Four pastors, including a member of [New York] City Council, were among seven men arrested Thursday morning in front of the city Law Department during a protest of the city’s ban on allowing churches to hold worship services in public school buildings, the police and organizers said.
UPDATE 1/12/12: Pastors protest Mayor Bloomberg
UPDATE 4/8/14: Mayor de Blasio OKs churches in schools, but only after court rules against the churches.
-- From "Clergymen in Cuffs as Protesters Are Arrested" by Andy Newman, New York Times 1/5/12
All those arrested were charged with trespassing, including Councilman Fernando Cabrera, a Democrat who leads a church in the Bronx. About 20 demonstrators gathered in front of the Law Department’s headquarters at 100 Church Street to protest the policy, and after about an hour, seven of them sat down in front of the building and refused to leave until they were arrested, the police said.
The city’s policy on worship services in school buildings emerged intact last month when the United States Supreme Court declined to review a lower court’s decision in a suit brought by a small Bronx evangelical church that has been holding its Sunday services at Public School 15 since 2002.
As the case made its way through the system, the city’s ban was put on hold, and some 160 congregations used school buildings for worship services last school year. They have been given a Feb. 12 deadline to leave the schools.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Pastors, Lawmakers Protest Ban on Worship in School Buildings" by The Associated Press 1/5/12
"It's just crazy that they're forcing the churches to leave in six weeks," Councilman Fernando Cabrera said after he was handcuffed, booked on a trespass charge and released. "They should absolutely allow the houses of worship to continue doing what they are doing. It has never negatively affected anyone."
Jordan Lorence, a lawyer for two of the affected churches, said 25 to 30 people were at the protest.
"The reason they made this public demonstration today was to draw attention to the Department of Education's policy and the contemplated expansion of this policy," he said. "They believe this is an infringement on religious liberty."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "City: Churches Can Use Public Spaces" By Tamer El-Ghobashy, Wall Street Journal 1/5/12
A court decision that upheld New York City's right to bar worship services at public schools won't be used to deny churches access to other government facilities such as public housing developments, city officials said Thursday.
The question over small congregations' use of public housing facilities was raised when the New York City Housing Authority informed five churches that their temporary agreements to rent space were being reviewed after they expired on Dec. 31.
It culminated Thursday when a group of pastors, joined by Bronx City Councilman Fernando Cabrera, was arrested during a small protest at the headquarters of the New York City Law Department in Lower Manhattan. The group said it was opposing what it called an effort to "evict" houses of worship from city-owned properties.
. . . Jane L. Gordon, senior counsel at the Law Department, said there "is absolutely no connection" between the education department and NYCHA policies.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "After Protests and Arrests, NYCHA Extends Agreements With Bronx Churches (For Now)" by Alex Kratz, Norwood News 1/9/12
Following demonstrations that led to the arrests of seven people last week, including Bronx Councilman Fernando Cabrera, the New York City Housing Authority agreed to extend rental agreements with two Bronx churches who worship in city-owned buildings.
The churches — Bronx Bible Church at the Justice Sonia Sotomayor Houses and Infinity New York Church at the Bronx River Houses — will be allowed to continue renting space at the facilities until at least Feb. 26 while NYCHA completes its comprehensive review of all of its rental agreements with organizations.
“This is a great victory,” said Cabrera in a statement. “But the fight isn’t over and more rallies are being planned. We will continue to call on Mayor Bloomberg to lift the ban on Houses of Worship from meeting in public schools. I hope Mayor Bloomberg will follow the example of NYCHA’s and allow Houses of Worship to continue to meet in New York City Public Schools without restriction based on content.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Monday, January 09, 2012
Tenn. Struggles for Freedom of Religion - Bullying
Pro-family advocates and lawmakers are advancing language for Senate Bill 0760 (House Bill 1153) to ensure freedom of speech and religion regarding public school anti-bullying, but critics say that allowing Christian students to cite Bible verses is bullying and should be outlawed.
For background, read Pro-gay Teacher Bullies Christians on Anti-bullying Day and also read Outlawing Teaching of Homosexuality in Tennessee as well as Obama Signs Law to End Christian Witness - 'Hate Crimes'
-- From "Christian activist Fowler makes stand on bullying" by The Associated Press 1/5/12
[David] Fowler, a former Republican state senator, is president of the Family Action Council of Tennessee [FACT]. The group’s December newsletter says it wants “to make sure (the legislation) protects the religious liberty and free speech rights of students who want to express their views on homosexuality.”
Fowler told the Chattanooga Times Free Press that “the purpose is to stop bullying, not create special classes of people who are more important than others.”
The Senate sponsor of changes to the bullying law, Sen. Jim Tracy, R-Shelbyville, is “reviewing the legislation” and will likely “narrow” the current bill, a Tracy aide said Tuesday.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Christian activist questions scope of anti-bullying law" by Andy Sher, Chattanooga Times Free Press 1/4/12
. . . leaders of the Tennessee Equality Project, a gay-rights group, charge the [religious liberty] legislation "would give students a 'license to bully' that allows them to hide their irrational biases behind an extreme religious belief."
The Fowler-backed bill says anti-bullying programs and measures can't use materials or training that "explicitly or implicitly promote a political agenda [and] make the characteristics of the victim the focus rather than the conduct of the person engaged in harassment, intimidation, or bullying."
FACT said it "is wrong to bully people because of their sexual practices. But it's wrong to bully people period. The larger lesson here is that these tragedies are often the rotten fruit of the all-about-me individualistic culture that comes when we deny the existence of God and his image in us. When life and people become cheap, tragedy becomes the result."
In the interview, Fowler said gays are "not the only people who get insulted. The thing we need to concentrate on is not whether the characteristics of the victim justify being protected but on the conduct of the person engaging in the bullying while respecting constitutional rights."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Bullying Bill May Promote Intimidation" by Stephanie Scurlock, WREG-TV3 (Memphis) 1/5/12
. . . The bill allows kids to say what they want if they're doing it for religious reasons and as long as they don't threaten bodily harm.
“Essentially what it does it allows kids to pretty much say anything to each other no matter how ugly it is as long as they claim it's part of their religion,” said [Michelle Bliss, Co-Chair Shelby Co. Chapter, TN Equality Project].
Bliss says this affects gay students and others who might be intimidated because of race or religion.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Protecting free speech condemned as ‘bullying’" by Bob Unruh, World Net Daily 1/7/12
“All people are entitled to equal protection under the law, which doesn’t happen when the policies enumerate who’s protected and by implication those not listed are not protected,” [Fowler] explained to WND.
“There are many in the media, and certainly there are interest groups, who want to use the government as the thought police and want to suppress any form of opposition, whether it rises to level of bullying or harassment or not. They simply want to squelch any dissent,” he said.
The Family Action Council site explained that the way the bullying prevention programs now operate, “some students receiv[e] less protection from bullying than other students” and students are not allowed to express their religiously based views.
The current plan also allows “school administrators who may desire to suppress a student’s unpopular or politically incorrect views [to] deem that student’s expression of such views to be ‘creating a hostile educational environment,’” the organization said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read 'Gay Rights' Winning, Loss of Religious Liberty Documented - Washington Post writer demonstrates it's a "zero sum" game: Winning homosexual 'rights' means Christians must lose freedom of religion.
For background, read Pro-gay Teacher Bullies Christians on Anti-bullying Day and also read Outlawing Teaching of Homosexuality in Tennessee as well as Obama Signs Law to End Christian Witness - 'Hate Crimes'
-- From "Christian activist Fowler makes stand on bullying" by The Associated Press 1/5/12
[David] Fowler, a former Republican state senator, is president of the Family Action Council of Tennessee [FACT]. The group’s December newsletter says it wants “to make sure (the legislation) protects the religious liberty and free speech rights of students who want to express their views on homosexuality.”
Fowler told the Chattanooga Times Free Press that “the purpose is to stop bullying, not create special classes of people who are more important than others.”
The Senate sponsor of changes to the bullying law, Sen. Jim Tracy, R-Shelbyville, is “reviewing the legislation” and will likely “narrow” the current bill, a Tracy aide said Tuesday.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Christian activist questions scope of anti-bullying law" by Andy Sher, Chattanooga Times Free Press 1/4/12
. . . leaders of the Tennessee Equality Project, a gay-rights group, charge the [religious liberty] legislation "would give students a 'license to bully' that allows them to hide their irrational biases behind an extreme religious belief."
The Fowler-backed bill says anti-bullying programs and measures can't use materials or training that "explicitly or implicitly promote a political agenda [and] make the characteristics of the victim the focus rather than the conduct of the person engaged in harassment, intimidation, or bullying."
FACT said it "is wrong to bully people because of their sexual practices. But it's wrong to bully people period. The larger lesson here is that these tragedies are often the rotten fruit of the all-about-me individualistic culture that comes when we deny the existence of God and his image in us. When life and people become cheap, tragedy becomes the result."
In the interview, Fowler said gays are "not the only people who get insulted. The thing we need to concentrate on is not whether the characteristics of the victim justify being protected but on the conduct of the person engaging in the bullying while respecting constitutional rights."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Bullying Bill May Promote Intimidation" by Stephanie Scurlock, WREG-TV3 (Memphis) 1/5/12
. . . The bill allows kids to say what they want if they're doing it for religious reasons and as long as they don't threaten bodily harm.
“Essentially what it does it allows kids to pretty much say anything to each other no matter how ugly it is as long as they claim it's part of their religion,” said [Michelle Bliss, Co-Chair Shelby Co. Chapter, TN Equality Project].
Bliss says this affects gay students and others who might be intimidated because of race or religion.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Protecting free speech condemned as ‘bullying’" by Bob Unruh, World Net Daily 1/7/12
“All people are entitled to equal protection under the law, which doesn’t happen when the policies enumerate who’s protected and by implication those not listed are not protected,” [Fowler] explained to WND.
“There are many in the media, and certainly there are interest groups, who want to use the government as the thought police and want to suppress any form of opposition, whether it rises to level of bullying or harassment or not. They simply want to squelch any dissent,” he said.
The Family Action Council site explained that the way the bullying prevention programs now operate, “some students receiv[e] less protection from bullying than other students” and students are not allowed to express their religiously based views.
The current plan also allows “school administrators who may desire to suppress a student’s unpopular or politically incorrect views [to] deem that student’s expression of such views to be ‘creating a hostile educational environment,’” the organization said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read 'Gay Rights' Winning, Loss of Religious Liberty Documented - Washington Post writer demonstrates it's a "zero sum" game: Winning homosexual 'rights' means Christians must lose freedom of religion.
Sunday, January 08, 2012
Top Presidential Candidates Affirm Marriage
In this weekend's pair of GOP presidential debates, other than Mitt Romney, each of the contenders with a shot at the nomination made clear that they will NOT continue President Obama's advancement of the Gay Agenda. In contrast, Mitt Romney reinforced his desire to advance "gay rights" in every manner other than a redefinition of marriage.
For background, read Christian Liberty at Risk with a President Romney? and also read Santorum Explains Gay Agenda Effect on Children as well as Presidential Candidates: Abortion & Marriage Top Issues
-- From "GOP debate: Romney, Santorum grilled on gay rights" by Kim Geiger, Los Angeles Times 1/8/12
Mitt Romney was reminded Sunday morning on the NBC/Facebook debate stage of a pledge he made in 1984, that he would “be a voice in the Republican Party to foster anti-discimination efforts” in the gay community.
Asked how he had fulfilled that pledge, Romney said that as governor of Massachusets, he had a gay cabinet member and appointed judges regardless of their sexual orientation.
That didn't satisfy WHDH-TV Boston's Andy Hiller, a political reporter who had raised the question at the debate.
