U.S. District Judge Philip A. Brimmer dismissed President Obama's Attorney General Eric Holder's assertions of ten separate violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act against Kenneth Scott's sidewalk counseling at Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains abortion clinic in Denver.
For background, read Obama Administration Targets Pro-lifers for Prosecution and also read White House Targets Pro-lifers with Lawsuits
UPDATE 9/24/12: Federal judge blocks Obama DOJ in prosecution of David Hamilton in Louisville, KY
UPDATE 3/22/12: Obama administration gives up -- all charges dismissed against Kenneth Scott
-- From "Feds want 25-foot limit for Colo. abortion protester" by Colleen Slevin, Associated Press 1/26/12
U.S. Justice Department lawyer Gayle Winsome told U.S. District Judge Philip Brimmer on Thursday that Kenneth Scott sometimes stands in the only driveway leading to the center's to talk to drivers and distribute pamphlets, forcing drivers stopped behind them to wait before they can enter. She said that violates a 1994 law protecting access to abortion clinics and urged Brimmer to order Scott to keep at least 25 feet away from the entrance. She said he can still express his views from there without impeding traffic and without visitors having to worry about hitting Scott.
Scott's lawyers argue that Scott is a peaceful protester with a constitutional right to speak from public areas leading up to the property line of the Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains center.
Peter Breen of the Thomas More Society, one of Scott's lawyers, said the government lawsuit against Scott is an overreach under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, passed in the wake of clinic sit-ins and a 1993 shooting that wounded Kansas abortion provider George Tiller. He was shot again and killed in 2009 at his Wichita church.
The FACE act went mostly unused under George W. Bush, but the Obama administration has taken a harder line against anti-abortion activists.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Five D.C. prosecutors go after abortion protestor for passing out literature" by Jack Minor, Greeley Gazette 1/4/12
Ken Scott and his wife, Jo, have a history with Planned Parenthood. In 2008, Jo was convicted of violating the state’s bubble law after a pair of Planned Parenthood employees, pretending to be patients, recorded Jo Scott moving within eight feet of them. The bubble law creates an eight foot floating bubble around anyone within 100 feet of the entrance to an abortion facility.
While the law specifies that Scott cannot protest within 100 feet of the clinic entrance, the DOJ wants the distance expanded to include being within 25 feet of the entrance to the clinic. The Justice department has assigned five prosecutors to handle the case.
The Chicago-based Thomas More Society has recently announced it would be assisting Scott with his defense. Peter Breen, executive director and general counsel for the society, told the Gazette that the government’s case turns free speech on its head. “Scott is not being charged with violating any of the bubble law requirements.”
“When I read the complaint it made it sound as if Scott was throwing himself in front of cars. It was nothing of the sort, when you watch the video he is standing on the side of the road and if people want to come over to talk and receive literature about abortion alternatives, they are free to do so. He is in no way blocking people from entering or exiting the facility.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Judge Stops Obama Admin From Silencing Pro-Life Activist" by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com 1/30/12
“This is the latest in a series of meritless, harassing lawsuits filed by the Obama Administration that seek to squelch peaceful pro-life advocacy on public sidewalks outside abortion providers,” said Peter Breen, executive director and legal counsel for the Thomas More Society.
Breen added, in his statement to LifeNews today: “In this case, the Attorney General presented no evidence that Mr. Scott injured, intimidated, or did anything other than speak to folks who willingly decided to stop their cars to talk with him. Assigning five taxpayer-funded prosecutors from Washington, D.C. to attack one peaceful man exercising his free speech rights is a colossal waste of money, uncalled for at any time, much less at a time of record government deficits, not to mention the Government’s gross insult to the First Amendment.”
United States v. Scott is one of many recent FACE Act lawsuits brought by the Obama Administration and its Attorney General, Eric Holder, against local sidewalk counselors, Breen says. The Attorney General’s primary legal theory is that a car that stops to speak to a sidewalk counselor constitutes a “physical obstruction” of access to an abortion facility and a violation of the FACE Act, punishable by a $10,000 fine and an injunction against sidewalk counseling at a particular facility.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
And, in a related court case in Florida . . .
UPDATE 4/4/12: Obama's DOJ drop case and pay prolife sidewalk counselor Mary Susan Pine $120,000 in legal fees
From "Judge: White House persecuting pro-lifer" by Bob Unruh, World Net Daily 1/16/12
A federal judge says he doesn’t have enough evidence to sanction Barack Obama’s Department of Justice, but its prosecution of a Florida pro-lifer is suspiciously like persecution.
“It is rather curious that the Department of Justice was able to meet with the [Presidential Women's Center in West Palm Beach, Fla.] staff and police officers the very next day after the alleged violations occurred. It is also curious that the government failed to make any efforts to obtain the identities of the passengers who are the alleged victims in this case – the court finds it hard to believe that the government was completely unaware of the existence of the sign-in sheets and video surveillance system.”
The comments come from U.S. District Judge Kenneth L. Ryskamp on a decision granting summary judgment for Mary Susan Pine. She had been charged with a violation of the Federal Access to Clinic Entrances law and could have been subjected to an intimidating $10,000 fine.
“The court can only wonder whether this action was the product of a concerted effort between the government and the PWC, which began well before the date of the incident at issue, to quell Ms. Pine’s activities rather than to vindicate the rights of those allegedly aggrieved by Ms. Pine’s conduct,” the judge wrote.
“The court is at a loss as to why the government chose to prosecute this particular case in the first place,” Ryskamp wrote.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Romney Wins Big with Fla. Homosexual Republicans
Mitt Romney is far and away the favorite GOP presidential candidate among Americans who support sexually deviant behavior.
UPDATE 5/15/12: Romney says same-sex couples ‘have the right’ to adopt children
-- From "Mitt Romney wins big in straw vote Saturday at Log Cabin Republicans' Florida caucus in Miami" by Steve Rothaus, Miami Herald Staff 1/28/12
Log Cabin Republicans overwhelmingly chose Gov. Mitt Romney as their favorite GOP presidential candidate in a Florida straw vote on Saturday at City Hall the Restaurant, 2004 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami.
The straw vote came following Log Cabin's national board meeting in Miami.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Fla. Log Cabin members tilt toward Romney" by Lou Chibbaro Jr., Washington Blade 1/29/12
Officials from the group’s Florida chapters said the outcome was consistent with anecdotal information they’ve received from club members and gay and lesbian Republicans across the state – that a majority of Florida’s LGBT Republicans, including those who initially backed former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman and Texas Congressman Ron Paul, have shifted their support to Romney.
Shortly after Log Cabin’s cocktail caucus adjourned on Saturday evening, the Miami Herald, El Nuevo Herald, and the Tampa Bay Times released the findings of a joint poll that showed a large majority of the state’s Republican voters were in agreement with the Log Cabin members.
[R. Clarke Cooper, president of the national Log Cabin Republicans organization, said,] “Romney has said doing a [one-man/one-woman marriage] constitutional amendment is not realistic and that’s not something that’s going to happen.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
“I don’t believe in discriminating in employment or opportunity for gay individuals. So I favor gay rights.”For background, read Christian Liberty at Risk with a President Romney?
-- Mitt Romney told Nashua Telegraph 11/22/11
UPDATE 5/15/12: Romney says same-sex couples ‘have the right’ to adopt children
-- From "Mitt Romney wins big in straw vote Saturday at Log Cabin Republicans' Florida caucus in Miami" by Steve Rothaus, Miami Herald Staff 1/28/12
Log Cabin Republicans overwhelmingly chose Gov. Mitt Romney as their favorite GOP presidential candidate in a Florida straw vote on Saturday at City Hall the Restaurant, 2004 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami.
The straw vote came following Log Cabin's national board meeting in Miami.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Fla. Log Cabin members tilt toward Romney" by Lou Chibbaro Jr., Washington Blade 1/29/12
Officials from the group’s Florida chapters said the outcome was consistent with anecdotal information they’ve received from club members and gay and lesbian Republicans across the state – that a majority of Florida’s LGBT Republicans, including those who initially backed former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman and Texas Congressman Ron Paul, have shifted their support to Romney.
Shortly after Log Cabin’s cocktail caucus adjourned on Saturday evening, the Miami Herald, El Nuevo Herald, and the Tampa Bay Times released the findings of a joint poll that showed a large majority of the state’s Republican voters were in agreement with the Log Cabin members.
[R. Clarke Cooper, president of the national Log Cabin Republicans organization, said,] “Romney has said doing a [one-man/one-woman marriage] constitutional amendment is not realistic and that’s not something that’s going to happen.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Atheist Proposes Godless Religion, with Sermons
Alain de Botton disagrees with traditional atheism's disdain for religion, instead preaching that what atheists need is everything Christian including congregations, sermons, church-like buildings, Christmas, and even the Bible . . . but without God.
For background, read Atheists Find Agreeable Churches Good for Family and also read Atheists Crave Church Fellowship, but Absent God as well as New Massachusetts 'Church' With No God
-- From "Atheist writers clash over how to not worship a nonexistent God" by Carolyn Kellogg, Los Angeles Times 1/27/12
Writer Alain de Botton wants to erect a $1.5-million "temple for atheists" in London, complete with a 151-foot tower reaching toward a godless sky.
De Botton finds [fellow atheist] Richard Dawkins' approach to atheism "aggressive" and "destructive."
Dawkins, an evolutionary biologist and author of the controversial book "The God Delusion," countered, "Atheists don't need temples. I think there are better things to spend this kind of money on. If you are going to spend money on atheism you could improve secular education and build non-religious schools which teach rational, skeptical critical thinking."
In his upcoming book, "Religion for Atheists," De Botton argues that many of the trappings and teachings of religion are valuable -- just not the God part.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Alain de Botton reveals plans for 'temple to atheism' in heart of London" by Robert Booth, UK Guardian 1/26/12
"Normally a temple is to Jesus, Mary or Buddha, but you can build a temple to anything that's positive and good," he said. "That could mean a temple to love, friendship, calm or perspective. Because of Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens atheism has become known as a destructive force. But there are lots of people who don't believe but aren't aggressive towards religions."
The idea has echoes of earlier atheist spaces, ranging from churches converted to "temples of reason" during the French revolution to the Conway Hall in London which is run by the humanist South Place Ethical Society. The plan is already proving controversial and attempts to secure public sector backing have struggled. Discussions with City authorities about a possible site stalled because "they can't be seen to be connected to anything to do with atheism", the project's architect, Tom Greenall, said.
Humanists said it was misplaced for non-believers to build quasi-religious buildings, because atheists did not need temples to probe the meaning of life.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Atheism 2.0: Don’t get god, get good" by David Bradley, SciScoop Science 1/28/12
Can non-believers reinvent atheism to side-step Dawkin’s snarkiness. After all, to those of unfaith, it doesn’t matter that all religions are fairy stories, we can still learn and benefit from them by picking-and-mixing the best bits of their morality, art, transcendentalism and sermonising (lectures that present not just facts but insights into the human condition).
Alain de Botton posits the idea of a mixed-creed “religion for atheists” – call it Atheism 2.0 – that incorporates religious forms and traditions to satisfy our human need for connection, ritual and transcendence, but without all the creation myths, the slings and arrows, undead and the reincarnation.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Atheism, Paganism Latest Liberal Media Darling
For background, read Atheists Find Agreeable Churches Good for Family and also read Atheists Crave Church Fellowship, but Absent God as well as New Massachusetts 'Church' With No God
-- From "Atheist writers clash over how to not worship a nonexistent God" by Carolyn Kellogg, Los Angeles Times 1/27/12
Writer Alain de Botton wants to erect a $1.5-million "temple for atheists" in London, complete with a 151-foot tower reaching toward a godless sky.
