The Vader City Council in Washington state voted on Thursday to eliminate the invocation at public meetings. As the local newspaper reported, they "voted to ban the practice of performing a Christian prayer." Only Mayor Ken Smith spoke in favor of the invocations, but both he and Councilor Joe Schey, who said he believes public prayer is constitutionally protected, quickly yielded their position.
No one in the community of several hundred people bothered to comment.
For background, read U.S. Supreme Court 2014 Ruling Allows Christian Prayer in Civic Meetings, in fact Supreme Court Justice Scalia Said Government Should Favor God of the Bible
Click headlines below to read previous articles:
Washington School Football Coach Forced to Stop Praying AFTER Games
'Creepy' Pastors Banned from Washington School
Loud Muslim Prayer: Takeover of Michigan Town
Also read how pubic invocations across America are being commandeered by atheists and satanists.
-- From "Vader City Council Votes to Ban Prayer at Meetings" by Jordan Nailon, The Chronicle (Centralia, WA) 4/29/16
Councilor Judi Costello was the first to speak out about the practice of invocation, stating her belief that conducting a prayer at the beginning of city council meetings represented a violation of the necessary separation of church and state.
Councilor Jason Dailey also disapproved of the invocations due to issues arising from the constitutionally prescribed separation of religion and government.
Councilor Andy Wilson noted that he was also against the practice, although he cited time constraints as the lone reason.
There were no comments from the crowd regarding the practice of meeting invocations.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Washington State Opens All Ladies' Rooms to Men, and then Women's Voices are Silenced
Showing posts with label city council. Show all posts
Showing posts with label city council. Show all posts
Monday, May 02, 2016
Sunday, April 10, 2016
Atheists Demand to 'Pray' at Tenn. County Meeting
When a local atheist asked to lead prayer at Greene County (Tennessee) Commission monthly proceedings, Greene County Mayor David Crum declined to allow the farce so the Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) began writing threatening letters to the county demanding the opening invocation be eliminated entirely from the government meetings.
However, Arizona City Allows Only Christian Prayers
Also read Satanists to Lead 'Prayer' in Phoenix Government
And read Muslim Prayer Ends Invocation Policy in North Carolina
-- From "County Commission Under Fire For Opening Prayer" by Brad Hicks, Greeneville Sun 3/24/16
Since his tenure as county mayor began in fall 2014, David Crum has asked local pastors from churches located throughout Greene County to provide the opening invocations.
[Greene County Attorney Roger] Woolsey issued a response to the FFRF's complaint. The response, dated Feb. 23, asserts that some of the information in the organization's initial contact is "incorrect." In it, Woolsey wrote that the atheist was "at no point" denied the opportunity to address the county commission, as the panel allots three minutes during the public hearing portion of each meeting for any citizen to "speak, pray or discuss any issue or issues that he/she desires."
"Your assertion 'if Greene County wants to continue hosting prayers it cannot discriminate against any person wishing to give an invocation' is totally incorrect," Woolsey wrote.
The county attorney responded that if one wishes to speak, pray, give an invocation or discuss his or her beliefs on an issue, that person must contact Crum's office 10 days prior to the county commission's meeting to be placed on the agenda.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read U.S. Supreme Court 2014 Ruling Allows Christian Prayer in Civic Meetings
And read Supreme Court Justice Scalia Said Government Should Favor God of the Bible
"The response I got from the commissioners is they seem to be happy with the way we've been doing it during this process, so I don't plan to change. . . . I figure if somebody doesn't want to listen to somebody pray, they can ignore it."For background, read Lone Jew, ACLU Stop Prayer in Pennsylvania Town
-- Mayor David Crum
However, Arizona City Allows Only Christian Prayers
Also read Satanists to Lead 'Prayer' in Phoenix Government
And read Muslim Prayer Ends Invocation Policy in North Carolina
-- From "County Commission Under Fire For Opening Prayer" by Brad Hicks, Greeneville Sun 3/24/16
Since his tenure as county mayor began in fall 2014, David Crum has asked local pastors from churches located throughout Greene County to provide the opening invocations.
[Greene County Attorney Roger] Woolsey issued a response to the FFRF's complaint. The response, dated Feb. 23, asserts that some of the information in the organization's initial contact is "incorrect." In it, Woolsey wrote that the atheist was "at no point" denied the opportunity to address the county commission, as the panel allots three minutes during the public hearing portion of each meeting for any citizen to "speak, pray or discuss any issue or issues that he/she desires."
"Your assertion 'if Greene County wants to continue hosting prayers it cannot discriminate against any person wishing to give an invocation' is totally incorrect," Woolsey wrote.
The county attorney responded that if one wishes to speak, pray, give an invocation or discuss his or her beliefs on an issue, that person must contact Crum's office 10 days prior to the county commission's meeting to be placed on the agenda.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read U.S. Supreme Court 2014 Ruling Allows Christian Prayer in Civic Meetings
And read Supreme Court Justice Scalia Said Government Should Favor God of the Bible
Saturday, April 09, 2016
Fed. Judge Strips Cross from LA County Citizens
U.S. District Judge Christina Snyder sided with the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California by ruling that the elected supervisors of Los Angeles County violated the U.S. Constitution by authorizing an accurate depiction of the San Gabriel Mission for the county seal — the historic mission has a cross on top.
Also read Atheists Strip Catholic Univ. with Cross from Ohio Town Identity
And read City Denies Cross, Mississippi Law Forbids Church's Plan
Click headlines below to read previous articles:
Atheists Strip Memorial Crosses From Arkansas Football
Atheists Defeat Veterans Memorial in North Carolina
Atheists Want Marine Memorial Demolished at Pendleton
Atheists Want WWI Memorial Cross Demolished in Rhode Island
However, Federal Judge Favors D.C. Cross vs. Atheists, Muslims
-- From "Judge Strikes Down Effort To Restore Cross To LA County Seal" posted at CBS News Los Angeles 4/7/16
The ACLU alleged a Jan. 7, 2014, decision by the Board to restore the cross was unconstitutional because it “favors the Christian religion over all other religions and divides county residents by religion and by adherence or non-adherence to religious beliefs”, according to the complaint.
The Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 in 2014 in favor of a motion introduced by Supervisors Mike Antonovich and Don Knabe to add a cross to the top of the San Gabriel Mission on the county emblem, which is displayed on buildings, vehicles and official communications.
At the time, Antonovich and Knabe argued that restoring the cross is vital to the historical accuracy of the seal.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "LA County Must Keep Cross Off County Seal" by Bianca Bruno, Courthouse News Service 4/8/16
In her summary of the history of the case and the seal's controversy over the years, Snyder noted the back-and-forth that took place at several public meetings in 2004 after the ACLU threatened to file suit against the county.
The board voted 3-2 in favor of adopting the revised seal in 2004 [to remove the cross]. Changing the seal cost the county $700,000 to replace the image on county-owned and leased facilities and other property.
Antonovich and Supervisor Don Knabe proposed adding a cross to the 2004 redesign in 2009, when the Roman Catholic Church placed a cross on the Mission San Gabriel Arcangel 11 miles east of downtown LA. The two supervisors introduced a motion to add a cross to the depiction of the mission on the seal in December 2013.
In her order, Snyder found "that an 'informed and reasonable' observer who is 'familiar with the history of the government practice at issue' would perceive the county's addition of the cross to the 2004 seal to constitute approval or endorsement of a particular set of religious beliefs."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Christian cross has no place on L.A. County seal, judge rules" by Abby Sewell, Los Angeles Times 4/7/16
. . . When the seal was redesigned in 2004, there was no cross on top of the mission, as it had gone missing during earthquake retrofitting. The cross was later restored atop the building.
In a 55-page ruling released Thursday, U.S. District Judge Christina A. Snyder wrote that the addition of the cross ”carries with it an aura of prestige, authority, and approval. By singling out the cross for addition to the seal, the county necessarily lends its prestige and approval to a depiction of one faith’s sectarian imagery.
“The county also provides a platform for broadcasting that imagery on county buildings, vehicles, flags, and stationary.… Permitting such a change and the associated expenditure of public funds places the county’s power, prestige, and purse behind a single religion, Christianity, without making any such benefit available on an equal basis to those with secular objectives or alternative sectarian views."
But the two county supervisors who led the push to reinstate the cross criticized the judge’s decision, pointing out that other California municipalities – including Ventura and San Benito counties and the city of San Luis Obispo -- depict missions with crosses on their seal.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
"The court failed to see that the board corrected the inaccurate depiction of the San Gabriel Mission on the seal with an architecturally accurate version that featured a small cross - which of course the mission has. As any California fourth-grade student knows, the San Gabriel Mission is an important icon to the region and the birthplace of Los Angeles County."For background, read Cross Restored to LA County Seal Despite Atheists' Threats as well as Atheists Inundated by Jesus' Cross Symbols in California
-- Michael Antonovich, County Supervisor
Also read Atheists Strip Catholic Univ. with Cross from Ohio Town Identity
And read City Denies Cross, Mississippi Law Forbids Church's Plan
Click headlines below to read previous articles:
Atheists Strip Memorial Crosses From Arkansas Football
Atheists Defeat Veterans Memorial in North Carolina
Atheists Want Marine Memorial Demolished at Pendleton
Atheists Want WWI Memorial Cross Demolished in Rhode Island
However, Federal Judge Favors D.C. Cross vs. Atheists, Muslims
-- From "Judge Strikes Down Effort To Restore Cross To LA County Seal" posted at CBS News Los Angeles 4/7/16
The ACLU alleged a Jan. 7, 2014, decision by the Board to restore the cross was unconstitutional because it “favors the Christian religion over all other religions and divides county residents by religion and by adherence or non-adherence to religious beliefs”, according to the complaint.
The Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 in 2014 in favor of a motion introduced by Supervisors Mike Antonovich and Don Knabe to add a cross to the top of the San Gabriel Mission on the county emblem, which is displayed on buildings, vehicles and official communications.
At the time, Antonovich and Knabe argued that restoring the cross is vital to the historical accuracy of the seal.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "LA County Must Keep Cross Off County Seal" by Bianca Bruno, Courthouse News Service 4/8/16
In her summary of the history of the case and the seal's controversy over the years, Snyder noted the back-and-forth that took place at several public meetings in 2004 after the ACLU threatened to file suit against the county.