“When's the last time that you stood up and spoke out for increasing gay rights?” Hiller asked.
Romney was done with the topic. “Right now,” he said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "GOP debate: No love for gay marriage" by Josh Lederman, The Hill 1/7/12
Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney want gay couples to enjoy certain benefits, but the right to call their relationship a marriage is not one of them.
“The sacrament of marriage was based on a man and a woman, has been for 3,000 years,” said the former House Speaker [Gingrich].
Jon Huntsman was the only candidate to endorse civil unions, saying states should be able to talk about how they want to treat same-sex couples.
Rick Santorum, who has made strengthening traditional marriage a major plank of his campaign platform, said that not only should the U.S. Constitution ban gay marriage for all states, but that gays who are already married would see their marriages annulled.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Republican presidential candidates Romney, Santorum challenged on gay rights" by The Associated Press 1/8/12
. . . Rick Santorum says he believed in respect and dignity for all people but reiterated his opposition to gay marriage and adoptions by gay parents.
The former senator from Pennsylvania is an outspoken social conservative and has made opposition to abortion and gay marriage central to his campaign.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Rick Santorum, Mitt Romney Pressed About Support For Gay Rights During 2012 New Hampshire GOP Debate" by Amanda Terkel, Huffington Post 1/8/12
When the moderator asked Santorum if he would be a voice for "speaking out for gay rights" in the Republican Party, the former Pennsylvania senator replied, "I would be a voice in speaking out for making sure that every person in America, gay or straight, is treated with respect and dignity and has the equality of opportunity. That does not mean that I would agree with certain things that the gay community would like to do with changing laws, with respect to marriage or respect to adoption or things like that. You can be respectful. ... But just because you don't agree with someone's desire to change the law doesn't mean you don't like them or you hate them or you want to discriminate against them."
He cited his town hall meetings in New Hampshire, where he has been repeatedly questioned about gay rights.
"I listen to the other side, I let them make their arguments and we do so in a very respectful way. And you know what? We may not agree," he said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Santorum’s Response to Question on Gay Rights" by Jeremy W. Peters, New York Times 1/8/12
Asked what would happen if his son told him he was gay, Mr. Santorum said, “I would love him as much as I did the second before he said it.”
In a 2003 interview with GQ, he was asked what he would tell a son who admitted to having an attraction to men. He essentially said his son should remain celibate.
“I would try to point out to them what is the right thing to do. And we have many temptations to do things we shouldn’t do,” he told the magazine. “It doesn’t mean you have to submit.”
Mr. Santorum added that all parents should help steer their children in a direction “that would lead them to a better and happier life.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
For background, read Christian Liberty at Risk with a President Romney? and also read Santorum Explains Gay Agenda Effect on Children as well as Presidential Candidates: Abortion & Marriage Top Issues
-- From "GOP debate: Romney, Santorum grilled on gay rights" by Kim Geiger, Los Angeles Times 1/8/12
Mitt Romney was reminded Sunday morning on the NBC/Facebook debate stage of a pledge he made in 1984, that he would “be a voice in the Republican Party to foster anti-discimination efforts” in the gay community.
Asked how he had fulfilled that pledge, Romney said that as governor of Massachusets, he had a gay cabinet member and appointed judges regardless of their sexual orientation.
That didn't satisfy WHDH-TV Boston's Andy Hiller, a political reporter who had raised the question at the debate.
“When's the last time that you stood up and spoke out for increasing gay rights?” Hiller asked.
Romney was done with the topic. “Right now,” he said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "GOP debate: No love for gay marriage" by Josh Lederman, The Hill 1/7/12
Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney want gay couples to enjoy certain benefits, but the right to call their relationship a marriage is not one of them.
“The sacrament of marriage was based on a man and a woman, has been for 3,000 years,” said the former House Speaker [Gingrich].
Jon Huntsman was the only candidate to endorse civil unions, saying states should be able to talk about how they want to treat same-sex couples.
Rick Santorum, who has made strengthening traditional marriage a major plank of his campaign platform, said that not only should the U.S. Constitution ban gay marriage for all states, but that gays who are already married would see their marriages annulled.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Republican presidential candidates Romney, Santorum challenged on gay rights" by The Associated Press 1/8/12
. . . Rick Santorum says he believed in respect and dignity for all people but reiterated his opposition to gay marriage and adoptions by gay parents.
The former senator from Pennsylvania is an outspoken social conservative and has made opposition to abortion and gay marriage central to his campaign.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Rick Santorum, Mitt Romney Pressed About Support For Gay Rights During 2012 New Hampshire GOP Debate" by Amanda Terkel, Huffington Post 1/8/12
When the moderator asked Santorum if he would be a voice for "speaking out for gay rights" in the Republican Party, the former Pennsylvania senator replied, "I would be a voice in speaking out for making sure that every person in America, gay or straight, is treated with respect and dignity and has the equality of opportunity. That does not mean that I would agree with certain things that the gay community would like to do with changing laws, with respect to marriage or respect to adoption or things like that. You can be respectful. ... But just because you don't agree with someone's desire to change the law doesn't mean you don't like them or you hate them or you want to discriminate against them."
He cited his town hall meetings in New Hampshire, where he has been repeatedly questioned about gay rights.
"I listen to the other side, I let them make their arguments and we do so in a very respectful way. And you know what? We may not agree," he said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Santorum’s Response to Question on Gay Rights" by Jeremy W. Peters, New York Times 1/8/12
Asked what would happen if his son told him he was gay, Mr. Santorum said, “I would love him as much as I did the second before he said it.”
In a 2003 interview with GQ, he was asked what he would tell a son who admitted to having an attraction to men. He essentially said his son should remain celibate.
“I would try to point out to them what is the right thing to do. And we have many temptations to do things we shouldn’t do,” he told the magazine. “It doesn’t mean you have to submit.”
Mr. Santorum added that all parents should help steer their children in a direction “that would lead them to a better and happier life.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Saturday, January 07, 2012
Archbishop to Priests: Support Marriage or Be Quiet
St. Paul-Minneapolis Archbishop John C. Nienstedt, in an ultimatum to his underlings, said that if they can't speak out in favor of the Minnesota one-man-one-woman marriage referendum on the 2012 ballot, then they must remain silent.
For background, read Minnesota Marriage Amendment Approaches Voters and also read Minnesota Homosexualists Hate Pro-marriage Christians
-- From "Archbishop Nienstedt to priests: Support marriage amendment or be quiet if you disagree" by Joe Kimball, MinnPost.com 1/6/12
Any priests with "personal reservations" about the [pro-marriage] effort should not share them publicly, the archbishop says in a letter to priests and deacons . . .
In the letter, Nienstedt says it is no exaggeration to say that "the movement to protect and defend the definition of marriage as a union between one man and one woman we are faced with one of the greatest challenges of our times."
He says he expects "all the priests and deacons in this Archdiocese" to "support this venture and cooperate with us in the important efforts that lie ahead," noting that when ordained, each "made a promise to promote and defend all that the Church teaches."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Minnesota Archbishop Tells Priests Not to Oppose Church Teachings on Marriage" by Ben Johnson, LifeSiteNews.com 1/6/12
[Nienstedt] believes efforts to redefine marriage now threaten to overwhelm the culture and confuse a generation of children. “Today we can say with clarity what the natural reality of marriage is,” he said.“That may not be possible in years to come if we fail to be successful now.”
Although the Church’s ultimate goal is promoting the spiritual life, Abp. Nienstedt views the defense of marriage as part of the New Evangelization. He has appointed teams consisting of one priest and a married couple to explain the Church’s full beliefs on the sacrament of marriage in Catholic schools.
“I want the focus here to be a positive one - let’s celebrate the reality of what God designed from the beginning as affirmed in the first chapter of Genesis and that Jesus reaffirmed in the 19th chapter of St. Matthew’s Gospel,” Archbishop Nienstedt said.
Catholics seeking to change the Faith’s constant teaching on sexual morality were outraged by his actions. “When I first read this letter I couldn’t believe that the Archbishop was telling priests and deacons to be silent if they were opposed to the marriage amendment,” said Paula Ruddy , an editor at The Progressive Catholic.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Excerpts from the Archbishop's letter:
For background, read Minnesota Marriage Amendment Approaches Voters and also read Minnesota Homosexualists Hate Pro-marriage Christians
-- From "Archbishop Nienstedt to priests: Support marriage amendment or be quiet if you disagree" by Joe Kimball, MinnPost.com 1/6/12
Any priests with "personal reservations" about the [pro-marriage] effort should not share them publicly, the archbishop says in a letter to priests and deacons . . .
In the letter, Nienstedt says it is no exaggeration to say that "the movement to protect and defend the definition of marriage as a union between one man and one woman we are faced with one of the greatest challenges of our times."
He says he expects "all the priests and deacons in this Archdiocese" to "support this venture and cooperate with us in the important efforts that lie ahead," noting that when ordained, each "made a promise to promote and defend all that the Church teaches."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Minnesota Archbishop Tells Priests Not to Oppose Church Teachings on Marriage" by Ben Johnson, LifeSiteNews.com 1/6/12
[Nienstedt] believes efforts to redefine marriage now threaten to overwhelm the culture and confuse a generation of children. “Today we can say with clarity what the natural reality of marriage is,” he said.“That may not be possible in years to come if we fail to be successful now.”
Although the Church’s ultimate goal is promoting the spiritual life, Abp. Nienstedt views the defense of marriage as part of the New Evangelization. He has appointed teams consisting of one priest and a married couple to explain the Church’s full beliefs on the sacrament of marriage in Catholic schools.
“I want the focus here to be a positive one - let’s celebrate the reality of what God designed from the beginning as affirmed in the first chapter of Genesis and that Jesus reaffirmed in the 19th chapter of St. Matthew’s Gospel,” Archbishop Nienstedt said.
Catholics seeking to change the Faith’s constant teaching on sexual morality were outraged by his actions. “When I first read this letter I couldn’t believe that the Archbishop was telling priests and deacons to be silent if they were opposed to the marriage amendment,” said Paula Ruddy , an editor at The Progressive Catholic.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Excerpts from the Archbishop's letter:
Dear Fathers and Deacons,
. . . The end game of those who oppose the marriage amendment that we support is not just to secure certain benefits for a particular minority, but, I believe, to eliminate the need for marriage altogether. This can only lead to continued destabilizing the family unit itself. Both those realities will happen if marriage is redefined or, perhaps better put, “undefined.”
We did not choose this challenge nor do any of us relish the confrontation it will bring, but neither can we remain silent in order to get along. We must witness to the truth so as to realize the common good of our society.
May God bless us all.
With every good wish, I remain
Fraternally yours in Christ,
The Most Reverend John C. Nienstedt
Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
Friday, January 06, 2012
Homosexual-focused Health Care: Obama Admin. Goal
President Obama's Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius says her HHS agency will regulate health care in a manner to shift more medical resources toward citizens engaged in sexually deviant lifestyles.
Why doesn't the government tell America that Studies Show that Anal Sex is the Main Cause of the HIV Pandemic
For background, read Majority of New HIV Cases from Homosexual Behavior and also read White House Gay Agenda Advances by Fiat Promised as well as American Homosexual Population is Tiny: Study
-- From "HHS Plans ‘Cultural Competency’ Training for Health Professionals Dealing with Homosexuals, Transgenders" by Penny Starr, CNSNews.com 1/5/12
On the HHS Web site, Sebelius also summarized actions taken thus far on behalf of the LGBT community, such as forming an internal LGBT Coordinating Committee, the inclusion of LGBT people in implementing the Affordable Care Act and ongoing anti-bullying efforts.
