America Going to Hell; Christians Lose Convictions

When Christian Americans survey the surrounding culture in decay, the finger of blame must be directed to the failure of too many Christians to live by Biblical convictions, and especially the failure of church leaders.  God's judgement on such a wayward nation is inevitable and is plainly visible today.

Will Christians take personal risks, and will churches risk criticism by the PC police, likely causing a loss of donations, in order to steer America back in the right direction?

UPDATE 8/15/14: Study Finds Pastors Conceal Culture Truth to be Successful

UPDATE 7/25/14: Pastors Who Avoid Gay Agenda Deserve Hell, Says Rev. Franklin Graham

For background, read about Christian citizens who stand up to atheist threats and also read about Christian government officials who pass laws restoring prayer to public schools, and read about a governor who is condemned for "acting Christian."

Also read about Christians leading the nation to oppose abortion including Church leaders and of so many state legislators who pass laws restricting abortion.

In addition, read how God intervened in Illinois to delay the Gay Agenda when church leaders took risks by acting.

Full sermon by Dr. Charles Stanley (HD video)

-- From "The Courage to Stand by Your Convictions" by Dr. Charles Stanley of In Touch Ministries 2/16/14

A conviction is a belief that is considered true and worthy of maintaining regardless of the consequences.

However, today we live in a generation that is being persuaded that there are no absolute moral truths. Instead of relying upon the truths in the Bible, each person is left to decide what is right in his own eyes. Because there are no standards, our society has become ungodly, immoral, unsafe, and worthy of God’s judgment. We need to turn from this dangerous situation and stand firmly, without compromise, for our biblical beliefs.

[As the Bible shows,] Daniel is a perfect example of a man who lived according to his strong scriptural convictions. He was willing to stand for them even when doing so could have cost him his life.

Courage is needed to fulfill God’s assignments for our lives.

Daniel’s determination to live in obedience to the Lord set an example for the other Jewish youths who were living in that heathen society. . . . Daniel could not be bought off or frightened into compromise because he had nothing to fear as long as his convictions were founded on God’s Word. . . . He didn’t just know the Word and love the Lord; he proved it with his obedience.

As believers, we make an impact in others’ lives by [boldly] living for Christ without compromising our values.

God is looking for people like Daniel—followers of Christ who will stand by their godly convictions, even in the face of threat or temptation to compromise for profit. Use your God-given convictions to guide your actions.

To read all the sermon notes above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Dr. Charles Stanley Warns America of Socialism, and Calls for Prayer

In addition, read Congressman Says Prayer is Needed to Solve America's Problems

Also view "The Courage to Face Opposition:"

UPDATE 7/4/15: Dr. Charles Stanley hosts David & Jason Benham to present how God used the homosexualists' attack on the Benham Brothers' HGTV "Flip It Forward" TV show.

UPDATE 7/4/15 - Dr. Charles Stanley calls for an American Christian remnant to live out 2 Chronicles 7:14 (video):


UPDATE: 2/21/14 From "Where are all the godly men?" by Jason K. Allen, president of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Mo.

Given the complexity of modern ministry, many churches prioritize giftedness and experience above godliness in their candidates for ministry. Churches often look for competent administrators, capable speakers, polished people skills, a cute family and other secondary concerns before assessing the heart. Like ancient Israel, we have the propensity to look on the outward; all the while God looks on the heart.

. . . The "peer pressure" of ministry is oriented toward events, products, conferences and materials. It is as though the paraphernalia and garnishes of ministry have displaced the more biblical and eternal aspects, like godliness.

. . . Clearly, the New Testament prioritizes godliness in the life of the minister. The qualifications for ministry found in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:6–9 deal almost exclusively with character, with little reference to giftedness beyond the ability to teach. Thus the timeless ministerial admonition, "Beware of letting your talent gain you a ministry position that your character cannot keep you in."

. . . Perhaps revival will not arrive in the pew until it first arrives in the pulpit. It may well be that the greatest need of the church is godly men who shepherd the flock of God with holiness and grace.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

UPDATE 5/23/14: Sen. Ted Cruz' father, Rev. Rafael Cruz says pastors must engage/lead the nation (video):


UPDATE 3/27/15: From "A Call to Prayer" by Dr. Charles Stanley, In Touch Ministries (watch the full sermon video)

We are living in one of the most dangerous periods in history. Every day we see more crime and corruption, and the effects of a growing hatred toward the things of God. But because of our Lord’s faithful promises, there is always hope.

Dr. Stanley reminds us that It is only when we seek God, turn from our sin, and submit to His will that our nation—and our world—will be free. As we spend time with the Lord each day, we must remember to pray with passion and perseverance for our churches, our country’s leaders, and the challenges facing our nation. And let’s remember to thank our heavenly Father for His love and His willingness to heal our land.

Ask God to intervene to protect children, biblical marriages, and relieve those trapped in poverty.

To read more on this sermon above, CLICK HERE.

Judges Negate Marriage Votes in Kentucky, Virginia

It's becoming so routine that it doesn't even make front page news anymore.

Even though the Constitution was written hundreds of years ago, and marriage has been defined for thousands of years, and homosexual behavior has been exhibited for too many centuries, all of a sudden, over a period of a few years, judges say that citizens don't know what a marriage is?

For background, read how activist judges across America are forbidding voters the right to define marriage as between one man and one woman.

Also read President Obama's DOJ Negates Marriage Voters in 34 States

-- From "Federal Judge Overturns Virginia’s Same-Sex Marriage Ban" by Erik Eckholm, New York Times 2/14/14

“Our Constitution declares that ‘all men’ are created equal,” wrote Judge Arenda L. Wright Allen of United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, in Norfolk. “Surely this means all of us.”

The ruling, which overturned a constitutional amendment adopted by Virginia voters in 2006 as well as previous laws, also said that Virginia must respect same-sex marriages that were carried out legally in other states.

But opponents of same-sex marriage have vowed to appeal the decision to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in Richmond, and Judge Wright Allen stayed the execution of Thursday’s ruling pending the appeal.

But many legal experts believe that this case, or another among the dozens now being argued in federal district or appeals courts around the country, will eventually be taken up by the United States Supreme Court.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Federal judge strikes down Va. ban on gay marriage" by Robert Barnes, Washington Post 2/13/14

Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring (D), who had switched the state’s legal position on the issue and joined two gay couples in asking that the ban be struck down, has said the state will continue to enforce the prohibitions until the legal process is completed.

