGBT Protections" by Mike Perleberg, WSCH-FM99.3 (Lawrenceburg, IN) 12/3/15

The coalition plans to hold events throughout the state to recruit business pledges and educate other business leaders on LGBT equality’s impact on economic growth.

Indiana is still struggling to include them in the state’s civil rights law without angering conservatives and religious groups who supported the original version of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act [RFRA]. The law passed earlier this year caused many businesses and states to boycott Indiana, worrying many in the business community.

Proposed legislation from Indiana Senate Republicans would add sexual orientation and sexual identity to the state’s civil rights law, but would also carve out religious exemptions.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Firms: Protect LGBT rights" by Olivia Covington, The Republic (Columbus, IN) 12/4/15

Local lawmakers don’t believe a lack of statewide civil rights protections for LGBT Hoosiers hinders employers from attracting quality workers or stifles the state economy.

. . . state Sen. Greg Walker, a Republican representing Columbus, said Indiana’s economy is growing, even after the nationwide uproar over the Religious Freedom Restoration Act last spring.

Ultimately, lawmakers passed an amended bill that said businesses could not discriminate based on sexual orientation but declined to add that protection to the state’s civil rights code.

. . . State GOP leaders are already working toward finding the common ground with Democrats. Republicans in the Senate proposed a bill last month that would grant protections to LGBT Hoosiers while also carving out certain religious exemptions.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Indiana businesses join in LGBT campaign" by Jeff Swiatek, Indianapolis Star 12/2/15

The Indy Chamber has organized the coalition, using its office space in the Chase Tower. Joining the coalition, called Indiana Competes, is free for businesses, but donations are requested, said Indy Chamber CEO Michael Huber.

Micah Clark, executive director of the American Family Association of Indiana, which has fought past efforts to pass statewide LGBT protections, called the business coalition "an unnecessary politicizing of the workforce."

Ron Johnson, executive director of Indiana Pastors Alliance, also criticized the coalition, saying, "It's really buying into a false narrative … that there is a large population of LGBT workers who are being discriminated against."

"There are Christian … business owners … who are being fined and discriminated against. Those are the people we should be trying to protect," he said.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Indiana's proposed new religious freedom plan draws ire" by Michelle L. Quinn and Carrie Napoleon, Chicago Tribune 11/26/15

Senate Republicans recently detailed a plan that would extend civil rights to include people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. Business groups and other supporters, for example, would like to see housing and public accommodations made for those groups.

It would also, however, leave religious or religious-affiliated groups — such as private schools, adoption agencies, social service and charitable service agencies — exempt from abiding by any protections offered. It also would prohibit the state from taking any action against those groups that don't abide by the protections. The state could not evoke tax exemptions, deny tax deductions, withhold grants or contracts, or deny accreditation or licenses, under the plan.

Additionally, the proposal allows small businesses with fewer than four full-time employees to refuse providing marriage-related services or goods on religious grounds, and transgender people would have to prove they'd had at least 12 months of medical care and actively lived as the sex to which they identify before they could use a coinciding restroom or dressing room, or file a complaint to the Indiana Human Rights Commission.

And any person identifying as LGBT who files a "frivolous" complaint to the Indiana Human Rights Commission would be fined $1,000, under the proposal.

Protections that 20 municipalities have carved out for the LGBT community, meanwhile, would be superseded, a point over which the Lake County Council expressed disbelief. That council passed an LGBT protection ordinance in May.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Republicans Going Gay, to be 'Moderate' & Likeable

From "Senate GOP unveils bill with LGBT protections" by Niki Kelly, The Journal Gazette (Fort Wayne, IN) 11/17/15

The proposed legislation - Senate Bill 100 - would generally bar discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in housing and employment.

The bill also delves into the issue of bathroom usage in schools and public places by stating it is not discriminatory or unlawful segregation to have restroom and shower policies, as well as dress codes, based on sex, sexual orientation or gender identity.

According to conservative group Advance America, "making gender identity a protected class will give men, including sexual predators (rapists and child molesters), legal access to women’s restrooms throughout Indiana, as well as women’s locker rooms in a fitness facility and other locations like public pools thereby placing women and girls at risk of being harmed!"

