Minnesota School Succumbs to Gay Agenda Bullying

At Minnesota's largest school district, the Anoka-Hennepin School Board abandoned its years-long policy of neutrality regarding homosexuality, due to non-stop haranguing by Gay Agenda advocates, in favor of a policy that acknowledges "sexual orientation" but requires that all viewpoints be respected.

"Will teachers be forced to give equal time and weight to both sides . . . ?" complained resident Dan Rebek of Coon Rapids, in his support of the Gay Agenda.

For background, read 'Hateful' MN School Won't Indoctrinate Gay Agenda and also read ACLU Threatens Schools: Must Teach Homosexuality as well as Moral Values Cause Teen Suicides: Study


-- From "Minn. school board ends policy blamed for bullying" By Steve Karnowski, Associated Press 2/14/12

The old policy had the support of some parents who believe homosexual conduct is immoral and who worried that their children might be taught otherwise.

The new policy says when contentious political, religious, social matters or economic issues come up — it does not specifically cite sexuality issues — teachers shouldn't try to persuade students to adopt a particular viewpoint. It calls for teachers to foster respectful exchanges of views. It also says in such discussions, staff should affirm the dignity and self-worth of all students, regardless of race, religion, gender or sexual orientation.

The debate over how teachers should handle controversial classroom topics ballooned after six students in the district committed suicide in less than two years.

A parent of one of the students who committed suicide says her son was bullied for being gay. Gay advocacy groups say some of the others students who killed themselves were also bullied. The district has said its investigation found no evidence that bullying contributed to the deaths, but the district changed its anti-bullying and anti-harassment policies in 2010 to state that harassment or bullying of gay students wouldn't be tolerated.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Anoka-Hennepin replaces neutrality policy" by Sue Austreng, Staff Writer, ABC Newspapers 2/14/12

The [new] RLE-CP [Respectful Learning Environment – Curriculum Policy], according to district legal counsel Paul Cady, meets the intent of the board, responds to public input and reflects academic research on how to best deal with issues of public controversy that may arise in the classroom.

During an open forum session Monday evening, 29 community members addressed school board members.

Much of the debate focused on whether being gay is a lifestyle choice or is it something you’re born with, like brown or blue eyes, right- or left-handed.

Several LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) supporters, including members of the district’s Gay Equity Team, thanked the board for being willing to shift gears.

. . . Anoka-Hennepin’s website lists 11 different links recommended as further sources for prevention of bullying and harassment. Those links include GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network), Operation Respect, Teaching Tolerance, the Trevor Project, and more.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Anoka-Hennepin School Board votes to replace neutrality policy" by Maria Elena Baca, Star Tribune 2/14/12

The single no vote was cast by Board Member Kathy Tingelstad, who said she was concerned about the influence outside groups have had on the discussion. "I think we could have done better," she said.

Those [speaking at the Board meeting] who favored the [old] neutrality policy objected to opponents' characterization of their views. They said they worry that children who hold conservative Christian or moral beliefs will feel censored and shamed if they voice critical opinions.

Others who opposed changing the policy reiterated their beliefs that homosexuality is a dangerous "lifestyle choice" and that sexuality education belongs in the home. They said scrapping the old policy would create an opening for "homosexual activists" to push an agenda in the classroom.

Teachers and representatives of the Gay Equity Team suggested that the best option would be no policy at all. Several warned that the new policy's requirement for balanced discussion could give false weight to uneven arguments based on opinion, not fact. As examples, they offered such topics as evolution, climate change and civil rights, saying that even though differing opinions exist, both sides are not equally supported by scientific research or public opinion.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Anoka-Hennepin school board approves new policy addressing sexual orientation" by Sarah Horner, Twin Cities Pioneer Press 2/14/12

Opponents of the language [of the old policy] blamed it for creating an anti-gay environment in schools, and some tied it to a rash of student suicides that occurred between 2009 and 2010. Two lawsuits still pending against the district sought to repeal the policy [including one by the homosexualist Southern Poverty Law Center].