The plan includes increasing data on LGBT individuals, including “collaboration with other agencies throughout HHS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)” in “an effort to develop and test questions on sexual orientation and gender identity.”
Protection under federal law is another item in the plan, which states that HHS will “advise” states and tribes that “LGBT couples” can be treated similarly to “non-LGBT couples” for health services and other benefits such as child care and “Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Are Our Future Doctors Receiving Enough Training to Care for LGBT People?" by Andrew Silapaswan, Gay Men’s Health Crisis, Huffington Post 1/4/12
One of the most comprehensive studies examining the incorporation of LGBT content in medical education was recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
. . . Thirty-two [medical school] deans responded that their school's coverage of LGBT health care was "good" or "very good," while 58 reported that it was "fair," and 34 indicated that it was "poor" or "very poor."
The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academy of Sciences, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have released their own respective reports on strategies to improve the health and well-being of LGBT communities.
. . . gay men and lesbians report higher rates of smoking. Cardiac and cancer risk factors are also more prevalent among lesbians compared with heterosexual women. A large-scale study published in 2000 found that breast cancer rates and several associated risk factors are higher among lesbians and bisexual women.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read 'Queer Studies' Degree: Normalizing Sexual Deviancy
Why doesn't the government tell America that Studies Show that Anal Sex is the Main Cause of the HIV Pandemic
For background, read Majority of New HIV Cases from Homosexual Behavior and also read White House Gay Agenda Advances by Fiat Promised as well as American Homosexual Population is Tiny: Study
-- From "HHS Plans ‘Cultural Competency’ Training for Health Professionals Dealing with Homosexuals, Transgenders" by Penny Starr, CNSNews.com 1/5/12
On the HHS Web site, Sebelius also summarized actions taken thus far on behalf of the LGBT community, such as forming an internal LGBT Coordinating Committee, the inclusion of LGBT people in implementing the Affordable Care Act and ongoing anti-bullying efforts.
The plan includes increasing data on LGBT individuals, including “collaboration with other agencies throughout HHS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)” in “an effort to develop and test questions on sexual orientation and gender identity.”
Protection under federal law is another item in the plan, which states that HHS will “advise” states and tribes that “LGBT couples” can be treated similarly to “non-LGBT couples” for health services and other benefits such as child care and “Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Are Our Future Doctors Receiving Enough Training to Care for LGBT People?" by Andrew Silapaswan, Gay Men’s Health Crisis, Huffington Post 1/4/12
One of the most comprehensive studies examining the incorporation of LGBT content in medical education was recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
. . . Thirty-two [medical school] deans responded that their school's coverage of LGBT health care was "good" or "very good," while 58 reported that it was "fair," and 34 indicated that it was "poor" or "very poor."
The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academy of Sciences, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have released their own respective reports on strategies to improve the health and well-being of LGBT communities.
. . . gay men and lesbians report higher rates of smoking. Cardiac and cancer risk factors are also more prevalent among lesbians compared with heterosexual women. A large-scale study published in 2000 found that breast cancer rates and several associated risk factors are higher among lesbians and bisexual women.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read 'Queer Studies' Degree: Normalizing Sexual Deviancy
Wednesday, January 04, 2012
Santorum - (Catholic) Christian Tea Party Candidate
Presidential candidate Rick Santorum, a devout Roman Catholic and homeschooler, emerged from the Iowa caucuses as the (overtly) Christian alternative to Mitt Romney.
For background, read Santorum Explains Gay Agenda Effect on Children and also read Presidential Candidates Push Personhood, End of Abortion as well as Christian Liberty at Risk with a President Romney?
-- From "Santorum Thanks God for Strong Iowa Showing, Moves Forward" by Sophie Quinton, National Journal 1/4/12
[Rick Santorum gave] thanks to three sources of support: his wife, God, and Iowa voters. “You have taken the first step of taking back this country," Santorum told his supporters at his Des Moines, Iowa headquarters.
In a long and personal speech, Santorum outlined his vision of limited government, informed by Christian belief and a focus on the family.
The choice, Santorum said, is “whether we will be a country that believes that government can do things for us better than we can do for ourselves, or whether we believe, as our founders did, that rights come to us from God, and when he gave us those rights, he gave us the freedom to go out and live those rights out to build a great and just society, not from the top down but from the bottom up.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Santorum on Iowa Caucus Success: ‘I Offer a Public Thanks to God’" by Elizabeth Harrington, CNSNews.com 1/4/12
“Every morning when I was getting up in the morning to take on that challenge, I’ve required a strength from another particular friendship. One that is sacred. I’ve survived the challenges so far by the daily grace that comes from God,” Santorum said.
Santorum also said Middle America voters have been “left behind by a Democratic Party that wants to make them dependent.”
“Those are the same people that President Obama talked about who cling to guns and their Bible,” he said.
“Thank God they do.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Santorum Won Among Iowa Tea Partiers, Romney Among Tea Party Opponents, Says Entrance Poll" by Terence P. Jeffrey, CNSNews.com 1/4/12
Sixty-four percent of caucus-goers described themselves as Tea Party supporters, 10 percent described themselves as opponents of the Tea Party, and 24 percent said they were neutral about the Tea Party.
Among Tea Party supporters, Santorum won 29 percent and Romney and Rep. Ron Paul tied for second with 19 percent each. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich won 15 percent of Tea Party supporters, Texas Gov. Rick Perry won 11 percent, and Rep. Michele Bachmann won 6 percent.
Among caucus-goers who said they oppose the Tea Party movement, Romney won 43 percent, Paul won 21 percent, Santorum won 13 percent, Gingrich won 9 percent, Perry won 8 percent, and Bachmann and Huntsman each won 3 percent, according to the poll.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Santorum: ‘The State of Our Culture Under this Administration Continues to Decline with the Values that are Unlike the Values that Built this Country’" posted at CNSNews.com 1/4/12
It remains to be seen how the message will play in New England, but in Iowa, Santorum had expressed clear and consistent opposition to same-sex marriage and support for state and national constitutional amendments defining marriage to be the union of one man and one woman.
At a Thanksgiving-time candidate event sponsored by the Iowa Family Forum, Santorum told an audience of mostly religious conservatives that the imposition of same-sex marriage upon the U.S. could lead to the fall of the nation.
“We have to fight the battles in the states -- we cannot defer. We can't say, ‘The 10th Amendment, they can do what they want.’ This is too important for that. There's a basic and central value. The family is the bedrock of our society. Unless we protect it with the institution of marriage, our country will fall,” Santorum said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Santorum wants tax code to reward traditional marriage and families" by Suzy Khimm, Washington Post 1/3/12
“Tax policy as social policy” is the most distinguishing characteristic of Santorum’s tax reform platform. The Pennsylvania Republican wants to reduce taxes by tripling the child tax credit, which currently stands at $1,000 per child. Santorum also wants to reduce federal taxes that penalize married couples. . . .
As James Pethokoukis points out, such policies are in line with a pro-natalist policy that some policy analysts have pushed for, both for social and economic reasons, citing Robert Stein’s commentary in National Affairs. “Too many free-market economists still consider families an afterthought — arguing that the tax code should be ‘neutral’ about raising children, as if parenting were merely one hobby among many. But raising children is hardly just another pastime: It is one of the most important services any American can perform for our country,” Stein writes, arguing that higher fertility rates would also bolster the financial future of Social Security and Medicare.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
For background, read Santorum Explains Gay Agenda Effect on Children and also read Presidential Candidates Push Personhood, End of Abortion as well as Christian Liberty at Risk with a President Romney?
-- From "Santorum Thanks God for Strong Iowa Showing, Moves Forward" by Sophie Quinton, National Journal 1/4/12
[Rick Santorum gave] thanks to three sources of support: his wife, God, and Iowa voters. “You have taken the first step of taking back this country," Santorum told his supporters at his Des Moines, Iowa headquarters.
In a long and personal speech, Santorum outlined his vision of limited government, informed by Christian belief and a focus on the family.
The choice, Santorum said, is “whether we will be a country that believes that government can do things for us better than we can do for ourselves, or whether we believe, as our founders did, that rights come to us from God, and when he gave us those rights, he gave us the freedom to go out and live those rights out to build a great and just society, not from the top down but from the bottom up.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Santorum on Iowa Caucus Success: ‘I Offer a Public Thanks to God’" by Elizabeth Harrington, CNSNews.com 1/4/12
“Every morning when I was getting up in the morning to take on that challenge, I’ve required a strength from another particular friendship. One that is sacred. I’ve survived the challenges so far by the daily grace that comes from God,” Santorum said.
Santorum also said Middle America voters have been “left behind by a Democratic Party that wants to make them dependent.”
“Those are the same people that President Obama talked about who cling to guns and their Bible,” he said.
“Thank God they do.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Santorum Won Among Iowa Tea Partiers, Romney Among Tea Party Opponents, Says Entrance Poll" by Terence P. Jeffrey, CNSNews.com 1/4/12
Sixty-four percent of caucus-goers described themselves as Tea Party supporters, 10 percent described themselves as opponents of the Tea Party, and 24 percent said they were neutral about the Tea Party.
Among Tea Party supporters, Santorum won 29 percent and Romney and Rep. Ron Paul tied for second with 19 percent each. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich won 15 percent of Tea Party supporters, Texas Gov. Rick Perry won 11 percent, and Rep. Michele Bachmann won 6 percent.
Among caucus-goers who said they oppose the Tea Party movement, Romney won 43 percent, Paul won 21 percent, Santorum won 13 percent, Gingrich won 9 percent, Perry won 8 percent, and Bachmann and Huntsman each won 3 percent, according to the poll.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Santorum: ‘The State of Our Culture Under this Administration Continues to Decline with the Values that are Unlike the Values that Built this Country’" posted at CNSNews.com 1/4/12
It remains to be seen how the message will play in New England, but in Iowa, Santorum had expressed clear and consistent opposition to same-sex marriage and support for state and national constitutional amendments defining marriage to be the union of one man and one woman.
At a Thanksgiving-time candidate event sponsored by the Iowa Family Forum, Santorum told an audience of mostly religious conservatives that the imposition of same-sex marriage upon the U.S. could lead to the fall of the nation.
“We have to fight the battles in the states -- we cannot defer. We can't say, ‘The 10th Amendment, they can do what they want.’ This is too important for that. There's a basic and central value. The family is the bedrock of our society. Unless we protect it with the institution of marriage, our country will fall,” Santorum said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Santorum wants tax code to reward traditional marriage and families" by Suzy Khimm, Washington Post 1/3/12
“Tax policy as social policy” is the most distinguishing characteristic of Santorum’s tax reform platform. The Pennsylvania Republican wants to reduce taxes by tripling the child tax credit, which currently stands at $1,000 per child. Santorum also wants to reduce federal taxes that penalize married couples. . . .
As James Pethokoukis points out, such policies are in line with a pro-natalist policy that some policy analysts have pushed for, both for social and economic reasons, citing Robert Stein’s commentary in National Affairs. “Too many free-market economists still consider families an afterthought — arguing that the tax code should be ‘neutral’ about raising children, as if parenting were merely one hobby among many. But raising children is hardly just another pastime: It is one of the most important services any American can perform for our country,” Stein writes, arguing that higher fertility rates would also bolster the financial future of Social Security and Medicare.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Tuesday, January 03, 2012
Kids Choose Porn as Better Teacher than School
Child sexualization "experts" lament that there's not enough explicit sexual technique instruction in public schools, suggesting that children are justified to turn to pornography for "adequate sex education."