De Botton finds [fellow atheist] Richard Dawkins' approach to atheism "aggressive" and "destructive."
Dawkins, an evolutionary biologist and author of the controversial book "The God Delusion," countered, "Atheists don't need temples. I think there are better things to spend this kind of money on. If you are going to spend money on atheism you could improve secular education and build non-religious schools which teach rational, skeptical critical thinking."
In his upcoming book, "Religion for Atheists," De Botton argues that many of the trappings and teachings of religion are valuable -- just not the God part.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Alain de Botton reveals plans for 'temple to atheism' in heart of London" by Robert Booth, UK Guardian 1/26/12
"Normally a temple is to Jesus, Mary or Buddha, but you can build a temple to anything that's positive and good," he said. "That could mean a temple to love, friendship, calm or perspective. Because of Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens atheism has become known as a destructive force. But there are lots of people who don't believe but aren't aggressive towards religions."
The idea has echoes of earlier atheist spaces, ranging from churches converted to "temples of reason" during the French revolution to the Conway Hall in London which is run by the humanist South Place Ethical Society. The plan is already proving controversial and attempts to secure public sector backing have struggled. Discussions with City authorities about a possible site stalled because "they can't be seen to be connected to anything to do with atheism", the project's architect, Tom Greenall, said.
Humanists said it was misplaced for non-believers to build quasi-religious buildings, because atheists did not need temples to probe the meaning of life.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Atheism 2.0: Don’t get god, get good" by David Bradley, SciScoop Science 1/28/12
Can non-believers reinvent atheism to side-step Dawkin’s snarkiness. After all, to those of unfaith, it doesn’t matter that all religions are fairy stories, we can still learn and benefit from them by picking-and-mixing the best bits of their morality, art, transcendentalism and sermonising (lectures that present not just facts but insights into the human condition).
Alain de Botton posits the idea of a mixed-creed “religion for atheists” – call it Atheism 2.0 – that incorporates religious forms and traditions to satisfy our human need for connection, ritual and transcendence, but without all the creation myths, the slings and arrows, undead and the reincarnation.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Atheism, Paganism Latest Liberal Media Darling
Saturday, January 28, 2012
MD Gov's 'Gay Marriage;' Opponents Cowards, Says Wife
After Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley introduced same-sex "marriage" legislation with so-called "religious liberty protection," along with plans to change minds of legislators who defeated similar legislation last year, the first lady apologized for calling opposition legislators "cowards." Meanwhile, liberal "christians" are lining up to support the Gay Agenda legislation.
For background, read 'Gay Marriage' Bill Pushed by Maryland Governor and also read Catholic Gov. Says Archbishop Wrong on 'Gay Marriage' as well as Christian Grassroots Defeat Same-sex 'Marriage' in Maryland
-- From "O’Malley unveils agenda, including same-sex marriage bill" by John Wagner and Aaron C. Davis, Washington Post 1/23/12
Religious-exemption language included in O’Malley’s same-sex marriage bill is intended to pick up additional support in the House of Delegates, where a bill fell unexpectedly short last year after clearing the Senate.
Among other things, the governor’s bill plainly states that religious groups have exclusive control over their theological doctrines and expands protections against lawsuits arising from refusal to perform same-sex marriages.
House Speaker Michael E. Busch (D-Anne Arundel) said the new language is meant as “a clarification” to address concerns raised by some delegates last year.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "O'Malley hosts meeting with gay marriage backers" by Brian Witte, Associated Press 1/24/12
The Maryland Catholic Conference . . . spoke out against the new measure.
"The bill's limited exemptions for religious organizations remain ambiguous and by no means cover the host of circumstances that would create a conflict between the government and faith institutions if marriage is redefined," Mary Ellen Russell, the group's executive director, said in a statement.
Delegate Emmett Burns, a Baltimore County Democrat who is a black pastor and opponent of gay marriage . . . said there is no way any legislation can adequately protect religious freedom when it comes to same-sex marriage.
"There is no way you can protect me from death; I'm going to die," Burns said. "You can't protect the religious community from same-sex marriage ... They don't have the knowledge to do that. They're not in our churches. They don't know what our doctrines are."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "O'Malley seeks religious support for same-sex marriage bill" by Annie Linskey, The Baltimore Sun 1/25/12
[Rev. Delman Coates of Mt. Ennon Baptist Church in Prince George's County] said he feels comfortable that the legislation would not force his church to do something against its beliefs, and he thinks that gay marriages can co-exist with traditional ones. "I think everyone is protected here," he said. "You don't have to agree with same-sex marriage as a matter of personal religious choice."
The minister's reaction is exactly what O'Malley and advocates for legalizing same-sex marriage are looking for as they begin their push in the Maryland General Assembly.
But many critics — including representatives of the Roman Catholic Church — said they remain staunchly opposed. Mary Ellen Russell, executive director of the Maryland Catholic Conference, said she cannot support the measure because of "the impact such a drastic change would have on all society." She added: "No changes to the bill can change that fundamental fact."
Another opponent, Republican Del. Don Dwyer of Anne Arundel County, said he's going to work "every hour of every day" to defeat the same-sex marriage bill. "It is my only legislative agenda. Period," he said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Maryland governor renews push for same-sex marriage" posted at Catholic World News 1/25/12
“More and more Marylanders … recognize that redefining marriage is not a question of civil rights,” said Mary Ellen Russell, executive director of the Maryland Catholic Conference. “Our state’s marriage statute is not an arbitrary recognition of one relationship among many possibilities. This recognition--bestowed on marriage by societies throughout human history--originates in a simple biological fact. The union of one man and one woman is the only human relationship capable of creating children and nurturing them together as father and mother.”
“The bill’s limited exemptions for religious organizations remain ambiguous and by no means cover the host of circumstances that would create a conflict between the government and faith institutions if marriage is redefined,” Russell added. “Moreover, the exemptions do nothing to address religious liberties for the average citizen.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read 'Gay Rights' Winning, Loss of Religious Liberty Documented - Washington Post writer demonstrates it's a "zero sum" game: Winning homosexual 'rights' means Christians must lose freedom of religion.
For background, read 'Gay Marriage' Bill Pushed by Maryland Governor and also read Catholic Gov. Says Archbishop Wrong on 'Gay Marriage' as well as Christian Grassroots Defeat Same-sex 'Marriage' in Maryland
-- From "O’Malley unveils agenda, including same-sex marriage bill" by John Wagner and Aaron C. Davis, Washington Post 1/23/12
Religious-exemption language included in O’Malley’s same-sex marriage bill is intended to pick up additional support in the House of Delegates, where a bill fell unexpectedly short last year after clearing the Senate.
Among other things, the governor’s bill plainly states that religious groups have exclusive control over their theological doctrines and expands protections against lawsuits arising from refusal to perform same-sex marriages.
House Speaker Michael E. Busch (D-Anne Arundel) said the new language is meant as “a clarification” to address concerns raised by some delegates last year.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "O'Malley hosts meeting with gay marriage backers" by Brian Witte, Associated Press 1/24/12
The Maryland Catholic Conference . . . spoke out against the new measure.
"The bill's limited exemptions for religious organizations remain ambiguous and by no means cover the host of circumstances that would create a conflict between the government and faith institutions if marriage is redefined," Mary Ellen Russell, the group's executive director, said in a statement.
Delegate Emmett Burns, a Baltimore County Democrat who is a black pastor and opponent of gay marriage . . . said there is no way any legislation can adequately protect religious freedom when it comes to same-sex marriage.
"There is no way you can protect me from death; I'm going to die," Burns said. "You can't protect the religious community from same-sex marriage ... They don't have the knowledge to do that. They're not in our churches. They don't know what our doctrines are."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "O'Malley seeks religious support for same-sex marriage bill" by Annie Linskey, The Baltimore Sun 1/25/12
[Rev. Delman Coates of Mt. Ennon Baptist Church in Prince George's County] said he feels comfortable that the legislation would not force his church to do something against its beliefs, and he thinks that gay marriages can co-exist with traditional ones. "I think everyone is protected here," he said. "You don't have to agree with same-sex marriage as a matter of personal religious choice."
The minister's reaction is exactly what O'Malley and advocates for legalizing same-sex marriage are looking for as they begin their push in the Maryland General Assembly.
But many critics — including representatives of the Roman Catholic Church — said they remain staunchly opposed. Mary Ellen Russell, executive director of the Maryland Catholic Conference, said she cannot support the measure because of "the impact such a drastic change would have on all society." She added: "No changes to the bill can change that fundamental fact."
Another opponent, Republican Del. Don Dwyer of Anne Arundel County, said he's going to work "every hour of every day" to defeat the same-sex marriage bill. "It is my only legislative agenda. Period," he said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Maryland governor renews push for same-sex marriage" posted at Catholic World News 1/25/12
“More and more Marylanders … recognize that redefining marriage is not a question of civil rights,” said Mary Ellen Russell, executive director of the Maryland Catholic Conference. “Our state’s marriage statute is not an arbitrary recognition of one relationship among many possibilities. This recognition--bestowed on marriage by societies throughout human history--originates in a simple biological fact. The union of one man and one woman is the only human relationship capable of creating children and nurturing them together as father and mother.”
“The bill’s limited exemptions for religious organizations remain ambiguous and by no means cover the host of circumstances that would create a conflict between the government and faith institutions if marriage is redefined,” Russell added. “Moreover, the exemptions do nothing to address religious liberties for the average citizen.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read 'Gay Rights' Winning, Loss of Religious Liberty Documented - Washington Post writer demonstrates it's a "zero sum" game: Winning homosexual 'rights' means Christians must lose freedom of religion.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
School Supt.: Christian Student Ignorant, Anti-gay
After Wisconsin Superintendent Todd Carlson read a Shawano High School op-ed article in the school newspaper opposing "gay adoption" and presenting Biblical principles, he said that the 15-year-old student writer, Brandon Wegner, had "to be one of the most ignorant kids to try to argue with him about this topic."
-- From "Gay debate hits home in Shawano" posted at Green Bay Press-Gazette 1/15/12
The student newspaper column (.PDF) against same-sex couples says: "If one is a practicing Christian, Jesus states in the Bible that homosexuality is (a) detestable act and sin which makes adopting wrong for homosexuals because you would be raising the child in a sin-filled environment.
"A child adopted into homosexuality will get confused because everyone else will have two different-gendered parents that can give them the correct amount of motherly nurturing and fatherly structure. In a Christian society, allowing homosexual couples to adopt is an abomination."
"This is why kids commit suicide," said Nick Uttecht, who is raising four children with his partner, Michael McNelly.
Uttecht told school district officials he thinks the piece opposing gays as parents is hateful and should not have run. He worries the strong language will hurt his children and could lead students to bully gay classmates.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Gay adoption column causes Wis. district to tighten prior review" by Emily Summars, Staff Writer, Student Press Law Center 1/24/12
The Hawks Post published two opinion pieces about the issue of gay and lesbian adoption, one in support and one opposed.