"There is a fight going on that is bigger than this district," parent Laurie Mueller told the board. "This is not only about our children, it's a fundamental question of natural law...I do not want the school teaching my child that two dads or two moms equal a mom and a dad."

Laurie Thompson, president of the Parents Action League [said] . . . "I am not as confident as the board that this [new] policy will prevent homosexual propaganda from flooding the classrooms."

Alluding to the list of demands that PAL presented to the board a few meetings ago - including that the district provide the same level of support to Christian and "ex-homosexual" students as it does to gay students - Thompson told board members the battle is far from over.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.


From "Anoka schools fire back over gay bullying story" by Sarah Horner, Twin Cities Pioneer Press 2/7/12

Rolling Stone magazine has the Anoka-Hennepin school district in a rage.

The day after a story about the district's handling of anti-gay student bullying appeared Friday, Superintendent Dennis Carlson denounced it as a "brutal and distorted attack."

Written by Sabrina Rubin Erdely, "One Town's War on Gay Teens" chronicles the development of the district's controversial sexual orientation curriculum policy while weaving in personal stories of students who say they were bullied over their real or perceived sexual orientation.

At one point, Erdely writes that [the school district's old policy was], in a sense, "in step" with the Parents Action League, a conservative parent group focused on fighting the "homosexual agenda." The article zeroes in on the group, describing it as small but influential.

Laurie Thompson, president of the Parents Action League, said Erdely offered no proof that evangelicals or the district's policy had anything to do with the student suicides or bullying.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read an examination of the above situation by Laurie Higgins of Illinois Family Institute (click here).

Click headlines below to read related articles:

School Superintendent Says Christian Student Ignorant, and Anti-gay

Pro-gay Teacher Bullies Christians on Anti-bullying Day

Tennessee Struggles for Freedom of Religion - Bullying

New Jersey Teacher Investigated for Christian Beliefs

Praise Lesbian Homecoming King, or You're a Bigot

Connecticut School Teaches 'Gay Love' on Stage

Homosexual Indoctrination Mandated for Schools

Feds Fund Homosexualists' School Training

Gay Clubs Required in Schools, Says White House

White House Says Gay Recruitment of Kids Successful

'Queer Studies' Degree: Normalizing Sexual Deviancy

More Than Two Genders, Kindergartners Taught

Abortifacients to Kids via Vending Machine for $25

Although it's illegal to sell the Plan B "morning after pill" (which terminates pregnancy) to children under the age of 17 without a prescription, anyone capable of using a vending machine on the campus of Shippensburg University (near Philadelphia) can easily obtain this dangerous drug.

For background, read Plan B Remains Illegal for Kids Under 17 Despite FDA's Contrary Approval

UPDATE 1/29/13: Obama's FDA gives official "OK" for Plan B vending machine

-- From "Pa. college machine dispenses 'morning-after' pill" by The Associated Press 2/7/12

Vice President for Student Affairs Roger Serr says the machine was installed after a request from the student association and a survey found 85 percent of student respondents supported it.

Plan B is available without a prescription to anyone 17 or older.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Plan B at university vending machine - University releases statement" by Ewa Roman, WHPTV-21 (CBS Harrisburg, PA) 2/8/12

On Tuesday, Shippensburg University released a statement on the availability of Plan B to students:

We are not the first one to make Plan B available so this is not unique to us or to public higher education.

The machine, which vends only health-related items, is in a private room in our health center and the health center is accessible only by students. There is one machine only and the medication is not available anywhere else on campus. In addition, no one can walk in off the street and go into the health center. Students proceed to a check-in desk located in the lobby and after checking in using appropriate identification are granted access to the private treatment area.

The university is not encouraging anyone to be sexually active. That is a decision each student makes on his or her own. The university does strongly encourage all students to make wise and appropriate decisions in all aspects of their lives.

Reproductive services are a personal decision to be made by every man and woman. As such, the university is providing students with a medication that they can obtain legally elsewhere as part of their ability to make their own choices. The medication does come with explanatory details about the drug, its usage and effects. Medical staff is also always available for consultation before a purchase is made.

To read the entire statement from the University, CLICK HERE.