UPDATE 7/22/13: 'Pornography' substituting sex education in Australia
-- From "Pornography is replacing sex education" by Donna Bowater, UK Telegraph 12/16/11
Australian researchers Maree Crabbe and David Corlett said children were turning to adult films because schools were not handling the positive aspects of sex.
The researchers presented their findings at a conference at London University's Institute of Education.
Mary Clegg, chair of the British Association of Sexual Educators, agreed there was a shortfall in sex education at schools.
"But young people are hungry for more explicit information. They're curious and they're hormone-driven."
"Government needs to respond to spiralling under-age sex, not with pointless schemes to teach abstinence, but with better PSHE [Personal, Social and Health Education] teaching in schools for both girls and boys.” [said Diane Abbott, Labour’s Shadow Health Minister.]
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Kids turning to porn for sex education: study" by Dave McGinn, Globe and Mail Blog 12/16/11
In a recent New York Times Magazine story on sex education, the vice-president of education for the Planned Parenthood Federation of America said, “There is abstinence-only sex education, and there’s abstinence-based sex ed. There’s almost nothing else left in public schools.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Boston Teen Girls Mimic Porn Group Sex: Study
"Growing up, watching porn – that's sort of where you get your grasp of what's normal and what's not."UPDATE 3/17/15: Pornography Belongs in Classroom, More Experts Say
-- Child in study
UPDATE 7/22/13: 'Pornography' substituting sex education in Australia
-- From "Pornography is replacing sex education" by Donna Bowater, UK Telegraph 12/16/11
Australian researchers Maree Crabbe and David Corlett said children were turning to adult films because schools were not handling the positive aspects of sex.
The researchers presented their findings at a conference at London University's Institute of Education.
Mary Clegg, chair of the British Association of Sexual Educators, agreed there was a shortfall in sex education at schools.
"But young people are hungry for more explicit information. They're curious and they're hormone-driven."
"Government needs to respond to spiralling under-age sex, not with pointless schemes to teach abstinence, but with better PSHE [Personal, Social and Health Education] teaching in schools for both girls and boys.” [said Diane Abbott, Labour’s Shadow Health Minister.]
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Kids turning to porn for sex education: study" by Dave McGinn, Globe and Mail Blog 12/16/11
In a recent New York Times Magazine story on sex education, the vice-president of education for the Planned Parenthood Federation of America said, “There is abstinence-only sex education, and there’s abstinence-based sex ed. There’s almost nothing else left in public schools.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Boston Teen Girls Mimic Porn Group Sex: Study
Monday, January 02, 2012
Prayer Back in WI School - Muslim Prayer, That is
The 20th Century saw courts removing the Bible and prayer from public school, but the 21st Century is seeing public schools embracing Muslim prayer in the building during the school day.
For background, read Christian Students Suspended for Appearance of Silent Prayer in Hallway
-- From "Green Bay, Wis.: School district gives prayer its own place for pupils of all faiths" by Patti Zarling, Green Bay Press-Gazette 01/01/12
A few residents have approached the Green Bay school district with concerns about the [Muslim] prayer time, worrying it takes away from learning and uses school resources to accommodate religion.
"The issue of students praying in school has come up a number of times this year, in part because we have an increasing number of students who practice the Islam faith, many of whom are Somali students," said Barbara Dorff, student services director. "It is our responsibility to find a private place for these students to pray and to allow them to pray."
About 170 of the district's more than 20,000 students this school year are Somali . . .
"They miss a minute or two of instruction; the loss is minimal," principal Mark Flaten said. "They don't miss any classes, and we have rooms that aren't utilized at that time.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
For background, read Christian Students Suspended for Appearance of Silent Prayer in Hallway
-- From "Green Bay, Wis.: School district gives prayer its own place for pupils of all faiths" by Patti Zarling, Green Bay Press-Gazette 01/01/12
A few residents have approached the Green Bay school district with concerns about the [Muslim] prayer time, worrying it takes away from learning and uses school resources to accommodate religion.
"The issue of students praying in school has come up a number of times this year, in part because we have an increasing number of students who practice the Islam faith, many of whom are Somali students," said Barbara Dorff, student services director. "It is our responsibility to find a private place for these students to pray and to allow them to pray."
About 170 of the district's more than 20,000 students this school year are Somali . . .
"They miss a minute or two of instruction; the loss is minimal," principal Mark Flaten said. "They don't miss any classes, and we have rooms that aren't utilized at that time.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Sunday, January 01, 2012
$Billion$ - Nation's Top Abortion Mill $$
Planned Parenthood reports its annual budget now exceeds a billion dollars, with 46% of its operating funds coming from taxpayers. This "non-profit" organization finished its year with $18.5 million dollars in profit.
UPDATE 1/1/15: Planned Parenthood Reports: Abortions & Profits Up
For background, read Planned Parenthood Defunded by More States and also read Obama Stiffs Texas for Defunding Planned Parenthood as well as Investigation of Planned Parenthood by Congress
-- From "Planned Parenthood tops $1 billion in assets" by Julian Pecquet, The Hill 12/30/11
Almost half of the group’s annual revenue — 46 percent — comes from taxpayers in the form of grants, contracts and Medicaid payments, according to an analysis by the anti-abortion group Susan B. Anthony List.
Planned Parenthood said it does not receive any federal funding for abortions — only for contraception, prevention and other medical services for low-income women.
“With over a billion in net assets and a business model centered on abortion and government subsidies,” SBA List President Marjorie Dannenfelser said in a statement, “it is time for Planned Parenthood to end its reliance on taxpayer dollars.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Planned Parenthood Releases Latest Annual Report" by Jeanne Monahan, Family Research Council 12/30/11
On December 27, 2011 Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) released it latest Annual Report for 2009-2010.
- PPFA performed a total of 329,445 abortions during this time period.
- PPFA provided 841 adoption referrals during this same time (therefore for every adoption referral there were 391 abortions performed).
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Planned Parenthood - Abortions make up 91% of services; receives over $487 million in federal funding" by Kerry Picket, Washington Times 12/30/11
"Planned Parenthood reports to have served 'three million people' and performed 329,445 abortions, meaning that 11% of PPFA clients received an abortion."
SBA List President Marjorie Dannenfelser commented on the PPFA report saying:
"Despite an unprecedented effort by statewide and federal leaders to defund them, a wave of former employees willing to testify against them, and uniform agreement amongst Republican presidential candidates that they should be defunded, Planned Parenthood continues full-steam ahead."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Years of Patient Pro-Life Education Pay Off in 2011" by Randall K. O’Bannon, Ph.D., National Right to Life Director of Education & Research 12/30/11
[Planned Parenthood] is now responsible for more than a quarter of ALL the abortions performed every year in the U.S.
. . . Abortion not only accounts directly for a third or more of PPFA’s total clinic revenues, but it is connected also to many ancillary services sold to pregnant women with the abortion or to women coming to the clinic for abortion that receive other services after they find out they are not pregnant.
. . . while Planned Parenthood tried to argue that none of the (federal) money went towards abortions, National Right to Life pointed out how those funds helped to keep those facilities open and those clinicians employed, freeing up other funds for the promotion and performance of abortion.
Whether abortion is 3% or 33% or an even higher percentage of Planned Parenthood’s business, people are finally beginning to ask why, especially in a time of budget austerity, any taxpayer dollars should be funding an organization for whom systematically killing innocent human beings is a part of their basic business model.
To read the entire opinion column above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Presidential Candidates Push Personhood, End of Abortion
"In 2010, abortion procedures made up 91% (329,445) of Planned Parenthood’s services for pregnant women, while prenatal services and adoption referrals account for only 8.6% (31,098) and 0.2% (841), respectively."UPDATE 1/8/13: $542 Million of Taxes to Planned Parenthood, Where a Baby is Killed Every 94 Seconds
-- The Susan B. Anthony List
UPDATE 1/1/15: Planned Parenthood Reports: Abortions & Profits Up
For background, read Planned Parenthood Defunded by More States and also read Obama Stiffs Texas for Defunding Planned Parenthood as well as Investigation of Planned Parenthood by Congress
-- From "Planned Parenthood tops $1 billion in assets" by Julian Pecquet, The Hill 12/30/11
Almost half of the group’s annual revenue — 46 percent — comes from taxpayers in the form of grants, contracts and Medicaid payments, according to an analysis by the anti-abortion group Susan B. Anthony List.
Planned Parenthood said it does not receive any federal funding for abortions — only for contraception, prevention and other medical services for low-income women.
“With over a billion in net assets and a business model centered on abortion and government subsidies,” SBA List President Marjorie Dannenfelser said in a statement, “it is time for Planned Parenthood to end its reliance on taxpayer dollars.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Planned Parenthood Releases Latest Annual Report" by Jeanne Monahan, Family Research Council 12/30/11
On December 27, 2011 Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) released it latest Annual Report for 2009-2010.
- PPFA performed a total of 329,445 abortions during this time period.
- PPFA provided 841 adoption referrals during this same time (therefore for every adoption referral there were 391 abortions performed).
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Planned Parenthood - Abortions make up 91% of services; receives over $487 million in federal funding" by Kerry Picket, Washington Times 12/30/11
"Planned Parenthood reports to have served 'three million people' and performed 329,445 abortions, meaning that 11% of PPFA clients received an abortion."
SBA List President Marjorie Dannenfelser commented on the PPFA report saying:
"Despite an unprecedented effort by statewide and federal leaders to defund them, a wave of former employees willing to testify against them, and uniform agreement amongst Republican presidential candidates that they should be defunded, Planned Parenthood continues full-steam ahead."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Years of Patient Pro-Life Education Pay Off in 2011" by Randall K. O’Bannon, Ph.D., National Right to Life Director of Education & Research 12/30/11
[Planned Parenthood] is now responsible for more than a quarter of ALL the abortions performed every year in the U.S.
. . . Abortion not only accounts directly for a third or more of PPFA’s total clinic revenues, but it is connected also to many ancillary services sold to pregnant women with the abortion or to women coming to the clinic for abortion that receive other services after they find out they are not pregnant.
. . . while Planned Parenthood tried to argue that none of the (federal) money went towards abortions, National Right to Life pointed out how those funds helped to keep those facilities open and those clinicians employed, freeing up other funds for the promotion and performance of abortion.
Whether abortion is 3% or 33% or an even higher percentage of Planned Parenthood’s business, people are finally beginning to ask why, especially in a time of budget austerity, any taxpayer dollars should be funding an organization for whom systematically killing innocent human beings is a part of their basic business model.
To read the entire opinion column above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Presidential Candidates Push Personhood, End of Abortion
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Gay Agenda Lacks Power Against AIDS Reality
As the year 2011 closes, homosexualists revel in their advancement of the Gay Agenda, thanks to President Obama and New York government, but they lament their inability to counteract "the fruits" of their perversion.
For background, read Majority of New HIV Cases from Homosexual Behavior and also read Federal Study: Gay Culture is Health Risk as well as Sexual Immorality Causes Cancer: HPV Epidemic
-- From "Gay Marriage Victory Still Shadowed by AIDS" by Austin Considine, New York Times 12/31/11
For many middle-aged gay men in New York City, the passage of the same-sex marriage law was in part a fresh reminder of the darkest days of the AIDS epidemic . . .
While some middle-aged gay men and lesbians leaped at the chance to marry after having been denied the right, others say the concept feels too foreign today because it was such a remote possibility for so long.