The board voted 3-2 in favor of adopting the revised seal in 2004 [to remove the cross]. Changing the seal cost the county $700,000 to replace the image on county-owned and leased facilities and other property.
Antonovich and Supervisor Don Knabe proposed adding a cross to the 2004 redesign in 2009, when the Roman Catholic Church placed a cross on the Mission San Gabriel Arcangel 11 miles east of downtown LA. The two supervisors introduced a motion to add a cross to the depiction of the mission on the seal in December 2013.
In her order, Snyder found "that an 'informed and reasonable' observer who is 'familiar with the history of the government practice at issue' would perceive the county's addition of the cross to the 2004 seal to constitute approval or endorsement of a particular set of religious beliefs."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Christian cross has no place on L.A. County seal, judge rules" by Abby Sewell, Los Angeles Times 4/7/16
. . . When the seal was redesigned in 2004, there was no cross on top of the mission, as it had gone missing during earthquake retrofitting. The cross was later restored atop the building.
In a 55-page ruling released Thursday, U.S. District Judge Christina A. Snyder wrote that the addition of the cross ”carries with it an aura of prestige, authority, and approval. By singling out the cross for addition to the seal, the county necessarily lends its prestige and approval to a depiction of one faith’s sectarian imagery.
“The county also provides a platform for broadcasting that imagery on county buildings, vehicles, flags, and stationary.… Permitting such a change and the associated expenditure of public funds places the county’s power, prestige, and purse behind a single religion, Christianity, without making any such benefit available on an equal basis to those with secular objectives or alternative sectarian views."
But the two county supervisors who led the push to reinstate the cross criticized the judge’s decision, pointing out that other California municipalities – including Ventura and San Benito counties and the city of San Luis Obispo -- depict missions with crosses on their seal.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Monday, April 04, 2016
Atheists: Terror-victims Prayer Unconstitutional
Immediately after Shelby Township Supervisor Rick Stathakis, a metro Detroit, Michigan politician, posted a prayer for the victims of the Brussels terrorist attack on his personal Facebook page, local atheists wrote that an American citizen who holds a public position has no right to pray in public, including online.
Click headlines below to read previous articles:
California Mayor Calls City Prayer Vigil to Seek Solutions
Mississippi Police Chief Thanks God at City Prayer Meetings
Georgia Sheriff's Christmas Sign Peeves Atheists
Louisiana Sheriff Defies ACLU with Fourth of July Prayer
Arizona Town Council Prays to Jesus, Rabbi Fumes
Texas Mayor Declares 'Year of the Bible'
Texas School Supt. Tells Anti-prayer Atheists to Go Fly a Kite
-- From "Politician's prayer for Belgium on Facebook draws fire" by Tresa Baldas, Detroit Free Press 3/24/16
His critics note that his Facebook page makes clear he is a government official, and they want him to keep God and prayer out of politics. Stathakis, who has stirred controversy in the past by having prayer before public meetings, isn’t budging, arguing there’s nothing unlawful or unethical about praying for terrorism victims.
So far, the post has gotten 148 likes, 12 shares and 30 comments -- the longest ones from a handful of critics who pounced on Stathakis for expressing his religious views.
“As a government official, it is unconstitutional for you to use your official position to promote the establishment of faith. It violates the most basic legal principles of the United States of America. In addition to being unconstitutional, it is highly offensive to your constituents. Please remove all religious references from government materials and keep your faith to yourself,” wrote one Facebook user, Rafael Saakyan.
Stathakis vowed to continue expressing his religious beliefs, and called his critics “misguided.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Township Supervisor Sparks Controversy With Prayer For Belgium Post On Facebook" posted at WWJ-AM950 CBS News Detroit, MI 3/24/16
“It’s my webpage. It’s my personal webpage,” Stathakis told WWJ’s Chrystal Knight. “And what’s really sad is it’s not about me, it’s about the people in Brussels. It was just a simple prayer asking God to be at their side, and all of a sudden now it’s become pointed at me.”
“I really don’t understand the uproar. I mean, it’s not the first prayer that I’ve had on my Facebook, it’s one of many,” he said. “And actually, we’ve been praying here in Shelby Township before all of our board meeting since I’ve been in office, November 2008.”
Despite all the negativity, Stathakis says he’s encouraged by the support he’s received and he feels those who oppose him are in the minority — and he plans to keep on praying.
“The First Amendment makes a very specific point to protect a private citizen’s freedom of speech. I am a private citizen as well,” he said. “My position as Shelby Township supervisor, I believe, does not preclude me from expressing my Christian beliefs.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Shelby Township supervisor’s prayer post draws criticism, support" by Sean Delaney, The Source News (Macomb County, MI) 3/28/16
“As I state on my page, there is no secret in Shelby Township that I am an ardent Christian with a deep love of Christ and prayer,” Stathakis said. “Whether it is our invocation prior to each Shelby Township Board of Trustees meeting or our community’s role in founding the North Macomb National Day of Prayer observance, I will not shy away from expressing my Christian values, as they are as much a part of me as my love for the United States of America and Shelby Township.”
The First Amendment prohibits Congress from passing any law “respecting the establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”
Shelby Township Attorney Rob Huth [argues] that the prayer offered by Stathakis on his personal Facebook page “does not violate any provision of the Constitution.”
“(Stathakis) did not give up his right to pray for others just because he earned the title of supervisor,” Huth wrote in an email. “Frankly, as a Shelby Township resident I’ve enjoyed watching him stand up to those that don’t understand the law on this issue.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Supreme Court Justice Scalia Said Government Should Favor God of the Bible
"Mighty God, Shine your radiance into every corner of this dark and fallen world. Send your angel armies into Brussels, and heal the land. Hear the prayers of those who call to you, calm them with Your peace, and soothe the souls of those who lost loved ones in this attack. Amen. . . . God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."For background, read South Dakota Atheists Complain of Prayer After Murder-Suicide
-- Rick Stathakis' initial Facebook post
"My position of Township Supervisor does not preclude me from expressing my Christian beliefs just as it would not preclude you from expressing your views if you were elected to office. I am not using my office or standing in the community to make everyone or even anyone Christian. I am simply offering support for the victims. My hope is that this is a conversation between adults, who are presumptively not susceptible to religious indoctrination, who may freely enter and leave the conversation without comment and for any number of reasons. . . . Through two successful campaigns for office I have never made a secret of my Christian faith and my love of prayer. My faith and prayer have helped me through many challenges during public service."
-- Rick Stathakis' Facebook post responding to critics
Click headlines below to read previous articles:
California Mayor Calls City Prayer Vigil to Seek Solutions
Mississippi Police Chief Thanks God at City Prayer Meetings
Georgia Sheriff's Christmas Sign Peeves Atheists
Louisiana Sheriff Defies ACLU with Fourth of July Prayer
Arizona Town Council Prays to Jesus, Rabbi Fumes
Texas Mayor Declares 'Year of the Bible'
Texas School Supt. Tells Anti-prayer Atheists to Go Fly a Kite
-- From "Politician's prayer for Belgium on Facebook draws fire" by Tresa Baldas, Detroit Free Press 3/24/16
His critics note that his Facebook page makes clear he is a government official, and they want him to keep God and prayer out of politics. Stathakis, who has stirred controversy in the past by having prayer before public meetings, isn’t budging, arguing there’s nothing unlawful or unethical about praying for terrorism victims.
So far, the post has gotten 148 likes, 12 shares and 30 comments -- the longest ones from a handful of critics who pounced on Stathakis for expressing his religious views.
“As a government official, it is unconstitutional for you to use your official position to promote the establishment of faith. It violates the most basic legal principles of the United States of America. In addition to being unconstitutional, it is highly offensive to your constituents. Please remove all religious references from government materials and keep your faith to yourself,” wrote one Facebook user, Rafael Saakyan.
Stathakis vowed to continue expressing his religious beliefs, and called his critics “misguided.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Township Supervisor Sparks Controversy With Prayer For Belgium Post On Facebook" posted at WWJ-AM950 CBS News Detroit, MI 3/24/16
“It’s my webpage. It’s my personal webpage,” Stathakis told WWJ’s Chrystal Knight. “And what’s really sad is it’s not about me, it’s about the people in Brussels. It was just a simple prayer asking God to be at their side, and all of a sudden now it’s become pointed at me.”
“I really don’t understand the uproar. I mean, it’s not the first prayer that I’ve had on my Facebook, it’s one of many,” he said. “And actually, we’ve been praying here in Shelby Township before all of our board meeting since I’ve been in office, November 2008.”
Despite all the negativity, Stathakis says he’s encouraged by the support he’s received and he feels those who oppose him are in the minority — and he plans to keep on praying.
“The First Amendment makes a very specific point to protect a private citizen’s freedom of speech. I am a private citizen as well,” he said. “My position as Shelby Township supervisor, I believe, does not preclude me from expressing my Christian beliefs.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Shelby Township supervisor’s prayer post draws criticism, support" by Sean Delaney, The Source News (Macomb County, MI) 3/28/16
“As I state on my page, there is no secret in Shelby Township that I am an ardent Christian with a deep love of Christ and prayer,” Stathakis said. “Whether it is our invocation prior to each Shelby Township Board of Trustees meeting or our community’s role in founding the North Macomb National Day of Prayer observance, I will not shy away from expressing my Christian values, as they are as much a part of me as my love for the United States of America and Shelby Township.”
The First Amendment prohibits Congress from passing any law “respecting the establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”
Shelby Township Attorney Rob Huth [argues] that the prayer offered by Stathakis on his personal Facebook page “does not violate any provision of the Constitution.”
“(Stathakis) did not give up his right to pray for others just because he earned the title of supervisor,” Huth wrote in an email. “Frankly, as a Shelby Township resident I’ve enjoyed watching him stand up to those that don’t understand the law on this issue.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Supreme Court Justice Scalia Said Government Should Favor God of the Bible
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Christian Lawmakers, Gov. Overturn Charlotte Radicals
North Carolina legislators, along with Governor Pat McCrory, intend to overrule the Gay/Transgender Agenda ordinance that passed this week 7-to-4 in the Charlotte City Council, which takes effect on April Fool's Day.
UPDATE 5/12/16: North Carolina Parents & Students Sue Obama's Transgender Agenda
Also read about state-by-state momentum for Religious Freedom Restoration Acts (RFRA).