Todd Carlson, superintendent of Shawano School District, issued a statement last week stating, “There is no intent by the school district to advocate for any of these positions. As a place of learning, Shawano school district strives to cultivate a positive environment for everyone.”
The article did not match the tone of the school district’s mission, Carlson wrote.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Atty Says School Threatened, Punished Boy Who Opposed Gay Adoption" by Todd Starnes, Fox News 1/24/12
Mathew Staver, the founder of the Liberty Counsel, sent a letter to Superintendent Todd Carlson demanding an apology for “Its unconstitutional and irrational censorship and humiliation” of Brandon Wegner.
[Staver] said the 15-year-old was ordered to the superintendent’s office where he was subjected to hours of meetings and was accused of violating the school’s bullying policy.
“The superintendent called him ignorant and said he had the power to suspend him,” Staver said. “He’s using his position to bully this student. This is absolutely the epitome of intolerance.”
Staver said the boy’s parents were never notified.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read 'Gay Rights' Winning, Loss of Religious Liberty Documented - Washington Post writer demonstrates it's a "zero sum" game: Winning homosexual 'rights' means Christians must lose freedom of religion.
-- From "Gay debate hits home in Shawano" posted at Green Bay Press-Gazette 1/15/12
The student newspaper column (.PDF) against same-sex couples says: "If one is a practicing Christian, Jesus states in the Bible that homosexuality is (a) detestable act and sin which makes adopting wrong for homosexuals because you would be raising the child in a sin-filled environment.
"A child adopted into homosexuality will get confused because everyone else will have two different-gendered parents that can give them the correct amount of motherly nurturing and fatherly structure. In a Christian society, allowing homosexual couples to adopt is an abomination."
"This is why kids commit suicide," said Nick Uttecht, who is raising four children with his partner, Michael McNelly.
Uttecht told school district officials he thinks the piece opposing gays as parents is hateful and should not have run. He worries the strong language will hurt his children and could lead students to bully gay classmates.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Gay adoption column causes Wis. district to tighten prior review" by Emily Summars, Staff Writer, Student Press Law Center 1/24/12
The Hawks Post published two opinion pieces about the issue of gay and lesbian adoption, one in support and one opposed.
Todd Carlson, superintendent of Shawano School District, issued a statement last week stating, “There is no intent by the school district to advocate for any of these positions. As a place of learning, Shawano school district strives to cultivate a positive environment for everyone.”
The article did not match the tone of the school district’s mission, Carlson wrote.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Atty Says School Threatened, Punished Boy Who Opposed Gay Adoption" by Todd Starnes, Fox News 1/24/12
Mathew Staver, the founder of the Liberty Counsel, sent a letter to Superintendent Todd Carlson demanding an apology for “Its unconstitutional and irrational censorship and humiliation” of Brandon Wegner.
[Staver] said the 15-year-old was ordered to the superintendent’s office where he was subjected to hours of meetings and was accused of violating the school’s bullying policy.
“The superintendent called him ignorant and said he had the power to suspend him,” Staver said. “He’s using his position to bully this student. This is absolutely the epitome of intolerance.”
Staver said the boy’s parents were never notified.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read 'Gay Rights' Winning, Loss of Religious Liberty Documented - Washington Post writer demonstrates it's a "zero sum" game: Winning homosexual 'rights' means Christians must lose freedom of religion.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Obama Says Girls Need Abortion Rights for Equality
As pro-life activists marched at the Supreme Court on the 39th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade ruling, praying for over 50 million Americans murdered in the womb, President Obama praised the activist court for not "punishing girls with a baby."
For background, read Obama Celebrates Roe v. Wade Anniversary and also read Christians Flood D.C. to Oppose Abortion
-- From "Thousands march on Washington to protest 'Roe'" by Bob Smietana, USA TODAY 1/24/12
. . . thousands of protesters . . . marched from the National Mall to the Supreme Court in chilly, soggy weather in the annual call for an end to abortion in the USA. The march is held every year since 1974 to mark the anniversary of the 1973 Supreme Court Roe v. Wade decision that made abortion legal nationwide.
House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, told the throng gathered Monday afternoon on the muddy National Mall that he's one of 12 children.
Several dozen members of Congress addressed the rally and were cheered by participants, many of whom carried signs reading: "I Vote Pro-Life First" and "Defund Planned Parenthood." Signs endorsing Republican presidential contenders were less evident, although some favored Rick Santorum and Ron Paul.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Obama defends Roe v. Wade on anniversary of Supreme Court ruling" by Jeremy Herb, The Hill 1/22/12
“We must remember that this Supreme Court decision not only protects a woman’s health and reproductive freedom, but also affirms a broader principle: that government should not intrude on private family matters,” Obama said in a statement Sunday.
“And as we remember this historic anniversary, we must also continue our efforts to ensure that our daughters have the same rights, freedoms, and opportunities as our sons to fulfill their dreams.”
The Republican-led House passed bills in 2011 that would restrict federal subsidies for abortion, and the issue nearly sparked a government shutdown in April after a last minute dust-up. States enacted 67 measures restricting abortion in 2011, according to a report released last week by abortion rights group NARAL Pro-Choice America.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Obama Defends Roe v. Wade As Way for ‘Our Daughters’ to Have Same Chance As Sons to ‘Fulfill Their Dreams’" by Fred Lucas, CNSNews.com 1/23/12
The 1973 U.S. Supreme Court nationalized abortion law, prohibiting states from deciding on the matter. In his written statement, Obama acknowledged that abortion has been a divisive political issue.
As a state lawmaker in Illinois, [Obama] voted four times against legislation to protect the life of a baby that survived a botched abortion. He voted against such legislation at the state level in 2001, 2002 and 2003.
As president, Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare, which would appropriate federal money toward insurance plans that pay for abortions.
On Friday, the Obama administration finalized regulations that order Americans – unless they work directly at a church – to purchase government-approved health insurance plans that cover sterilizations and contraceptives, including those that cause abortions.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "New York Times Ignores Massive Pro-Life March for Fifth Year in a Row" by Clay Waters, NewsBusters 1/24/12
For the fifth year in a row, there was no story in the Times print edition on the annual March for Life against abortion in Washington, D.C., which every year draws massive crowds in unpromising weather on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court's decision legalizing abortion.
Even the two references made about the march at nytimes.com were accidental, done to explain where Sen. Rand Paul was headed when he was stopped at airport security by TSA in Nashville, leading editorial page editor Andrew Rosenthal to incoherently argue: “Mr. Paul was on his way to a ‘March for Life’ anti-abortion rally. I can’t wrap my mind around the blatant contradiction here. A breezy airport security experience is essential to our liberty, but a woman’s right to choose isn’t?”
As Times Watch reported last January, the 2011 print edition of the Times did not feature an actual news story of the thousands who marched in frigid weather, just two photos with the caption “Abortion Opponents Rally On the National Mall,” above a three-sentence description that led to a link to photographs online. That was actually a vast improvement; the Times in print absolutely ignored the March for Life in 2010, 2009, and 2008 (a 300-word story marked the 2007 March for Life on January 23 of that year).
To read the entire opinion column above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Abortion Unconstitutional via Roe v. Wade: Personhood
“And as we remember this historic anniversary, we must also continue our efforts to ensure that our daughters have the same rights, freedoms, and opportunities as our sons to fulfill their dreams.”
-- President Barack Obama in White House statement 1/23/12
For background, read Obama Celebrates Roe v. Wade Anniversary and also read Christians Flood D.C. to Oppose Abortion
-- From "Thousands march on Washington to protest 'Roe'" by Bob Smietana, USA TODAY 1/24/12
. . . thousands of protesters . . . marched from the National Mall to the Supreme Court in chilly, soggy weather in the annual call for an end to abortion in the USA. The march is held every year since 1974 to mark the anniversary of the 1973 Supreme Court Roe v. Wade decision that made abortion legal nationwide.
House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, told the throng gathered Monday afternoon on the muddy National Mall that he's one of 12 children.
Several dozen members of Congress addressed the rally and were cheered by participants, many of whom carried signs reading: "I Vote Pro-Life First" and "Defund Planned Parenthood." Signs endorsing Republican presidential contenders were less evident, although some favored Rick Santorum and Ron Paul.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Obama defends Roe v. Wade on anniversary of Supreme Court ruling" by Jeremy Herb, The Hill 1/22/12
“We must remember that this Supreme Court decision not only protects a woman’s health and reproductive freedom, but also affirms a broader principle: that government should not intrude on private family matters,” Obama said in a statement Sunday.
“And as we remember this historic anniversary, we must also continue our efforts to ensure that our daughters have the same rights, freedoms, and opportunities as our sons to fulfill their dreams.”
The Republican-led House passed bills in 2011 that would restrict federal subsidies for abortion, and the issue nearly sparked a government shutdown in April after a last minute dust-up. States enacted 67 measures restricting abortion in 2011, according to a report released last week by abortion rights group NARAL Pro-Choice America.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Obama Defends Roe v. Wade As Way for ‘Our Daughters’ to Have Same Chance As Sons to ‘Fulfill Their Dreams’" by Fred Lucas, CNSNews.com 1/23/12
The 1973 U.S. Supreme Court nationalized abortion law, prohibiting states from deciding on the matter. In his written statement, Obama acknowledged that abortion has been a divisive political issue.
As a state lawmaker in Illinois, [Obama] voted four times against legislation to protect the life of a baby that survived a botched abortion. He voted against such legislation at the state level in 2001, 2002 and 2003.
As president, Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare, which would appropriate federal money toward insurance plans that pay for abortions.
On Friday, the Obama administration finalized regulations that order Americans – unless they work directly at a church – to purchase government-approved health insurance plans that cover sterilizations and contraceptives, including those that cause abortions.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "New York Times Ignores Massive Pro-Life March for Fifth Year in a Row" by Clay Waters, NewsBusters 1/24/12
For the fifth year in a row, there was no story in the Times print edition on the annual March for Life against abortion in Washington, D.C., which every year draws massive crowds in unpromising weather on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court's decision legalizing abortion.
Even the two references made about the march at nytimes.com were accidental, done to explain where Sen. Rand Paul was headed when he was stopped at airport security by TSA in Nashville, leading editorial page editor Andrew Rosenthal to incoherently argue: “Mr. Paul was on his way to a ‘March for Life’ anti-abortion rally. I can’t wrap my mind around the blatant contradiction here. A breezy airport security experience is essential to our liberty, but a woman’s right to choose isn’t?”
As Times Watch reported last January, the 2011 print edition of the Times did not feature an actual news story of the thousands who marched in frigid weather, just two photos with the caption “Abortion Opponents Rally On the National Mall,” above a three-sentence description that led to a link to photographs online. That was actually a vast improvement; the Times in print absolutely ignored the March for Life in 2010, 2009, and 2008 (a 300-word story marked the 2007 March for Life on January 23 of that year).
To read the entire opinion column above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Abortion Unconstitutional via Roe v. Wade: Personhood
Saturday, January 21, 2012
IL Abortion Clinics Passed without Inspections
Recently, the Illinois Department of Public Health decided that their past history of ignoring state inspection laws for abortion clinics could reveal their ideology, so the pro-abortion regulators decided to catch up on inspections that have lapsed by as much as 15 years.