“Gay and lesbian individuals share the same capacity as heterosexual individuals to form, preserve and celebrate loving, intimate and lasting relationships,” Wright Allen wrote. “Such relationships are created through the exercise of sacred, personal choices — choices, like the choices made by every other citizen, that must be free from unwarranted government interference.”

Wright Allen added: “Tradition is revered in the Commonwealth, and often rightly so. However, tradition alone cannot justify denying same-sex couples the right to marry any more than it could justify Virginia’s ban on interracial marriage.”

She joined a so-far unanimous group of federal judges considering a question that Supreme Court justices left unanswered in June in their first consideration of gay marriage: Does a state’s traditional role in defining marriage mean it may ban same-sex unions without violating the equal protection and due process rights of gay men and lesbians?

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Gay marriage coming to the South? Kentucky ruling chips away at ban" by Matt Pearce, Los Angeles Times 2/12/14

District Judge John G. Heyburn ordered that Kentucky recognize same-sex marriages that had been legally performed in other states and opened the door wide for activists to strike down Kentucky's ban entirely.

"For years, many states had a tradition of segregation and even articulated reasons why it created a better, more stable society," Heyburn wrote, in what may likely become one of the most frequently-quoted passages of his decision. "Similarly, many states deprived women of their equal rights under the law, believing this to properly preserve our traditions.

"In time, even the most strident supporters of these views understood that they could not enforce their particular moral views to the detriment of another's constitutional rights. Here as well, sometime in the not too distant future, the same understanding will come to pass."

It wasn't immediately clear how Heyburn's ruling will be received in deeply conservative Kentucky, whose voters approved a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage in 2004 with 74% of the vote.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Kentucky gay marriage: Judge says state must recognize gay marriages performed in other states" by The Associated Press 2/13/14

[Judge Heyburn] mainly relied on the U.S. Supreme Court's 2013 ruling striking down a section of the federal Defense of Marriage Act, on which Kentucky's same-sex marriage amendment had been based.

It was unclear Wednesday evening if the state would appeal the decision to the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, which has never been asked to directly rule on whether a state must recognize a same-sex marriage from another state.

Attorney General Jack Conway said he upheld his duty to defend the law, but deferred any further comment because a final order had not been issued in the case.

Attorneys for the plaintiffs are hoping the decision opens the door to more breakthroughs, including requiring Kentucky to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Attorney Shannon Fauver, who represented the [homosexual] couples, said such a lawsuit could be filed in Kentucky by Friday — on Valentine's Day.

"That's what the Constitution is for," Fauver told The Associated Press. "That's part of what the Constitution is for, to prevent someone from imposing religious beliefs and traditions on others."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Repeating Congressional Prayers in Alabama Schools

The Alabama legislature is considering a bill to require study of congressional procedures to kick off every school day in the state with a verbatim reading of a prayer from a historical session of Congress.  The ACLU and other liberal critics of the bill say that it's unconstitutional to repeat, in school, the words spoken in American government, going back to the nation's founding.

Let's try to understand the liberal "logic:" Words spoken in times of American history nearer to the writing of the Constitution are more likely to be unconstitutional than words spoken today -- by today's PC police, obviously.

For background, read the long list of states enacting laws to bring prayer back to schools.

And also read of countless examples of citizens banding together to defy the atheists and pray in school.

In addition, read about atheists who are fed up with Christians in schools in many states.

-- From "Bill seeks to let Alabama teacher read prayers" by The Associated Press 2/12/14

Bill sponsor, Rep. Steve Hurst, says teachers could choose a prayer that related to the day's lesson. He says teachers might choose a prayer that was said on a particular day in history.

Opponents say the proposal is unconstitutional.

Susan Watson, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Alabama, says the proposal is teacher-led prayer being dressed up as a civics lesson.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Ala. Bill Would Require Daily Congressional Prayer In Schools" posted at CBS News Atlanta 2/11/14

. . . Hurst argues that the process simply mimics the procedure used by Congress, but civil liberties groups say the bill is a coercive move to place religion in public schools.

House Bill 318, scheduled for an education committee hearing on Wednesday, would allocate up to a maximum of 15 minutes of the first class of each day “for study of the formal procedures followed by U.S. Congress.” This would require “a reading verbatim of one of the opening prayers given by the House or Senate Chaplain or a guest member of the clergy” at the beginning of congressional meetings.

A Democrat running against Hurst, Stephanie Engle, stated that there are more effective ways to discuss faith in classrooms.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Bill would require reading of Congressional prayers in Alabama schools" by Tim Lockette, Anniston (Alabama) Star 2/10/14

The bill would limit the daily instruction on congressional procedures to 15 minutes per day. That instruction could include teaching about other procedures of Congress, but would always include the reading of a prayer.

Advocates for school prayer have long argued that state and federal legislatures have always opened their sessions with an invocation. Watson said a prayer in schools isn't the same as prayer in the a legislative body, whose members are there voluntarily.

"Children in school are a captive audience," she said.

Hurst said his bill would allow teachers or principals to choose the prayer to be read to students every day.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Abortion is What She Wants, Says Valentines Ad

While the annual National Condom Day is celebrated on college campuses across the nation on February 14th, a new video advertisement by Planned Parenthood tells men that nothing says "I love you" like an abortion for Valentines Day.

For background, read Schools and Abortionists Sexualize Kids for Valentines Day as well as President Obama Funds Condom Delivery Service to Pre-teens

In addition, read Fictional 'Safe Sex' - Government Losing War on STDs and also read New Sex Disease, Worse than HIV/AIDS, Identified

-- From "Planned Parenthood: Women need abortions for Valentine’s Day" by Caroline May, Daily Caller 2/10/14

In the lead up to Valentine’s Day, House Democrats have been calling for people to use social media to say what they believe women need for Valentine’s Day, using a heart shaped template to do so.