Click headlines below to read previous articles:
Arkansas Legislature Outlaws Local 'Gay Rights' Ordinances
Lesbian Mayor's Gay/Transgender Agenda Defeated by Houston Voters
However, Virginia Bathroom Privacy Bill Defeated in Legislature
And Transgender Restrooms for South Dakota Schools Passes
Even All Ladies' Rooms Now Open to Men in Washington State
Also read President Obama Forces Wildest Transgender Agenda on School Children Using Full Force of Federal Government and now Hillary Clinton Promises Even MORE 'Transgender/Gay Rights'
-- From "N.C. city's vote to expand transgender rights draws state opposition" by Colleen Jenkins, Reuters 2/23/16
The Charlotte City Council expanded the city's nondiscrimination ordinance late on Monday to add protections for marital and familial status, sexual orientation, gender expression and gender identity.
State House of Representatives Speaker Tim Moore, a Republican, said he would consider legislation to block the measure, which some critics fear would allow sexual predators to gain access to women's bathrooms.
Charlotte was one of the largest U.S. cities without a law explicitly protecting the LGBT community from discrimination, according to the Human Rights Campaign, a civil rights group based in Washington. The revised law takes effect on April 1.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "NC lawmakers vow to overturn Charlotte transgender law" posted at WRAL-TV5 (Raleigh, NC) 2/23/15
[Gov.] McCrory, a former mayor of Charlotte, said changing restroom rules could "create major public safety issues."
About 140 members of the public got one minute each to offer their opinions to the Charlotte City Council before Monday's vote. The council chambers were filled to capacity, and some speakers had to await their time outside.
Several hundred people stood outside in a wind-driven rain to protest, holding signs saying "No Men In Women's Restrooms" and "Keep Kids Safe."
Chris Williams, a 30-year-old father of three, passed out "No" stickers to the crowd, saying most Charlotte residents "stand with religious values."
Conservative activists have called on lawmakers to pass legislation to protect what they say are the religious rights . . .
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "After LGBT vote, NC House speaker says lawmakers will ‘correct this radical course’" by Steve Harrison and Jim Morrill, The Charlotte Observer 2/23/16
When the ordinance goes into effect, a baker would no longer be able to refuse to bake a cake for a gay wedding. Other vendors would have to cater LGBT events, even if it is against their religious beliefs.
The city couldn’t revoke a business license if someone violated the ordinance. But it could seek an injunction that would force a business to comply.
If only the bathroom provision were removed, the other protections would stay, including those for transgender individuals.
A year ago, council members voted to remove the bathroom provision from the ordinance. But two council members, John Autry and LaWana Mayfield, voted against that version of the ordinance out of principle. They said they wouldn’t leave some members of the LGBT community behind.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Conservatives push back on transgender bathroom rights in North Carolina" by Matt Pearce, Los Angeles Times 2/24/16
As LGBT activists around the U.S. turn their attention toward expanding rights for transgender Americans, they have met growing opposition from lawmakers in conservative states who have repeatedly focused on bathrooms.
Forty-four bills that limit bathroom and locker room use or allow business owners to deny service to transgender people are currently under consideration in 16 states, according to a report released Monday by the Human Rights Campaign, a national LGBT advocacy group.
The City Council first deliberated over a package of LGBT protections in March 2015 . . . But in the next local election, last November, the Human Rights Campaign and other advocacy groups got involved and helped elect two new council members who supported protections for transgender people.
"I think it's just inappropriate," Republican Sen. David Curtis, who represents a district outside Charlotte, told the Lincoln Times-News. "We have rules in our society and that's just one of the rules in our society. This liberal group is trying to redefine everything about our society. Gender and marriage — just the whole liberal agenda."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Franklin Graham Says Charlotte Transgender Bathroom Bill Is 'Wicked, Filthy'" by Anugrah Kumar, Christian Post Contributor 2/24/16
"Shame on Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts and the city council members" for passing the ordinance, [Billy Graham Evangelistic Association president Franklin] Graham wrote Tuesday, after the vote on the measure, which also says businesses can't discriminate against gay, lesbian or transgender customers and applies to places of public accommodation, such as bars, restaurants, stores as well as taxis.
If the ordinance were put to a vote in Charlotte, "I'm sure it would be overwhelmingly defeated by Democrats and Republicans alike," Graham wrote, praising council members Ed Driggs, Claire Fallon, Greg Phipps and Kenny Smith who voted "No."
"Are people just not thinking clearly? This law would allow pedophiles, perverts, and predators into women's bathrooms. This is wicked and it's filthy. To think that my granddaughters could go into a restroom and a man be in there exposing himself … what are we setting our children and grandchildren up for? There's not a public restroom in Charlotte that would be safe!"
Graham added that Charlotte's mayor and the supporting City Council members have perhaps "succumbed to the pressures from depraved sexual activists and are willing to put women and girls at risk like this."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Transgenderism is a 'Delusion' According to Victims and Professionals
And read 52-year-old Man is Adopted as 6-year-old Girl
“The Charlotte City Council has gone against all common sense and has created a major public safety issue by opening all bathrooms and changing rooms to the general public. I join my conservative colleagues and Governor McCrory in exploring legislative intervention to correct this radical course."For background, read Sexual Deviancy Special Class? Not in Charlotte as well as Gay Agenda Defeated by North Carolina Legislature
-- Tim Moore, Speaker, North Carolina House of Representatives
UPDATE 5/12/16: North Carolina Parents & Students Sue Obama's Transgender Agenda
Also read about state-by-state momentum for Religious Freedom Restoration Acts (RFRA).
Click headlines below to read previous articles:
Arkansas Legislature Outlaws Local 'Gay Rights' Ordinances
Lesbian Mayor's Gay/Transgender Agenda Defeated by Houston Voters
However, Virginia Bathroom Privacy Bill Defeated in Legislature
And Transgender Restrooms for South Dakota Schools Passes
Even All Ladies' Rooms Now Open to Men in Washington State
Also read President Obama Forces Wildest Transgender Agenda on School Children Using Full Force of Federal Government and now Hillary Clinton Promises Even MORE 'Transgender/Gay Rights'
-- From "N.C. city's vote to expand transgender rights draws state opposition" by Colleen Jenkins, Reuters 2/23/16
The Charlotte City Council expanded the city's nondiscrimination ordinance late on Monday to add protections for marital and familial status, sexual orientation, gender expression and gender identity.
State House of Representatives Speaker Tim Moore, a Republican, said he would consider legislation to block the measure, which some critics fear would allow sexual predators to gain access to women's bathrooms.
Charlotte was one of the largest U.S. cities without a law explicitly protecting the LGBT community from discrimination, according to the Human Rights Campaign, a civil rights group based in Washington. The revised law takes effect on April 1.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "NC lawmakers vow to overturn Charlotte transgender law" posted at WRAL-TV5 (Raleigh, NC) 2/23/15
[Gov.] McCrory, a former mayor of Charlotte, said changing restroom rules could "create major public safety issues."
About 140 members of the public got one minute each to offer their opinions to the Charlotte City Council before Monday's vote. The council chambers were filled to capacity, and some speakers had to await their time outside.
Several hundred people stood outside in a wind-driven rain to protest, holding signs saying "No Men In Women's Restrooms" and "Keep Kids Safe."
Chris Williams, a 30-year-old father of three, passed out "No" stickers to the crowd, saying most Charlotte residents "stand with religious values."
Conservative activists have called on lawmakers to pass legislation to protect what they say are the religious rights . . .
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "After LGBT vote, NC House speaker says lawmakers will ‘correct this radical course’" by Steve Harrison and Jim Morrill, The Charlotte Observer 2/23/16
When the ordinance goes into effect, a baker would no longer be able to refuse to bake a cake for a gay wedding. Other vendors would have to cater LGBT events, even if it is against their religious beliefs.
The city couldn’t revoke a business license if someone violated the ordinance. But it could seek an injunction that would force a business to comply.
If only the bathroom provision were removed, the other protections would stay, including those for transgender individuals.
A year ago, council members voted to remove the bathroom provision from the ordinance. But two council members, John Autry and LaWana Mayfield, voted against that version of the ordinance out of principle. They said they wouldn’t leave some members of the LGBT community behind.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Conservatives push back on transgender bathroom rights in North Carolina" by Matt Pearce, Los Angeles Times 2/24/16
As LGBT activists around the U.S. turn their attention toward expanding rights for transgender Americans, they have met growing opposition from lawmakers in conservative states who have repeatedly focused on bathrooms.
Forty-four bills that limit bathroom and locker room use or allow business owners to deny service to transgender people are currently under consideration in 16 states, according to a report released Monday by the Human Rights Campaign, a national LGBT advocacy group.
The City Council first deliberated over a package of LGBT protections in March 2015 . . . But in the next local election, last November, the Human Rights Campaign and other advocacy groups got involved and helped elect two new council members who supported protections for transgender people.
"I think it's just inappropriate," Republican Sen. David Curtis, who represents a district outside Charlotte, told the Lincoln Times-News. "We have rules in our society and that's just one of the rules in our society. This liberal group is trying to redefine everything about our society. Gender and marriage — just the whole liberal agenda."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Franklin Graham Says Charlotte Transgender Bathroom Bill Is 'Wicked, Filthy'" by Anugrah Kumar, Christian Post Contributor 2/24/16
"Shame on Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts and the city council members" for passing the ordinance, [Billy Graham Evangelistic Association president Franklin] Graham wrote Tuesday, after the vote on the measure, which also says businesses can't discriminate against gay, lesbian or transgender customers and applies to places of public accommodation, such as bars, restaurants, stores as well as taxis.
If the ordinance were put to a vote in Charlotte, "I'm sure it would be overwhelmingly defeated by Democrats and Republicans alike," Graham wrote, praising council members Ed Driggs, Claire Fallon, Greg Phipps and Kenny Smith who voted "No."
"Are people just not thinking clearly? This law would allow pedophiles, perverts, and predators into women's bathrooms. This is wicked and it's filthy. To think that my granddaughters could go into a restroom and a man be in there exposing himself … what are we setting our children and grandchildren up for? There's not a public restroom in Charlotte that would be safe!"