For background, read Unsafe Illinois Abortion Clinic Closes Permanently and also read Two Abortionists Arrested, Charged with Murder as well as More Abortionists Linked to Murder Cases
UPDATE 1/16/14: IL Abortion Clinic Sidesteps Regulations by Closing, then Reopening (see article excerpts below)
-- From "Ill. cracks down on abortion clinics" by Carla K. Johnson, Associated Press Medical Writer 1/21/12
An increased scrutiny of Illinois abortion clinics in the wake of revelations about a "house of horrors" in Philadelphia revealed that some facilities had gone up to 15 years without inspections, and two now have closed after regulators found health and safety violations.
While Illinois is working on the backlog of neglected inspections, the documents reviewed by the AP show that a few abortion clinics in the state still haven't been checked in more than a decade. One in Chicago hasn't been inspected in 16 years. Another in the suburb of Wood Dale was last inspected nearly 15 years ago.
Anti-abortion activist Eric Scheidler, executive director of the Chicago-based Pro-Life Action League, said Illinois is "one of the most pro-abortion states in the nation" and he believes it gave the clinics "a pass." The state has shown "a systematic unwillingness to step away from the ideology and look at these facilities objectively," he said, calling for more stringent inspections.
Those reports [of mothers' deaths in other states] also spurred the Illinois Department of Public Health into action, said Karen Senger, who supervises licensing and regulation of health care facilities in the state. The documents show the state began quietly increasing the inspections of its clinics last year.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Illinois cracks down on abortion clinics" by The Associated Press 1/20/12
Here is a list of clinics inspected last year and the years they'd gone without full health inspections:
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
UPDATE 1/16/14: From "Slapped with $36,000 fine, judge willing to let abortion clinic pay $77 to get off the hook" by John Jansen, LifeSiteNews.com
Imagine you run a shoddy abortion clinic that amasses a $36,000 fine by your state’s health department. You file for bankruptcy, but your case is dismissed. Then, you close out your bank account, dissolve your old company, change your name, and move to a different location.
On September 6-7, 2011, inspectors with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) visited the Women’s Aid Clinic abortion facility, located in the northern Chicago suburb of Lincolnwood, for the first time in 15 years.
Six weeks later, on October 21, 2011 the state assessed Women’s Aid Clinic with a fine of $36,000 for a host of serious violations, including failure to perform CPR on 18-year old Antonesha Ross, who died following an abortion. The state also suspended the license of Women’s Aid to operate as a pregnancy termination specialty center (PTSC) and prohibited the facility from performing surgical abortions—although it is still permitted to perform medical abortions (i.e., RU-486).
To read the entire saga, CLICK HERE.
For background, read Unsafe Illinois Abortion Clinic Closes Permanently and also read Two Abortionists Arrested, Charged with Murder as well as More Abortionists Linked to Murder Cases
UPDATE 1/16/14: IL Abortion Clinic Sidesteps Regulations by Closing, then Reopening (see article excerpts below)
-- From "Ill. cracks down on abortion clinics" by Carla K. Johnson, Associated Press Medical Writer 1/21/12
An increased scrutiny of Illinois abortion clinics in the wake of revelations about a "house of horrors" in Philadelphia revealed that some facilities had gone up to 15 years without inspections, and two now have closed after regulators found health and safety violations.
While Illinois is working on the backlog of neglected inspections, the documents reviewed by the AP show that a few abortion clinics in the state still haven't been checked in more than a decade. One in Chicago hasn't been inspected in 16 years. Another in the suburb of Wood Dale was last inspected nearly 15 years ago.
Anti-abortion activist Eric Scheidler, executive director of the Chicago-based Pro-Life Action League, said Illinois is "one of the most pro-abortion states in the nation" and he believes it gave the clinics "a pass." The state has shown "a systematic unwillingness to step away from the ideology and look at these facilities objectively," he said, calling for more stringent inspections.
Those reports [of mothers' deaths in other states] also spurred the Illinois Department of Public Health into action, said Karen Senger, who supervises licensing and regulation of health care facilities in the state. The documents show the state began quietly increasing the inspections of its clinics last year.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Illinois cracks down on abortion clinics" by The Associated Press 1/20/12
Here is a list of clinics inspected last year and the years they'd gone without full health inspections:
—Aanchor Health Center in Glen Ellyn. Nine years without a full health inspection. Inspected May 5, 2011.Source: Illinois Department of Public Health documents on pregnancy termination center inspections
—Access Health Center in Downers Grove. 13 years without a full health inspection. Inspected May 18, 2011.
—ACU Health Clinic in Hinsdale. 14 years without an inspection. Inspected May 24, 2011.
—American Women's Medical Center in Des Plaines. Seven years without a full health inspection. Inspected June 23, 2011.
—Forest View Medical Center in Des Plaines. Six years without a full health inspection. Inspected June 1, 2011.
—Michigan Avenue Medical Center in Chicago. Seven years without a full health inspection. Inspected June 23, 2011.
—National Health Care Service in Peoria. Nine years without a full health inspection. Inspected June 16, 2011.
—Northern Illinois Women's Center in Rockford. 15 years without a full health inspection. Inspected June 8, 2011.
—Women's Aid Clinic in Lincolnwood. 15 years without a full health inspection. Inspected Sept. 6, 2011.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
UPDATE 1/16/14: From "Slapped with $36,000 fine, judge willing to let abortion clinic pay $77 to get off the hook" by John Jansen, LifeSiteNews.com
Imagine you run a shoddy abortion clinic that amasses a $36,000 fine by your state’s health department. You file for bankruptcy, but your case is dismissed. Then, you close out your bank account, dissolve your old company, change your name, and move to a different location.
On September 6-7, 2011, inspectors with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) visited the Women’s Aid Clinic abortion facility, located in the northern Chicago suburb of Lincolnwood, for the first time in 15 years.
Six weeks later, on October 21, 2011 the state assessed Women’s Aid Clinic with a fine of $36,000 for a host of serious violations, including failure to perform CPR on 18-year old Antonesha Ross, who died following an abortion. The state also suspended the license of Women’s Aid to operate as a pregnancy termination specialty center (PTSC) and prohibited the facility from performing surgical abortions—although it is still permitted to perform medical abortions (i.e., RU-486).
To read the entire saga, CLICK HERE.
Friday, January 20, 2012
The Pope, and Obama's War on Christianity
In speaking to visiting American bishops, the Pope warned that "radical secularism" in American government and society is threatening religious liberty, and he charged the bishops, and all Catholics, with the obligation to engage secularists and oppose the so-called "separation of church and state."
UPDATE 10/13/12: Bishops Chasten Vice President Biden, a 'Practicing Catholic'
UPDATE 9/20/12: President Obama Denies Leading War Against Christianity
UPDATE 1/31/12 - ObamaCare Mandate Tells Catholics “To Hell With You” (FOX News video):
UPDATE 2/17/12: ObamaCare Stakes Ground in War on Christianity
UPDATE 3/9/12: Pope denounces Gay Agenda
-- From "Pope hits out at 'radical secularism'" by The Associated Press 1/19/12
Benedict did not explicitly mention it, but the bishops have complained their religious freedom is eroding in the face of growing acceptance of gay marriage and attempts to marginalize faith. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has recently formed a committee on protecting religious liberty and hired attorneys and a lobbyist to work on the issue.
The pope said many of the bishops have complained about attempts to deny conscientious objection with regard to cooperation in "intrinsically evil practices." U.S. church leaders have been pressing for a broader religious exception to part of President Obama's health care overhaul that mandates private insurers pay for contraception. The Obama administration has not yet made a decision on the policy and the timing is uncertain.
Benedict also expressed appreciation that bishops have been more outspoken about American Catholic politicians who don't follow church teaching on abortion and other issues.
The White House had no response to the pope's remarks.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Pope warns U.S. bishops on threat of ‘radical secularism’" by Alessandro Speciale, Religion News Service, WashingtonPost.com 1/19/12
“Radical secularism” is gaining ground in American society and poses a “grave threat” to the Catholic Church’s freedom of expression in the public square, Pope Benedict XVI told a group of U.S. bishops on Thursday (Jan. 19).
Benedict said bishops must help Catholic politicians understand that it is “their personal responsibility to offer public witness to their faith,” especially regarding the respect for human life.
The pontiff warned that America’s “cherished” tradition of “religious freedom” is under threat as the nation’s moral consensus has been “eroded” by “powerful new cultural currents” that not only run counter to “Judeo-Christian tradition, but (are) increasingly hostile to Christianity as such.”
Benedict warned that the separation of church and state must not be invoked to force the church to “be silent on certain issues,” or to sideline believers in “determining the values which will shape the future of the nation”.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Pope: America is 'increasingly hostile to Christianity'" by John-Henry Westen, LifeSiteNews.com 1/19/12
The Pope was emphatic in insisting that the threat posed by current trends threatens not only Christianity but “humanity itself.” He said: “To the extent that some current cultural trends contain elements that would curtail the proclamation of these truths, whether constricting it within the limits of a merely scientific rationality, or suppressing it in the name of political power or majority rule, they represent a threat not just to Christian faith, but also to humanity itself and to the deepest truth about our being and ultimate vocation, our relationship to God.”
Pope Benedict, in sounding the alarm, called not for retreat, but for the leaders of the Catholic Church to press on with preaching the truth however unpopular. “For her part, the Church in the United States is called, in season and out of season, to proclaim a Gospel which not only proposes unchanging moral truths but proposes them precisely as the key to human happiness and social prospering,” he said. “With her long tradition of respect for the right relationship between faith and reason, the Church has a critical role to play in countering cultural currents which, on the basis of an extreme individualism, seek to promote notions of freedom detached from moral truth.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Address of His Holiness Benedict XVI to the Bishops Of The United States Of America on their 'Ad Limina' Visit" 1/19/12
At the heart of every culture, whether perceived or not, is a consensus about the nature of reality and the moral good, and thus about the conditions for human flourishing. In America, that consensus, as enshrined in your nation’s founding documents, was grounded in a worldview shaped not only by faith but a commitment to certain ethical principles deriving from nature and nature’s God. Today that consensus has eroded significantly in the face of powerful new cultural currents which are not only directly opposed to core moral teachings of the Judeo-Christian tradition, but increasingly hostile to Christianity as such.
To read all of the Pope's address, CLICK HERE.
Also read Archbishop to Priests: Support Marriage or Be Quiet
UPDATE 3/6/12 - Catholics called to vote in November (video):
“. . . it is imperative that the entire Catholic community in the United States come to realize the grave threats to the Church’s public moral witness presented by a radical secularism which finds increasing expression in the political and cultural spheres.”For background, read Obama Wants Catholic Vote but Dem Platform Anathema and also read Bishops Say Obama Destroying Societal Norm as well as Pope: Gay Agenda & Abortion Dooms Society
-- Pope Benedict XVI
UPDATE 10/13/12: Bishops Chasten Vice President Biden, a 'Practicing Catholic'
UPDATE 9/20/12: President Obama Denies Leading War Against Christianity
UPDATE 1/31/12 - ObamaCare Mandate Tells Catholics “To Hell With You” (FOX News video):
UPDATE 2/17/12: ObamaCare Stakes Ground in War on Christianity
UPDATE 3/9/12: Pope denounces Gay Agenda
-- From "Pope hits out at 'radical secularism'" by The Associated Press 1/19/12
Benedict did not explicitly mention it, but the bishops have complained their religious freedom is eroding in the face of growing acceptance of gay marriage and attempts to marginalize faith. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has recently formed a committee on protecting religious liberty and hired attorneys and a lobbyist to work on the issue.