From "Morning after pills in vending machine on college campus has regulators concerned" by Geoff Herbert, syracuse.com The Post-Standard 2/8/12

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it plans to contact state officials and the university to gather facts. It doesn't appear that any other vending machine in the U.S. dispenses the contraceptive, which can prevent pregnancy if taken soon after sexual intercourse.

But if it's been available at the school for more than two years, why all the fuss now?

Some religious conservatives like Dahlkemper have long considered Plan B to be tantamount to an abortion drug. Taking Plan B within 72 hours of sex -- whether it's rape, condom failure or not using regular contraception -- can cut the chances of pregnancy by up to 89 percent, especially if taken within the first 24 hours.

Rob Maher, a professor at the Duquesne University School of Pharmacy in Pittsburgh, told the Associated Press . . . [he's] worried the vending machine could mean a young person buys the emergency contraceptive drug without discussing risk factors with a health care professional. "That's the big risk with a vending machine like this," he said.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Shippensburg University Vending Machine Dispenses Plan B" by Kevin Begos, Huffington Post 2/7/12

[Plan B is sold] in the vending machine along with condoms, decongestants and pregnancy tests.

The machine has been in place for about two years, and its existence wasn't widely known until recently.

On whether the machine might violate the law, "I don't have a definite yes or no," said Ron Ruman, a spokesman for the Pennsylvania Department of State, which oversees the state pharmacy board. If a person younger than 17 used the machine, it "potentially could be a violation," he said.

Deanne Hall, a professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, noted that the ease of access to such a machine could be positive for many women, but she wondered whether self-treatment might deter sexual assault victims from seeking medical attention.

Said Anna Franzonello, counsel to Americans United For Life: "Students at Shippensburg University deserve better than to have their administration represent the potent drug with life-ending potential as no more harmful than any other vending machine item."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "University Allows Sale of Plan B Drug in Vending Machines" by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com 2/7/12

Kristan Hawkins of Students for Life of America condemned the sale of the drugs, that can cause early abortions in some cases.

“SU is now offering curbside abortions in the form of morning after pills (Plan B), which are being discreetly sold to students in a vending machine located at the campus’ health center for $25 a pop,” she said. “I really can’t understand what’s private about putting money into a machine to purchase a lethal drug and then watching folks bang on it when the pill box gets stuck.”

“But really, privacy isn’t the matter at hand here,’ she added. “What I and thousands of the students SFLA serve find most outrageous about this story is that Shippensburg University has placed a higher priority on what they perceive to be politically correct than on the safety and well-being of their female students.”

“To allow an abortion pill on campus to be sold through a vending machine without even so much as a doctor’s exam is beyond comprehension. Birth control requires a prescription and a consultation between the patient and doctor before ordering. Plan B is a high-dose version of the birth control bill intended to stop ovulation or abort a newly created human being after intercourse,” Hawkins continued. . . .

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Obama Feeds Catholics 'A Bunch of Bull:' Santorum

Republican presidential hopeful Rick Santorum flatly rejected the Obama administration's claim that it is working with religious institutions to "allay" their concerns about a new Obamacare rule requiring some Catholic institutions and individuals to provide contraception coverage in their health insurance plans.

"I cannot imagine a more direct and frontal attack on freedom of conscience... This [White House] decision must be fought against with all the energies the Catholic community can muster."
-- Cardinal Roger Mahony (the very liberal archbishop emeritus of Los Angeles)

For background, read The Pope, and Obama's War on Christianity and also read Bishops Say Obama Destroying Societal Norm as well as Santorum - (Catholic) Christian Tea Party Candidate

UPDATE 3/20/12: ObamaCare requires free sterilization for all college girls, but top Democrat in Congress knows nothing about it

UPDATE 2/28/12: Obama Justice Dept. Says 1st Amendment Allows Gov't to Force Catholics to Buy Sterilization-Contraception-Abortion Insurance

UPDATE 2/9/12: ABC News finds Obama in bed with Planned Parenthood and other feminists

UPDATE 3/19/12: Federal CDC study shows 38.2 percent of American women age 15-44 NOT currently using contraception, thus refuting Obama

First, here's Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius' explanation for President Obama's decision to deny Catholics' right of conscience:

-- From "Contraception rule respects religion" by Kathleen Sebelius, posted at USA TODAY 2/6/12

Today, virtually all American women use contraception at some point in their lives. And we have a large body of medical evidence showing it has significant benefits for their health, as well as the health of their children. But birth control can also be quite expensive, costing an average of $600 a year, which puts it out of reach for many women whose health plans don't cover it.