Graham added that Charlotte's mayor and the supporting City Council members have perhaps "succumbed to the pressures from depraved sexual activists and are willing to put women and girls at risk like this."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Transgenderism is a 'Delusion' According to Victims and Professionals
And read 52-year-old Man is Adopted as 6-year-old Girl
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Town Council Prays to Jesus, Rabbi Fumes: Arizona
Despite a complaint about invocations at the Chino Valley Town Council meetings, council members encouraged the mayor to open meetings by praying according to his own personal faith. At this week's meeting, as he began the invocation, and then again as he closed the prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, Rabbi Adele Plotkin of Chino Valley's Beit Torah congregation loudly protested and was subsequently escorted from the room when she insisted on continued disruptions of the meeting.
Coolidge, Arizona City Council Allows Only Christian Prayers
California Mayor Calls City Prayer Vigil to Seek Solutions
Mississippi Police Chief Thanks God at City Prayer Meetings
North Carolina Citizens Demand Prayer in Public School
Let us Pray in School: It's the Law in Missouri
Prayer Stays in Florida School, Opposing Atheists
Texas School Supt. Tells Anti-prayer Atheists to Go Fly a Kite
Also read Lone Jew, ACLU Stop Prayer in Pennsylvania Town and read 'Atheist Jew' Sues California Town Council for Praying
-- From "Rabbi ejected from Northern Arizona town meeting over prayer" by The Associated Press 2/11/16
[Mayor] Marley announced before the Jan. 26 council meeting that he would not perform an invocation until council members had a chance to discuss how they planned to conduct invocations after receiving criticism. He confirmed his intention to halt the prayers to media after the Jan. 26 meeting.
Marley said at the Tuesday meeting that he decided to continue with the invocation despite his previous comments because some council members said he should do so.
[Rabbi Plotkin] said her faith considers appearing to approve of worshipping Jesus as idolatry and that she has contacted the American Civil Liberties Union [ACLU] to contest the town's invocation policy.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Rabbi protests Christian prayer given at northern Arizona city council meeting" by Bob McClay, KTAR-FM92.3 (Phoenix, AZ) 2/12/16
[Mayor] Marley said he told the crowd they were not obligated to stand while it was being said and that the views expressed were his and not those of Chino Valley.
The majority of people who can be seen in a video of the meeting appear to be standing and joining in the prayer, which ended with Marley saying, “I pray all of these things in the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
Later in the meeting, the city council decided prayer would continue to open the meetings, with a notice on the agenda announcing the invocation will happen in the first 10 minutes.
Marley said anyone who objects to the prayer can leave and re-enter the meeting after it’s over. Different Council members will take turns leading the prayer, so Marley said they may not all be led to pray “in Jesus’ name.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Chino Valley council prays in name of Jesus; rabbi ejected from meeting" by Ken Sain, Associate Editor, Chino Valley Review (posted at Prescott Daily Courier) 2/11/16
All seven members of the council spoke in favor of keeping the current [invocation] tradition.
Six of the seven Chino Valley council members identified themselves as Christians and one as a non-Christian. The non-Christian member was offered a chance to join the invocation rotation, but declined. Therefore, only Christians are currently giving the invocations.
[Rabbi] Plotkin contacted a Chino Valley Review reporter before the Feb. 9 meeting to confirm that no invocation was planned, saying she couldn't attend if they intended to pray to Jesus. She said she wanted to attend the meeting so that she could begin to build bridges with the council members on this issue, but would only do so if there was no invocation.
"He lied," Plotkin said of the mayor's reversal.
She said she had no choice but to protest because not doing so would have been one of the three cardinal sins, according to her beliefs.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Satanists to Lead 'Prayer' in Phoenix Government
And read Loud Muslim Prayer: Takeover of Michigan Town
“Our Bill of Rights protects us against the establishment of religion by the state, and yet it would appear that secular humanism with its mantra of political correctness has become just that, the state established religion which the First Amendment was supposed to protect us against. Our oath of office requires that we defend the Constitution, and yet we are being asked to give up our right to freely worship according to the dictates of conscious. As a nation, we have already lost a number of our freedoms: The right to peacefully assemble and our protection against unreasonable search and seizure are already gone, and a number of others are being stripped away as we speak. I can't speak for the rest of the Council, but I believe it is time to draw a line in the sand, at least for me it is. . . . Jesus was pretty plain[:] if you pray, ask the Father for anything in my name. It will be granted.”For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:
-- Mayor Chris Marley, Associate Pastor, Miller Valley Baptist Church
“I want the citizens to be aware, us standing our ground, if this is challenged, it could cost the town money to defend it. Personally, I'm willing to do that. But we are representatives of the town, so speak up when you get a chance and we'll unite around this.”
-- Corey Mendoza, council member
Coolidge, Arizona City Council Allows Only Christian Prayers
California Mayor Calls City Prayer Vigil to Seek Solutions
Mississippi Police Chief Thanks God at City Prayer Meetings
North Carolina Citizens Demand Prayer in Public School
Let us Pray in School: It's the Law in Missouri
Prayer Stays in Florida School, Opposing Atheists
Texas School Supt. Tells Anti-prayer Atheists to Go Fly a Kite
Also read Lone Jew, ACLU Stop Prayer in Pennsylvania Town and read 'Atheist Jew' Sues California Town Council for Praying
-- From "Rabbi ejected from Northern Arizona town meeting over prayer" by The Associated Press 2/11/16
[Mayor] Marley announced before the Jan. 26 council meeting that he would not perform an invocation until council members had a chance to discuss how they planned to conduct invocations after receiving criticism. He confirmed his intention to halt the prayers to media after the Jan. 26 meeting.
Marley said at the Tuesday meeting that he decided to continue with the invocation despite his previous comments because some council members said he should do so.
[Rabbi Plotkin] said her faith considers appearing to approve of worshipping Jesus as idolatry and that she has contacted the American Civil Liberties Union [ACLU] to contest the town's invocation policy.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Rabbi protests Christian prayer given at northern Arizona city council meeting" by Bob McClay, KTAR-FM92.3 (Phoenix, AZ) 2/12/16
[Mayor] Marley said he told the crowd they were not obligated to stand while it was being said and that the views expressed were his and not those of Chino Valley.
The majority of people who can be seen in a video of the meeting appear to be standing and joining in the prayer, which ended with Marley saying, “I pray all of these things in the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
Later in the meeting, the city council decided prayer would continue to open the meetings, with a notice on the agenda announcing the invocation will happen in the first 10 minutes.
Marley said anyone who objects to the prayer can leave and re-enter the meeting after it’s over. Different Council members will take turns leading the prayer, so Marley said they may not all be led to pray “in Jesus’ name.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Chino Valley council prays in name of Jesus; rabbi ejected from meeting" by Ken Sain, Associate Editor, Chino Valley Review (posted at Prescott Daily Courier) 2/11/16
All seven members of the council spoke in favor of keeping the current [invocation] tradition.
Six of the seven Chino Valley council members identified themselves as Christians and one as a non-Christian. The non-Christian member was offered a chance to join the invocation rotation, but declined. Therefore, only Christians are currently giving the invocations.
[Rabbi] Plotkin contacted a Chino Valley Review reporter before the Feb. 9 meeting to confirm that no invocation was planned, saying she couldn't attend if they intended to pray to Jesus. She said she wanted to attend the meeting so that she could begin to build bridges with the council members on this issue, but would only do so if there was no invocation.
"He lied," Plotkin said of the mayor's reversal.
She said she had no choice but to protest because not doing so would have been one of the three cardinal sins, according to her beliefs.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Satanists to Lead 'Prayer' in Phoenix Government
And read Loud Muslim Prayer: Takeover of Michigan Town
Sunday, February 07, 2016
Loud Muslim Prayer: Takeover of Michigan Town
The non-Muslim residents of Hamtramck, Michigan complained so much about the "noise" coming from the Islamic center loudspeakers (the Muslim call to prayer) that the Muslim residents organized an effort to gain a majority on the city council. It appears the "noise" will remain.
Maine Sues Pastor for Preaching Too Loud Near Abortion Clinic
Pastor's Wife Fined for Praying Too Loud on North Dakota Street
Christians Arrested for Praying Too Loud Near Chicago Abortion Clinic
Indiana Town Denounces Loud, Praying Christians
Virginia Police Halt Bible 'Noise,' Preacher Sues City & Wins
Missouri Police Steal Preacher's Amplifier to Shut Him Up
Jesus Talk Outlawed in New Orleans, Arrests Made
-- From "Residents complain that ‘call to prayer’ is too loud" by Charles Sercombe, Hamtramck Review (fall 2015)
[At the] city council meeting, several residents of the Hamtramck Senior Plaza apartments on Holbrook complained about the volume level of the call to prayer coming from the Ideal Islamic Center, located across from the apartment complex.
[Resident Jeanette Powell] said the call or prayer was broadcast at 6 a.m. and found the volume “overbearing.”
The center on Holbrook was not the only mosque accused of broadcasting the call too loudly.
Susan Dunn, who is a candidate for city council, said the new mosque on St. Aubin St., the Abu-Bakr Al-Siddique Islamic Center, also broadcasts the call loudly. Dunn lives on Hewitt St., which is a block away from the center.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Muslims look to make a difference in Hamtramck" by Niraj Warikoo, Detroit Free Press 1/25/16
The week before Election Day in Hamtramck, hundreds of Muslims packed the City Council chambers.
They were outraged over a complaint made by council candidate Susan Dunn over the Islamic call to prayer that is broadcast outdoors from mosques, which she said were too loud.
The following week, three Muslim candidates out of six were the top vote-getters, winning council seats. After their inauguration this month, Hamtramck became what is believed to be the first city in the U.S. with a Muslim-majority City Council. Four of its six council members are Muslim, three of them immigrants.
The story of how that happened offers insight into the political ambitions of the city's Muslim community in a time of intense debate about Islam in the West. And it shows how diverse groups — from Polish Catholics to Bangladeshi Muslims to African-American Protestants — can get along, city leaders say.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "In the first majority-Muslim U.S. city, residents tense about its future" by Sarah Pulliam Bailey, Washington Post 11/21/15
[Local businesswoman Karen] Majewski, whose family emigrated from Poland in the early 20th century, admitted to a few concerns of her own. Business owners within 500 feet of one of Hamtramck’s four mosques can’t obtain a liquor license, she complained, a notable development in a place that flouted Prohibition-era laws by openly operating bars. The restrictions could thwart efforts to create an entertainment hub downtown, said the pro-commerce mayor.