Monday, [Planned Parenthood President Cecile] Richards tweeting out a Vine of herself holding the heart sign filled with items like “safe + legal abortions,” “maternity care,” “Planned Parenthood,” “cancer screenings” “birth control,” “really radical stuff.“

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Ten On-Campus Valentine’s Events That Won’t Break the Bank" by Jamie Vaughn, University Press (Florida Atlantic University) 2/12/14

Ever hear the saying, “Safe sex is great sex so wear a latex?” Well, the Office of Health and Wellness must have because they are encouraging students to stop by the Breezeway for free condoms on National Condom Day.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "For Planned Parenthood the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day is Abortion" by Andrew Bair, National Right to Life News Today 2/10/14

At one time, abortion proponents hid behind the slogan “safe, legal and rare” to characterize their support for abortion-on-demand. Now, Planned Parenthood’s CEO openly celebrates abortion, taking a holiday about love and making it about abortion.

The violence of abortion is not what women need for Valentine’s Day, or any other day throughout the year. The unborn child, whose life is taken from them, sometimes in excruciating pain, is not the only victim in an abortion. Their mothers are left to bear the loss, many suffering incomprehensible grief and regret in silence for the rest of their lives.

True love stands with women and their unborn children, working to eliminate the circumstances that make abortion even considerable.

To read the entire opinion column above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Abstinence Education Effective, Fed Study Shows as well as Abstinent Teens the Norm, Moral Sex-Ed Works: Study

N. Carolinians Pray at School, Defying WI Atheists

Citizens in the Charlotte, North Carolina area are responding to threats from the Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation, as well as to the Mooresville Graded School District that ordered high school football coach Hal Capps to cease displays of his Christian faith.

"Unless somebody complains, I'm not going to stop."
-- Richard Bailey, Scotland High School football coach

"Our faith is such a large part of why we're drawn to football. We try to make a difference in the lives of these young men."
-- Bryan Till, Terry Sanford High School football coach

For background, read Praying Crowds vs. ACLU in Rowan County, North Carolina and also read Townspeople Pray at School Game Despite ACLU Threat

UPDATE 12/7/14: Ohio School Supt. & Citizens vs. Complaining Atheists

Also read Legislation Bringing Prayer Back to North Carolina Schools

In addition, read about atheists who are fed up with Christians in schools in many states.



-- From "NC High School Football Coach Ordered To Cease Baptisms, Leading Prayers" by Benjamin Fearnow, CBS Charlotte 2/2/14

The Wisconsin-based nonprofit Freedom from Religion Foundation wrote a request last fall that coach Capps cease leading prayers and joining baptisms for his players as a base rule of separating public school activities and religious ceremonies. School Superintendent Mark Edwards met with Capps, who said, “he understood” the violation and would no longer participate in such religious observances, the Charlotte Observer reports.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "School Football Coach Ordered To Stop Praying With Students" by Hunter Stuart, Huffington Post 2/5/14

A spokesperson for the Mooresville schools told HuffPost on the phone Tuesday that praying occurred after football games. "It's actually a community thing," Tanae McLean said. "People leave the stands and go down on the field." But McLean said the baptism happened off school property, after school hours. "The student [who was baptized] had just invited some people that he felt like were a part of his life," McLean said.

Yet some local residents aren't thrilled that an out-of-state organization has told their football coach not to pray. Local news reports and the Blue Devils' Facebook page contain many interviews and comments from people outraged by the news. "I don't think he's forcing anybody [to pray]," local mother Maribeth Stewart told local news outlet WSOC-TV. "The more people that hear about Jesus the better." You can even buy an "I Support Hal Capps" T-shirt.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Mooresville High football coach ordered to stop baptizing players" by Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer 1/30/14

[Superintendent Mark] Edwards said the baptism in the Twitter photo happened at the Charles Mack Citizen Center in downtown Mooresville and wasn’t a team baptism. A church that some of the players belong to held the baptism, Edwards said, and those players invited Capps to be there with them. “He’s a very proud Christian,” Edwards said.

Capps wasn’t disciplined, the superintendent said, and has written players and their families that he won’t lead the team in any more prayers. Capps didn’t return a request for comment left on his cell phone by the Observer on Thursday.

The foundation wrote the district after it said it received a complaint from a parent of a Mooresville High School student “who objects to religious endorsements” by Capps.

“Students have reported that Coach Capps frequently prays with football players at team events and encourages them to go to church and to become baptized,” the letter says.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Fayetteville coaches and players say team prayer is part of the game" by Catherine Pritchard, Fayetteville Observer Staff writer 2/11/14

[Football coaches] Bailey, Till and others said they are careful not to push their religious views on players and don't believe any of their players have ever felt pressured into participating in prayers or other religious activities during team time.

[Rev. Dennis] Sheppard said he gives a devotional for the Tiger members on Thursday afternoons after practice during football season. He said he will give a nondenominational pep talk and pray for the players. He attends games on Friday nights and joins players, parents, coaches and others on the field for an after-game prayer.

"For a lot of [the school athletes], this is their only connection to something positive, affirming, something that speaks to their self-esteem," Sheppard said. "It's the only time they get some understanding of values."

At Scotland High School, new players are given Bibles at the start of the season by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. At the end of each season, Bailey typically finds a few of those Bibles still in their wrappers, left untouched by a player in his old locker.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Click for Fox News interview with student athlete Dallas Jackson

From "Students and Community Rally Around Coach Banned From Praying at Football Games" by Katherine Weber, Christian Post Reporter 2/4/14

Although the coach has reportedly agreed to stop leading the prayers, his local community and team have rallied around him, arguing that it is his constitutional right to express his faith if he so wishes. The community has become so united in supporting Capps that they have started the Twitter trend "#ISupportCapps" to show their solidarity with the coach.

One team player, Dallas Jackson, recently tweeted, "#ISupportCapps and he's the best coach I've ever had and I'm twice the guy and player I was when I came to Mooresville as a freshman." . . . Jackson added that Coach Capps usually leads the Lord's Prayer before the games and asks God to watch over every player and their safety out on the field.

"He's more than just a coach," Jackson said." He does a lot for the students and the community, and he reaches out to families that don't have a lot. And he helps us all grow as men more than just players."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read of the myriad atheist lawsuits against Christians and prayer nationwide and read Atheists Threaten to Sue Every School in Tennessee and in Mississippi but admit they're Short on Lawyers to Sue ALL Christians

In addition, read the long list of states enacting laws to bring prayer back to schools.