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

UPDATE 2/2/16: From "Indiana gay rights bill is dead: 'We took a beating from all sides'" by The Associated Press & Chicago Tribune wire reports

Indiana Republican lawmakers abandoned efforts to strengthen protections for lesbian, gay and bi-sexual people on Tuesday, opting not to vote on a measure designed to restore the state's reputation following a national boycott over a religious objections law last year.

Efforts to find a balance between the civil rights of the LGBT community and religious liberty had satisfied no one, said Sen. David Long, leader of majority Republicans. He said efforts to pass a gay rights bill were dead for this legislative year.

The measure abandoned by Republicans was faulted by Democrats and LGBT rights activists for not including transgender people and allowing broad religious exemptions. Religious conservatives said it would still require people to provide services for same-sex marriages such as flowers or cakes even if they had religious objections.

Some evangelical Christians welcomed its demise, saying it would have whittled away religious freedom. American Family Association of Indiana director Micah Clark said the bill was a "fatally flawed concept."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

UPDATE 2/3/16: From "Why Indiana lawmakers killed the gay rights debate for this year" by Stephanie Wang, Chelsea Schneider and Tony Cook, Indianapolis Star

The end of the debate marks a huge win for religious conservatives, who have been battling a changing cultural tide on gay rights issues. It also relieves political pressure on Republican Gov. Mike Pence, a born-again Christian who last month questioned the need for such legislation, as he seeks re-election.

Pulling the plug on legislation deals a blow to influential Indiana businesses that pushed for LGBT rights, and to advocacy groups that have, until now, successfully fought to advance the status of LGBT Hoosiers.

It was a swift death for the gay rights proposal, Senate Bill 344, which was carried by Republican leadership in the Senate. Last week, a Senate committee crafted and gave initial approval to the proposal to extend civil rights to gay Hoosiers, but not transgender people, with some exemptions for religious organizations, faith-based groups and small businesses providing wedding services.

Social conservatives and tea party activists who were upset with recent legislative losses on same-sex marriage and the so-called RFRA “fix” had pledged to exact revenge on Republican lawmakers who crossed them again.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read about the Gay Agenda strategy of attacking one town (or one state) at a time to elevate "gay rights" over religious liberty.

And read Gay Agenda will be Complete when Christians are Muzzled, Say Homosexualists as well as Senator Ted Cruz Says the Gay Agenda Ends Christian Liberty

GOP Gov. Decrees 'Gay Rights' for Contractors

Yet to complete his first year in office, Massachusetts Republican Gov. Charlie Baker has issued an executive order for affirmative action for LGBT-owned businesses, thus mandating that the state's Supplier Diversity Program (SDP) target a portion of its billion-dollar spending to one of the wealthiest minorities (the sexually deviant), and therefore de-emphasizing preferences for disadvantaged minority groups of common parlance (blacks, hispanics, women, etc.).

For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:

Republicans Going Gay, to be 'Moderate' & Likeable

Republican Party Platform OKs Abortion and 'Gay Marriage'

Republican Strategy: Dump Old Uneducated Christian Voters

More GOP Leaders Shun Moral Values to Win Elections

RINO Illinois Gov. Favors Homosexuals over Kids

-- From "Gov. Baker Expanding Opportunities For Disabled, LGBT Businesses" by The Associated Press 11/3/15

Baker on Tuesday announced changes to a state program to ensure that companies bidding on contracts come from a wide range of backgrounds.

Baker said his administration is committed to ensuring diversity as the state works with business suppliers and contractors to extend economic prosperity to more communities throughout Massachusetts.

Baker said the changes include what he described as a first-in-the-nation LGBT-owned business certification partnership between the state and the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce’s certification process which he said is recognized by many Fortune 1000 companies.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Baker administration expands affirmative action for state contracting" by Eric Convey, Senior staff reporter, Boston Business Journal 11/3/15

The changes are part of the state's Supplier Diversity Program, which uses internal rules for agencies, and contracting power with vendors, to send work to companies whose owners have certain demographic certifications. Those certifications come in some cases from government entities and in other cases from private organizations. . . .