And while Majewski advocated to allow mosques to issue calls to prayer, she understands why some longtime residents are struggling to adjust to the sound that echos through the city’s streets five times each day.
While the city’s Polish Catholic population has shrunk from 90 percent in 1970 to about 11 percent today, in part as the old residents have moved to more prosperous suburbs, Polish American culture still permeates the town.
Hamtramck’s exceedingly low home prices and relatively low crime rate have proved especially attractive to new immigrants, whose presence is visible everywhere. Most of the women strolling Joseph Campau Avenue wear hijabs, or headscarves, and niqabs, veils that leave only the area around the eyes open. Many of the markets advertise their wares in Arabic or Bengali, and some display signs telling customers that owners will return shortly — gone to pray, much in the same way Polish businesses once signaled that employees had gone to Mass.
Many longtime residents point to 2004 as the year they suspected that the town’s culture had shifted irrevocably. It was then that the city council gave permission to al-Islah Islamic Center to broadcast its call to prayer from speakers atop its roof.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "This U.S. city has become the first to elect a Muslim-majority city council" by Sarah Pulliam Bailey, Washington Post 11/5/15
. . . The city council’s approval of an ordinance to allow mosques to broadcast the Islamic call to prayer onto public streets made it one of the few cities in the United States to approve the practice, according to a 2004 story in the Detroit News. “This is about uniting our community,” Shabad Ahmed, the first and only Muslim member of the Hamtramck City Council, told the newspaper.
Fast forward to 2015, when the city of some 22,000 people physically surrounded by but politically separate from Detroit has elected a Muslim-majority city council, believed to be the first in the nation. On Tuesday, the city elected three new city council members, making the council four of six members of Muslim faith.
Dearborn, which is part of the Detroit metro area, attracts most of the national attention over its Arab population, but its Muslim population is not as concentrated as Hamtramck.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
“We were lied to. We were told it would never be turned into a mosque.”For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:
-- Carol Marsh, resident
“It’s only a matter of time before we’ll see a Muslim mayor.”
-- Dawud Walid, Executive Director, Michigan Chapter, Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)
Maine Sues Pastor for Preaching Too Loud Near Abortion Clinic
Pastor's Wife Fined for Praying Too Loud on North Dakota Street
Christians Arrested for Praying Too Loud Near Chicago Abortion Clinic
Indiana Town Denounces Loud, Praying Christians
Virginia Police Halt Bible 'Noise,' Preacher Sues City & Wins
Missouri Police Steal Preacher's Amplifier to Shut Him Up
Jesus Talk Outlawed in New Orleans, Arrests Made
-- From "Residents complain that ‘call to prayer’ is too loud" by Charles Sercombe, Hamtramck Review (fall 2015)
[At the] city council meeting, several residents of the Hamtramck Senior Plaza apartments on Holbrook complained about the volume level of the call to prayer coming from the Ideal Islamic Center, located across from the apartment complex.
[Resident Jeanette Powell] said the call or prayer was broadcast at 6 a.m. and found the volume “overbearing.”
The center on Holbrook was not the only mosque accused of broadcasting the call too loudly.
Susan Dunn, who is a candidate for city council, said the new mosque on St. Aubin St., the Abu-Bakr Al-Siddique Islamic Center, also broadcasts the call loudly. Dunn lives on Hewitt St., which is a block away from the center.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Muslims look to make a difference in Hamtramck" by Niraj Warikoo, Detroit Free Press 1/25/16
The week before Election Day in Hamtramck, hundreds of Muslims packed the City Council chambers.
They were outraged over a complaint made by council candidate Susan Dunn over the Islamic call to prayer that is broadcast outdoors from mosques, which she said were too loud.
The following week, three Muslim candidates out of six were the top vote-getters, winning council seats. After their inauguration this month, Hamtramck became what is believed to be the first city in the U.S. with a Muslim-majority City Council. Four of its six council members are Muslim, three of them immigrants.
The story of how that happened offers insight into the political ambitions of the city's Muslim community in a time of intense debate about Islam in the West. And it shows how diverse groups — from Polish Catholics to Bangladeshi Muslims to African-American Protestants — can get along, city leaders say.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "In the first majority-Muslim U.S. city, residents tense about its future" by Sarah Pulliam Bailey, Washington Post 11/21/15
[Local businesswoman Karen] Majewski, whose family emigrated from Poland in the early 20th century, admitted to a few concerns of her own. Business owners within 500 feet of one of Hamtramck’s four mosques can’t obtain a liquor license, she complained, a notable development in a place that flouted Prohibition-era laws by openly operating bars. The restrictions could thwart efforts to create an entertainment hub downtown, said the pro-commerce mayor.
And while Majewski advocated to allow mosques to issue calls to prayer, she understands why some longtime residents are struggling to adjust to the sound that echos through the city’s streets five times each day.
While the city’s Polish Catholic population has shrunk from 90 percent in 1970 to about 11 percent today, in part as the old residents have moved to more prosperous suburbs, Polish American culture still permeates the town.
Hamtramck’s exceedingly low home prices and relatively low crime rate have proved especially attractive to new immigrants, whose presence is visible everywhere. Most of the women strolling Joseph Campau Avenue wear hijabs, or headscarves, and niqabs, veils that leave only the area around the eyes open. Many of the markets advertise their wares in Arabic or Bengali, and some display signs telling customers that owners will return shortly — gone to pray, much in the same way Polish businesses once signaled that employees had gone to Mass.
Many longtime residents point to 2004 as the year they suspected that the town’s culture had shifted irrevocably. It was then that the city council gave permission to al-Islah Islamic Center to broadcast its call to prayer from speakers atop its roof.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "This U.S. city has become the first to elect a Muslim-majority city council" by Sarah Pulliam Bailey, Washington Post 11/5/15
. . . The city council’s approval of an ordinance to allow mosques to broadcast the Islamic call to prayer onto public streets made it one of the few cities in the United States to approve the practice, according to a 2004 story in the Detroit News. “This is about uniting our community,” Shabad Ahmed, the first and only Muslim member of the Hamtramck City Council, told the newspaper.
Fast forward to 2015, when the city of some 22,000 people physically surrounded by but politically separate from Detroit has elected a Muslim-majority city council, believed to be the first in the nation. On Tuesday, the city elected three new city council members, making the council four of six members of Muslim faith.
Dearborn, which is part of the Detroit metro area, attracts most of the national attention over its Arab population, but its Muslim population is not as concentrated as Hamtramck.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Satanists to Lead 'Prayer' in Phoenix Government
Some members of the Phoenix City Council would like to restrict Satanists and others from opening prayers at council meetings, but that may NOT be possible.
Also read Arizona City Allows Only Christian Prayers
In addition, read Supreme Court Justice Scalia Says Government Should Favor God of the Bible
-- From "Satanic group to give prayer at Phoenix City Council meeting" by The Associated Press 1/29/16
The Arizona Republic reports that the Satanic Temple submitted a request in December to give the invocation for a City Council meeting. Temple members Michelle Shortt and Stu de Haan are expected to do so on Feb. 17.
The city’s invocation has been delivered by Christians, Jews, Muslims, Sikhs and people of other faiths.
De Haan says the group doesn’t intend to do anything offensive. He says they don’t believe in a literal Satan but view the biblical Satan as a metaphor for rebellion against tyranny.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "4 Phoenix city councilmen trying to block Satanist prayer" by Dustin Gardiner, The Arizona Republic 1/30/16
While some Phoenix leaders have objected, the city has said it will let the Satanists pray. City Attorney Brad Holm defended the decision in a statement released Thursday.
Councilmen Sal DiCiccio, Bill Gates, Jim Waring and Michael Nowakowski are pushing a proposal to change how the city schedules the invocation. The plan would let the mayor and council members take turns inviting different religious groups to give the prayer.
Waring said the proposal could prevent the Satanic Temple from turning the council's Feb. 17 meeting into "a circus." The group could still give an invocation at a future meeting, but a council member would have to personally invite them.
Other city leaders have defended the satanists' right to speak under the First Amendment. . . .
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Phoenix council members try to block Satanic church from giving meeting prayer" posted at KTAR-FM92.3 (Glendale, AZ) 1/29/16
[Satanist Stu de Haan] said people have been concerned about the satanic prayer, but a lot of them don’t understand the religion.
“We’ve gotten a lot of ridiculous questions, like are we going to sacrifice babies and what we’re calling ‘blood libel,’” he said. “There’s nothing ever like that in Satanism.”
“We should have our voice and we believe that reason should trump superstition in general,” he said.
De Haan said the group is not looking to shake any feathers or make changes to the city’s process. His group just wants to be included in the broader religious spectrum.
“We are Satanists and we are your friend,” he said.
To read the entire article above, and hear interview with Satanist, CLICK HERE.
Also read Mississippi Police Chief Thanks God at City Prayer Meetings
And read California Mayor Calls City Prayer Vigil to Seek Solutions
"Consistent with the U.S. Supreme Court’s direction, the city cannot dictate religious viewpoints or the content of a prayer. In addition, government may not exclude a denomination or a religion from praying under these circumstances."For background read Florida Battles Satanic 'Prayer' at Civic Meetings City-by-City as one Florida County Official Defies 'Minion of Satan'
-- Brad Holm, City Attorney of Phoenix, Arizona
"I strongly disagree with this group's message. However, the First Amendment protects free speech. As offensive as that message may be, the Constitution demands equal treatment under the law."
-- Mayor Greg Stanton
Also read Arizona City Allows Only Christian Prayers
In addition, read Supreme Court Justice Scalia Says Government Should Favor God of the Bible
-- From "Satanic group to give prayer at Phoenix City Council meeting" by The Associated Press 1/29/16
The Arizona Republic reports that the Satanic Temple submitted a request in December to give the invocation for a City Council meeting. Temple members Michelle Shortt and Stu de Haan are expected to do so on Feb. 17.
The city’s invocation has been delivered by Christians, Jews, Muslims, Sikhs and people of other faiths.
De Haan says the group doesn’t intend to do anything offensive. He says they don’t believe in a literal Satan but view the biblical Satan as a metaphor for rebellion against tyranny.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "4 Phoenix city councilmen trying to block Satanist prayer" by Dustin Gardiner, The Arizona Republic 1/30/16
While some Phoenix leaders have objected, the city has said it will let the Satanists pray. City Attorney Brad Holm defended the decision in a statement released Thursday.