Homosexualists: Take Methodist Denomination by Force

Ordained clergy, including bishops, have been trying for decades to persuade Christian leaders of the United Methodist Church (UMC) to embrace the Gay Agenda, but after repeated defeats in denomination-wide votes, these desperate homosexual activists are adopting "scorched earth" tactics.

"Most folks, after 40 years of trying legislative solutions, realize they won't work. The way forward is to claim what we know to be true. And we're going to continue doing it in an aggressive way."
-- Matt Berryman, executive director of Reconciling Ministries Network (a formal homosexualist group within the UMC)

"The time for talking is over."
-- UMC California Bishop Melvin Talbert

For background, read Bishop Talbert Shoves 'Gay Marriage' Up Methodists' Alley and also read Renegade Methodist Clergy for Same-sex 'Marriage' as well as African Methodists' Votes Halt Homosexualists' Rebellion

UPDATE 3/14/14: New York Methodist Bishop Allows Same-sex Marriages

-- From "Methodists in crisis over gay marriage, church law" by Rachel Zoll, Associated Press 2/9/14

The intensity of the conflict was laid bare over the last several months, when the church tried, convicted and defrocked Frank Schaefer, a Pennsylvania pastor who presided at the wedding of his son to another man. Berryman said the case galvanized Methodists advocating for recognition of gay marriage, increasing donations to the group and traffic on Reconciling Ministries' online sites. Schaefer has since been traveling the country giving talks and sermons on gay acceptance.

Frustration over the lack of change fueled the new movement to openly defy church law, starting in 2011 in Minnesota and New York. Methodist ministers had already been quietly officiating at same-gender ceremonies in some communities for years. A few of the more publicly defiant clergy had faced formal complaints or had been tried by the church. But the public marriage pledges brought new energy to the campaign.

Last month, a new Methodist group formed called the Wesleyan Covenant Network to support theologically conservative Methodists and keep them from leaving the denomination. The meeting in Atlanta drew about 130 clergy and others. One speaker choked back tears while telling the group his son is considering entering ministry — but not in the United Methodist Church.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Ranks of defiant United Methodist clergy rise" by Renee K. Gadoua, Religion News Service (Washington Post) 1/23/14

Almost daily, evidence mounts of defiant United Methodist clergy breaking church law on behalf of gays and lesbians as the nation’s second-largest Protestant denomination struggles with what may be its most vexing rebellion in decades.

Every week, another Methodist minister “comes out” and acknowledges performing a same-sex wedding on the website of the New York-based Methodists in New Directions. So far, 14 clergy have made such disclosures; none has faced a church complaint, said Dorothee Benz, MIND spokeswoman.

“The defrocking of [UMC Pennsylvania pastor] Frank Schaefer brought great shame to our denomination and much pain to our LGBTQ brothers and sisters,” said Bishop Minerva G. Carcano of the California-Pacific Conference of the United Methodist Church.

She sees the growing movement challenging church policy as a turning point.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Another Methodist clergyman faces charges for gay wedding" by Rachel Zoll, Associated Press 1/18/14

The Rev. Thomas Ogletree [80] will be tried March 10 for violating church law against officiating at gay unions, his spokeswoman, Dorothee Benz, said Friday. . . . Ogletree is a theologian, a former Yale Divinity School dean, and a retired elder in the church’s New York district, or Annual Conference. Some clergy had filed a complaint after his son’s 2012 wedding announcement appeared in The New York Times.

In the last few years, as gay marriage has gained legal recognition by US states, Methodists advocating for gays and lesbians have intensified their protests, hosting gay weddings in Methodist churches or officiating at ceremonies elsewhere.

Two other similar cases are pending within the Methodist church. The Rev. Stephen Heiss of the Upper New York Annual Conference is expected to face a church trial for presiding at same-sex marriages, including officiating at his daughter’s 2002 wedding. The Rev. Sara Thompson Tweedy, of the New York Annual Conference, is facing a formal complaint that she is a "self-avowed practicing" lesbian, or lives openly with a same-sex partner, which is barred by church law.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "United Methodist Church Sets Date for Trial of Pastor Who Officiated Son's Gay Wedding" by Michael Gryboski, Christian Post Reporter 1/20/14

In addition to considering homosexuality "incompatible with Christian teaching", the UMC Book of Discipline also states that clergy cannot perform same-sex marriages.

Ogletree's actions were "injurious to the church", said Rev. Thomas Lambrecht, vice president and general manager of the conservative Methodist group Good News, according to the NY Times. "And it undermines the whole covenant of accountability that we share with each other as pastors," continued Lambrecht.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Same-sex marriage ban strains region's Methodists churches" by William Moyer, Star-Gazette (Elmira, NY) 1/26/14

Rev. Stephen Heiss, of Tabernacle United Methodist Church, 83 Main St., Binghamton, and the Rev. Frank Schaefer, whose defrocking drew national media coverage and invigorated the same-sex marriage debate, want the 12 million member church to allow clergy to extend marriage ceremonies to everyone, regardless of sexual preference.

Schaefer will be the speaker at a 10:30 a.m. worship service Feb. 2 as Tabernacle celebrates the seventh anniversary of its decision to become a Reconciling Congregation.

A reconciling United Methodist congregation has formally adopted a statement to welcome people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Reconciling Congregations are not officially endorsed by the United Methodist Church.

In the Southern Tier, several congregations have approved this welcoming statement, including Tabernacle and Centenary-Chenango Street churches in Binghamton, St. Paul’s in Ithaca and First United Methodist Church in Oneonta. . . .

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Some United Methodists speak out against the denomination's same-sex marriage ban" by Carla Hinton, The Oklahoman 2/1/14

The Rev. Trina Bose North and the Rev. Deborah Ingraham [of Edmond, Oklahoma] said their group, informally called Oklahoma United Methodists for Marriage Equality, wanted to counter the public statements made by the Rev. Robert Hayes Jr., Oklahoma United Methodist bishop, upholding the denomination's stance against same-gender marriage.

North [38] and Ingraham, 60, said Epworth United Methodist Church, where Ingraham is senior pastor, is part of the Reconciling Network, a network of United Methodist churches across the country working toward full inclusion for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities in the life of the church.

. . . they said it's important that United Methodists who disagree with the prohibitions tied to homosexuality let people know how they feel.