The pope said many of the bishops have complained about attempts to deny conscientious objection with regard to cooperation in "intrinsically evil practices." U.S. church leaders have been pressing for a broader religious exception to part of President Obama's health care overhaul that mandates private insurers pay for contraception. The Obama administration has not yet made a decision on the policy and the timing is uncertain.
Benedict also expressed appreciation that bishops have been more outspoken about American Catholic politicians who don't follow church teaching on abortion and other issues.
The White House had no response to the pope's remarks.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Pope warns U.S. bishops on threat of ‘radical secularism’" by Alessandro Speciale, Religion News Service, WashingtonPost.com 1/19/12
“Radical secularism” is gaining ground in American society and poses a “grave threat” to the Catholic Church’s freedom of expression in the public square, Pope Benedict XVI told a group of U.S. bishops on Thursday (Jan. 19).
Benedict said bishops must help Catholic politicians understand that it is “their personal responsibility to offer public witness to their faith,” especially regarding the respect for human life.
The pontiff warned that America’s “cherished” tradition of “religious freedom” is under threat as the nation’s moral consensus has been “eroded” by “powerful new cultural currents” that not only run counter to “Judeo-Christian tradition, but (are) increasingly hostile to Christianity as such.”
Benedict warned that the separation of church and state must not be invoked to force the church to “be silent on certain issues,” or to sideline believers in “determining the values which will shape the future of the nation”.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Pope: America is 'increasingly hostile to Christianity'" by John-Henry Westen, LifeSiteNews.com 1/19/12
The Pope was emphatic in insisting that the threat posed by current trends threatens not only Christianity but “humanity itself.” He said: “To the extent that some current cultural trends contain elements that would curtail the proclamation of these truths, whether constricting it within the limits of a merely scientific rationality, or suppressing it in the name of political power or majority rule, they represent a threat not just to Christian faith, but also to humanity itself and to the deepest truth about our being and ultimate vocation, our relationship to God.”
Pope Benedict, in sounding the alarm, called not for retreat, but for the leaders of the Catholic Church to press on with preaching the truth however unpopular. “For her part, the Church in the United States is called, in season and out of season, to proclaim a Gospel which not only proposes unchanging moral truths but proposes them precisely as the key to human happiness and social prospering,” he said. “With her long tradition of respect for the right relationship between faith and reason, the Church has a critical role to play in countering cultural currents which, on the basis of an extreme individualism, seek to promote notions of freedom detached from moral truth.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Address of His Holiness Benedict XVI to the Bishops Of The United States Of America on their 'Ad Limina' Visit" 1/19/12
At the heart of every culture, whether perceived or not, is a consensus about the nature of reality and the moral good, and thus about the conditions for human flourishing. In America, that consensus, as enshrined in your nation’s founding documents, was grounded in a worldview shaped not only by faith but a commitment to certain ethical principles deriving from nature and nature’s God. Today that consensus has eroded significantly in the face of powerful new cultural currents which are not only directly opposed to core moral teachings of the Judeo-Christian tradition, but increasingly hostile to Christianity as such.
To read all of the Pope's address, CLICK HERE.
Also read Archbishop to Priests: Support Marriage or Be Quiet
UPDATE 3/6/12 - Catholics called to vote in November (video):
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Indiana Endorses Teenage Sexually Deviant Behavior
Through a new specialty license plate, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles is facilitating funding of homosexualists' recruitment of children through public school "gay clubs" and other community youth services.
For background, read Gay Recruitment of Kids: Senators Join Obama and also read White House Says Gay Recruitment of Kids Successful as well as American Homosexual Population is Tiny: Study
-- From "Indiana unveils its first license plate for gay youths" by Associated Press 1/18/12
. . . Indiana is the second state in the nation with a specialty plate benefiting gay youths.
More than 420,000 specialty plates were sold last year [in Indiana], generating more than $11 million for the sponsoring organizations . . .
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Group scores a victory by getting license plate" by Erika D. Smith, Indianapolis Star 1/18/12
This is the story of the rainbow-bedecked Indiana Youth Group specialty plate, which was approved by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles this week after four years of legal drama.
The official hang-up?
The BMV worried that IYG, a nonprofit that provides social services for gay youths, didn't have enough of a statewide impact. The BMV also was worried that IYG might spend revenue from sales of the plate to pay its employees -- a no-no. However, a lawsuit filed with the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana pointed to a lack of transparency in the BMV requirements. With the lawsuit settled, IYG's application and those from nine other organizations were approved.
Getting a plate was about marketing and getting money to fund its mission. IYG gets $25 for each $40 plate it sells.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "State steps up to the plate" posted at The Journal Gazette 1/18/12
The release of the IYG plate coincides with the group’s 25th anniversary and features a logo of six hands in the colors of a rainbow.
Micah Clark, executive director of the American Family Association of Indiana, questions the BMV’s decision in granting the plate for a group that he claims “recruits teens into the homosexual lifestyle.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "State Unveils 1st License Plate Benefitting Gay Youth" posted at ABC-TV6 1/18/12
The Indianapolis-based [IYG] organization operates an activity center, helps develop Gay Straight Alliances in high schools and assists communities in forming youth services. The group serves about 1,400 youths and young adults ages 12 to 21.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
For background, read Gay Recruitment of Kids: Senators Join Obama and also read White House Says Gay Recruitment of Kids Successful as well as American Homosexual Population is Tiny: Study
-- From "Indiana unveils its first license plate for gay youths" by Associated Press 1/18/12
. . . Indiana is the second state in the nation with a specialty plate benefiting gay youths.
More than 420,000 specialty plates were sold last year [in Indiana], generating more than $11 million for the sponsoring organizations . . .
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Group scores a victory by getting license plate" by Erika D. Smith, Indianapolis Star 1/18/12
This is the story of the rainbow-bedecked Indiana Youth Group specialty plate, which was approved by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles this week after four years of legal drama.
The official hang-up?
The BMV worried that IYG, a nonprofit that provides social services for gay youths, didn't have enough of a statewide impact. The BMV also was worried that IYG might spend revenue from sales of the plate to pay its employees -- a no-no. However, a lawsuit filed with the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana pointed to a lack of transparency in the BMV requirements. With the lawsuit settled, IYG's application and those from nine other organizations were approved.
Getting a plate was about marketing and getting money to fund its mission. IYG gets $25 for each $40 plate it sells.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "State steps up to the plate" posted at The Journal Gazette 1/18/12
The release of the IYG plate coincides with the group’s 25th anniversary and features a logo of six hands in the colors of a rainbow.
Micah Clark, executive director of the American Family Association of Indiana, questions the BMV’s decision in granting the plate for a group that he claims “recruits teens into the homosexual lifestyle.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "State Unveils 1st License Plate Benefitting Gay Youth" posted at ABC-TV6 1/18/12
The Indianapolis-based [IYG] organization operates an activity center, helps develop Gay Straight Alliances in high schools and assists communities in forming youth services. The group serves about 1,400 youths and young adults ages 12 to 21.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Porn Industry May Leave LA Over 'Safe Sex' Regs
Consistent with the legitimization of a sexualized culture, the Los Angeles City Council voted 9-1 to require pornographic sex performers to use condoms. In response, porn producers are threatening to relocate their commercial enterprises to other states with less government regulations -- taking their billions of ill-gotten gains with them.
For background, read California Wants Improved Occupational Health in Porn Industry and also read Porn Advocates Perplexed re: STD Transmission as well as Porn Stars' STDs Blamed on County Health Officials
UPDATE 2/15/16: Failed HIV Test on Gay Porn Star Causes Multiple Infections
UPDATE 8/21/12: Syphilis scare halts porn industry filming in LA as health officials investigate
UPDATE 7/5/12: LA voters will decide porn condom requirement in November 2012
UPDATE 2/21/12: Pornographers face March 5th condom deadline
-- From "Los Angeles mandates porn stars wear condoms" by Alex Dobuzinskis, Reuters 1/18/12
The move comes amid persistent questions about how to enforce the health measure, which backers say will protect performers in the multibillion-dollar porn industry from contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Producers complain the sight of a condom in a sex scene turns off consumers of their videos.
. . . passage made the city the first in the nation to impose such a requirement. Most of the U.S. porn industry is based in Los Angeles.
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal-OSHA) already requires porn performers to wear barriers, such as condoms, when they are in contact with bodily fluids.
But enforcement has been a challenge for the state. For one, the Cal-OSHA requirement is not specifically aimed at adult films, and it is openly violated within the industry . . .
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Condoms in porn: Government should not intrude, group says" by Rong-Gong Lin II, Los Angeles Times 1/18/12
A porn industry representative said Tuesday she opposed Los Angeles City Hall's efforts to require condoms on porn performers, calling it an unnecessary intrusion. The group did not rule out lawsuits or other measures to fight the measure.
"We're looking at all of our options and talking to the industry heads," said Diane Duke, of the San Fernando Valley-based Free Speech Coalition, a porn industry lobbying group. "The government is intruding into the sexual behavior of consenting adults."
Duke said Tuesday that another reason is that some porn performers prefer to not use condoms, saying "it's really hard on their bodies" during lengthy, grueling shooting schedules. "It's very different on a set … We're in favor of choice for performers." AIDS Healthcare Foundation President Michael Weinstein said there are many performers who do want mandatory condoms, such as Jenna Jameson, and that condoms are consistently used in gay porn.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Porn industry could leave LA if condoms required" by The Associated Press, USA TODAY 1/18/12
"It's going to be interesting to see how in fact they do try to enforce it and who's going to fund it, and all of the time and effort they're going to spend," said Steven Hirsch, co-founder and co-chairman of Los Angeles-based Vivid, one of the largest makers of erotic movies.
"The only thing that the city could potentially achieve is losing some film permit money and driving some productions away, but you can't actually compel an industry to create a product that the market doesn't want," said Christian Mann, general manager of Evil Angel, another of the industry's largest production companies.
[Veteran porn actress and producer Tabitha] Stevens said, she has worked both with and without condoms. Although she prefers to use condoms, acknowledging they do increase safety, she said the choice should be left up to the performers and not mandated by a government agency.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Pornography Unchecked by Obama Administration
For background, read California Wants Improved Occupational Health in Porn Industry and also read Porn Advocates Perplexed re: STD Transmission as well as Porn Stars' STDs Blamed on County Health Officials
UPDATE 2/15/16: Failed HIV Test on Gay Porn Star Causes Multiple Infections
UPDATE 8/21/12: Syphilis scare halts porn industry filming in LA as health officials investigate
UPDATE 7/5/12: LA voters will decide porn condom requirement in November 2012
UPDATE 2/21/12: Pornographers face March 5th condom deadline
-- From "Los Angeles mandates porn stars wear condoms" by Alex Dobuzinskis, Reuters 1/18/12
The move comes amid persistent questions about how to enforce the health measure, which backers say will protect performers in the multibillion-dollar porn industry from contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Producers complain the sight of a condom in a sex scene turns off consumers of their videos.
. . . passage made the city the first in the nation to impose such a requirement. Most of the U.S. porn industry is based in Los Angeles.
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal-OSHA) already requires porn performers to wear barriers, such as condoms, when they are in contact with bodily fluids.
But enforcement has been a challenge for the state. For one, the Cal-OSHA requirement is not specifically aimed at adult films, and it is openly violated within the industry . . .