Councilmen Sal DiCiccio, Bill Gates, Jim Waring and Michael Nowakowski are pushing a proposal to change how the city schedules the invocation. The plan would let the mayor and council members take turns inviting different religious groups to give the prayer.
Waring said the proposal could prevent the Satanic Temple from turning the council's Feb. 17 meeting into "a circus." The group could still give an invocation at a future meeting, but a council member would have to personally invite them.
Other city leaders have defended the satanists' right to speak under the First Amendment. . . .
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Phoenix council members try to block Satanic church from giving meeting prayer" posted at KTAR-FM92.3 (Glendale, AZ) 1/29/16
[Satanist Stu de Haan] said people have been concerned about the satanic prayer, but a lot of them don’t understand the religion.
“We’ve gotten a lot of ridiculous questions, like are we going to sacrifice babies and what we’re calling ‘blood libel,’” he said. “There’s nothing ever like that in Satanism.”
“We should have our voice and we believe that reason should trump superstition in general,” he said.
De Haan said the group is not looking to shake any feathers or make changes to the city’s process. His group just wants to be included in the broader religious spectrum.
“We are Satanists and we are your friend,” he said.
To read the entire article above, and hear interview with Satanist, CLICK HERE.
Also read Mississippi Police Chief Thanks God at City Prayer Meetings
And read California Mayor Calls City Prayer Vigil to Seek Solutions
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Miss. Police Chief: City Prayer Meetings Thank God
Jackson, Mississippi Police Chief Lee Vance invited everyone to gather in the courtroom for the regular civic prayer meeting to thank God Almighty for the falling crime rate, and to ask Him to guide police to reduce crime further. This power-of-prayer event included songs by Brown Elementary School students.
California Mayor Calls City Prayer Vigil to Seek Solutions
Texas Mayor Declares 'Year of the Bible'
Georgia Sheriff's Christmas Sign Peeves Atheists
Louisiana Sheriff Defies ACLU with Fourth of July Prayer
-- From "JPD Chief Lee Vance addresses crime in prayer meeting" posted at WJTV-TV12 (Jackson, MS) 1/15/16
The event saw law enforcers from several different agencies joined together through prayer for the Metro.
Each leader that headed to the podium led the crowd in a different prayer. Participants included Jackson Mayor Tony Yarber, councilman DeKeither Stamps and many others [including Jackson Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Cedrick Gray].
The Jackson Fire Department chief said the number of fire deaths had dropped 90% since last year.
The prayer meeting started one year ago. Chief Vance says the goal is to eventually do them every three months.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "The Power of Prayer: Jackson Leaders Call on a Higher Power for Change" by Terrance Friday, WJTV-TV12 (Jackson, MS) 1/15/16
Some say the prayers are needed now more than ever. While there was a 17 percent reduction in felony crimes, that still equals out to almost 20 a day. Vance says his focus is on making a difference.
This is by no means a declaration of victory,” Chief Vance said. “What the numbers represent is an affirmation that the tactics we use are having some positive affect. Our job is not done until we have little or no crime at all.”
“I believe in the power of prayer and so we will join with them in prayers for Jackson,” [Alexis Episcopal Church Priest, Chuck] Culpepper said. “We want to be here. We want to be a part of the redevelopment of downtown Jackson. . . .”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Click headlines below to read additional previous articles:
North Carolina Citizens Demand Prayer in Public School
Let us Pray in School: It's the Law in Missouri
Prayer Stays in Florida School, Opposing Atheists
Wyoming School Allows Prayer Under Lawsuit Threat
Ohio School Board Wants Prayer, Ignoring Atheists
Texas School Supt. Tells Anti-prayer Atheists to Go Fly a Kite
“We asked for help and help was received. This was simply an opportunity for [us] to give a public acknowledgement that we received help and that we are thankful to the Creator for it.”For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:
-- Lee Vance, Chief of Police, Jackson, MS
“Jackson is a good example for every other city in the state to begin to have city prayer.”
-- Jim Sullivan, resident
California Mayor Calls City Prayer Vigil to Seek Solutions
Texas Mayor Declares 'Year of the Bible'
Georgia Sheriff's Christmas Sign Peeves Atheists
Louisiana Sheriff Defies ACLU with Fourth of July Prayer
-- From "JPD Chief Lee Vance addresses crime in prayer meeting" posted at WJTV-TV12 (Jackson, MS) 1/15/16
The event saw law enforcers from several different agencies joined together through prayer for the Metro.
Each leader that headed to the podium led the crowd in a different prayer. Participants included Jackson Mayor Tony Yarber, councilman DeKeither Stamps and many others [including Jackson Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Cedrick Gray].
The Jackson Fire Department chief said the number of fire deaths had dropped 90% since last year.
The prayer meeting started one year ago. Chief Vance says the goal is to eventually do them every three months.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "The Power of Prayer: Jackson Leaders Call on a Higher Power for Change" by Terrance Friday, WJTV-TV12 (Jackson, MS) 1/15/16
Some say the prayers are needed now more than ever. While there was a 17 percent reduction in felony crimes, that still equals out to almost 20 a day. Vance says his focus is on making a difference.
This is by no means a declaration of victory,” Chief Vance said. “What the numbers represent is an affirmation that the tactics we use are having some positive affect. Our job is not done until we have little or no crime at all.”
“I believe in the power of prayer and so we will join with them in prayers for Jackson,” [Alexis Episcopal Church Priest, Chuck] Culpepper said. “We want to be here. We want to be a part of the redevelopment of downtown Jackson. . . .”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Click headlines below to read additional previous articles:
North Carolina Citizens Demand Prayer in Public School
Let us Pray in School: It's the Law in Missouri
Prayer Stays in Florida School, Opposing Atheists
Wyoming School Allows Prayer Under Lawsuit Threat
Ohio School Board Wants Prayer, Ignoring Atheists
Texas School Supt. Tells Anti-prayer Atheists to Go Fly a Kite
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Gender Redefined by NY City Law; Biology Be Damned
Sexual revolutionaries are trumpeting the latest New York City reinterpretation of existing law to elevate the Gay Agenda by giving special privileges to "transgender and gender non-conforming persons." The new language rejects human biology with its new definition of gender as one’s “actual or perceived sex and shall also include a person’s gender identity, self-image, appearance, behavior or expression, whether or not that gender identity, self-image, appearance, behavior or expression is different from that traditionally associated with the legal sex assigned to that person at birth.”
The new rules give special rights to perverts, as well as any and every variation of sexual deviant so that such “individuals be permitted to use single-sex facilities, such as bathrooms or locker rooms, and participate in single-sex programs, consistent with their gender, regardless of their sex assigned at birth, anatomy, medical history, appearance, or the sex indicated on their identification.”
. . . such a monumental event in the Culture War, yet so little media coverage!
For background, read Change Sex Overnight in New York With New Law
UPDATE 6/5/16: Washington's New K-12 Curriculum Redefines Gender
And read how the Gay/Transgender Agenda attacks one town at a time across America because the sexual revolutionaries have been unable to force the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) through Congress.
Also read Hillary Clinton Promises to Codify Even MORE 'Gay/Transgender Rights'
Just how extreme can the transgender movement get? Read 52-year-old Man is Adopted as 6-year-old Girl
-- From "New York City lays out transgender protection on dress codes, bathroom use" by Ellen Wulfhorst, Thomson Reuters Foundation 12/22/15
New York City has warned landlords, employers and businesses they could be running afoul of the law by purposely calling a transgender woman "him" or "Mr." when she prefers a female title and pronoun, or by barring her from using a women's restroom.
New guidelines detail the legal protections of transgender and gender-nonconforming New Yorkers and what constitutes discrimination under the city's Human Rights Law, the New York City Commission on Human Rights said on Monday.
Failing to provide employee health benefits for gender-affirming care or failing to accommodate people undergoing gender transition, such as medical appointments, could violate the law as well, they said.
New York City provides stronger protections than most local laws in the United States and goes beyond federal law as well . . .
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "New York City unveils new rules on gender discrimination" by The Associated Press 12/21/15
Some cities around the country have added transgender people to anti-discrimination protections, and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo did likewise for his state this fall. Other communities have rebuffed them: Houston voters this fall defeated an ordinance that would have established nondiscrimination protections for gay and transgender people.
The rules also declare that transgender people can't be denied access to the restroom or locker room where their gender identity belongs, at their discretion. Unisex, single-occupancy bathrooms are suggested but not required.
Objections from fellow patrons or employees "are not a lawful reason to deny access," the guidelines say. . . .
"Today's guidance makes it abundantly clear what the city considers to be discrimination," which can lead to fines of up to $250,000, Commissioner Carmelyn P. Malalis said in a statement. . . .
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "City updates regulations to extend transgender equality" by Rich Calder and Jennifer Gould Keil, New York Post 12/22/15
The guidelines are the progressive de Blasio administration’s new interpretation of city gender-discrimination laws that date to 2002.
[Some of the new] rules go beyond federal requirements and even court rulings.
While courts have said female bartenders can be asked to wear makeup while slinging drinks, the city has decided they can’t.
City officials declined to comment on why their interpretation of the laws are different in numerous cases from the Bloomberg administration’s readings.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Gay Agenda Activists Launch Commerce Attack on Indiana
However in Texas, Lesbian Mayor's Gay/Transgender Agenda Defeated by Houston Voters
The new rules give special rights to perverts, as well as any and every variation of sexual deviant so that such “individuals be permitted to use single-sex facilities, such as bathrooms or locker rooms, and participate in single-sex programs, consistent with their gender, regardless of their sex assigned at birth, anatomy, medical history, appearance, or the sex indicated on their identification.”
. . . such a monumental event in the Culture War, yet so little media coverage!
For background, read Change Sex Overnight in New York With New Law
UPDATE 6/5/16: Washington's New K-12 Curriculum Redefines Gender
And read how the Gay/Transgender Agenda attacks one town at a time across America because the sexual revolutionaries have been unable to force the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) through Congress.