. . . North and Ingraham said momentum for such public dissent is growing. They said 70 Oklahoma United Methodist clergy and 280 laypeople signed a 2011 statement in favor of the denomination changing its stance on same-sex marriage and ordination of openly gay individuals. Ingraham said the local statement tied in with a similar national statement called Altar for All.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "United Methodist Church to Review Resolution Supporting Same-Sex Marriage" by Michael Gryboski, Christian Post Reporter 1/27/14

The denomination's highest court, the Judicial Council, will review the Desert Southwest Annual Conference's "Marriage Equality Resolution" in April it was announced.

In the recently released docket for the Judicial Council, the reproduced resolution stated that the Conference took a stand in favor of gay marriage, even though the UMC Book of Discipline defines marriage as being between one man and one woman.

Last July, the Arizona-based Desert Southwest Annual Conference passed the "Marriage Equality Resolution," validating the regional body's open support for the pro-LGBT wing of the mainline protestant denomination.

Bishop Robert Hoshibata, head of the Conference, decided to allow the resolution and concluded that it did not conflict with the Book of Discipline.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "UM polity expert asks Council of Bishops to 'stop the trials'" by Jay Voorhees, Executive Editor, United Methodist Reporter (liberal news source) 11/13/14

In an “Open Letter to the Council of Bishops (COB)” released today, Wake Forest University professor and United Methodist polity expert the Rev. Dr. Thomas E. Frank asked the council “…for the sake of the unity of the church, to stop the trials.” “We need to engage our differences through “Christian conversation” within our conferences and particularly within our orders of elders. Church trials are “an expedient of last resort” and are not the way forward,” Frank wrote.

Frank believes that the constitution of the United Methodist Book of Discipline empowers the bishops to act in opposition to the will of the General Conference in the face of peril to the denomination.

Frank believes that it is within the power of the bishops to refrain from referring complaints to counsel for the church, and the subsequent church trials. “You have discretion as the chief pastors of the church over the manner, purpose, and conduct of any supervisory response and just resolution under ‘fair process.’”

To read the entire article above and the full text of Frank’s letter, CLICK HERE.



Also read Liberal 'Churches' Continue to Wither as well as Liberal 'Churches' Conforming to Decadent Culture

In addition, read President Obama's National Cathedral is the Seat of Apostasy

For myriad attacks on the Bible and Christian faith, read CBS Gives Voice to Atheists, Heretics, & Apostates

Obama DOJ Negates Voters in 34 States: Gay Agenda

With the stroke of a pen yesterday, the Obama administration Department of Justice extended same-sex "marriage" to every state in America, thus overruling citizens' decisions in the vast majority of the nation's states.  This action grants the right of homosexuals who are "married" in a select few liberal states to foist their deviant lifestyle choice onto citizens in every state.

For background, read President Obama Edicts Homosexual 'Marriage' to ALL States and also read how Obama's examples of lawlessness are spreading in federal government, as well as in state and local governments across America.



-- From "Feds to Provide Legal Benefits, Services to All in Same-Sex Marriages" reported by CNN Wire 2/8/14

The expansion of such federal recognition will include 34 states where same-sex marriage isn’t legal, but the new federal benefits being extended to those states will apply only where the U.S. government has jurisdiction, Holder said.

Attorney General Eric Holder announced the initiative on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014, at a gay rights group’s gala.

In his speech, Holder announced the Justice Department will issue a memo Monday that recognizes same-sex marriages “to the greatest extent possible under the law.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Holder applies same-sex marriage ruling to Justice" by The Associated Press 2/8/14

Holder’s speech was criticized by the conservative National Organization for Marriage.

“This is just the latest in a series of moves by the Obama administration, and in particular the Department of Justice, to undermine the authority and sovereignty of the states to make their own determinations regulating the institution of marriage,” said Brian Brown, the group’s president. “The changes being proposed here to a process as universally relevant as the criminal justice system serve as a potent reminder of why it is simply a lie to say that redefining marriage doesn’t affect everyone in society.”

Holder told his audience:

—The Justice Department will recognize that same-sex spouses of individuals involved in civil and criminal cases should have the same legal rights as all other married couples . . . even in states where same-sex marriages are not recognized, the federal government will not use state views as a basis . . .

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Justice Department to give married same-sex couples equal protection" by Sari Horwitz, Washington Post 2/8/14

The Justice Department on Monday will instruct all of its employees across the country, for the first time, to give lawful same-sex marriages sweeping equal protection under the law in every program it administers, from courthouse proceedings to prison visits to the compensation of surviving spouses of public safety officers.

In a new policy memo, the department will spell out the rights of same-sex couples, including the right to decline to give testimony that might incriminate their spouses, even if their marriages are not recognized in the state where the couple lives.

In addition, an inmate in a same-sex marriage can be furloughed to be present during a crisis involving a spouse. In bankruptcy cases, same-sex married couples will be eligible to file for bankruptcy jointly. Domestic support obligations will include debts, such as alimony, owed to a former same-sex spouse. Certain debts to same-sex spouses or former spouses should be excepted from discharge.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

In addition, read President Obama's Department of Justice Forces Employees to Celebrate Deviancy and separately the DOJ Forces School Girl into Boys Locker Room

And also read School Doesn't Back Gay Agenda, Obama Investigates

Planned Parenthood Pays $2M to Hide Wrongful Death

In the case of Tonya Reaves and her unborn child who both died during an abortion, Planned Parenthood, et. al. have settled the lawsuit brought by Reaves' family by paying $2 million in order to avoid any further legal proceedings that would air the gory details.

“In my opinion, Planned Parenthood is guilty of criminal negligence, depraved indifference, and gross medical incompetence. Now that the case is settled, we will never know how a jury would have reacted.”
-- Walter Hoye

For background, read Abortionist Kills Chicago Mother in Second Trimester

In addition, read Federal Government Probes Planned Parenthood for Fraud and also read Planned Parenthood Faces $5.5 Billion (with a "B") Fine for Fraud in Iowa

-- From "Planned Parenthood Must Pay $2 Million Settlement After Killing Woman in Abortion" by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com 2/7/14

Walter Hoye, a black pro-life leader who has closely followed the case, obtained a copy of the court order awarding the settlement. The settlement document indicates Planned Parenthood of Illinois, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and Northwestern Medical Faculty Foundation must pay her son Alvin Jones III, who was one at the time of Reaves’ death from the botched legal abortion.