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Condoms in porn: Government should not intrude, group says" by Rong-Gong Lin II, Los Angeles Times 1/18/12
A porn industry representative said Tuesday she opposed Los Angeles City Hall's efforts to require condoms on porn performers, calling it an unnecessary intrusion. The group did not rule out lawsuits or other measures to fight the measure.
"We're looking at all of our options and talking to the industry heads," said Diane Duke, of the San Fernando Valley-based Free Speech Coalition, a porn industry lobbying group. "The government is intruding into the sexual behavior of consenting adults."
Duke said Tuesday that another reason is that some porn performers prefer to not use condoms, saying "it's really hard on their bodies" during lengthy, grueling shooting schedules. "It's very different on a set … We're in favor of choice for performers." AIDS Healthcare Foundation President Michael Weinstein said there are many performers who do want mandatory condoms, such as Jenna Jameson, and that condoms are consistently used in gay porn.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Porn industry could leave LA if condoms required" by The Associated Press, USA TODAY 1/18/12
"It's going to be interesting to see how in fact they do try to enforce it and who's going to fund it, and all of the time and effort they're going to spend," said Steven Hirsch, co-founder and co-chairman of Los Angeles-based Vivid, one of the largest makers of erotic movies.
"The only thing that the city could potentially achieve is losing some film permit money and driving some productions away, but you can't actually compel an industry to create a product that the market doesn't want," said Christian Mann, general manager of Evil Angel, another of the industry's largest production companies.
[Veteran porn actress and producer Tabitha] Stevens said, she has worked both with and without condoms. Although she prefers to use condoms, acknowledging they do increase safety, she said the choice should be left up to the performers and not mandated by a government agency.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Pornography Unchecked by Obama Administration
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Jesus' Name Unconstitutional in Public: Supreme Court
The U.S. Supreme Court let stand two separate lower court rulings that forbid Christian public prayer prior to school board or county board meetings.
For background, read Jesus' Name Unconstitutional in Public: Federal Court and also read Jesus' Name Unconstitutional at School Board Meetings
UPDATE 5/13/14: U.S. Supreme Court rules prayers to Jesus Christ OK at government meetings
-- From "Court rejects appeal over prayer at public meeting" by The Associated Press 1/17/12
The justices on Tuesday left in place a federal appeals court ruling that held that the predominantly Christian prayers at the start of Forsyth County commission meetings violated the First Amendment's prohibition on government endorsement of a particular religion.
The commission said its doors have long been open to religious leaders of many faiths. But the appeals court in Richmond, Va., found that more than three-quarters of the 33 invocations given before meetings between May 2007 and December 2008 referred to "Jesus," "Jesus Christ," "Christ" or "Savior."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Prayer Cases Turned Away by U.S. Supreme Court Justices" by Greg Stohr, Bloomberg 1/17/12
The justices today left intact a federal appeals ruling that said a North Carolina county board was violating the constitutional separation of church and state by opening most of its sessions with a Christian prayer. The high court also refused to review a separate decision that barred prayers at meetings of a Delaware school board.
The Supreme Court hasn’t ruled on the constitutionality of prayer at government meetings since 1983, when the justices said lawmakers could begin sessions with nonsectarian prayers offered by a state-employed chaplain. In other contexts, the court under Chief Justice John Roberts has given governmental bodies more freedom to support religion.
The [county] case is Forsyth County v. Joyner, 11-546.
In the other case, the justices left intact a federal appeals court decision that barred prayers at meetings of the Indian River School Board in Delaware.
The case is Indian River School District v. Doe, 11-569.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
For background, read Jesus' Name Unconstitutional in Public: Federal Court and also read Jesus' Name Unconstitutional at School Board Meetings
UPDATE 5/13/14: U.S. Supreme Court rules prayers to Jesus Christ OK at government meetings
-- From "Court rejects appeal over prayer at public meeting" by The Associated Press 1/17/12
The justices on Tuesday left in place a federal appeals court ruling that held that the predominantly Christian prayers at the start of Forsyth County commission meetings violated the First Amendment's prohibition on government endorsement of a particular religion.
The commission said its doors have long been open to religious leaders of many faiths. But the appeals court in Richmond, Va., found that more than three-quarters of the 33 invocations given before meetings between May 2007 and December 2008 referred to "Jesus," "Jesus Christ," "Christ" or "Savior."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Prayer Cases Turned Away by U.S. Supreme Court Justices" by Greg Stohr, Bloomberg 1/17/12
The justices today left intact a federal appeals ruling that said a North Carolina county board was violating the constitutional separation of church and state by opening most of its sessions with a Christian prayer. The high court also refused to review a separate decision that barred prayers at meetings of a Delaware school board.
The Supreme Court hasn’t ruled on the constitutionality of prayer at government meetings since 1983, when the justices said lawmakers could begin sessions with nonsectarian prayers offered by a state-employed chaplain. In other contexts, the court under Chief Justice John Roberts has given governmental bodies more freedom to support religion.
The [county] case is Forsyth County v. Joyner, 11-546.
In the other case, the justices left intact a federal appeals court decision that barred prayers at meetings of the Indian River School Board in Delaware.
The case is Indian River School District v. Doe, 11-569.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Graphic Pro-life Super Bowl Ad Commercials to Air
If money is raised, pro-life advocate Randall Terry will run commercials during the most-watched NFL football game showing "bloody fetuses." Broadcasters are forbidden by law to censor the message because Terry is running the ads as part of his presidential candidacy for the Democrat nomination.
For background, read Pro-lifer Challenges Obama in Dem. Primary 2012
UPDATE 3/7/12: 1 of 5 Oklahoma Democrats vote Randall Terry over President Obama in primary election
UPDATE 2/6/12: Graphic abortion ads reached thousands during Superbowl, but FCC allowed Chicago station to deny commercials
-- From "Anti-abortion activist Randall Terry plans presidential campaign stops in Kansas" by The Associated Press 1/13/12
Randall Terry was one of the leaders of the 1991 "Summer of Mercy" abortion protests in Wichita, where authorities made more than 2,700 arrests over several weeks.
Terry is using his presidential run to draw attention to his anti-abortion agenda. He plans a campaign swing Monday in Illinois followed by stops in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Minnesota and Idaho.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Randall Terry Bringing Aborted Fetus Ads To Super Bowl" reported by Huffington Post 1/11/12
Randall Terry, the anti-abortion activist who announced last year that he would challenge Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination, has resurfaced with a bigger platform to get his message out.
Terry is known for his gruesome ads featuring what look to be aborted fetuses, which have already hit the air in Iowa, and now they are coming to the Super Bowl if he can raise the funds. Television stations and affiliates are normally allowed to block indecent content, but Terry is exploiting an FCC loophole that prevents censorship of political ads within 45 days of a presidential primary or caucus. Christian News Wire reports that the ads will air in 40 markets whose primaries fall in that window after Super Bowl Sunday . . .
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Super Bowl antiabortion ads, Web site ramps up as Roe vs. Wade anniversary approaches" by Elizabeth Flock, Washington Post 1/12/12
. . . Terry launched a non-serious campaign for president late last year so that he would be able to run gruesome ads of dead fetuses in key primary states. Slate explains that Terry is using a FCC loophole that requires stations to run even grisly campaign ads. The ads will next be seen in some cities during the Super Bowl, according to Mother Jones.
The ads are reportedly in response to the actions of “The Abortion Gang,” an abortion-rights advocacy group that asked supporters to donate to such groups every time Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow scored a touchdown.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Why NBC Is Powerless To Stop Ad Featuring Dismembered Fetuses Running In Super Bowl" by Jim Edwards, Business Insider 1/12/12
Normally, NBC screens Super Bowl ads ahead of time for taste and audience appropriateness. It nixes ads that have too much commercial, adult, or objectionable content.
But federal election law allows candidates for office to run whatever campaign ads they like, and NBC cannot stop them. So Operation Rescue founder Terry Randall, who is making a non-serious "run" for president, has bought "campaign" ads during the Super Bowl on local NBC affiliate stations that have primary elections within the following 45 days of the big game.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Super Bowl to air graphic abortion ad during game" by Matt Lacy, Greeley Gazette 1/9/12
Terry has already run political ads featuring graphic images of babies killed by abortion during the first and second trimester. The ads were part of a three day ad run in New Hampshire on WBIN. The ads consisted of four 30 second spots that ran in rotation that attacked Obama’s support of child killing by abortion.
While Terry realizes he stands little chance of getting the Democratic nomination, he said he is running in order to give pro-life Catholics and evangelicals in the Democratic Party a choice during the primary season.
The difference between the candidates could not be more stark. Obama has 100 percent rating from militant pro-abortion group NARAL. While a state Senator in Illinois, Obama vetoed a bill that would require babies that survived an abortion be given medical treatment.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
For background, read Pro-lifer Challenges Obama in Dem. Primary 2012
UPDATE 3/7/12: 1 of 5 Oklahoma Democrats vote Randall Terry over President Obama in primary election
UPDATE 2/6/12: Graphic abortion ads reached thousands during Superbowl, but FCC allowed Chicago station to deny commercials
-- From "Anti-abortion activist Randall Terry plans presidential campaign stops in Kansas" by The Associated Press 1/13/12
Randall Terry was one of the leaders of the 1991 "Summer of Mercy" abortion protests in Wichita, where authorities made more than 2,700 arrests over several weeks.
Terry is using his presidential run to draw attention to his anti-abortion agenda. He plans a campaign swing Monday in Illinois followed by stops in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Minnesota and Idaho.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Randall Terry Bringing Aborted Fetus Ads To Super Bowl" reported by Huffington Post 1/11/12
Randall Terry, the anti-abortion activist who announced last year that he would challenge Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination, has resurfaced with a bigger platform to get his message out.
Terry is known for his gruesome ads featuring what look to be aborted fetuses, which have already hit the air in Iowa, and now they are coming to the Super Bowl if he can raise the funds. Television stations and affiliates are normally allowed to block indecent content, but Terry is exploiting an FCC loophole that prevents censorship of political ads within 45 days of a presidential primary or caucus. Christian News Wire reports that the ads will air in 40 markets whose primaries fall in that window after Super Bowl Sunday . . .
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Super Bowl antiabortion ads, Web site ramps up as Roe vs. Wade anniversary approaches" by Elizabeth Flock, Washington Post 1/12/12
. . . Terry launched a non-serious campaign for president late last year so that he would be able to run gruesome ads of dead fetuses in key primary states. Slate explains that Terry is using a FCC loophole that requires stations to run even grisly campaign ads. The ads will next be seen in some cities during the Super Bowl, according to Mother Jones.
The ads are reportedly in response to the actions of “The Abortion Gang,” an abortion-rights advocacy group that asked supporters to donate to such groups every time Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow scored a touchdown.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Why NBC Is Powerless To Stop Ad Featuring Dismembered Fetuses Running In Super Bowl" by Jim Edwards, Business Insider 1/12/12
Normally, NBC screens Super Bowl ads ahead of time for taste and audience appropriateness. It nixes ads that have too much commercial, adult, or objectionable content.