The men interviewed for this article may form an imbalanced picture of their generation because each has gone on to form long-term, meaningful romantic relationships — despite the loss of partners, and regardless of feelings about marrying. But, as therapists attest, there are silent others who remain haunted by the tragedies of the AIDS scourge, and unhealed by the passing years.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Also read Hillary Clinton Fights AIDS, Embraces Homosexuality
For background, read Majority of New HIV Cases from Homosexual Behavior and also read Federal Study: Gay Culture is Health Risk as well as Sexual Immorality Causes Cancer: HPV Epidemic
-- From "Gay Marriage Victory Still Shadowed by AIDS" by Austin Considine, New York Times 12/31/11
For many middle-aged gay men in New York City, the passage of the same-sex marriage law was in part a fresh reminder of the darkest days of the AIDS epidemic . . .
While some middle-aged gay men and lesbians leaped at the chance to marry after having been denied the right, others say the concept feels too foreign today because it was such a remote possibility for so long.
The men interviewed for this article may form an imbalanced picture of their generation because each has gone on to form long-term, meaningful romantic relationships — despite the loss of partners, and regardless of feelings about marrying. But, as therapists attest, there are silent others who remain haunted by the tragedies of the AIDS scourge, and unhealed by the passing years.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Also read Hillary Clinton Fights AIDS, Embraces Homosexuality
Friday, December 30, 2011
Two Abortionists Arrested, Charged with Murder
Two out-of-state doctors who traveled to Maryland to perform late-term abortions have been arrested and charged with multiple counts of murder under the state's viable fetus law, authorities said.
While late-term abortions are not illegal in Maryland, those who kill viable babies killed in the commission of crimes can be charged with murder in that state.
For background, read Several Abortionists Barred in Two States and also read New Mexico Ignores Deadly Botched Abortions as well as Murders by Abortionist are Conservatives' Fault, Says Media
UPDATE 3/6/12: Government drops murder charges, as defense attorneys argue that prosecution would essentially outlaw abortion
-- From "Authorities: Abortion Doctors Charged With Murder" by Ben Nuckols, Associated Press 12/30/11
Dr. Steven Brigham, of Voorhees, N.J., was taken into custody Wednesday night and is being held in the Camden County jail, according to police in Elkton, Md. Authorities also arrested Dr. Nicola Riley in Salt Lake City and she is in jail in Utah. Each is awaiting an extradition hearing.
A search of [Brigham's Elkton] clinic . . . revealed a freezer with 35 late-term fetuses inside, including one believed to have been aborted at 36 weeks, authorities said.
Brigham, 55, is charged with five counts of first-degree murder, five counts of second-degree murder and one count of conspiracy. Riley, 46, faces one count each of first- and second-degree murder and one conspiracy count.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Doctors in botched Elkton abortion case face murder charges" by Peter Hermann, The Baltimore Sun 12/30/11
In the Elkton case, which police said forms the basis for most of the criminal charges filed this week, an 18-year-old woman from New Jersey suffered a ruptured uterus and other internal injuries during a procedure at the American Woman's Services clinic on East High Street in Elkton.
The physicians board found that the woman, who was 21 weeks pregnant, had initially been treated in Voorhees, N.J., where her cervix was dilated. The woman was then told to travel, in her own car, to Elkton so doctors could complete the procedure.
After the woman suffered a ruptured uterus, state officials said Riley put the patient in Brigham's rented Chevrolet Malibu and drove her Union Hospital in Elkton. The board said she sat in slumped in a wheelchair, nearly unconscious, outside the emergency room, while Riley argued with hospital staff, demanding their identities before treating the woman.
The woman was flown that day to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore for more treatment. State officials said Riley then returned to his clinic in Elkton to perform another abortion. The injured woman survived.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Utah abortion doctor charged with murder" by Julia Lyon, The Salt Lake Tribune 12/30/11
Although Maryland has suspended Riley’s medical license, she continues to have an active license to practice medicine in Utah.
But she can no longer perform abortions in Utah, under a February agreement with state licensing officials. And in August, she was ordered to pay a $10,000 fine for misleading officials about her criminal background when she applied for a Utah medical license in 2004.
Brigham, who has never been licensed in Maryland, allegedly initiated abortions in New Jersey and Riley completed the procedures in Maryland.
The murder charges do not have an immediate impact on Riley’s medical license in Utah.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Former owner of State College abortion clinic facing murder charges" posted at The Altoona Mirror (Penn.) 12/30/11
Brigham was the owner of State College Medical Services, a clinic that opened in September 1997. The clinic was shut down in August 2002 after years of court battles with its landlord.
Brigham surrendered his Pennsylvania medical license in 2002 after an investigation into abortions he performed in the state.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Abortion Practitioners Charged With Murder in Two States" by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com 12/29/11
Brigham operated a secret late-term abortion clinic in Elkton, Maryland, even though he had no license to practice in that state. He hired Riley to do late-term abortions there and at his abortion clinic in Baltimore. Brigham would start the late-term abortions at his office in New Jersey, then caravan the laboring women to Elkton where the abortions would be completed. The clandestine abortion scheme was discovered after a woman suffered a life-threatening botched abortion in August, 2010. When police raided the Elkton abortion clinic, they discovered the remains of 35 aborted babies, one of which was 33 weeks gestation.
Responding to the news that abortionists Steven Brigham and Nicola Riley are being held in custody for the murders of viable babies, Father Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, stated:
“These two individuals are now where they belong and should be in jail for the rest of their lives. This case, as it progresses, is key for the American people to pay attention to, because it exposes the abortion industry for what it is. Abortionists have no respect for human life, much less for human laws. Even those who believe abortion should be legal can join with us to stop the out of control practices of people like Brigham and Riley. And the time is now.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
While late-term abortions are not illegal in Maryland, those who kill viable babies killed in the commission of crimes can be charged with murder in that state.
For background, read Several Abortionists Barred in Two States and also read New Mexico Ignores Deadly Botched Abortions as well as Murders by Abortionist are Conservatives' Fault, Says Media
UPDATE 3/6/12: Government drops murder charges, as defense attorneys argue that prosecution would essentially outlaw abortion
-- From "Authorities: Abortion Doctors Charged With Murder" by Ben Nuckols, Associated Press 12/30/11
Dr. Steven Brigham, of Voorhees, N.J., was taken into custody Wednesday night and is being held in the Camden County jail, according to police in Elkton, Md. Authorities also arrested Dr. Nicola Riley in Salt Lake City and she is in jail in Utah. Each is awaiting an extradition hearing.
A search of [Brigham's Elkton] clinic . . . revealed a freezer with 35 late-term fetuses inside, including one believed to have been aborted at 36 weeks, authorities said.
Brigham, 55, is charged with five counts of first-degree murder, five counts of second-degree murder and one count of conspiracy. Riley, 46, faces one count each of first- and second-degree murder and one conspiracy count.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Doctors in botched Elkton abortion case face murder charges" by Peter Hermann, The Baltimore Sun 12/30/11
In the Elkton case, which police said forms the basis for most of the criminal charges filed this week, an 18-year-old woman from New Jersey suffered a ruptured uterus and other internal injuries during a procedure at the American Woman's Services clinic on East High Street in Elkton.
The physicians board found that the woman, who was 21 weeks pregnant, had initially been treated in Voorhees, N.J., where her cervix was dilated. The woman was then told to travel, in her own car, to Elkton so doctors could complete the procedure.
After the woman suffered a ruptured uterus, state officials said Riley put the patient in Brigham's rented Chevrolet Malibu and drove her Union Hospital in Elkton. The board said she sat in slumped in a wheelchair, nearly unconscious, outside the emergency room, while Riley argued with hospital staff, demanding their identities before treating the woman.
The woman was flown that day to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore for more treatment. State officials said Riley then returned to his clinic in Elkton to perform another abortion. The injured woman survived.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Utah abortion doctor charged with murder" by Julia Lyon, The Salt Lake Tribune 12/30/11
Although Maryland has suspended Riley’s medical license, she continues to have an active license to practice medicine in Utah.
But she can no longer perform abortions in Utah, under a February agreement with state licensing officials. And in August, she was ordered to pay a $10,000 fine for misleading officials about her criminal background when she applied for a Utah medical license in 2004.
Brigham, who has never been licensed in Maryland, allegedly initiated abortions in New Jersey and Riley completed the procedures in Maryland.
The murder charges do not have an immediate impact on Riley’s medical license in Utah.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Former owner of State College abortion clinic facing murder charges" posted at The Altoona Mirror (Penn.) 12/30/11
Brigham was the owner of State College Medical Services, a clinic that opened in September 1997. The clinic was shut down in August 2002 after years of court battles with its landlord.
Brigham surrendered his Pennsylvania medical license in 2002 after an investigation into abortions he performed in the state.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Abortion Practitioners Charged With Murder in Two States" by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com 12/29/11
Brigham operated a secret late-term abortion clinic in Elkton, Maryland, even though he had no license to practice in that state. He hired Riley to do late-term abortions there and at his abortion clinic in Baltimore. Brigham would start the late-term abortions at his office in New Jersey, then caravan the laboring women to Elkton where the abortions would be completed. The clandestine abortion scheme was discovered after a woman suffered a life-threatening botched abortion in August, 2010. When police raided the Elkton abortion clinic, they discovered the remains of 35 aborted babies, one of which was 33 weeks gestation.
Responding to the news that abortionists Steven Brigham and Nicola Riley are being held in custody for the murders of viable babies, Father Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, stated:
“These two individuals are now where they belong and should be in jail for the rest of their lives. This case, as it progresses, is key for the American people to pay attention to, because it exposes the abortion industry for what it is. Abortionists have no respect for human life, much less for human laws. Even those who believe abortion should be legal can join with us to stop the out of control practices of people like Brigham and Riley. And the time is now.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Pres. Candidates Push Personhood, End of Abortion
Unreported by the mainstream media, in Tuesday's Presidential Pro-Life Forum organized by PersonhoodUSA, Michele Bachmann, Newt Gingrich, Rick Perry and Rick Santorum each stated unequivocally that if elected president they would take all actions possible to define unborn humans as "persons" from conception.
For background, read 2012: Obama vs. an Evangelical, or vs. a Mormon? and also read Presidential Candidates: Abortion & Marriage Top Issues as well as Iowa Christian Presidential Forum Riles Media
UPDATE 2/5/12: Romney is GOP holdout on personhood pledge
UPDATE 1/10/12: Ron Paul "signs" personhood pledge, sort of; still nothing from Mitt Romney
-- From "Four top GOP candidates would ban abortion in rape, incest" by Jay Bookman, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution 12/28/11
In November, 58 percent of voters in Mississippi rejected a so-called “personhood amendment,” which stated that human life begins at the moment of fertilization and gave human embryos all of the legal protections of a person. Destroying an embryo by any means would be considered murder.
The amendment would have outlawed abortion even in cases of rape and incest, as well as embryonic stem-cell research.
Mitt Romney has ducked the issue, arguing that human life begins at conception but concluding that such decisions should be made at the state rather than federal level. Jon Huntsman has said the personhood movement “goes too far.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "GOP Candidates Fight for Iowa Pro-Life Vote" by Rebekah Metzler, U.S. News & World Report 12/28/11
Four GOP presidential candidates discussed their pro-life views with about 25,000 participants in a tele-town hall sponsored by Personhood USA that was also broadcast on a conservative talk radio show on Tuesday night.
All four had previously signed a "personhood" pledge distributed by Personhood USA, declaring they would pursue legislation to declare that life begins at fertilization, if elected president.
Bachmann was the only candidate to call out rivals for their inconsistency on the pro-life issue. Secure in her record and demonstrating an obvious grasp of the key words and issues pro-life voters care about, she discussed the importance of not relegating pro-lifers to the sidelines.