In dealings with vendors, the preferences are reflected during the bidding process. Generally, the state won't sign contracts with companies that haven't certified that they're either owned by members of specific groups or themselves do business with companies owned by members of certain groups. Companies that fail to make good on those commitments can be excluded from future deals with the state.

While factoring demographics into contracting decisions is longstanding practice for Massachusetts, the state may be the first in the country to single out LGBT-owned businesses for preferential treatment.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Massachusetts Takes Lead on Next Frontier of LGBT Rights" by Claire Zillman, Fortune 11/3/15

The state introduced the diversity initiative in 2010 as a way to provide minority- and women-owned businesses with equal access to state contract bidding processes for construction, design, goods, and services. In 2013, businesses owned by service-disabled veterans were added to the mix.

The new policy is the result of a year of talks between the governor’s office and the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, which will certify businesses as LGBT-owned for the state, according to Jonathan Lovitz, the NGLCC’s vice president of external affairs. (Such a classification requires that 51% or more of a company is owned by lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender individuals.)

The executive order recognizing LGBT-owned businesses is the only statewide initiative of its kind, but the NGLCC has made inroads at the local level. . . .

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Gov. Charlie Baker to help women, minority, veteran, LGBT-owned businesses get state contracts" by Shira Schoenberg, The Republican (Springfield, Mass.) 11/3/15

Under former Gov. Deval Patrick [Democrat], Massachusetts established a "supplier diversity program." The program provided technical assistance to businesses owned by women, minorities and disabled veterans. It required any contractor bidding on a state project that cost more than $150,000 to commit to spending a percentage of the money on diverse subcontractors or suppliers. This gave women and minority-owned businesses a competitive edge in getting work from state contracts. In fiscal year 2014, businesses certified under the supplier diversity program received $991 million in state contracts, out of approximately $4 billion in total state spending on goods and services.

Baker also announced plans to create new categories that will benefit from the supplier diversity program – businesses owned by gays and lesbians and businesses owned by people with disabilities. The state will first determine how many businesses fit those categories before setting goals for how much money must be spent with them.

The changes will apply to state contracts for goods and services. Baker plans to announce additional changes for construction contracts in the future.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Governor expands diversity program for businesses" by Joshua Miller, Boston Globe Staff 11/3/15

“We should be a leader, not a laggard when it comes to creating opportunities for diverse businesses to support and service the people of the Commonwealth,” Baker said, with a notably diverse crowd of people — gay and straight; black, brown, and white; women and men — standing behind him on the Grand Staircase of the State House.

The program — which helps certain groups gain preferential access to state spending — and its expansion may seem at odds with traditional Republican orthodoxy. But speaking to reporters, Baker insisted that it does not give anyone a leg up, but rather just levels the playing field for all.

Groups of people considered disadvantaged include African Americans, Cape Verdeans, Hispanics, Asian Americans, American Indians, Eskimos, and Aleuts.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Mass. Gov. Mandates Nation's First Affirmative Action Program for LGBT Contractors" by Zachary Leshin, CNSNews.com 11/12/15

[Gov. Baker's] executive order was criticized by Brian Camenker, executive director of MassResistance, a Massachusetts-based pro-family activist organization.

“Republican Gov. Charlie Baker's order including homosexual owned businesses in Massachusetts's Supplier Diversity Program is just one more example of our government being used to promote a narrow ideological agenda at the expense of the taxpayers,” Camenker said in response to a question from CNSNews.com asking him for MassResistance’s official position regarding the governor’s executive order.

“Even his far-left predecessor, Deval Patrick, did not go this far,” he added.

“When Baker told the Boston Globe that he was ‘to the left of Barack Obama on social issues’ a lot of people didn’t take him seriously. They certainly do now.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Indiana Law Fights Gay Agenda, then GOP Surrenders

And read America Going to Hell; Christians Lose Convictions

Muslim President? How About Christian — Ben Carson

After the fury over presidential candidate Ben Carson saying that he wouldn't support a Muslim for president because Islamic Sharia Law is in conflict with the Constitution, liberal attack media have dug up old video of Carson explaining to a Christian audience that evolution is a satanic theory.

Thus, the media is asking, Can a Bible-believing Christian be president?