He told LifeNews today that the settlement is an acknowledgement on Planned Parenthood’s part that it took Reaves’ life, but he said he’s disappointed the abortion giant won’t be held accountable further.

Operation Rescue plans to file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation against abortionist Carolyn Hoke, who is believed to have been responsible for Reaves’ abortion. Hoke serves as the Medical Director for Planned Parenthood. One week after Reaves’ family sued Planned Parenthood of Illinois for killing Reaves, it agreed to pay the state $367,000 to settle a case against Hoke involving fraudulent over-billing of Medicaid.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Planned Parenthood $2 Million Settlement for Killing Woman in Abortion Called 'Hush Money'" by Tom Ciesielka, LifeNews.com 2/7/14

In February of 2013, the Thomas More Society filed a complaint with the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation (“IDPR”) requesting an investigation into the Chicago “Loop Health Center” of Planned Parenthood, which was responsible for Ms. Reaves’ botched abortion. No known action has been taken by the IDPR to follow up on the complaint.

In response to the settlement, Peter Breen, vice president and senior counsel of the Thomas More Society, said . . . “Ms. Reaves’ tragic death demonstrates the dire need for increased inspection and regulation of Illinois abortion clinics.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "No more Tonya Reaves cases! Regulate abortion facilities, pro-life groups say" by Ben Johnson, LifeSiteNews.com 2/7/14

“Two million dollars is basically chump change for Planned Parenthood,” said Abby Johnson, a former Planned Parenthood director who now helps abortion facility employees leave the industry. “My former affiliate alone has $20 million sitting in their endowment.”

Michael New, a contributor to National Review, asked, “How much money have they spent covering up other misconduct?”

Another Illinois abortion facility has evaded $36,000 in fines levied by the state authorities for its shoddy conditions by closing down, then reopening under another name.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Taxpayers Provide 46% of Planned Parenthood's $Billion$

Obama, Hypocrite in Chief, Holds Prayer Breakfast

This morning, at the annual National Prayer Breakfast, President Obama, whose signature healthcare law restricts freedom of religion, claimed the banner of religious liberty. And as the most pro-abortion president in American history, Obama said he believes "in the inherent dignity of every human." In addition, although the president has taken virtually no action with Iranian leaders concerning their imprisonment of a pastor for behaving as a Christian in their country, Obama told those attending his breakfast that the pastor should be released, and he offered prayers.

“. . . I’ve made the case that no society can truly succeed unless it guarantees the rights of all of its peoples . . .”
-- President Barack Hussein Obama

UPDATE 2/6/15: At Prayer Breakfast, President Obama Compares Christians to Islamic Terrorists

For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:

Biblical Prayer Stricken from Obama Inauguration

Secret ObamaCare Abortion Fees Make President Obama a Liar

President Obama Praises Abortion on Roe v. Wade 41st Anniversary

President Obama Asks God to Bless Planned Parenthood

President Obama a Christian? No, Say Two-Thirds of Americans

President Obama Prays to an Unknown God

President Obama Rewrites History, Repeatedly Omits Creator

President Obama Praises Islam for Making America What It Is

President Obama Redefines 1st Amendment Freedom of Religion

President Obama Raises Gay Agenda above Religious Liberty

President Obama Ignores Christian Genocide in Nigeria, Favors Gay Agenda

-- From "Obama: Religious freedom a US diplomatic priority" by The Associated Press 2/6/14

Speaking at the annual National Prayer Breakfast, Obama cast his message as an international call for human rights, singling out countries that he said have fallen short, particularly when it comes to extending protections and freedoms to all faiths.

Obama also offered prayers for Kenneth Bae, a U.S. missionary being held in North Korea, and Saeed Abedini, an Idaho pastor who is in custody in Iran. Bae was arrested in November 2012 in North Korea while leading a tour group and sentenced to 15 years of hard labor for unspecified anti-government activity. Supporters say he did nothing wrong. Abedini, who is of Iranian origin, has been held since September 2012 and is serving an eight-year sentence after being convicted of trying to establish a network of Christian churches in private homes.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Obama: ‘Freedom of Religion Is Under Threat’" by Jared A. Favole, Wall Street Journal 2/6/14

In his address to the National Prayer Breakfast, an annual gathering of lawmakers and numerous faith leaders, Mr. Obama  said it’s clear that “around the world freedom of religion is under threat.”

. . . Mr. Obama also mentioned Pastor Saeed Abedini, who was arrested in Iran for his efforts to spread Christianity and sentenced to eight years in prison on national security charges. “As we continue to work for his freedom, today, again, we call on the Iranian government to release Pastor Abedini, so he can return to the loving arms of his wife and children in Idaho,” the president said.

Mr. Obama, a Christian, told the gathering that God’s teachings led him to do community service in Chicago and to his wife, Michelle. His faith, he said, “led me to public service, and the longer I serve, especially in moments of trial or doubt, the more thankful I am of God’s guiding hand.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Freedom of Religion Is Central to Human Dignity, Obama Says at National Prayer Breakfast" by Napp Nazworth, Christian Post Reporter 2/6/14

"Today we profess the principles we know to be true," he said. "We know that each of us is wonderfully made in the image of God. We therefore believe in the inherent dignity of every human being – dignity that no earthly power can take away. And central to that dignity is freedom of religion – the right of every person to practice their faith how they choose, to change their faith if they choose, or to practice no faith at all, and to do this free from persecution and fear."

The United States leads the world in promoting religious freedom, which is one of the main foreign policy goals of the United States, Obama declared.

"Promoting religious freedom is a key objective of U.S. foreign policy, and I'm proud that no nation on Earth does more to stand up for the freedom of religion around the world than the United States of America."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Irony: Obama Tells Prayer Breakfast: 'We Believe in the Dignity of Every Person'" by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com 2/6/14

Obama took the podium at the 62nd National Prayer Breakfast at the Washington Hilton and spoke to a crowd of about 3,500.

. . . Obama told the attendees, “No society can truly succeed unless it protects the rights of all of its people.”

He also said the breakfast gives participants the chance to “put aside labels of party and ideology and (be) what we are first, children of a loving God.”

“Our concern should not be whether God is on our side, but whether we are on God’s side,” he said.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

UPDATE 7/9/14: Obama Ignores Law for International Religious Freedom Ambassador

NY Schools Observe Muslim Holidays, but Christmas?