Santorum, well known for arguing the pro-life cause during his time in the Senate, also sought to convince voters of his bona fides.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "GOP Candidates Reveal How They Would Enact Pro-Life 'Personhood' Laws" by Christina Wilkie, Huffington Post 12/28/11
The candidates took questions from some of the listeners as well as from Personhood USA's CEO Keith Mason, while syndicated conservative radio host Steve Deace served as moderator of the forum, which was broadcast on his program and 88 radio stations nationwide.
Personhood USA is best known as the group whose pledge requires that signors "defend all innocent human life," and reaffirm that "Abortion and the intentional killing of an innocent human being are always wrong and should be prohibited."
Personhood USA spokeswoman Jennifer Mason told The Huffington Post Tuesday that all seven candidates had been invited to participate.
[Each candidate was asked] what they would do in the event that the Supreme Court ruled Personhood legislation unconstitutional.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Gingrich, Perry dismiss ability of courts to end anti-abortion law" by Julian Pecquet, The Hill 12/27/11
Republican presidential candidates Newt Gingrich and Rick Perry said during a GOP candidates forum Tuesday night that the Supreme Court should not be able to challenge anti-abortion measures.
Gingrich said legislation he would support as president would prohibit judicial review. Perry simply asserted that he would ignore a negative ruling by the Supreme Court in such a case.
. . . the Texas governor responded that “obviously, you would enforce the right to life” rather than the court’s decision.
As for Gingrich, the former House Speaker said the solution would be to “write the bill so it is not appealable.”
“I think you could write an exclusionary” clause, he said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
For background, read 2012: Obama vs. an Evangelical, or vs. a Mormon? and also read Presidential Candidates: Abortion & Marriage Top Issues as well as Iowa Christian Presidential Forum Riles Media
UPDATE 2/5/12: Romney is GOP holdout on personhood pledge
UPDATE 1/10/12: Ron Paul "signs" personhood pledge, sort of; still nothing from Mitt Romney
-- From "Four top GOP candidates would ban abortion in rape, incest" by Jay Bookman, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution 12/28/11
In November, 58 percent of voters in Mississippi rejected a so-called “personhood amendment,” which stated that human life begins at the moment of fertilization and gave human embryos all of the legal protections of a person. Destroying an embryo by any means would be considered murder.
The amendment would have outlawed abortion even in cases of rape and incest, as well as embryonic stem-cell research.
Mitt Romney has ducked the issue, arguing that human life begins at conception but concluding that such decisions should be made at the state rather than federal level. Jon Huntsman has said the personhood movement “goes too far.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "GOP Candidates Fight for Iowa Pro-Life Vote" by Rebekah Metzler, U.S. News & World Report 12/28/11
Four GOP presidential candidates discussed their pro-life views with about 25,000 participants in a tele-town hall sponsored by Personhood USA that was also broadcast on a conservative talk radio show on Tuesday night.
All four had previously signed a "personhood" pledge distributed by Personhood USA, declaring they would pursue legislation to declare that life begins at fertilization, if elected president.
Bachmann was the only candidate to call out rivals for their inconsistency on the pro-life issue. Secure in her record and demonstrating an obvious grasp of the key words and issues pro-life voters care about, she discussed the importance of not relegating pro-lifers to the sidelines.
Santorum, well known for arguing the pro-life cause during his time in the Senate, also sought to convince voters of his bona fides.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "GOP Candidates Reveal How They Would Enact Pro-Life 'Personhood' Laws" by Christina Wilkie, Huffington Post 12/28/11
The candidates took questions from some of the listeners as well as from Personhood USA's CEO Keith Mason, while syndicated conservative radio host Steve Deace served as moderator of the forum, which was broadcast on his program and 88 radio stations nationwide.
Personhood USA is best known as the group whose pledge requires that signors "defend all innocent human life," and reaffirm that "Abortion and the intentional killing of an innocent human being are always wrong and should be prohibited."
Personhood USA spokeswoman Jennifer Mason told The Huffington Post Tuesday that all seven candidates had been invited to participate.
[Each candidate was asked] what they would do in the event that the Supreme Court ruled Personhood legislation unconstitutional.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Gingrich, Perry dismiss ability of courts to end anti-abortion law" by Julian Pecquet, The Hill 12/27/11
Republican presidential candidates Newt Gingrich and Rick Perry said during a GOP candidates forum Tuesday night that the Supreme Court should not be able to challenge anti-abortion measures.
Gingrich said legislation he would support as president would prohibit judicial review. Perry simply asserted that he would ignore a negative ruling by the Supreme Court in such a case.
. . . the Texas governor responded that “obviously, you would enforce the right to life” rather than the court’s decision.
As for Gingrich, the former House Speaker said the solution would be to “write the bill so it is not appealable.”
“I think you could write an exclusionary” clause, he said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Homosexuals Can Change, Says Jewish Experts
Orthodox rabbis, mental health professionals, and other leaders have jointly declared that homosexual behavior is prohibited and that so-called sexual orientation can be healed with proper therapy. The formal declaration was made in an effort to counter secular propaganda aimed at normalizing homosexual behavior.
-- From "Rabbonim OK Therapeutic Approach to Homosexuality" by Hana Levi Julian, MSW, LCSW-R, Arutz Sheva (Israel National News) 12/28/11
A coalition of more than 150 Orthodox rabbis, community leaders, organizers and respected mental health professionals have given an historic stamp of approval to a document entitled a "Declaration on the Torah Approach to Homosexuality."
The treatment recommended in the statement is reparative or gender-affirming therapy . . .
The statement -- which goes out of its way to caution against castigation of the individual and notes "They deserve our full love, support and encouragement in their striving towards healing" -- is likely to be met with a storm of protest both in Israel and abroad.
The Declaration, written by a 25-member committee of rabbis, parents, "strugglers" currently in therapy and "success stories" -- those who completed therapy and today are living heterosexual lives, many with spouses and children, belies those claims.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Declaration On The Torah Approach To Homosexuality"
The Torah makes a clear statement that homosexuality is not an acceptable lifestyle or a genuine identity by severely prohibiting its conduct.
From a Torah perspective, the question whether homosexual inclinations and behaviors are changeable is extremely relevant. The concept that G-d created a human being who is unable to find happiness in a loving relationship unless he violates a biblical prohibition is neither plausible nor acceptable. G-d is loving and merciful. Struggles, and yes, difficult struggles, along with healing and personal growth are part and parcel of this world. Impossible, life long, Torah prohibited situations with no achievable solutions are not.
We emphatically reject the notion that a homosexually inclined person cannot overcome his or her inclination and desire. Behaviors are changeable. The Torah does not forbid something which is impossible to avoid. Abandoning people to lifelong loneliness and despair by denying all hope of overcoming and healing their same-sex attraction is heartlessly cruel.
The only viable course of action that is consistent with the Torah is therapy and teshuvah. The therapy consists of reinforcing the natural gender-identity of the individual by helping him or her understand and repair the emotional wounds that led to its disorientation and weakening, thus enabling the resumption and completion of the individual’s emotional development. Teshuvah is a Torah-mandated, self-motivated process of turning away from any transgression or sin and returning to G-d and one’s spiritual essence. This includes refining and reintegrating the personality and allowing it to grow in a healthy and wholesome manner.
The key point to remember is that these individuals are primarily innocent victims of childhood emotional wounds. They deserve our full love, support and encouragement in their striving towards healing. Struggling individuals who seek health and wellness should not be confused with the homosexual movement and their agenda. This distinction is crucial. It reflects the difference between what G-d asks from all of us and what He unambiguously prohibits.
To read the entire declaration, CLICK HERE.
From "Rabbis get biblical on same-sex lovin'" by Bob Unruh, World Net Daily 12/27/11
Among the signers who have chosen to go public with their endorsement of the position are psychologist and author Dr. Miriam Adaham of Jerusalem; Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, president of the International Network of Orthodox Mental Health Professions; Los Angeles psychiatrist and author Dr. Miriam Grossman; Dr. Joseph Gelbfish of Brooklyn, N.Y.; Rabbi Yaakov Salomon, psychotherapist and author; Rabbi Steven Pruzansky, a vice president of the Rabbinical Council of America and dozens more.
It contradicts a statement from 2010 signed by Orthodox rabbis who believed, "Jews with homosexual orientations or same sex-attractions should be welcomed as full members of the synagogue and school community. As appropriate with regard to gender and lineage, they should participate and count ritually, be eligible for ritual synagogue honors, and generally be treated in the same fashion and under the same halakhic and hashkafic framework as any other member of the synagogue they join."
The 2010 statement also rejected the idea of therapy to heal homosexuality, but the new declaration takes the opposite position.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Normalization of Pedophilia Urged by Psychiatrists
"The concept that G-d created a human being who is unable to find happiness in a loving relationship unless he violates a biblical prohibition is neither plausible nor acceptable."For background, read Homosexuality NOT Fixed, Change Possible: Study and also read Lesbianism NOT Genetic: Study as well as Psychologists Suggest Homosexuals Change Religious Affiliation
-- Declaration on the Torah Approach to Homosexuality
-- From "Rabbonim OK Therapeutic Approach to Homosexuality" by Hana Levi Julian, MSW, LCSW-R, Arutz Sheva (Israel National News) 12/28/11
A coalition of more than 150 Orthodox rabbis, community leaders, organizers and respected mental health professionals have given an historic stamp of approval to a document entitled a "Declaration on the Torah Approach to Homosexuality."
The treatment recommended in the statement is reparative or gender-affirming therapy . . .
The statement -- which goes out of its way to caution against castigation of the individual and notes "They deserve our full love, support and encouragement in their striving towards healing" -- is likely to be met with a storm of protest both in Israel and abroad.
The Declaration, written by a 25-member committee of rabbis, parents, "strugglers" currently in therapy and "success stories" -- those who completed therapy and today are living heterosexual lives, many with spouses and children, belies those claims.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Declaration On The Torah Approach To Homosexuality"
The Torah makes a clear statement that homosexuality is not an acceptable lifestyle or a genuine identity by severely prohibiting its conduct.
From a Torah perspective, the question whether homosexual inclinations and behaviors are changeable is extremely relevant. The concept that G-d created a human being who is unable to find happiness in a loving relationship unless he violates a biblical prohibition is neither plausible nor acceptable. G-d is loving and merciful. Struggles, and yes, difficult struggles, along with healing and personal growth are part and parcel of this world. Impossible, life long, Torah prohibited situations with no achievable solutions are not.
We emphatically reject the notion that a homosexually inclined person cannot overcome his or her inclination and desire. Behaviors are changeable. The Torah does not forbid something which is impossible to avoid. Abandoning people to lifelong loneliness and despair by denying all hope of overcoming and healing their same-sex attraction is heartlessly cruel.
The only viable course of action that is consistent with the Torah is therapy and teshuvah. The therapy consists of reinforcing the natural gender-identity of the individual by helping him or her understand and repair the emotional wounds that led to its disorientation and weakening, thus enabling the resumption and completion of the individual’s emotional development. Teshuvah is a Torah-mandated, self-motivated process of turning away from any transgression or sin and returning to G-d and one’s spiritual essence. This includes refining and reintegrating the personality and allowing it to grow in a healthy and wholesome manner.
The key point to remember is that these individuals are primarily innocent victims of childhood emotional wounds. They deserve our full love, support and encouragement in their striving towards healing. Struggling individuals who seek health and wellness should not be confused with the homosexual movement and their agenda. This distinction is crucial. It reflects the difference between what G-d asks from all of us and what He unambiguously prohibits.
To read the entire declaration, CLICK HERE.