Also read Hillary Clinton Promises to Codify Even MORE 'Gay/Transgender Rights'
Just how extreme can the transgender movement get? Read 52-year-old Man is Adopted as 6-year-old Girl
-- From "New York City lays out transgender protection on dress codes, bathroom use" by Ellen Wulfhorst, Thomson Reuters Foundation 12/22/15
New York City has warned landlords, employers and businesses they could be running afoul of the law by purposely calling a transgender woman "him" or "Mr." when she prefers a female title and pronoun, or by barring her from using a women's restroom.
New guidelines detail the legal protections of transgender and gender-nonconforming New Yorkers and what constitutes discrimination under the city's Human Rights Law, the New York City Commission on Human Rights said on Monday.
Failing to provide employee health benefits for gender-affirming care or failing to accommodate people undergoing gender transition, such as medical appointments, could violate the law as well, they said.
New York City provides stronger protections than most local laws in the United States and goes beyond federal law as well . . .
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "New York City unveils new rules on gender discrimination" by The Associated Press 12/21/15
Some cities around the country have added transgender people to anti-discrimination protections, and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo did likewise for his state this fall. Other communities have rebuffed them: Houston voters this fall defeated an ordinance that would have established nondiscrimination protections for gay and transgender people.
The rules also declare that transgender people can't be denied access to the restroom or locker room where their gender identity belongs, at their discretion. Unisex, single-occupancy bathrooms are suggested but not required.
Objections from fellow patrons or employees "are not a lawful reason to deny access," the guidelines say. . . .
"Today's guidance makes it abundantly clear what the city considers to be discrimination," which can lead to fines of up to $250,000, Commissioner Carmelyn P. Malalis said in a statement. . . .
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "City updates regulations to extend transgender equality" by Rich Calder and Jennifer Gould Keil, New York Post 12/22/15
The guidelines are the progressive de Blasio administration’s new interpretation of city gender-discrimination laws that date to 2002.
[Some of the new] rules go beyond federal requirements and even court rulings.
While courts have said female bartenders can be asked to wear makeup while slinging drinks, the city has decided they can’t.
City officials declined to comment on why their interpretation of the laws are different in numerous cases from the Bloomberg administration’s readings.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Gay Agenda Activists Launch Commerce Attack on Indiana
However in Texas, Lesbian Mayor's Gay/Transgender Agenda Defeated by Houston Voters
Sunday, December 06, 2015
NJ Atheist Official's Hissy Fit re: Christmas Tree
Charlene Storey, a Democrat councilwoman in Roselle Park, New Jersey, threw a temper tantrum and spontaneously resigned her post because the majority borough council voted to rename the "Holiday Tree Lighting" ceremony to the "Christmas Tree Lighting." However, after a brief cooling off period, she rescinded her resignation in trade for the creation of a council diversity committee, which she will lead.
Click headlines below to read previous articles:
Mississippi Town Defies Atheists' Anti-Christmas Demands
Georgia Sheriff's Christmas Sign Peeves Atheists
New Mexico Mayor Tells Atheists Nativity Scene Stays in Place
Texas Mayor Declares 'Year of the Bible'
Texas School Supt. Tells Atheists to Go Fly a Kite
-- From "Councilwoman rescinds resignation over ‘Christmas’ tree" by The Associated Press 12/6/15
Minutes after the Roselle Park council approved the [ceremony name] change Thursday night, Charlene Storey walked out of the meeting. She submitted a resignation letter, saying the borough’s decision to change the ceremony’s name from a “tree lighting” to a “Christmas tree lighting” favors one religion and “cuts non-Christians out of the loop.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "NJ Councilwoman Rescinds Resignation Over ‘Christmas’ Tree Lighting Ceremony" posted at WCBS-TV2 (New York, NY) 12/5/15
Earlier this week, the Roselle Park City Council voted 4 to 2 to change the name . . .
Storey, who was raised Catholic but describes herself as a non-believer, said she made the decision because she did not want to be a part of a city council that excluded other religions.
“I cannot in good conscience continue to be part of a council that is exclusionary or to work with a mayor who is such,” Storey said in her resignation letter.
She also sited the separation of church and state plus an increasingly diverse community.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Councilwoman & Mayor Release Joint Statement On The Rescinding Of Her Resignation" by Saul Qersdyn, Roselle Park News 12/5/15
The following statement was released by both Mayor Carl Hokanson and Councilwoman-At-Large Charlene Storey [excerpts]:
From "Councilwoman who quit over 'Christmas' tree rescinds resignation" by Tom Haydon and Jessica Remo, The Star-Ledger 12/5/15
[Mayor Carl Hokanson] said he's received dozens of calls and emails, most of them in support of the renaming of the Dec. 11 event.
"Just like the Easter Bunny is the Easter Bunny and not the Holiday Bunny," he said. "It was never my intent to insult anyone's beliefs or religion."
Hokanson said growing up in Roselle Park the event was always called a "Christmas Tree Lighting." Now, in his first year as mayor and master of ceremonies of the event, he wanted to change it back.
He said "Christmas" was removed from the name years ago after a lawsuit over Jersey City's holiday display.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Roselle Park councilwoman quits over 'Christmas' tree lighting" by Tom Haydon, The Star-Ledger 12/5/15
Storey said Mayor Carl Hokanson had briefly mentioned the idea of making the change several days ago. However, Storey said the resolution for the change was not listed on the agenda and she was surprised when it was brought up at the meeting.
She said she had checked other municipalities and only found events, tree lightings or holiday tree lightings, and none that included the word Christmas.
Hokanson said each municipality can use what title it wants to use. New York, he said, calls it a Christmas Tree lighting and another city may not.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Council Approves Mayor’s Request To Have A ‘Christmas Tree Lighting’" by Saul Qersdyn, Roselle Park News 12/4/15
“I’d like to have council’s permission to change it from the Annual Holiday [Tree] Lighting back to the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting if that’s all right with everybody,” stated Mayor Carl Hokanson at last night’s Mayor & Council meeting. He was referring to the popular winter annual event currently known as the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting And Gala which will be held next Friday. He announced his proposal by producing a flier he had included in every council member’s meeting packet which is usually distributed days before a meeting.
Councilwoman-At-Large Charlene Storey immediately commented, “Well, I’ve got to say Mr. Mayor, I have checked that out and every other town in the area calls it a holiday lighting or a tree lighting. I think that this is moving away from inclusiveness to exclusiveness so I cannot support that.”
Mayor Hokanson responded, “Well, again, that’s everybody else. That doesn’t have to be here. I’m just asking if that’s what everybody wants.”
As the meeting progressed, during the Borough Engineer’s report, Councilwoman Storey left the dais. Almost five minutes later, the Council President returned momentarily to pick up her coat and belongings then left the meeting for good without saying a word to anyone. Later on, Mayor Hokanson appointed Councilman Kelly – the longest sitting member of council – as the acting Council President.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Councilwoman Storey Provides Insight Into Decision To Resign" by Saul Qersdyn, Roselle Park News 12/5/15
Councilwoman-At-Large Charlene Storey issued a statement providing further details on her decision to resign her seat. [An excerpt from that] statement is included below. The councilwoman also addressed some additional questions in order to provide insight into a series of events and decisions that, in less than 24 hours, would have the second highest-ranking member of council and the only woman serving as an elected official call it a day over a single word.
Also read Christmas Tree Flyer Censored by New Hampshire School Supt.
And read Christmas Parties Banned at Univ. of Tennessee
“People are offended because we use the word ‘Christmas.' Well I feel offended when you tell me ‘holiday.' . . . it’s a Christmas tree.”For background, read Angry Muslims Storm New Jersey School Board Demanding Holidays
-- Mayor Carl Hokanson, Roselle Park, NJ
Click headlines below to read previous articles:
Mississippi Town Defies Atheists' Anti-Christmas Demands
Georgia Sheriff's Christmas Sign Peeves Atheists
New Mexico Mayor Tells Atheists Nativity Scene Stays in Place
Texas Mayor Declares 'Year of the Bible'
Texas School Supt. Tells Atheists to Go Fly a Kite
-- From "Councilwoman rescinds resignation over ‘Christmas’ tree" by The Associated Press 12/6/15
Minutes after the Roselle Park council approved the [ceremony name] change Thursday night, Charlene Storey walked out of the meeting. She submitted a resignation letter, saying the borough’s decision to change the ceremony’s name from a “tree lighting” to a “Christmas tree lighting” favors one religion and “cuts non-Christians out of the loop.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "NJ Councilwoman Rescinds Resignation Over ‘Christmas’ Tree Lighting Ceremony" posted at WCBS-TV2 (New York, NY) 12/5/15
Earlier this week, the Roselle Park City Council voted 4 to 2 to change the name . . .
Storey, who was raised Catholic but describes herself as a non-believer, said she made the decision because she did not want to be a part of a city council that excluded other religions.
“I cannot in good conscience continue to be part of a council that is exclusionary or to work with a mayor who is such,” Storey said in her resignation letter.
She also sited the separation of church and state plus an increasingly diverse community.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Councilwoman & Mayor Release Joint Statement On The Rescinding Of Her Resignation" by Saul Qersdyn, Roselle Park News 12/5/15
The following statement was released by both Mayor Carl Hokanson and Councilwoman-At-Large Charlene Storey [excerpts]:
The new name of the event will remain in place, as approved by the council, the mayor and the councilwoman said. Storey still opposes the change.To read the entire statement above, CLICK HERE.
Storey and Hokanson said a misunderstanding between them before this week’s council meeting led to each feeling blindsided at the session.
Hokanson said: “It was never my intent to insult anyone’s beliefs or religion. We live in an increasingly diverse community, and we have to come to grips with that fact.”
From "Councilwoman who quit over 'Christmas' tree rescinds resignation" by Tom Haydon and Jessica Remo, The Star-Ledger 12/5/15
[Mayor Carl Hokanson] said he's received dozens of calls and emails, most of them in support of the renaming of the Dec. 11 event.
"Just like the Easter Bunny is the Easter Bunny and not the Holiday Bunny," he said. "It was never my intent to insult anyone's beliefs or religion."
Hokanson said growing up in Roselle Park the event was always called a "Christmas Tree Lighting." Now, in his first year as mayor and master of ceremonies of the event, he wanted to change it back.
He said "Christmas" was removed from the name years ago after a lawsuit over Jersey City's holiday display.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Roselle Park councilwoman quits over 'Christmas' tree lighting" by Tom Haydon, The Star-Ledger 12/5/15
Storey said Mayor Carl Hokanson had briefly mentioned the idea of making the change several days ago. However, Storey said the resolution for the change was not listed on the agenda and she was surprised when it was brought up at the meeting.