The public health case for making sure insurance covers contraception is clear. But we also recognize that many religious organizations have deeply held beliefs opposing the use of birth control.

That's why in the rule we put forward, we specifically carved out from the policy religious organizations that primarily employ people of their own faith. This exemption includes churches and other houses of worship, and could also include other church-affiliated organizations.

To read the entire opinion column above, CLICK HERE.

From "Obamacare vs. the Catholics" by Jonathan V. Last, Senior Writer at The Weekly Standard (posted at NPR) 2/7/12

. . . It is now a requirement of Obamacare that every Catholic institution larger than a single church — and even including some single churches — must pay for contraceptives, sterilization, and morning-after abortifacients for its employees. Each of these is directly contrary to the Catholic faith. But the Obama administration does not care. They have said, in effect, Do what we tell you — or else.

. . . Sebelius included one small conscience exemption: A religious employer who objects to medical treatment aimed at prevention of the disease commonly known as "pregnancy" may leave it out of their health insurance coverage provided the employer satisfies three criteria: (1) It has religious inculcation as its primary duty; (2) It primarily employs people of the same faith; and (3) It primarily serves people of the same faith. This fig leaf is enough to cover most small churches — so long as your parish employs only a couple of priests and a secretary, it would probably get a pass. Larger institutions would not.

In the Catholic world, for instance, a diocesan office often employs lots of people — lawyers, janitors, administrative staff — who are not necessarily Catholic. And the duties of such offices extend far beyond inculcation of the faith — to include charity, community service, and education. Or take Catholic universities. There are more than 200 of them, serving some 750,000 students. They clearly do not fit the exemption. Neither would any of the 6,980 Catholic elementary or secondary schools. Nor the country's 600 Catholic hospitals; nor its 1,400 Catholic long-term care centers. Ditto the network of Catholic social services organizations that spend billions of dollars a year to serve the needy and disadvantaged.

It's unclear whether Obama anticipated the blowback which resulted from this announcement, or perhaps even welcomed the fight.

To read the entire opinion column above, CLICK HERE.



For background, read Obama Weakens Christians' 'Conscience Clause' and also read Supremes Teach Obama Religious Liberty; Church Wins

From "Santorum: 'Mr. President, We're Not That Stupid'" by Susan Jones, CNSNews.com 2/7/12

"Ha, that's just a bunch of poppycock,” Santorum said. “That’s just ridiculous. Look, Mr. President, we’re not that stupid. The Catholic Church has been arguing and negotiating this for a year, and the administration is saying, ‘Oh, it’s just a misunderstanding.’ It’s just a bunch of bull," Santorum said.

"They are folks who are trying to use their power to force people to do things that they believe they should do and that are right. And they don’t care about their religion. Look at the conscience clause protections, which are outrageous and discriminatory against people of faith. And guess what, they do provide some protections for some religious groups, just not Catholics."

As CNSNews.com has reported, Catholic Church leaders in recent weeks have read letters to their congregations, telling them the Obamacare contraception regulation violates the constitutional rights of Catholics and that the church will not comply with "this unjust law."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Chaput censures contraceptive plan" by Linda Loyd, Philadelphia Inquirer Staff Writer 2/6/12

Philadelphia Archbishop Charles J. Chaput is demanding that the Obama administration rescind what he calls its "flawed and dangerous" decision requiring virtually all employers to offer employees health coverage that includes contraceptives and "abortion-inducing drugs."

In a letter asked to be read at all weekend Masses in 266 area parishes, Chaput joined many other bishops nationally in criticizing the administration for undermining "both the principle of religious conscience and the First Amendment to the Constitution in an unprecedented way."