“[Socialists] have to knock down the strongest pillars: the Judeo-Christian belief system and the strong family values.”
“[The theory of evolution] has become what is scientifically, politically correct. Amazingly, there are a significant number of scientists who do not believe it but they’re afraid to say anything.”
-- Dr. Ben Carson, retired director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital

For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:

Science Limited to Godless Origins at Ball State University

Scientists Call to Outlaw Non-evolution Theories & Beliefs

Scientist Fired for Finding Fossil that Challenges Evolution

Also read of other presidential candidates who challenged evolution.

And read how the media devise anti-Christian strategies every election year, as they ponder questions like, Can an Evangelical Woman be President?



-- From "Ben Carson Says Darwin's Theory of Evolution 'Encouraged by' the Devil" by Chris Joseph, New Times Broward-Palm Beach 9/22/15

On Tuesday, Buzzfeed uncovered a speech given by Carson in 2012 in which he called the Big Bang Theory part of the fairy tales created by scientists and said Darwin's theory of evolution was "encouraged" by the devil.

The speech, titled "Celebration of Creation," also includes Carson calling scientists "highfalutin" and the Big Bang "ridiculous."

Carson, who has always been outspoken about his views on creationism, is no stranger to bombastic viewpoints and opinions.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Ben Carson’s Religious Beliefs Come Under Scrutiny" by David Knowles, Bloomberg 9/23/15

[This week] several articles have been written pointing to a 2011 speech Carson delivered to fellow Seventh Day Adventists. Titled “Celebration of Creation” . . .

“I find the big bang really quite fascinating. I mean, here you have all these highfalutin scientists and they’re saying it was this gigantic explosion and everything came into perfect order. Now these are the same scientists that go around touting the second law of thermodynamics, which is entropy, which says that things move toward a state of disorganization,” Carson said in his 2011 speech. “So now you’re gonna have this big explosion and everything becomes perfectly organized and when you ask them about it they say, ‘Well we can explain this, based on probability theory because if there’s enough big explosions, over a long period of time, billions and billions of years, one of them will be the perfect explosion,” continued Carson. “So I say what you’re telling me is if I blow a hurricane through a junkyard enough times over billions and billions of years, eventually after one of those hurricanes there will be a 747 fully loaded and ready to fly.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Ben Carson Believes Big Bang Is Fairy Tale, Evolution ‘Encouraged’ By Devil" by The Associated Press - CBS News (Washington, D.C.) 9/23/15

In a speech at Cedarville University Tuesday, Carson defended his comments, saying he shouldn’t be denigrated for his faith.

“Here’s the key, I then say to [evolutionists] look, ‘I’m not going to criticize you. You have a lot more faith then I have.’ I don’t have enough faith to believe that,” he said, according to BuzzFeed News.

He added, “I give you credit for that, but I’m not going to denigrate you because of your faith and you shouldn’t denigrate me for mine. And that’s the kind of attitude … that I think is very important in the society in which we live today.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Dr. Ben Carson’s Life Story Rests on a Deep Adventist Faith" by Jack Martinez and Matthew Cooper, Newsweek 9/20/15

Carson has argued for the superiority of creationism over the theory of evolution. In an interview with Newsweek earlier this year, he distanced himself from certitude about the Earth’s age. “I don’t know how old the earth is and the distance between ages,” he said. “There could be a billion years between ages.” He has said that his beliefs about science and religion “correlate.”

Carson’s rise in the polls as he seeks the Republican presidential nomination has spurred interest in the church that has shaped so much of his life. If he continues to gain momentum, Americans are bound to have questions about the Seventh-day Adventists, just as they did about Mitt Romney’s Mormon faith and, at another time, John F. Kennedy’s Catholicism.

Adventists share many of the ideological tenets of evangelical Christianity. Carson the Adventist is another voice in a large field of Christian conservative presidential candidates, such as Baptists Mike Huckabee and Ted Cruz and Catholic Rick Santorum. By some estimates, there are 1.2 million Adventists in the U.S.

Evangelicals make up a major part of Carson’s current base . . .

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Ben Carson: Darwin’s Evolution Theory ‘Was Encouraged by the Adversary,’ Satan" by Michael W. Chapman, CNSNews.com 9/25/15

“You know, scientists like Sir Isaac Newton – considered one of the most scientific minds ever, inventor of calculus, so many things – had a strong belief in God, big mission outreach,” said Dr. Carson.  “Einstein!  When you think about genius, what is the word you come up with?  Einstein. He believed in God.”