She said she had checked other municipalities and only found events, tree lightings or holiday tree lightings, and none that included the word Christmas.
Hokanson said each municipality can use what title it wants to use. New York, he said, calls it a Christmas Tree lighting and another city may not.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Council Approves Mayor’s Request To Have A ‘Christmas Tree Lighting’" by Saul Qersdyn, Roselle Park News 12/4/15
“I’d like to have council’s permission to change it from the Annual Holiday [Tree] Lighting back to the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting if that’s all right with everybody,” stated Mayor Carl Hokanson at last night’s Mayor & Council meeting. He was referring to the popular winter annual event currently known as the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting And Gala which will be held next Friday. He announced his proposal by producing a flier he had included in every council member’s meeting packet which is usually distributed days before a meeting.
Councilwoman-At-Large Charlene Storey immediately commented, “Well, I’ve got to say Mr. Mayor, I have checked that out and every other town in the area calls it a holiday lighting or a tree lighting. I think that this is moving away from inclusiveness to exclusiveness so I cannot support that.”
Mayor Hokanson responded, “Well, again, that’s everybody else. That doesn’t have to be here. I’m just asking if that’s what everybody wants.”
As the meeting progressed, during the Borough Engineer’s report, Councilwoman Storey left the dais. Almost five minutes later, the Council President returned momentarily to pick up her coat and belongings then left the meeting for good without saying a word to anyone. Later on, Mayor Hokanson appointed Councilman Kelly – the longest sitting member of council – as the acting Council President.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Councilwoman Storey Provides Insight Into Decision To Resign" by Saul Qersdyn, Roselle Park News 12/5/15
Councilwoman-At-Large Charlene Storey issued a statement providing further details on her decision to resign her seat. [An excerpt from that] statement is included below. The councilwoman also addressed some additional questions in order to provide insight into a series of events and decisions that, in less than 24 hours, would have the second highest-ranking member of council and the only woman serving as an elected official call it a day over a single word.
. . . Had the name of this event never been changed to use a non-religious term, had it stayed with “Christmas” instead of being changed to “Holiday,” I could have accepted it as a cultural term. But to change it from a neutral term back to a religious one was clearly meant to put religion back into the public event. And to underscore religious division at this time in the nation and world is, to me, as wrong as wrong can be.To read the entire statement above, CLICK HERE.
. . . All four members of the Council who voted for this are male, white, Catholic and members of the Knights of Columbus, a religious organization that every year posts a large sign urging, “Keep Christ in Christmas.” So I find it hard to accept that to them, a “Christmas” tree is a secular tree.
. . . I am a non-Christian and a non-believer. My husband and I are Humanists, as I’ve pointed out in campaign literature and in my bio on the Borough’s website. We believe it’s our duty to do good in this life as a matter of principle, not as a religious obligation.
Also read Christmas Tree Flyer Censored by New Hampshire School Supt.
And read Christmas Parties Banned at Univ. of Tennessee
Friday, December 04, 2015
Lone Jew, ACLU Stop Prayer in Penn. Town
Joshua Allenberg, a resident of Monroeville, has enlisted assistance from atheist lawyers to intimidate local officials, and so far, it has worked. The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania is threatening to sue the municipality if the Lord's Prayer continues to open the borough council meetings, as it has for decades.
Wisconsin Atheists: Stop Prayer in West Virginia City
Only Christian Prayers Allowed by Arizona City
Christian Invocation Outrages California City Council
Muslim Prayer Ends Invocation Policy in North Carolina
Florida Battles Satanic 'Prayer' at Civic Meetings City-by-City
-- From "ACLU threatening to sue western Pennsylvania town over Lord's Prayer to begin meetings" by The Associated Press 12/3/15
Mayor Greg Erosenko declined to comment, saying he'd have to consult with the municipality's solicitor, Bruce Dice.
Dice has said a Supreme Court decision allowing prayer at a New York town's council meetings makes it legal in Monroeville.
[ACLU attorney Sara] Rose says that's not accurate because meetings in Greece, New York, open with prayers from representatives of different religions.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Monroeville Borough’s Pre-Meeting Prayer Ritual Comes Under Fire" by Amy Wadas, KDKA-TV2 (Pittsburgh, PA) 12/3/15
. . . on Thursday night, for the first time in many, many years, the borough’s mayor did not lead the gathering in reciting the prayer.
But Monroeville’s mayor believes prayer is necessary. He says he can’t believe it’s being opposed.
“It’s very sad that we have come to this, taken what’s happened in [the terrorist attack in] California. Not just Monroeville, but I think the whole country needs a lot of prayer,” says Mayor Greg Erosenko.
“This politically correct stuff’s getting old, but it’s part of our world, so I’ll adhere to it,” he says.
However, the citizens that attended Thursday night’s meeting say they’re not going to let one person’s views on prayer get in the way of their constitutional rights, including one man who’s of Jewish faith.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Prayers offered at Monroeville council meeting, but not by mayor or council members" by Rick Wills, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 12/3/15
“We are not going to have a prayer tonight,” Monroeville Mayor Greg Erosenko, announced at the meeting. “We are reviewing use of the prayer with legal counsel.”
But two residents, upset that the municipality is under threat of a lawsuit from the American Civil Liberties Union for use of the Christian prayer, said aloud their own prayers during the meeting's public-comment session.
“Faith is important in this community,” said the Rev. Rob Marrow, pastor of Crossroads Presbyterian Church in Monroeville, whose prayer invoked Jesus. “I hope you keep a time of prayer in the meeting, whatever that may be.”
“We were settled as a Christian nation. They really should be adopting our lifestyle,” resident Helen Crowell said of challengers to use of the Christian prayer at meetings.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "ACLU threatens suit against Monroeville" by Emily Balser, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 12/3/15
The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania says that reciting the Lord's Prayer before Monroeville Council meetings is unconstitutional and will consider suing the municipality if it doesn't end the practice.
Sara Rose, staff attorney with the ACLU's Pittsburgh office, said a complaint from Monroeville resident Joshua Allenberg has been reviewed, and the organization has determined that Monroeville Council is violating the First Amendment's Establishment clause, which prohibits government from preferring one religion over another.
Rose said municipal officials will have about a month to respond to the letter, discuss the issue and vote on any changes.
Monroeville Council holds two meetings — a work session for public comment and discussion and a voting meeting — in a typical month. The prayer is mentioned in council meeting minutes and agendas going back at least to 2001, the earliest versions of those documents posted on Monroeville's website.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read California Mayor Calls City Prayer Vigil for Solutions
And read Georgia Sheriff's Christmas Sign Peeves Atheists
“Every meeting, they’ve recited the Lord’s Prayer, which from my understanding, is a strictly Christian prayer. I’m Jewish. I wasn’t very familiar with it. To me, shows favoring one religion over another.”For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:
-- Joshua Allenberg
Wisconsin Atheists: Stop Prayer in West Virginia City
Only Christian Prayers Allowed by Arizona City
Christian Invocation Outrages California City Council
Muslim Prayer Ends Invocation Policy in North Carolina
Florida Battles Satanic 'Prayer' at Civic Meetings City-by-City
-- From "ACLU threatening to sue western Pennsylvania town over Lord's Prayer to begin meetings" by The Associated Press 12/3/15
Mayor Greg Erosenko declined to comment, saying he'd have to consult with the municipality's solicitor, Bruce Dice.
Dice has said a Supreme Court decision allowing prayer at a New York town's council meetings makes it legal in Monroeville.
[ACLU attorney Sara] Rose says that's not accurate because meetings in Greece, New York, open with prayers from representatives of different religions.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Monroeville Borough’s Pre-Meeting Prayer Ritual Comes Under Fire" by Amy Wadas, KDKA-TV2 (Pittsburgh, PA) 12/3/15
. . . on Thursday night, for the first time in many, many years, the borough’s mayor did not lead the gathering in reciting the prayer.
But Monroeville’s mayor believes prayer is necessary. He says he can’t believe it’s being opposed.
“It’s very sad that we have come to this, taken what’s happened in [the terrorist attack in] California. Not just Monroeville, but I think the whole country needs a lot of prayer,” says Mayor Greg Erosenko.
“This politically correct stuff’s getting old, but it’s part of our world, so I’ll adhere to it,” he says.
However, the citizens that attended Thursday night’s meeting say they’re not going to let one person’s views on prayer get in the way of their constitutional rights, including one man who’s of Jewish faith.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Prayers offered at Monroeville council meeting, but not by mayor or council members" by Rick Wills, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 12/3/15
“We are not going to have a prayer tonight,” Monroeville Mayor Greg Erosenko, announced at the meeting. “We are reviewing use of the prayer with legal counsel.”
But two residents, upset that the municipality is under threat of a lawsuit from the American Civil Liberties Union for use of the Christian prayer, said aloud their own prayers during the meeting's public-comment session.
“Faith is important in this community,” said the Rev. Rob Marrow, pastor of Crossroads Presbyterian Church in Monroeville, whose prayer invoked Jesus. “I hope you keep a time of prayer in the meeting, whatever that may be.”
“We were settled as a Christian nation. They really should be adopting our lifestyle,” resident Helen Crowell said of challengers to use of the Christian prayer at meetings.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "ACLU threatens suit against Monroeville" by Emily Balser, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 12/3/15
The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania says that reciting the Lord's Prayer before Monroeville Council meetings is unconstitutional and will consider suing the municipality if it doesn't end the practice.
Sara Rose, staff attorney with the ACLU's Pittsburgh office, said a complaint from Monroeville resident Joshua Allenberg has been reviewed, and the organization has determined that Monroeville Council is violating the First Amendment's Establishment clause, which prohibits government from preferring one religion over another.
Rose said municipal officials will have about a month to respond to the letter, discuss the issue and vote on any changes.
Monroeville Council holds two meetings — a work session for public comment and discussion and a voting meeting — in a typical month. The prayer is mentioned in council meeting minutes and agendas going back at least to 2001, the earliest versions of those documents posted on Monroeville's website.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read California Mayor Calls City Prayer Vigil for Solutions
And read Georgia Sheriff's Christmas Sign Peeves Atheists
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