From "Rabbis get biblical on same-sex lovin'" by Bob Unruh, World Net Daily 12/27/11
Among the signers who have chosen to go public with their endorsement of the position are psychologist and author Dr. Miriam Adaham of Jerusalem; Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, president of the International Network of Orthodox Mental Health Professions; Los Angeles psychiatrist and author Dr. Miriam Grossman; Dr. Joseph Gelbfish of Brooklyn, N.Y.; Rabbi Yaakov Salomon, psychotherapist and author; Rabbi Steven Pruzansky, a vice president of the Rabbinical Council of America and dozens more.
It contradicts a statement from 2010 signed by Orthodox rabbis who believed, "Jews with homosexual orientations or same sex-attractions should be welcomed as full members of the synagogue and school community. As appropriate with regard to gender and lineage, they should participate and count ritually, be eligible for ritual synagogue honors, and generally be treated in the same fashion and under the same halakhic and hashkafic framework as any other member of the synagogue they join."
The 2010 statement also rejected the idea of therapy to heal homosexuality, but the new declaration takes the opposite position.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Normalization of Pedophilia Urged by Psychiatrists
Monday, December 26, 2011
Minors' Abortion Approval: Penn. Supreme Court
In a 6-1 ruling, the Pennsylvania high court overruled a county judge's decision on "judicial bypass" of parental notification for an abortion of a 17-year-old girl, thus clarifying what it takes for a minor to have an abortion without the parents' knowledge.
-- From "Abortion opponents heartened by Pennsylvania high court ruling" by Bobby Kerlik, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 12/24/11
Abortion opponents are hoping a state Supreme Court decision clarifying how minors can get judicial approval for abortions will encourage county judges to scrutinize such requests.
The court ruled on Thursday that a 17-year-old's decision not to ask her mother's permission for an abortion was not a valid reason for Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Philip Ignelzi to deny her the procedure in March 2010.
Although the court ruled that Ignelzi improperly denied the girl's request, in part, because there was no parental notification, the justices said county judges' decisions should be given deference. Statistics on how often judges grant abortions are not available because the cases typically are sealed.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Pa. court: Not telling parents isn't basis for judges to deny permission for girls' abortions" Mark Scolforo, Associated Press 12/22/11
The 1982 state law states that if a pregnant girl under 18 cannot get her parents' consent, or if she does not want to seek it, a judge can authorize an abortion after determining she is "mature and capable of giving informed consent."
[The pregnant minor] applied for the judicial bypass in March 2010, saying she was three months shy of turning 18, 10 weeks pregnant, and a high school senior with average grades who planned to go to college and hoped to become a lawyer.
She told the county judge she was concerned her mother would throw her out if she learned of the pregnancy, and that she had no relationship with her father.
The high court decision also ruled that appeals courts, when reviewing county court decisions on judicial bypass requests, should determine whether a judge abused his or her discretion.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Pennsylvania Court Rules on Rubber Stamp Teen Abortions" by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com 12/26/11
Pro-life advocates have been concerned that the U.S. Supreme Court-mandated bypass provision has become a rubber stamp process by which courts allow virtually any teenager seeking to not inform their parents to get an abortion without them knowing — as opposed to the law’s intent, which is to allow that bypass only in cases when teenagers are genuinely concerned about physical abuse if their parents find out about the pregnancy.
Although the court ruled the judge did not properly deny the girl’s request for an abortion in the specific case, Randall Wenger, an attorney who represented pro-life groups Pennsylvania Family Institute and Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation, told the Pittsburgh newspaper he thinks the ruling is still helpful.
This is the first-ever review of the pro-life law by the state’s highest court and it received legal support from pro-life groups and state legislators who support the law protecting a parent’s right to be involved in their child’s decision regarding abortion.
The Pennsylvania law and others like it have already been upheld at the U.S. Supreme Court and pro-life groups argue that a Pennsylvania trial court judge applied the correct legal standard and legitimately exercised his legal authority under the statute when he rejected a minor girl’s request for a secret abortion, stating that she needed consent from at least one of her parents.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
-- From "Abortion opponents heartened by Pennsylvania high court ruling" by Bobby Kerlik, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 12/24/11
Abortion opponents are hoping a state Supreme Court decision clarifying how minors can get judicial approval for abortions will encourage county judges to scrutinize such requests.
The court ruled on Thursday that a 17-year-old's decision not to ask her mother's permission for an abortion was not a valid reason for Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Philip Ignelzi to deny her the procedure in March 2010.
Although the court ruled that Ignelzi improperly denied the girl's request, in part, because there was no parental notification, the justices said county judges' decisions should be given deference. Statistics on how often judges grant abortions are not available because the cases typically are sealed.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Pa. court: Not telling parents isn't basis for judges to deny permission for girls' abortions" Mark Scolforo, Associated Press 12/22/11
The 1982 state law states that if a pregnant girl under 18 cannot get her parents' consent, or if she does not want to seek it, a judge can authorize an abortion after determining she is "mature and capable of giving informed consent."
[The pregnant minor] applied for the judicial bypass in March 2010, saying she was three months shy of turning 18, 10 weeks pregnant, and a high school senior with average grades who planned to go to college and hoped to become a lawyer.
She told the county judge she was concerned her mother would throw her out if she learned of the pregnancy, and that she had no relationship with her father.
The high court decision also ruled that appeals courts, when reviewing county court decisions on judicial bypass requests, should determine whether a judge abused his or her discretion.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Pennsylvania Court Rules on Rubber Stamp Teen Abortions" by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com 12/26/11
Pro-life advocates have been concerned that the U.S. Supreme Court-mandated bypass provision has become a rubber stamp process by which courts allow virtually any teenager seeking to not inform their parents to get an abortion without them knowing — as opposed to the law’s intent, which is to allow that bypass only in cases when teenagers are genuinely concerned about physical abuse if their parents find out about the pregnancy.
Although the court ruled the judge did not properly deny the girl’s request for an abortion in the specific case, Randall Wenger, an attorney who represented pro-life groups Pennsylvania Family Institute and Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation, told the Pittsburgh newspaper he thinks the ruling is still helpful.
This is the first-ever review of the pro-life law by the state’s highest court and it received legal support from pro-life groups and state legislators who support the law protecting a parent’s right to be involved in their child’s decision regarding abortion.
The Pennsylvania law and others like it have already been upheld at the U.S. Supreme Court and pro-life groups argue that a Pennsylvania trial court judge applied the correct legal standard and legitimately exercised his legal authority under the statute when he rejected a minor girl’s request for a secret abortion, stating that she needed consent from at least one of her parents.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Obama's 'Holiday Card' Celebrates Dog, NOT Jesus
The White House greeting card shows no signs of Christmas, either in words or in the artist's rendering of a fireplace scene that focuses on Bo the dog.
For background, read Obama Declares He's Christian, Again and also read Is Obama Christian? Few Think So: Poll as well as Obama Wants Catholic Vote but Dem Platform Anathema
-- From "Sarah Palin criticizes Obama holiday card -- and the dog" by David Ng, Los Angeles Times 12/21/11
The card . . . was created for the Obama family by L.A. artist and designer Mark Matuszak. It features an image of Bo, the Obama family dog, in front of a fireplace in the White House library with a poinsettia and other decorations. The card, which makes no direct mention of Christmas and doesn't feature a Christmas tree, states: "From our family to yours, may your holidays shine with the light of the season."
[Sarah] Palin told Fox News that she found it "odd" that the card emphasizes the dog instead of traditions like "family, faith and freedom." She also said that Americans are able to appreciate "American foundational values illustrated and displayed on Christmas cards and on a Christmas tree."
In the past, White House cards have varied in terms of a secular versus a Christian approach. . . .
The Obama family has also preferred a more secular approach. Last year's holiday card featured an image of a White House covered with snow, with the following greeting: "May your holiday be filled with all the simple gifts of the season, and may your new year be blessed with health and happiness."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Why does it not mention Christmas? Palin fury at Obamas' 'holiday' card that doesn't even have a Christmas tree (but at least Bo's on it)" by Michael Zennie, UK Daily Mail 12/22/11
The card makes no mention of Christmas and instead wishes: 'From our family to yours, may your holidays shine with the light of the season.'
She also pointed to an ornament on the Obamas' 2009 Christmas tree that included the face of Chinese communist revolutionary Mao Zedong.
'People had to ask that it be removed because it was offensive,' the former governor of Alaska told the Fox News and Commentary program.
In 2009, the Obamas' first White House Christmas card came under fire because it did not mention Christmas, either.
Instead, it simply featured a gold presidential seal with a wreath and 'Seasons Greetings.'
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Obama Prioritizes Gay Rights, NOT Religious Freedom
UPDATE 12/24/11 - Obama says "God" and "Christmas" in address, reacting to criticism (video):
For background, read Obama Declares He's Christian, Again and also read Is Obama Christian? Few Think So: Poll as well as Obama Wants Catholic Vote but Dem Platform Anathema
-- From "Sarah Palin criticizes Obama holiday card -- and the dog" by David Ng, Los Angeles Times 12/21/11
The card . . . was created for the Obama family by L.A. artist and designer Mark Matuszak. It features an image of Bo, the Obama family dog, in front of a fireplace in the White House library with a poinsettia and other decorations. The card, which makes no direct mention of Christmas and doesn't feature a Christmas tree, states: "From our family to yours, may your holidays shine with the light of the season."
[Sarah] Palin told Fox News that she found it "odd" that the card emphasizes the dog instead of traditions like "family, faith and freedom." She also said that Americans are able to appreciate "American foundational values illustrated and displayed on Christmas cards and on a Christmas tree."
In the past, White House cards have varied in terms of a secular versus a Christian approach. . . .
The Obama family has also preferred a more secular approach. Last year's holiday card featured an image of a White House covered with snow, with the following greeting: "May your holiday be filled with all the simple gifts of the season, and may your new year be blessed with health and happiness."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Why does it not mention Christmas? Palin fury at Obamas' 'holiday' card that doesn't even have a Christmas tree (but at least Bo's on it)" by Michael Zennie, UK Daily Mail 12/22/11
The card makes no mention of Christmas and instead wishes: 'From our family to yours, may your holidays shine with the light of the season.'
She also pointed to an ornament on the Obamas' 2009 Christmas tree that included the face of Chinese communist revolutionary Mao Zedong.
'People had to ask that it be removed because it was offensive,' the former governor of Alaska told the Fox News and Commentary program.
In 2009, the Obamas' first White House Christmas card came under fire because it did not mention Christmas, either.
Instead, it simply featured a gold presidential seal with a wreath and 'Seasons Greetings.'
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Obama Prioritizes Gay Rights, NOT Religious Freedom
UPDATE 12/24/11 - Obama says "God" and "Christmas" in address, reacting to criticism (video):
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Pro-gay Teacher Bullies Christians on Anti-bullying Day
Wearing a homosexualist T-shirt, economics teacher Jay McDowell dedicated an entire school day in 2010 to pushing the Gay Agenda at Howell, Michigan High School. When he pressed the issue with student Daniel Glowacki who replied that his Catholic faith counters the homosexual lifestyle, McDowell ordered Glowacki out of the room and threatened suspending him. The school disciplined McDowell, but now mother Sandra Glowacki has filed a federal lawsuit against the school.
The homosexual lobby has since inundated the school with hate mail for its action against the teacher.
For background, read Homosexual Indoctrination Mandated for Schools and also read Feds Fund Homosexualists' School Training as well as Praise Lesbian Homecoming King, or You're a Bigot plus read 'Queer Studies' Degree: Normalizing Sexual Deviancy
UPDATE 6/22/13: Federal Judge Patrick Duggan fines teacher for violating Glowacki’s right to free speech
UPDATE: See a list of anti-Christian public school incidents
-- From "Lawsuit filed against Howell High School" posted at WDIV-TV4 (Detroit) 12/15/11
Daniel Glowacki, 16, was kicked out of class for not participating in the school’s spirit day to support gay and lesbian rights.