But federal election law allows candidates for office to run whatever campaign ads they like, and NBC cannot stop them. So Operation Rescue founder Terry Randall, who is making a non-serious "run" for president, has bought "campaign" ads during the Super Bowl on local NBC affiliate stations that have primary elections within the following 45 days of the big game.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Super Bowl to air graphic abortion ad during game" by Matt Lacy, Greeley Gazette 1/9/12
Terry has already run political ads featuring graphic images of babies killed by abortion during the first and second trimester. The ads were part of a three day ad run in New Hampshire on WBIN. The ads consisted of four 30 second spots that ran in rotation that attacked Obama’s support of child killing by abortion.
While Terry realizes he stands little chance of getting the Democratic nomination, he said he is running in order to give pro-life Catholics and evangelicals in the Democratic Party a choice during the primary season.
The difference between the candidates could not be more stark. Obama has 100 percent rating from militant pro-abortion group NARAL. While a state Senator in Illinois, Obama vetoed a bill that would require babies that survived an abortion be given medical treatment.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Atheists Sue to Stop Lord's Prayer in Delaware
Federal Judge Leonard P. Stark heard arguments from atheists wanting to stop the 41-year prayer tradition at Sussex County Council meetings, but defenders oddly responded that the Lord's Prayer is NOT uniquely Christian and therefore not unconstitutional.
For background, read Atheists Sue to Stop Prayer in Delaware
UPDATE 5/16/12: Judge Says Lord's Prayer Unconstitutional in Delaware
-- From "Judge Hears Arguments in Sussex Council Prayer Lawsuit" by Michael Lopardi, WBOC-TV16 1/11/12
Four residents, including a [liberal ELCA] Lutheran minister, claim the council's use of a Protestant version of the Lord's Prayer is unconstitutional because it favors one religion.
Americans United [for Separation of Church and State] is arguing the case on behalf of the plaintiffs: Rev. John Steinbruck, Barbara Mullin, Julie Jackson and William O'Connor. The plaintiffs have all attended council meetings in the past and were offended by the council's use of the prayer, said Americans United.
The organization, which filed the case in June 2011, said the council's choice of prayer excludes people who do not share that faith and pressures members of the audience to take part.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Delaware lawsuit delves into Lord's Prayer" by Chad Livengood, The (Wilmington, Del.) News Journal 1/12/12
At the start of each Tuesday morning meeting, Council President Mike Vincent stands up and nods to his four colleagues, signaling them to bow their heads and begin to recite the Lord's Prayer.
The county's attorney contends the council's recital of the Lord's Prayer is permissible under the U.S. Supreme Court's 1983 ruling in Marsh v. Chambers, which found in a Nebraska case that having a government-funded chaplain say a prayer before a legislative session was constitutional.
[County attorney J. Scott] Shannon argued the prayer is generic and that Vincent, who is named as a defendant in the lawsuit, is not proselytizing or asking the audience to join in.
Shannon said the language of the Lord's Prayer is tolerable and contains language that fits with widely held beliefs of people of other faiths.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
For background, read Atheists Sue to Stop Prayer in Delaware
-- From "Judge Hears Arguments in Sussex Council Prayer Lawsuit" by Michael Lopardi, WBOC-TV16 1/11/12
Four residents, including a [liberal ELCA] Lutheran minister, claim the council's use of a Protestant version of the Lord's Prayer is unconstitutional because it favors one religion.
Americans United [for Separation of Church and State] is arguing the case on behalf of the plaintiffs: Rev. John Steinbruck, Barbara Mullin, Julie Jackson and William O'Connor. The plaintiffs have all attended council meetings in the past and were offended by the council's use of the prayer, said Americans United.
The organization, which filed the case in June 2011, said the council's choice of prayer excludes people who do not share that faith and pressures members of the audience to take part.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Delaware lawsuit delves into Lord's Prayer" by Chad Livengood, The (Wilmington, Del.) News Journal 1/12/12
At the start of each Tuesday morning meeting, Council President Mike Vincent stands up and nods to his four colleagues, signaling them to bow their heads and begin to recite the Lord's Prayer.
The county's attorney contends the council's recital of the Lord's Prayer is permissible under the U.S. Supreme Court's 1983 ruling in Marsh v. Chambers, which found in a Nebraska case that having a government-funded chaplain say a prayer before a legislative session was constitutional.
[County attorney J. Scott] Shannon argued the prayer is generic and that Vincent, who is named as a defendant in the lawsuit, is not proselytizing or asking the audience to join in.
Shannon said the language of the Lord's Prayer is tolerable and contains language that fits with widely held beliefs of people of other faiths.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Unsafe Illinois Abortion Clinic Closes Permanently
After being shut down by the Illinois Dept. of Public Health in September, the Northern Illinois Women's Center in Rockford officially announced its demise following years of vigilant prayers and sidewalk counseling by local pro-life activists.
For background, read Pro-lifers Assaulted at Rockford Abortion Clinic
UPDATE 1/21/12: Illinois Abortion Clinics Passed without Inspections
-- From "Stateline's Only Abortion Clinic to Close Permanently" by Stephen Johnson & Tina Stein, WIFR-TV23 1/13/12
The director is quoted as saying the decision comes in light of lack of support from the community, political climate surrounding abortion issues, and the challenge of rebuilding staff. Just last week the Illinois Department of Public Health announced the center could reopen since it had fixed health and safety concerns that shut it down in Sept.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Rockford abortion clinic closing draws reaction from both sides" by Corina Curry, Rockford Register Star 1/13/12
[The State] gave the clinic two options. It could reopen, pay a $9,750 fine and be subject to immediate license revocation if it breached certain state regulations. Or the clinic could pay a $1,000 fine, voluntarily relinquish its operating license and close.
The clinic at 1400 Broadway was the region’s sole abortion clinic. The closest clinics to the Rockford area are in Madison, Wis., 70 miles north, or about 70 miles to the east in the Chicago suburbs.
The clinic has been the site of weekly protests from anti-abortion advocates who often carry signs with anti-abortion messages on the sidewalks outside the Broadway building, praying for the end of abortion and encouraging patients to change their minds about getting an abortion.
“The city has always been committed to make certain during the operation of the clinic that residents wanting to express their First Amendment rights are safe and free to do so,” said city Legal Director Patrick Hayes.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Abortion Biz in Rockford, Illinois Shut Down Permanently" by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com 1/13/12
The state health department report found the Northern Illinois Women’s Center abortion business violated the stipulations of the Ambulatory Surgical Treatment Center Licensing Requirements Code and Illinois Administrative Procedure Act, which makes abortion centers abide by the same rules and regulations that apply to legitimate medical centers doing outpatient surgeries.
Stephenson County Right To Life applauded the news in a statement: “NIWC said they would not reopen for many reasons, one of which is “lack of support”. Certainly their inability or their unwillingness to comply with existing laws is one of the major factors in their own demise. Some in the pro-abortion group would like to blame the pro-life community for this occurrence. Their unprofessionalism, their blatant disregard for the laws, and their lack of concern for the health and safety of women, to the point of contempt towards women, is another major part of this closing.”
“The staff of the Rockford Pro-Life Initiative and the Pro Life Corner would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the prayer warriors, sidewalk counselors, and the countless individuals who worked and prayed so hard to bring light and truth to the Rockford area,” it continued.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
For background, read Pro-lifers Assaulted at Rockford Abortion Clinic
UPDATE 1/21/12: Illinois Abortion Clinics Passed without Inspections
-- From "Stateline's Only Abortion Clinic to Close Permanently" by Stephen Johnson & Tina Stein, WIFR-TV23 1/13/12
The director is quoted as saying the decision comes in light of lack of support from the community, political climate surrounding abortion issues, and the challenge of rebuilding staff. Just last week the Illinois Department of Public Health announced the center could reopen since it had fixed health and safety concerns that shut it down in Sept.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Rockford abortion clinic closing draws reaction from both sides" by Corina Curry, Rockford Register Star 1/13/12
[The State] gave the clinic two options. It could reopen, pay a $9,750 fine and be subject to immediate license revocation if it breached certain state regulations. Or the clinic could pay a $1,000 fine, voluntarily relinquish its operating license and close.
The clinic at 1400 Broadway was the region’s sole abortion clinic. The closest clinics to the Rockford area are in Madison, Wis., 70 miles north, or about 70 miles to the east in the Chicago suburbs.
The clinic has been the site of weekly protests from anti-abortion advocates who often carry signs with anti-abortion messages on the sidewalks outside the Broadway building, praying for the end of abortion and encouraging patients to change their minds about getting an abortion.
“The city has always been committed to make certain during the operation of the clinic that residents wanting to express their First Amendment rights are safe and free to do so,” said city Legal Director Patrick Hayes.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Abortion Biz in Rockford, Illinois Shut Down Permanently" by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com 1/13/12
The state health department report found the Northern Illinois Women’s Center abortion business violated the stipulations of the Ambulatory Surgical Treatment Center Licensing Requirements Code and Illinois Administrative Procedure Act, which makes abortion centers abide by the same rules and regulations that apply to legitimate medical centers doing outpatient surgeries.
Stephenson County Right To Life applauded the news in a statement: “NIWC said they would not reopen for many reasons, one of which is “lack of support”. Certainly their inability or their unwillingness to comply with existing laws is one of the major factors in their own demise. Some in the pro-abortion group would like to blame the pro-life community for this occurrence. Their unprofessionalism, their blatant disregard for the laws, and their lack of concern for the health and safety of women, to the point of contempt towards women, is another major part of this closing.”
“The staff of the Rockford Pro-Life Initiative and the Pro Life Corner would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the prayer warriors, sidewalk counselors, and the countless individuals who worked and prayed so hard to bring light and truth to the Rockford area,” it continued.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Friday, January 13, 2012
School Sexualization Standards by NEA, Abortionists
A coalition of organizations, including Planned Parenthood and the largest teachers union (National Education Association), has issued a new national sex education curriculum for kindergarten through high school designed to guide children toward sexual activity, glorify homosexuality, and end all abstinence-based sex education.
For background, read Abstinence Education Yields Lowest Teen Birth Rate Ever and also read Feds Fund Homosexualists' School Training as well as Planned Parenthood Lures Teen clients via Texting in addition, read Planned Parenthood's Sexual Assault on Kids
UPDATE 1/18/12: Details and motivations of the sexual indoctrinators' plans (opinion)
UPDATE 8/16/12: Planned Parenthood's Oral Sex Push Bad According to Federal Government Report
UPDATE 2/6/12 - Planned Parenthood's Business Model: Hooking Kids on Sex (Warning: Sexually graphic video)
-- From "Sex education standards encourage teaching of sexual identity, anti-bullying in schools" by Kimberly Hefling, Associated Press 1/9/12
Young elementary school students should use the proper names for body parts and, by the end of fifth grade, know that sexual orientation is “the romantic attraction of an individual to someone of the same gender or a different gender,” according to new sexual education guidelines released Monday by a coalition of health and education groups.
By presenting minimum standards that schools can use to formulate school curriculums for each age level, the groups hope that schools can build a sequential foundation that in the long term will better help teens as they grow into adults.
Despite awareness of bullying, for example, Debra Hauser, president of Advocates for Youth, one of the groups involved with creating the standards, said some schools don’t address it — or at least not in relation to sexual orientation or gender identity, which is where she said a lot of the bullying occurs.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Sex-ed advocates launch ‘Future of Sex Education’ project, propose national sex-ed standards" by Marcos Restrepo, The American Independent 1/11/12
Advocates for Youth, along with staff from Answer and the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS), launched the “The Future of Sex Education” project and drafted “a strategic framework” to develop the sexuality education standards in public schools.