“One of the things I’m hoping to do over the next few years, one of the books coming up on my docket,” Carson continued,  “is called The Organ of Species – not The Origin of Species, The Organ of Species – and we’re going to talk about the organs of the body and how they completely refute evolution, and several other things as well.”

In 2004, Carson served on the President’s Council on Bioethics and in 2008 he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In 2010, Dr. Carson was elected into the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine, considered one of the most prestigious honors in medicine.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Most Americans Reject Godless Theory of Evolution

And read Families are Greatest Enemy of Democrats at Polls

Full video of Dr. Carson:

Teen Athletes' Gender Based on Genitals, NOT Whim

The South Dakota legislature finds itself having to pass a law to make clear that a person's sex is determined at birth.  Lawmakers are deciding how to rein in the state athletics board that jumped on board the Gay Agenda bandwagon last year by allowing students to declare their gender in order to choose boys or girls sports teams.  Genital exams may soon be required to verify the actual gender of state residents, including student athletes.

“This is South Dakota. We haven’t adopted the East Coast culture. We haven’t adopted the West Coast culture. We maintain our own culture”
-- Rep. Roger Hunt, R-Brandon

For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:

Minnesota & California OK Boys on Girls' School Teams, in Showers

Girl Sues Virginia School to Use Boys Restroom

Supreme Court Opens Girl's Room to Grown Men in Maine

High School Boy Sexually Mutilated, Media Cheer

Teenage 'Boy' Harvests Own Eggs to be Mother & Transgender 'Father'

President Obama Forces Gay Agenda on Schools via Taxpayer$$

Most importantly, read Transgenderism is a 'Delusion' According to Victims and Professionals


-- From "'Visual inspection' could be part of state law to determine gender identity" by Bart Pfankuch, Rapid City Journal 8/23/15

The proposal from Rep. Roger Hunt, R-Brandon, would rely on official birth certificates and visual inspections for determining gender rather than allowing people to decide and declare their gender on their own.

He said gender is determined at conception and the transgender debate is riding the gay marriage wave.

The committee vote was 6-5. The panel spent several hours considering again the policy set last year by the South Dakota High School Activities Association board of directors.

Sen. Bill Van Gerpen, R-Tyndall, said the Legislature set policies on substance abuse and concussions for the association in previous years and should determine the gender policy too.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Group keeps policy on transgender high school athletes" by James Nord, Associated Press 8/27/15

South Dakota's high school activities association on Thursday largely maintained its policy allowing transgender student athletes to request to play on the team of their choice, increasing the likelihood Republicans in the statehouse will push legislation to change it.

The association's policy aims to provide a way for transgender students to participate on the sports teams that reflect their gender identities rather than the sex listed on their birth certificates. So far, a transgender student hasn't made a request under the policy.

Association board Chairman Jason Uttermark said he doesn't view the differing approaches to the policy as a conflict with the Legislature. He said policymakers are attempting to figure out the right thing to do and said he would "wholeheartedly" accept a legislative directive.

"We're really not coming up with a philosophical position," he said. "Our policy is strictly a legal position, and right now it's what we believe is putting our member schools in the best situation from a possible lawsuit."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Transgender athlete bill to be drafted at committee’s request" by Dana Ferguson, Argus Leader (Sioux Falls, SD) 8/20/15

Rep. Jim Bolin, R-Canton . . . said minors don’t have the authority to deny the sex designated on their birth certificate as it is part of an official state document. He said he would be happy to see the measure pass the full Legislature next session.

The bill that will be drafted by the state’s Legislative Research Council will come before the committee for approval later this year. If approved, it will go before the full Legislature next session.

The South Dakota High School Activities Association drafted the transgender policy last year after consulting other state’s approaches. No specific case prompted the policy.