Unless the ruling is overturned, "faithful Catholics will be forced either to violate our consciences, or to drop health coverage for our employees," the archbishop said.

The rule was characterized by observant Catholics who came to the Basilica on Sunday night as a "persecution" of their faith and an attack on religious freedom. "I feel like it's an infringement on my view as a Catholic," said Ann Post of Oreland and a member of St. Genevieve's parish.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Obama's War on Christianity: Sen. Marco Rubio Fires Back

UPDATE 3/6/12 - Catholics called to vote in November (video):

'Rape Tag' Game at Minnesota Elementary School

Given the sexualization of children in public schools coupled with pornographic exposure on TV and other media, it's not surprising that pre-pubescent kids would invent a game focused on sexual abuse.


-- From "Minnesota 5th-graders caught playing 'rape tag' during recess" by The Associated Press 2/4/12

Administrators at a New Ulm elementary school have contacted parents of fifth-grade students after some children played a disturbing recess game they call "rape tag."

A letter from Washington Elementary School Principal Bill Sprung went home to parents this week. Sprung says 15 to 20 students were involved in the game. The Journal reports the game is similar to freeze tag, but it involves hip thrusts to unfreeze a person after he or she is tagged.

About 15 to 20 parents have contacted Sprung after the letter was sent home. He says they're disturbed that they now need to talk about sexually-explicit issues with their children.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Fifth-graders get caught playing ‘rape tag’" by Amy Graff, San Francisco Chronicle 2/3/12

A concerned parent brought the activity to the attention of the principal of Washington Elementary School in New Ulm, and Bill Sprung quickly addressed the matter by sending a letter home to families. False rumors about the game were popping up on Facebook and principal Sprung wanted to get the facts in parents’ hands to stop the spreading of misinformation.

Likely the children at this school didn’t understand what rape means. Some kid picked up the word from television or the Internet and knew that it was related to sex. Kids think humping and sex is weird and silly and enjoy joking about it. It’s just upsetting that kids are familiar with the word rape at such an early age, whether they understand the meaning or not.

To read the entire opinion column above, CLICK HERE.

Scroll through principal's letter to parents, below:

Breast Cancer & Abortion = Komen & Planned Parenthood

The rift between the breast cancer charity, The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, and the nation's largest abortion provider, Planned Parenthood, has brought to the fore the politically incorrect causes for the rise in breast cancer rates: abortion and delayed childbirth/breast feeding.

For background, read Breast Cancer from Abortion Demonstrated, Again and also read Breast Cancer No Concern at Planned Parenthood as well as God Created Woman to Give Birth and Breast-feed (not abort)

UPDATE 10/17/12: Catholic Archdiocese: No More Money to Komen Because It Supports Planned Parenthood

-- From "Susan G. Komen foundation takes steps to rebuild trust after PR fiasco" by Lena H. Sun and Sarah Kliff, Washington Post 2/4/12

Executives of the embattled Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation held conference calls with affiliates Saturday to discuss a new strategy for working with supporters, a first step in rebuilding trust after last week’s public relations fiasco surrounding Komen’s off-then-on-again decision to fund Planned Parenthood.

The foundation reversed course Friday after the overwhelming public reaction to news on Tuesday that Komen was no longer going to fund Planned Parenthood’s breast cancer screening because of a congressional investigation into whether the group was using federal money to pay for abortions. Planned Parenthood is now eligible to apply for grants, Komen said.

Maria Williamson, president of the Komen affiliate in Virginia’s Tidewater region, said [founder Nancy G.] Brinker spoke of her “deep concern” about the community backlash and the onslaught of media inquiries that deluged Komen offices last week.

Now Komen executives are faced with the task of restoring credibility to one of the strongest brands in the nonprofit world.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Anti-abortion groups cite alleged cancer-abortion link to explain Komen's split with Planned Parenthood" by Judson Berger, FoxNews.com 2/2/12

As the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation faces accusations that it split with Planned Parenthood over political pressure, at least a couple pro-life groups are claiming the organization may have acted out of concern over an alleged link between abortion and breast cancer.