As atheists and the liberal media work to expunge Christmas from public schools, the recently-elected far left New York Mayor de Blasio announced that all city schools will close to honor at least one pagan and two Muslim holidays.

For background, read Minnesota School Admits Pro-Muslim/Anti-Christian Bias and also read the myriad examples of public schools favoring Islam.

However, Citizens Force Islam Indoctrination Out of Ohio Middle School

In addition, read the latest news of the rebellion against Christmas by secularists, including by President Obama.



-- From "Muslim Public School Holidays Will Be Observed In New York City" reported by Huffington Post 2/4/14

Muslim families in New York City have been requesting official recognition for Islamic holidays in public schools for years now, but they may finally see some changes under new Mayor Bill de Blasio.

On Monday he discussed the issue on the Brian Lehrer Show, declaring that he planned to move forward with closing schools for Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, as well as for the Lunar New Year.

Though Muslims appreciate his efforts, another community is feeling stiffed. De Blasio said on Monday that he hadn't yet taken a position on whether Diwali should be officially recognized with a day off for public schools.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "New York City public school kids getting new Muslim, Lunar New Year holidays" by Erin Durkin, New York Daily News 2/4/14

Appearing on WNYC’s “Brian Lehrer Show” on Monday, the mayor said he hadn’t taken a position on whether Diwali, the festival of lights celebrated in India and other South Asian countries, should be a day off from school.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "New York City prepares to close public schools for Muslim holidays, Lunar New Year" by Eric Owens, Education Editor, Daily Caller 2/4/14

Estimates of the number of Muslims in New York City vary between 200,000 and 1,000,000. A website called A Journey Through NYC Religions guesstimates the number to be 600,000—roughly seven percent of the population.

The Lunar New Year is an important holiday in China and other East Asian nations. The date varies, but it’s in the winter.

According to a press release from Democrat Sheldon Silver, Speaker of the New York State Assembly, one in six New York City public school students is Asian American.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read President Obama Praises Islam for Making America What It Is as well as Muslim Beheads Christians in New Jersey per Koran

Indiana Protects Christmas from Atheists' Lawsuits

Just as lawmakers are doing in so many other states, the Indiana Senate unanimously passed a bill to assure public schools that they will not have to waste taxpayer dollars defending against lawsuits by atheist lawyers over religious liberty.

"Christmas is under attack.  That's just crazy that we even have to move a bill like that, but I think it's very well needed in the state and in every state."
-- Sen. Jim Smith, Republican of Charlestown, IN

For background, read California Teacher Says Jesus Not Allowed in Christmas

Also read of the myriad atheist lawsuits against Christmas and prayer nationwide and read Atheists Threaten to Sue Every School in Tennessee and in Mississippi but admit they're Short on Lawyers to Sue ALL Christians

In addition, read the long list of states enacting laws to counter the atheists and restore religious liberty to schools.

-- From "Indiana Senate passes 'Merry Christmas' bill allowing celebration in schools" by The Associated Press 2/4/14

The bill . . . would let schools decorate with Nativity scenes or menorahs if paired with another religious or secular symbol. The legislation also would permit lessons on the history of winter holidays and traditional holiday greetings, such as "Merry Christmas" and "Happy Hanukkah."

. . . opponents debate whether states can give schools the right to celebrate Christmas, and others question the need for a bill that some say duplicates current policy.

Numerous U.S. Supreme Court rulings have found religious scenes paired with secular scenes in public settings constitutional, but the American Civil Liberties Union said the switch to schools is dicey.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Senate passes bill to provide legal protections for Christmas celebrations" by Lesley Weidenbener, The Statehouse File 2/3/14

Senate Bill 326 requires the State Board of Education to set guidelines for teachers and administrators to observe Christmas without fear of a lawsuit.

“Across the country, there are reports of Christmas traditions, like the singing of Christmas carols or even the colors red and green, being banned in schools because administrators fear lawsuits,” the bill’s author, Sen. Jim Smith, R-Charlestown, said in a statement.

“We need to provide Hoosier teachers some protections so that these senseless, arbitrary bans do not take hold in our state,” Smith said. “Christmas teaches important values, and it should not be absent from our classrooms.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Ind. Senate to vote on Christmas in schools" by Eric Weddle, The Indianapolis Star 1/23/14

[SB 326] would also allow schools to display "symbols associated with traditional winter celebrations, including a menorah, Christmas tree, Nativity scene or other religious symbol associated with traditional winter celebrations," if more than one religion is featured or if there is also a secular symbol displayed.

Last year, a federal judge stopped the city of Evansville [Indiana] from issuing permits for plastic crosses that would be displayed on public property because it would violate the establishment clause of the First Amendment that prohibits Congress from establishing a national religion or national church.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

And also read the latest news of the rebellion against Christmas by secularists, including by President Obama.

Jesus Ad Censored by Texas School, Says Lawsuit

A Christian ministry is suing the Lubbock Independent School District in federal court for refusing to accept a $1,600 paid advertisement to be shown on the Jumbotron at the high school football games, even though the school accepts numerous other ads, including religious messages.  The censored ad shows an image of Jesus Christ crucified with the sins of the world depicted as tattoos.

For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:

Christian Girl Muzzled, Sues Kansas City School

Jesus' Name Unconstitutional at School Board Meetings: Supreme Court

'Jesus' Booted from Predominantly Jewish Illinois School

Ohio Lawmakers Want Jesus Back in School, Countering Atheists

God NOT Your Idol, Teacher Tells Student -- Michael Jackson Is

-- From "Advertising Christianity With a Site Called 'Jesus Tattoo'" by Emma Green, The Atlantic 1/31/14

What's the best way to share Christianity with as many people as possible? This is the question Texas resident David L. Miller had in mind when he hired advertising firm RD Thomas to help him develop a "new way to share the Bible’s teachings through contemporary marketing methods" last summer.

Their answer: Jesustattoo.com. The site features explainers about Christianity, video testimonials of people sharing their views on faith, and information about how to get in contact with someone from the site to "start a conversation."