Fourteen other states and Washington, D.C. have policies similar to South Dakota’s on the books.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Connecticut Taxpayers Teach Men How to Talk Like Women

And read There are So Few Transgenders in Military, Costs are Negligible

In addition, read Gay Agenda Destroys Everything it Contacts

Pastors' Hands Bloody: Abortion Parts Trafficking

Presidential candidate U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) is pleading with all Bible-believing Christians to pray and call on their own local church leaders to engage the battle against abortionists and stop government funding of Planned Parenthood.  Yesterday, Sen. Cruz told thousands of Christian leaders via a conference call that they have the utmost duty to protect the unborn.

"How did America become a country that harvests organs from unborn children? And who has the courage to stop it?"
-- Ted Cruz campaign ad

For background, read Sen. Ted Cruz Rallies Christians in Iowa for Religious Liberty and also read Planned Parenthood Caught Selling Aborted Babies on Video as well as Kill Baby to Save Mother? No! Says Gov. Scott Walker

In addition read Rev. Franklin Graham Says Pastors Cowering from 'Culture War' Deserve Hell and read Study Finds Pastors Conceal Culture Truth to be Successful



-- From "Ted Cruz Rallies Evangelicals In Campaign To Defund Planned Parenthood" by Don Gonyea, NPR National Public Radio 8/25/15

[Ted Cruz'] latest pitch to religious voters came in a conference call Tuesday with church pastors from around the country.

In the conference call earlier, and at every campaign event, Cruz attacks Planned Parenthood. He highlights the recent series of undercover videos from an anti-abortion-rights group accusing the organization of selling fetal tissue from abortions for profit.

Cruz argues that he can win the nomination — and the presidency — by motivating real conservatives and not worrying at all about winning moderates. That's something he and others argue imperiled Republicans' chances in the last several elections.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Cruz’s evangelical outreach shifts into high gear" by Katie Zezima and Tom Hamburger, Washington Post 8/23/15

More than 100,000 pastors received e-mail invitations over the weekend to participate in conference calls with Cruz on Tuesday in which they will learn details of the [defund Planned Parenthood] plan to mobilize churchgoers in every congressional district beginning Aug. 30. The requests were sent on the heels of the Texas Republican’s “Rally for Religious Liberty,” which drew 2,500 people to a Des Moines ballroom Friday.

Heading into the primary season, it wasn’t clear how significant a role social issues would play in the selection of the Republican nominee. But social conservatives and evangelical voters say they have been galvanized by a one-two punch this summer: first, the Supreme Court’s decision that same-sex marriage should be legal in all 50 states — and then, the release of hidden-camera videos showing Planned Parenthood officials discussing the donation of fetal tissue in a seemingly cavalier fashion.

All of the Republican candidates have found themselves spending more trail time on both issues over the past few months. Those fighting most fiercely for religious voters have made them central to their campaigns. But few candidates have made the burgeoning “religious liberty” movement in opposition to same-sex marriage and the fight to deny funding to Planned Parenthood as much of their campaign centerpiece as Cruz has — and perhaps no one is as well positioned to benefit politically from a renewed focus on those issues.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Ted Cruz Teams With Pastors To Defund Planned Parenthood" by David Brody, CBN News Chief Political Correspondent 8/23/15

Dear Pastor,

The recent exposure of Planned Parenthood's barbaric practices of harvesting the body parts of innocent babies and selling them to the highest bidder has brought about a pressing need to end tax payer support of this institution.

As the son of a pastor, I know you bear a high and holy calling on your lives. I am urging you to confront this evil in our nation by praying and preaching with an unbridled passion until funding for Planned Parenthood ends, and this barbaric practice is purged from the land.

Over the next two weeks, with the support of your prayers and the impact of your preaching, I intend to lead an effort to end taxpayer support of Planned Parenthood.

The battle we face is not political. It is spiritual. To enter this arena in a prayerless condition invites failure. . . .

To read the entire E-mail from Sen. Ted Cruz above, CLICK HERE.

From "Ted Cruz tries to rouse evangelicals with campaign against Planned Parenthood" by Lauren Markoe, Religion News Service 8/26/15

Cruz is working with the American Renewal Project, a conservative group that encourages pastors to run for elected office on a campaign to defund Planned Parenthood.

“Our call to action primarily, number one, is to get the pastors to return to prayer on this and every issue,” said the Rev. Ken Graves, who spoke on Tuesday’s teleconference call.