The theory is based on the idea that during pregnancy, the surge in hormones in a woman's body ends up making the breasts more susceptible to cancer as they increase in size. Completing a pregnancy, though, allows what are known as "lobules" in the breast to mature and become more cancer-resistant. According to the theory, having an induced abortion before this stage cuts that process short.

Komen for the Cure's website states that despite debate over the subject, "research clearly shows no link between the two." Komen asserted that position as recently as October 2011 in a brief document on the debate.

Karen Malec, president of the Coalition on Abortion/Breast Cancer, said she suspects the link -- as well as the prospect of donations [to Komen] drying up -- played a role in the decision.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Planned Parenthood's funding cut: Does science support abortion-cancer link?" by Loren Grush, FoxNews.com 2/2/12

[Lolita Hanks, nurse practitioner and president of American Right to Life, said] “Now that the lead National Cancer Institute [NCI] researcher on the abortion/cancer link has reversed herself and warned of abortion as a significant risk factor for breast cancer, the pro-life pressure on Planned Parenthood and Susan G. Komen is increasing.”

Dr. Rachel Wellner, director of breast services at NYEE, Continuum Cancer Center in New York City, said . . . “From a scientific perspective, pregnancy does change the breast physiology,” Wellner said. “But this is true for any sentinel event in a woman’s hormonal life, such as puberty, pregnancy, lactation, menopause, etc. So presumably when you stop a pregnancy through abortion, there may be a hormonal change.”

Wellner also added that other studies involving completed pregnancies may indicate that an aborted pregnancy may have some effect on the health of a woman’s breast.

“We know that experiencing pregnancy to its completion appears to be protective against breast cancer,” Wellner said. “We also know that nulliparity (having no children) or a late onset of a first pregnancy puts women at slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer versus their counterparts who experienced earlier pregnancies. So presumably the changes experienced in an induced abortion may invoke cellular changes that promote risk. So it does make some sense.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Women fight breast cancer - and win. Dr. Ernie Bodai shares his thoughts." by Eileen Wilson, Sacramento Press 1/31/12

If you think breast cancer is all around you – be it a diagnosis, or a friend, neighbor, or loved one who has been diagnosed, you would be right. If it seems like women are developing breast cancer at a younger age than ever, you would be right about that, too.

According to the American Cancer Society, 2011 saw over 13,000 women under the age of 40, who were diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States. One thousand, one hundred and sixty of them lost their battle with the disease. When women under the age of 50 were included, the number jumped to over 65,000, with more than 5,000 women succumbing. Nationwide, a total of over 280,000 women were diagnosed with new breast cancer cases, and almost 40,000 women died.

The American Cancer Society adds that factors such as delayed childbirth, and having fewer children, as well as climbing rates of obesity and menopausal hormone use may be factors as well.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Komen Still Doesn’t Acknowledge Abortion-Breast Cancer Link" by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com 2/1/12

Malec says “Planned Parenthood is a primary cause of the breast cancer epidemic. It sells cancer-causing abortions and oral contraceptives.”

“Medical texts reveal that increased childbearing, especially starting early before age 24, substantially reduces lifetime breast cancer risk. Abortion not only deprives women of this protection, but 52 of 68 epidemiological studies show it raises breast cancer risk,” Malec explained. “Komen and the Institute of Medicine had an opportunity to reduce the incidence of breast cancer with its December 2011 study, “Breast Cancer and the Environment,” but they chose not to review reproductive risk factors and include avoidance of abortion and oral contraceptives among the ways to prevent the disease. We sincerely hope Komen will develop the political courage needed to fulfill its mission.”