Last summer, Miller reached out to the company that sells ad space at Lubbock Independent School District's football stadium, hoping to purchase rights to post an image on the stadium's jumbotron. Although the sales representative, Beverly McBeath, was initially enthusiastic ("THANKS for the business! Woohoo—great way to start the week," she wrote in an email), the school district eventually reneged on the deal, arguing that "the District is prohibited from authorizing this public religious speech ...using the jumbotron, which is governmental property, at a school-related event based on the Establishment Clause."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Little Pencil lawyers seek injunction in 'Jesus Tattoo' advertising lawsuit" posted at Lubbock Avalanche-Journal 1/31/14

The local non-profit business behind the “JesusTattoo.org” advertising campaign asked Friday, Jan. 31, for a preliminary injunction preventing Lubbock Independent School District from enforcing policies that have denied the group from placing its advertisement on school facilities.

Little Pencil, founded by former Texas Tech Vice Chancellor David L. Miller, sued the school district earlier this week because LISD refused last fall to accept its advertisement — which depicts Jesus with pejorative tattoos, such as “Outcast” and “Addicted” — for part of the display stream on the giant video screen at Lowrey Field in PlainsCapital Park during football games.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "'Jesus Tattoo' group claims LISD violated free speech rights, lawsuit shows" by Walt Nett, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal 1/29/14

U.S. District Judge Sam R. Cummings granted five lawyers with the Scottsdale, Ariz.-based conservative religious group [Alliance Defending Freedom] permission to appear locally in the case.

In addition to allegations LISD is violating Little Pencil’s free speech rights and engaging in discrimination by rejecting the ad while allowing other religious organizations to advertise on school facilities, the suit contends the district was initially untruthful about why it rejected the ad, and then claims the district’s policy banning religious advertising prohibits Little Pencil from receiving the same treatment other Lubbock religious organizations receive.

The concept behind “jesustattoo.org’s” advertising is a combination of billboards, television advertising and a website depicting Jesus as a tattoo artist, changing people’s negative tattoos to positive ones. He is revealed in the ads as then having taken those negative tattoos from others onto his own body.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read the long list of states enacting laws to restore religious liberty to schools.

Supreme Court Opens Girl's Room to Men in Maine

Overturning a lower court, the Supreme Court of Maine has ruled that any male student may choose to use the girl's locker/restroom, from grade school through college.  The attorney for the Orono school district, the defendant in the lawsuit, welcomed the defeat saying, “The court has also provided helpful guidance about how to handle this issue” -- as the school now awaits possible monetary judgement in the case against the taxpayers.

“. . . it has been clearly established that a student’s psychological well-being and educational success depend upon being permitted to use the communal bathroom consistent with her [his] gender identity, denying access to the appropriate bathroom constitutes sexual orientation discrimination in violation of the [Maine Human Rights Commission].”
-- Justice Warren Silver, writing for the Supreme Court majority

For background, read the saga of this lawsuit from the beginning, and also thereafter.

In addition, read Boys & Girls Shower Together in Co-ed Locker Rooms at Iowa College

And read how the Gay Agenda permeates public schools with "transgender rights."



-- From "High Court Reverses Transgender Ruling" by Jon Small, WABI-TV5 (Bangor, Maine) 1/30/14

The family of Nicole Maines [born Wyatt Maines, a boy] and the Maine Human Rights Commission sued after she [he] was denied access to the girls’ bathroom at her [his] elementary school in 2007.

. . . in a written ruling issued today, the Maine Supreme Court said while the school had a program in place designed to address gender identity issues, banning Maines [a male student] from the girls’ bathroom constituted discrimination.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Maine Supreme Court allows transgender student to use girls' restroom" by Judy Harrison, Maine Sun Journal 1/30/14

In a 5-1 decision, the justices said that Superior Court Justice William Anderson erred when he ruled in favor of what is now Riverside RSU 26.

The incident that sparked the court case began in 2007 when a child, who was born male but identifies as female, was forced to stop using the girls bathroom at the Asa Adams Elementary School in Orono. She [he] was told to use a staff bathroom after the grandfather of a male student complained.

The justices’ questions at oral arguments in the case in June in Bangor focused on a conflict between a law passed in the 1920s that requires separate bathrooms for boys and girls in schools and the provision enacted in 2005 in the Maine Human Rights Act that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders of Boston represented the girl [boy] and her [his] family.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Maine’s highest court: Transgender student’s rights were violated" by Matt Byrne, Staff Writer, Maine Sunday Telegram 1/31/14

The ruling is the first in which a state supreme court has affirmed a transgender person’s right to equal access to restrooms in places of public accommodation.

Lawyers representing Nicole [born Wyatt, a boy] Maines, who is now 16, said the decision could lay a foundation for other states’ courts that are facing questions about the emerging rights of people who identify as the opposite of their birth gender.

The court’s 5-1 ruling is the first interpretation of a 2005 amendment to the Maine Human Rights Act that added language protecting transgender people in schools.

The decision overturns a lower court’s ruling that sided with the school district. Arguing before the supreme court, attorneys for the district said a 1983 law requiring schools to offer sanitary bathrooms segregated by sex created a pre-emptive exception to the Maine Human Rights Act.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Maine Supreme Court rules in favor of transgender girl in Orono school bathroom case" by Judy Harrison, Bangor Daily News Staff 1/30/14

It is the first time the state’s highest court has interpreted amendments to the Maine Human Rights act [MHRA] that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation. It also is one of those rare times when a law court decision makes law, according to the American Civil Liberties Union of Maine.

“The Law Court made very good law here and it’s going to help not only the people involved in this case,” Zachary Heiden, Legal Director at the ACLU of Maine, said Thursday.

[Justice Andrew Mead dissented from the Supreme Court majority.] “I depart from the court’s casual dismissal of the fact that the plain language of a specific statute explicitly requires segregating school bathrooms by sex,” he wrote. “The plain language of the provisions of [the school bathroom statute] and the MHRA are in conflict, and I believe that principles of comity require us to defer to the representative branch of government to resolve the issue.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

For further background, click headlines below to read previous articles:

Boy, OKd in Girls Restrooms, Harasses Schoolgirls

Naked Man in Girls Locker Room OKd in Washington

Colorado Court: Parents Can Force Son into Girls Restroom

California OKs Boys on Girls' Teams and in Their Showers

Massachusetts Government Says Boys Free to Use Girls Locker Room

President Obama's DOJ Forces Girl into Boys Locker Room