Too many of of the nation’s evangelical pastors “have come to believe that we have no freedom, no right to speak,” said Graves, senior pastor at Calvary Chapel in Bangor, Maine, and a speaker on the 20-minute call. He encouraged his fellow pastors to exercise their right to talk about Planned Parenthood and other issues according to their understanding of Scripture.

And Graves said the pastors stand on firm legal ground. “The word is out that pastors have the freedom, that they’re not a lower caste of American people,” he said. They can both speak out and engage in the process.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Ted Cruz recruiting pastors in push to defund Planned Parenthood" by Bob Allen, Baptist News Global 8/24/15

The phone call is part of a larger 50-state campaign by Cruz to end taxpayer support for Planned Parenthood — a campaign likely to raise his profile in a Republican primary race where the vote of social conservatives is seen as up for grabs.

[Sen. Cruz] asked that pastors preach a message Aug. 30 “calling on your people to enter into this spiritual battle for the soul of their nation.” A link on the American Renewal Project points to an outline for a sample sermon titled: “The Cry of the Innocent for the Soul of a Nation.”

Finally, Cruz asked pastors to lead congregations in a “Day of Prayer and Fasting,” on Wednesday, Sept. 9, and use Wednesday night services asking God “to move in the hearts of men and women in government to vote to end the slaughter of the innocents.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Ted Cruz calls out pastors to fight abortion" by Jack Minor, World Net Daily 8/25/15

“Now more than ever it is the role of the church, as well as our pastors and faith leaders, to stand up and speak the truth with absolute clarity,” Cruz said in a telephone conference call.

“I would encourage every pastor on this call to preach the truth about what is happening with Planned Parenthood. I recognize these are topics that are not without controversy, and they invite criticism when faith leaders speak candidly about them,” he said.

“If we cannot speak about this, there is very little that we can stand up and speak about. Preaching from the pulpit biblical values on life and comparing those values, the teachings of Jesus, to this nationwide business of trafficking in the body parts of unborn children is a message that needs to be heard across this nation.”

Cruz urged the pastors to lift up America’s leaders in prayer as well as pray for action against the sale of human body parts by the abortion provider.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Urging Pastors to Register Their Flocks to Vote (David Lane, American Renewal Project)

Religious Liberty vs. Gay Agenda: Ted Cruz in Iowa

Christians persecuted for their faith went on stage at a rally in Des Moines, Iowa last night to discuss how they were victimized by their own government and stripped of their jobs, businesses and religious liberty.  Republican presidential candidate and Texas U.S. senator Ted Cruz, hosting the event, told the crowd that America is nearing the end of its founding principle of freedom of religion if Bible-believing Christians don't rise up immediately.

Click here for complete rally video
Click here for shorter clip

"Is the next victim of persecution your pastor?  Your charity, where you volunteer your time at a crisis pregnancy center?"
". . . there is this liberal intolerance that says that anyone that dares follow a Biblical teaching of marriage, that is the union of one man and one woman must be persecuted, must be fined and must be driven out of business."
-- Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX)

For background, see Sen. Ted Cruz explain in 2013 how the Gay Agenda will end freedom of religion and also read how it has come to pass in 2015:  Religious Liberty in Homosexualists' Crosshairs

UPDATE 8/23/15 - Sen. Cruz asked about same-sex marriage (CBS News Face the Nation video):


Click headlines below to read previous articles:

Homosexuals Force Closure of Iowa Christian Wedding Chapel

Gay Agenda Forced on Christian Colleges by Supreme Court

Kentucky Forbids Pastors Calling Homosexuality 'Sinful'

Pastors Lead Local Battles Against 'Gay Rights'

Houston Lesbian Mayor Subpoenas Pastors' Sermons

9th Circuit Court Forces Christians into Abortion Business

Atheists, Satanists Force Bible Ban in Florida Schools

Atheists Force Bible Bans at Colleges Across America

13 States vs. ACLU in Appeals Court over Civic Prayer

Also read how President Obama and his federal government agencies are elevating the Gay Agenda above religious liberty.