The abortion-breast cancer link and the impact it has had is substantial, according to Professor Joel Brind, an endocrinologist at Baruch College in New York, who worked with several scientists on a 1996 paper published in the Journal of Epidemiol Community Health showing a “30% greater chance of developing breast cancer” for women who have induced abortions. Brind says abortion has caused at least 300,000 cases of breast cancer causing a woman’s death since the Supreme Court allowed virtually unlimited abortion in its 1973 case.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Komen Decision Exposes Planned Parenthood, Abortion-Breast Cancer" by Gerard Nadal, Ph.D., LifeNews.com 2/3/12

. . . The sunlight began to pierce the darkness back in 2007, when Dorinda Bordlee, Vice President and Senior Counsel of the Bioethics Defense Fund met Eve Sanchez Silver who told her about her about the Komen-Planned Parenthood funding link. Silver, a breast cancer survivor and charter member of Komen’s Hispanic/Latina Advisory Council, resigned from Komen, stating,

As a Christian and life affirming citizen I can not reconcile the Foundation’s decision to affirm life with one hand and support its destruction with the other.

Bordlee began to research Komen’s grant database to confirm Silver’s claims.

It was discovered that Komen Founder, Nancy Brinker (Susan Komen’s sister), sat on the board of Planned Parenthood in North Texas. Jill Stanek wrote two great articles about the links between Komen and PP.

At the heart of the matter lies three essential issues regarding the deplorable decision by Komen to fund PP:

1. The causal link between breast cancer and abortion (ABC link).
2. The causal link between breast cancer and oral contraceptives.
3. The fact that Planned Parenthood does NOT do mammograms.

To read the entire opinion column above, CLICK HERE.

Click headlines below to read related articles:

U.S. Birthrate Below Replacement; Record Unwed Birthrate

Childless Women: White and More Educated

Sex on the Rise, Procreation in Decline

Defeating Marriage & Destroying Family: Survey

Marriage Trend: Confined within Church

Obama's War on Christianity: Sen. Rubio Fires Back

Florida's Sen. Marco Rubio introduced the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 2012 (S 2043) to negate ObamaCare's various birth control mandates -- vehemently opposed by Catholics bishops. Rubio, a Catholic of Cuban origin, recently gave the pro-life keynote address at the fifth annual Susan B. Anthony List Campaign for Life Gala in Washington D.C.

“The Obama Administration’s obsession with forcing mandates on the American people has now reached a new low by violating the conscience rights and religious liberties of our people.”
-- Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida 1/31/12

Pending legislation introduced on 2011 includes the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act (HR 1179 & S. 1467).

UPDATE 3/1/12: Thirteen Catholic senators joined others to defeat the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act, an effort led by Senator Roy Blunt of Missouri.

For background, read The Pope, and Obama's War on Christianity and also read Bishops Say Obama Destroying Societal Norm as well as Gov. Perry Fights Obama's Pro-gay 'War on Religion'


Scroll down for the rest of Sen. Rubio's February 1st address

-- From "Rubio brings bill to floor, charging a violation of religious liberties" by Dan Merica, CNN 2/1/12

The bill looks to repeal health care reform mandates that “violates religious liberties and conscience rights of faith-based institutions,” Rubio said in a news release.

The main concern from religious organizations has been the Department of Health and Human Services’ decision to finalize plans that would require church-affiliated organizations to offer private health care that would include contraceptives.

“What’s at stake is the First Amendment right to religious liberty, and nothing goes to the heart of this civil liberty more than conscience rights,” said Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League.

But while Rubio and Donohue may charge a violation of liberties, presidential hopefuls have been much harder on the president’s relationship with religion. According to some of the Republican presidential hopefuls, Obama, a Christian, is waging a “war on religion.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From “Hospitals, schools and soup kitchens” by Michelle Bauman, CNA/EWTN News 2/2/12

Rubio also criticized the administration for “forcing religious entities to abandon their beliefs.” He described his bill, titled “The Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 2012,” as “a common sense bill that simply says the government can’t force religious organizations to abandon the fundamental tenets of their faith because the government says so.”

The [ObamaCare] mandate includes a religious exemption, but it applies only to organizations that exist for the purpose of inculcating religious values and limit their service and employment primarily to members of their own faith.

The limited scope of the exemption means that most religiously affiliated ministries and groups will not qualify for it.