The Future of Sex Education project includes “Envisioning the Future of Sex Education,” a “tool kit” “limited to Pre-K through Grade 12 public school students and all of the adults involved in providing sexuality education in this setting: school administrators, teachers, educators, parents, and others.”
According to Education Week, when the the Future of Sex Education Initiative “was conceived, the hope was that federal spending on abstinence-only sexual education would eventually be extinguished (which isn’t yet the case ) and something would be needed to teach sexuality, comprehensively.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Brand new ‘guidelines’ pushing radical, explicit sex ed agenda on schools nationwide" by Christine Dhanagom, LifeSiteNews.com 1/12/12
The guidelines, published Monday in the Journal of School Health, were authored by the American Association of Health Education, the American School Health Association, the National Education Association – Health Information Network, the Society of State Leaders of Health and Physical Education, Advocates for Youth, Answer, and the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States.
While the document does not say what organizations were represented at the meeting, the “advisory committee” and list of “additional reviewers” includes two representatives from Planned Parenthood, a representative from Planned Parenthood’s former research arm, the Guttmacher Institute, and the director of training and curriculum development for the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network.
The 6th – 8th grade curriculum calls for an explanation of the correct way to use a condom and an analysis of “external influences that have an impact on one’s attitudes about gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity.”
By the end of 12th grade, the curriculum prescribes that students should be able to “differentiate between biological sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Kids Choose Porn as Better Teacher than School
For background, read Abstinence Education Yields Lowest Teen Birth Rate Ever and also read Feds Fund Homosexualists' School Training as well as Planned Parenthood Lures Teen clients via Texting in addition, read Planned Parenthood's Sexual Assault on Kids
UPDATE 1/18/12: Details and motivations of the sexual indoctrinators' plans (opinion)
UPDATE 8/16/12: Planned Parenthood's Oral Sex Push Bad According to Federal Government Report
UPDATE 2/6/12 - Planned Parenthood's Business Model: Hooking Kids on Sex (Warning: Sexually graphic video)
-- From "Sex education standards encourage teaching of sexual identity, anti-bullying in schools" by Kimberly Hefling, Associated Press 1/9/12
Young elementary school students should use the proper names for body parts and, by the end of fifth grade, know that sexual orientation is “the romantic attraction of an individual to someone of the same gender or a different gender,” according to new sexual education guidelines released Monday by a coalition of health and education groups.
By presenting minimum standards that schools can use to formulate school curriculums for each age level, the groups hope that schools can build a sequential foundation that in the long term will better help teens as they grow into adults.
Despite awareness of bullying, for example, Debra Hauser, president of Advocates for Youth, one of the groups involved with creating the standards, said some schools don’t address it — or at least not in relation to sexual orientation or gender identity, which is where she said a lot of the bullying occurs.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Sex-ed advocates launch ‘Future of Sex Education’ project, propose national sex-ed standards" by Marcos Restrepo, The American Independent 1/11/12
Advocates for Youth, along with staff from Answer and the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS), launched the “The Future of Sex Education” project and drafted “a strategic framework” to develop the sexuality education standards in public schools.
The Future of Sex Education project includes “Envisioning the Future of Sex Education,” a “tool kit” “limited to Pre-K through Grade 12 public school students and all of the adults involved in providing sexuality education in this setting: school administrators, teachers, educators, parents, and others.”
According to Education Week, when the the Future of Sex Education Initiative “was conceived, the hope was that federal spending on abstinence-only sexual education would eventually be extinguished (which isn’t yet the case ) and something would be needed to teach sexuality, comprehensively.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Brand new ‘guidelines’ pushing radical, explicit sex ed agenda on schools nationwide" by Christine Dhanagom, LifeSiteNews.com 1/12/12
The guidelines, published Monday in the Journal of School Health, were authored by the American Association of Health Education, the American School Health Association, the National Education Association – Health Information Network, the Society of State Leaders of Health and Physical Education, Advocates for Youth, Answer, and the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States.
While the document does not say what organizations were represented at the meeting, the “advisory committee” and list of “additional reviewers” includes two representatives from Planned Parenthood, a representative from Planned Parenthood’s former research arm, the Guttmacher Institute, and the director of training and curriculum development for the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network.
The 6th – 8th grade curriculum calls for an explanation of the correct way to use a condom and an analysis of “external influences that have an impact on one’s attitudes about gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity.”
By the end of 12th grade, the curriculum prescribes that students should be able to “differentiate between biological sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Kids Choose Porn as Better Teacher than School
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Supremes Teach Obama Religious Liberty; Church Wins
President Obama's employment agency wanted to make hiring and firing decisions for a Lutheran church, but the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously declared the White House constitutional law expertise to be lacking.
-- From "Court: Judges cannot get involved in church dispute" by Jesse J. Holland, Associated Press 1/11/12
In a groundbreaking case, the Supreme Court on Wednesday held for the first time that religious employees of a church cannot sue for employment discrimination.
It was, nevertheless, the first time the high court has acknowledged the existence of a "ministerial exception" to anti-discrimination laws -- a doctrine developed in lower court rulings. This doctrine says the First Amendment's guarantee of freedom of religion shields churches and their operations from the reach of such protective laws when the issue involves employees of these institutions.
The case came before the court because the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sued the Hosanna-Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church and School of Redford, Mich., on behalf of employee Cheryl Perich, over her firing, which happened after she complained of discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Religious Groups Given ‘Exception’ to Work Bias Law" by Adam Liptak, New York Times 1/11/12
“The interest of society in the enforcement of employment discrimination statutes is undoubtedly important,” Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. wrote in a decision that was surprising in both its sweep and its unanimity. “But so, too, is the interest of religious groups in choosing who will preach their beliefs, teach their faith and carry out their mission.”
The decision gave only limited guidance about how courts should decide who counts as a minister, saying the court was “reluctant to adopt a rigid formula.” Two concurring opinions offered contrasting proposals.
Whatever its precise scope, the ruling will have concrete consequences for countless people employed by religious groups to perform religious work. In addition to ministers, priests, rabbis and other religious leaders, the decision appears to encompass, for instance, at least those teachers in religious schools with formal religious training who are charged with instructing students about religious matters.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Supreme Court Backs Church in Landmark Religious Liberty Case" by Ariane de Vogue, ABC News 1/11/12
The case stemmed from the firing of Cheryl Perich, a Michigan teacher who had been employed by a school run by the Hosanna-Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church [Missouri Synod].
Perich had completed training to become a commissioned minister at the school. In 2004 she became ill with narcolepsy and went on disability. School officials expressed concern that Perich would not be able to return to the school for several months. The congregation voted to pay a portion of her health insurance premiums in exchange for her resignation. Perich refused to step down and returned to work, only to be told she must leave and that she would likely be fired.
Perich told the school that she had consulted a lawyer and intended to assert her legal rights. She contacted the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which filed suit arguing Perich’s termination was in violation of the Americans With Disabilities Act.
Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the court, said that the Religion Clauses of the First Amendment –”Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof”–bar the government from interfering with the decision of a religious group to fire one of its ministers.
Roberts gave a history lesson in his opinion . . .
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Supreme Court delivers a knockout punch to the White House" by Peter Johnson Jr., FoxNews.com 1/11/12
Citing well-known legal precedent dating as far back as Reconstruction, the court made it clear that it is not up to the government to contradict a faith’s determination as to who should -- and should not -- be performing religious functions.
As the new year rolls on, Americans face even greater issues in their desire to retain their religious freedom. The mandates of ObamaCare -- with its narrowly tailored if not measly conscience exemptions protecting some religious orders from compliance -- will mandate thousands of other religious organizations ranging from educational institutions to insurance companies to insure and/or provide procedures like free sterilization and abortifacients like Plan B known to be violative of many Christians and Jewish faiths.
To read the entire opinion column above, CLICK HERE.
“Requiring a church to accept or retain an unwanted minister, or punishing a church for failing to do so, intrudes upon more than a mere employment decision. Such action interferes with the internal governance of the church, depriving the church of control over the selection of those who will personify its beliefs. By imposing an unwanted minister, the state infringes the free exercise clause [of the U.S. Constitution] . . .”For background, read Hiring Only Christians for Missions Organization is OK, says Supreme Court
-- U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Roberts
-- From "Court: Judges cannot get involved in church dispute" by Jesse J. Holland, Associated Press 1/11/12
In a groundbreaking case, the Supreme Court on Wednesday held for the first time that religious employees of a church cannot sue for employment discrimination.
It was, nevertheless, the first time the high court has acknowledged the existence of a "ministerial exception" to anti-discrimination laws -- a doctrine developed in lower court rulings. This doctrine says the First Amendment's guarantee of freedom of religion shields churches and their operations from the reach of such protective laws when the issue involves employees of these institutions.
The case came before the court because the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sued the Hosanna-Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church and School of Redford, Mich., on behalf of employee Cheryl Perich, over her firing, which happened after she complained of discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Religious Groups Given ‘Exception’ to Work Bias Law" by Adam Liptak, New York Times 1/11/12
“The interest of society in the enforcement of employment discrimination statutes is undoubtedly important,” Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. wrote in a decision that was surprising in both its sweep and its unanimity. “But so, too, is the interest of religious groups in choosing who will preach their beliefs, teach their faith and carry out their mission.”
The decision gave only limited guidance about how courts should decide who counts as a minister, saying the court was “reluctant to adopt a rigid formula.” Two concurring opinions offered contrasting proposals.
Whatever its precise scope, the ruling will have concrete consequences for countless people employed by religious groups to perform religious work. In addition to ministers, priests, rabbis and other religious leaders, the decision appears to encompass, for instance, at least those teachers in religious schools with formal religious training who are charged with instructing students about religious matters.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Supreme Court Backs Church in Landmark Religious Liberty Case" by Ariane de Vogue, ABC News 1/11/12
The case stemmed from the firing of Cheryl Perich, a Michigan teacher who had been employed by a school run by the Hosanna-Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church [Missouri Synod].
Perich had completed training to become a commissioned minister at the school. In 2004 she became ill with narcolepsy and went on disability. School officials expressed concern that Perich would not be able to return to the school for several months. The congregation voted to pay a portion of her health insurance premiums in exchange for her resignation. Perich refused to step down and returned to work, only to be told she must leave and that she would likely be fired.
Perich told the school that she had consulted a lawyer and intended to assert her legal rights. She contacted the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which filed suit arguing Perich’s termination was in violation of the Americans With Disabilities Act.
Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the court, said that the Religion Clauses of the First Amendment –”Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof”–bar the government from interfering with the decision of a religious group to fire one of its ministers.
Roberts gave a history lesson in his opinion . . .
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Supreme Court delivers a knockout punch to the White House" by Peter Johnson Jr., FoxNews.com 1/11/12
Citing well-known legal precedent dating as far back as Reconstruction, the court made it clear that it is not up to the government to contradict a faith’s determination as to who should -- and should not -- be performing religious functions.
As the new year rolls on, Americans face even greater issues in their desire to retain their religious freedom. The mandates of ObamaCare -- with its narrowly tailored if not measly conscience exemptions protecting some religious orders from compliance -- will mandate thousands of other religious organizations ranging from educational institutions to insurance companies to insure and/or provide procedures like free sterilization and abortifacients like Plan B known to be violative of many Christians and Jewish faiths.
To read the entire opinion column above, CLICK HERE.