-- From "Ted Cruz: there is a ‘war on faith’" by Katie Zezima, Washington Post 8/21/15

Cruz, looking to gain traction in an early voting state with a heavy concentration of evangelical Christians, held a highly organized and produced "Rally for Religious Liberty" Friday night. The rally featured live music, interviews with people who said their religious liberty was violated and sermon-like speeches from Cruz, who tried to cement himself as the candidate of choice for evangelical voters in a crowded Republican primary field.

"There is a war on faith in America today," Cruz said, later noting that 54 million evangelical Christians stayed home during the 2012 election.

"I'm here to tell you, we will stay home no longer," he said as the audience, which filled a ballroom and the campaign estimated to number 2,500 people, cheered.

While Cruz will be competing for the evangelical vote with candidates including former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, former senator Rick Santorum and neurosurgeon Ben Carson, few have been as vociferous about the notion that religious liberty is under attack than Cruz. . . .

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Ted Cruz preaches to the field" by Katie Glueck, Politico 8/22/15

First up onstage Friday night were Dick and Betty Odgaard, an Iowa couple who would not host a gay wedding at a venue they owned because they felt doing so would violate their religious beliefs. The two have been the subject of a lawsuit and closed their business. The senator sat down with the Odgaards onstage and prompted them to tell their story, bringing Betty Odgaard to the verge of tears.

“I know this has been a very hard journey,” Cruz told them, leaning over to hold Betty Odgaard’s hand in a rare public display of softer emotions from the senator. “Scripture tells us, God ordered our steps.”

“Amen,” she replied.

“I’m convinced you have gone down this road, endured the pain, endured the attacks, endured the hatred, precisely to put you where you are here today, for such a time as this,” he said, to applause.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "In Iowa, Ted Cruz rallies religious right" by Betsy Klein and Maggie Loughran, CNN 8/22/15

Cruz spoke about his experience defending freedom of religion at the Supreme Court and what he said were the threats facing religious liberty.

"These threats have been growing, they have been growing for decades but never have the threats been greater to religious liberty than they are right here and now today," he said.

"These threats are not imagined, they're not made up. These are real people leading real lives who found themselves facing persecution simply for living out their faith. There is a war on faith in America today."

The event featured guest speakers who had faced consequences of upholding their religious beliefs, from losing a job to vandalism to losing a business.

"They didn't ask for confrontation and the government came to them and said, 'Choose between faith and obedience to government power,' and they said, 'I follow a higher power and that is God almighty,'" Cruz said.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Cruz: Threats against religious liberty never greater" by Matthew Patane, Des Moines Register 8/21/15

In his opening remarks [at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center] during the “Rally for Religious Liberty,” Cruz referenced a number of Supreme Court cases regarding religious issues that came down to a 5-4 decision.

“You want to know what this election is about? We are one justice away from the Supreme Court saying ‘every image of God shall be torn down,’” said Cruz, a U.S. senator from Texas said.

Iowa radio host Steve Deace, who endorsed Cruz earlier this week, interviewed the other guests. They included Barronelle Stutzman, a florist sued for declining to provide flowers to a same-sex marriage, and Oregon bakers Melissa and Aaron Kline, who declined to provide a cake to a same-sex marriage, among others.

“These are just everyday people like all of you in this room and yet they find themselves on the front line in the battle for the soul of this culture,” Deace said.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Ellen Page Confronts Ted Cruz on Gay Rights at Iowa State Fair" by Josh Haskell and Jessica Hopper, ABC News 8/21/15

While Sen. Ted Cruz was grilling pork chops at the Iowa State Fair today, actress Ellen Page, wearing a hat and sunglasses, snuck her way up to the grill and asked the GOP presidential candidate about "the persecution of gays in the workplace and LGBT rights."

"Well, what we’re seeing right now, we’re seeing Bible-believing Christians being persecuted for living according to their faith," Cruz responded.

The Texas senator, 44, went on to argue today that "no one has the right to force someone else to abandon their faith and their conscience."

"Imagine, hypothetically, you had a gay florist and imagine two evangelicals wanted to get married and they decide, ‘You know what, I disagree with your faith and I don’t want to provide flowers,’" Cruz posed to Page.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.



Also read RINO Illinois Gov. Favors Homosexuals over Kids

And read Republicans Going Gay, to be 'Moderate' & Likeable