Teacher Jay McDowell was wearing a shirt supporting gay teens, but demanded a student remove her Confederate flag belt buckle because it was offensive. Glowacki challenged the teacher on tolerance and was ejected from class.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Howell student's mom sues over son's rights" by Lisa Roose-Church, Livingston Daily Press & Argus 12/17/11
The Thomas More Law Center filed the lawsuit Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Detroit on behalf of Sandra Glowacki. It alleges teacher Jay McDowell violated her son's First Amendment rights when he removed the then-16-year-old teen, Daniel Glowacki, from class in October 2010 after the teen said he did not support homosexuality because of his religious beliefs.
Richard Thompson, president and chief counsel for the Law Center, said . . . "This case points out the outrageous way in which homosexual activists have turned our public schools into indoctrination centers, and are seeking to eradicate all religious and moral opposition to their agenda."
Superintendent Ron Wilson said the board's policy is simple - it does not tolerate bullying by teachers or students based on gender, sexuality, et cetera.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Mom: Son kicked out of class over views on gays" by David Ashenfelter, Gannett News Service 12/16/11
The suit says the teacher kicked out Daniel Glowacki, 16, then a junior, from an economics class on Oct. 20, 2010, while the district was observing anti-bullying day and Spirit Day. The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation encourages Americans to wear purple on Spirit Day to support LGBT youth who may feel harassed because of their sexual preference.
The lawsuit said the district allowed teachers to sell purple “Tyler’s Army” T-shirts in support of Tyler Clementi, a Rutgers University freshman who killed himself last year after a roommate streamed an Internet video of Clementi kissing a male student. The teacher, McDowell, wore one of the T-shirts throughout the day and devoted his classes to promoting homosexuality, the suit said.
The district suspended McDowell for one day without pay for violating district policy but eventually rescinded the penalty to settle a grievance he filed.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "School District Sued for Punishing Student's Opposition to 'Gay' Lifestyle" by Dave Bohon, The New American 12/21/11
When Daniel Glowacki said his Catholic religion does not accept homosexuality and he could not condone the behavior, McDowell was ‘angered’ and told Daniel Glowacki that his religion was ‘wrong,’ according to the lawsuit. McDowell then ordered Daniel Glowacki to leave the classroom.”
According to the Daily News, a “second student also was ordered out of the classroom when that student raised his hand to McDowell’s question about whether anyone else did not accept homosexuality.”
Following the classroom incident, recalled a Thomas More press release, news of the case made national headlines. Lesbian talk show host Ellen DeGeneres even got into the act when a homosexual student who had spoken up for McDowell at a school board meeting was invited to her show to talk about the case. For his appearance the homosexual student was given a $10,000 academic scholarship by a digital media company.
Homosexual activists across the country hailed McDowell for his “heroism” while branding the young Glowacki a bigot and his religiously motivated objections to homosexuality “hate” speech. Glowacki’s actions even prompted his high school to schedule a school assembly to talk about the dangers of “bullying.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "District receives threats following Glowacki lawsuit" by Lisa Roose-Church, Livingston Daily Press & Argus 12/21/11
Howell Public Schools has received "vulgar and threatening" e-mails related to "misinformation" contained in a federal lawsuit alleging a student was kicked out of class for his religious beliefs.
"Many of these e-mails are vulgar and threatening," Superintendent Ron Wilson wrote in the statement. "It is ironic that the very people who say they oppose violence and bullying are using these same tactics to intimidate our elected officials and staff." [Referring to the "homosexual lobby."]
As a result of the incident, McDowell was required to take part in training related to student's First Amendment rights and the discipline remains in his personnel file.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
The homosexual lobby has since inundated the school with hate mail for its action against the teacher.
For background, read Homosexual Indoctrination Mandated for Schools and also read Feds Fund Homosexualists' School Training as well as Praise Lesbian Homecoming King, or You're a Bigot plus read 'Queer Studies' Degree: Normalizing Sexual Deviancy
UPDATE 6/22/13: Federal Judge Patrick Duggan fines teacher for violating Glowacki’s right to free speech
UPDATE: See a list of anti-Christian public school incidents
-- From "Lawsuit filed against Howell High School" posted at WDIV-TV4 (Detroit) 12/15/11
Daniel Glowacki, 16, was kicked out of class for not participating in the school’s spirit day to support gay and lesbian rights.
Teacher Jay McDowell was wearing a shirt supporting gay teens, but demanded a student remove her Confederate flag belt buckle because it was offensive. Glowacki challenged the teacher on tolerance and was ejected from class.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Howell student's mom sues over son's rights" by Lisa Roose-Church, Livingston Daily Press & Argus 12/17/11
The Thomas More Law Center filed the lawsuit Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Detroit on behalf of Sandra Glowacki. It alleges teacher Jay McDowell violated her son's First Amendment rights when he removed the then-16-year-old teen, Daniel Glowacki, from class in October 2010 after the teen said he did not support homosexuality because of his religious beliefs.
Richard Thompson, president and chief counsel for the Law Center, said . . . "This case points out the outrageous way in which homosexual activists have turned our public schools into indoctrination centers, and are seeking to eradicate all religious and moral opposition to their agenda."
Superintendent Ron Wilson said the board's policy is simple - it does not tolerate bullying by teachers or students based on gender, sexuality, et cetera.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Mom: Son kicked out of class over views on gays" by David Ashenfelter, Gannett News Service 12/16/11
The suit says the teacher kicked out Daniel Glowacki, 16, then a junior, from an economics class on Oct. 20, 2010, while the district was observing anti-bullying day and Spirit Day. The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation encourages Americans to wear purple on Spirit Day to support LGBT youth who may feel harassed because of their sexual preference.
The lawsuit said the district allowed teachers to sell purple “Tyler’s Army” T-shirts in support of Tyler Clementi, a Rutgers University freshman who killed himself last year after a roommate streamed an Internet video of Clementi kissing a male student. The teacher, McDowell, wore one of the T-shirts throughout the day and devoted his classes to promoting homosexuality, the suit said.
The district suspended McDowell for one day without pay for violating district policy but eventually rescinded the penalty to settle a grievance he filed.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "School District Sued for Punishing Student's Opposition to 'Gay' Lifestyle" by Dave Bohon, The New American 12/21/11
When Daniel Glowacki said his Catholic religion does not accept homosexuality and he could not condone the behavior, McDowell was ‘angered’ and told Daniel Glowacki that his religion was ‘wrong,’ according to the lawsuit. McDowell then ordered Daniel Glowacki to leave the classroom.”
According to the Daily News, a “second student also was ordered out of the classroom when that student raised his hand to McDowell’s question about whether anyone else did not accept homosexuality.”
Following the classroom incident, recalled a Thomas More press release, news of the case made national headlines. Lesbian talk show host Ellen DeGeneres even got into the act when a homosexual student who had spoken up for McDowell at a school board meeting was invited to her show to talk about the case. For his appearance the homosexual student was given a $10,000 academic scholarship by a digital media company.
Homosexual activists across the country hailed McDowell for his “heroism” while branding the young Glowacki a bigot and his religiously motivated objections to homosexuality “hate” speech. Glowacki’s actions even prompted his high school to schedule a school assembly to talk about the dangers of “bullying.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "District receives threats following Glowacki lawsuit" by Lisa Roose-Church, Livingston Daily Press & Argus 12/21/11
Howell Public Schools has received "vulgar and threatening" e-mails related to "misinformation" contained in a federal lawsuit alleging a student was kicked out of class for his religious beliefs.
"Many of these e-mails are vulgar and threatening," Superintendent Ron Wilson wrote in the statement. "It is ironic that the very people who say they oppose violence and bullying are using these same tactics to intimidate our elected officials and staff." [Referring to the "homosexual lobby."]
As a result of the incident, McDowell was required to take part in training related to student's First Amendment rights and the discipline remains in his personnel file.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Lesbians Find Christians to Sue in Hawaii
In an apparent "search and destroy" mission of the Gay Agenda, two California lesbians flaunted their homosexuality to a Christian who rents her spare room as a bed and breakfast, and when the homeowner indicated that she does not rent to unmarried couples, the lesbians shouted their lawsuit to the welcoming media.
-- From "Los Angeles-area lesbian couple’s lawsuit claims discrimination by Hawaii bed and breakfast" by Jennifer Sinco Kelleher, Associated Press 12/19/11
Aloha Bed & Breakfast discriminated against Diane Cervelli and Taeko Bufford, a couple living in Long Beach, Calif., claims the lawsuit filed on behalf of the women by Lambda Legal in First Circuit Court in Honolulu.
Refusing to let the couple book a room was solely based on their sexual orientation because the owner indicated that if they were married, she would not have allowed them to stay there, said their attorney, Peter Renn of Lambda Legal’s Los Angeles office. She also would have a problem if they were an unmarried heterosexual couple, he said.
The lawsuit claims the business violated Hawaii’s public accommodation law prohibiting any inn or other establishment that provides lodging from discriminating based on sexual orientation, race, sex, gender identity or expression, religion, ancestry or disability. Lambda Legal said there are 21 states that have public accommodation laws that protect against sexual orientation discrimination.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Alliance Defense Fund to defend bed and breakfast owner accused of discrimination" by Minna Sugimoto, Hawaii News Now 12/20/11
A non-profit that describes itself as the world's largest religious civil liberties legal organization is getting involved in a discrimination lawsuit filed on Oahu Monday by a lesbian couple.
The Alliance Defense Fund has now stepped in to help defend Phyllis Young, the owner of Aloha Bed and Breakfast. The group says Young has the right to her sincerely-held religious beliefs and the right to express them.
"This lawsuit threatens those fundamental freedoms," Dale Schowengerdt, ADF legal counsel, said. "At the end of the day, no business owner should be forced to violate his or her religious beliefs because someone is offended by those beliefs."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
-- From "Los Angeles-area lesbian couple’s lawsuit claims discrimination by Hawaii bed and breakfast" by Jennifer Sinco Kelleher, Associated Press 12/19/11
Aloha Bed & Breakfast discriminated against Diane Cervelli and Taeko Bufford, a couple living in Long Beach, Calif., claims the lawsuit filed on behalf of the women by Lambda Legal in First Circuit Court in Honolulu.
Refusing to let the couple book a room was solely based on their sexual orientation because the owner indicated that if they were married, she would not have allowed them to stay there, said their attorney, Peter Renn of Lambda Legal’s Los Angeles office. She also would have a problem if they were an unmarried heterosexual couple, he said.
The lawsuit claims the business violated Hawaii’s public accommodation law prohibiting any inn or other establishment that provides lodging from discriminating based on sexual orientation, race, sex, gender identity or expression, religion, ancestry or disability. Lambda Legal said there are 21 states that have public accommodation laws that protect against sexual orientation discrimination.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Alliance Defense Fund to defend bed and breakfast owner accused of discrimination" by Minna Sugimoto, Hawaii News Now 12/20/11
A non-profit that describes itself as the world's largest religious civil liberties legal organization is getting involved in a discrimination lawsuit filed on Oahu Monday by a lesbian couple.
The Alliance Defense Fund has now stepped in to help defend Phyllis Young, the owner of Aloha Bed and Breakfast. The group says Young has the right to her sincerely-held religious beliefs and the right to express them.
"This lawsuit threatens those fundamental freedoms," Dale Schowengerdt, ADF legal counsel, said. "At the end of the day, no business owner should be forced to violate his or her religious beliefs because someone is offended by those beliefs."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
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