The legislation observes that the mandate’s “absurdly narrow exemption,” which is “unprecedented in Federal law,” will exclude thousands of “charities, hospitals, schools or soup kitchens that hire or serve individuals who do not share their religious tenets.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Rubio Senate Bill Would Repeal Obama Anti-Conscience Mandate" by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com 2/1/12

The Obama Administration issued a statement re-iterating the “contraceptive mandate” requiring all insurance providers cover the full range of FDA-approved drugs and devices would remain intact. This mandate, issued in August, includes drugs that work after conception to destroy life rather than prevent it.

Mandi Campbell of Liberty Counsel Action added: “We appreciate the exemption that your bill provides to secure the consciences of those with deep and sincere religious convictions opposed to the coverage of contraceptives (especially those that act as abortifacients) and sterilization, the provision of which is currently mandated by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Thank you, Senator Rubio, for introducing the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 2012.”

The [ObamaCare] mandate not only violates such existing conscience protections on abortion such as the Hyde/Weldon Amendment (in so far as Plan B and Ella are covered), but also violates the principles of the Church Amendments which protects conscience rights for those who object to contraceptives and other services on moral or religious grounds. Additionally, the U.S. government already funds domestic family planning at a level of $1.9 billion annually.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Rubio: Life is not a political issue" by Anita Crane, World Net Daily 2/2/12

Rubio said while people push pro-lifers to focus on the national debt, jobs, the economy and other fiscal challenges, “Well, we can’t do that.”

He said, “This speaks to more than just our politics. It speaks to what we want to do in our life to serve and to glorify our Creator.”

Parsing all the arguments for abortion and the Supreme Court’s unconstitutional decision on Roe v. Wade, he said no right, not even a woman’s right to make decisions about her own body, trumps an unborn child’s right to life. He said an increasing number in the public understand this and, “I hope it will continue to show in the political realm.”

He believes that future generations will look back at this era and “condemn us.” He believes they’ll condemn the current culture of death the same way that Americans today condemn bigots for atrocities of the past. Rubio said, “They will look at what happened in this nation since 1973 and they will characterize us as barbaric.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Rubio: ‘America cannot truly fulfill its destiny unless’ it ends abortion" by Caroline May, The Daily Caller 2/2/12

Rubio criticized those who back away from the pro-life fight because it “makes us uncomfortable,” explaining that while other issues — like jobs, the debt, and the economy — are important, abortion is more than a political issue.

“This is an issue that, especially for those that enter the public arena and refuse to leave our faith behind, speaks to more than just our politics,” Rubio said. “It speaks to what we want to do with the opportunity we have been given in our life, to serve and to glorify our Creator.”

“[Roe v. Wade] is perhaps the most egregious and devastating example of a court that has decided that because a political branch will not deal with an issue they think is important, they’re going to step in and make a policy decision and literally create a Constitutional right,” Rubio said, reinforcing the point that Americans should reject Roe v. Wade “on legal grounds alone.”

“America is great because God has blessed America. And America has always honored that blessing by being an example to the world. … There is nothing that America can give this world right now more important than to show that all life — irrespective of the circumstances of its creation, irrespective of the circumstances of its birth, irrespective of the conditions of that they find themselves in — all life, in a planet where life is increasingly not valued, in a planet where people are summarily discarded, all life is worthy of protection. All life enjoys God’s love,” Rubio concluded to a standing ovation.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Obama Wants Catholic Vote but Democrat Platform Anathema

Part 2


Part 3 (end)

Christian Refused at Pro-gay-only Lunch Counter

Tennessee state Sen. Stacey Campfield, a Christian whose legislation to outlaw Gay Agenda indoctrination in public school is gaining steam, was discriminated against by an intolerant pro-homosexual, bigoted restaurateur due to his recent politically incorrect comments about the health risks of homosexual behavior, and for espousing Biblical beliefs.

". . . a new report out from the CDC . . . finds new HIV cases among homosexuals is more than 44 [times] that of heterosexual men and more than 40 times that of women."

For background, read Federal Government Reports Majority of New HIV Cases from Homosexual Behavior and also read HIV Infections Rampant Among Homosexuals Says Fed. CDC as well as Outlawing Teaching of Homosexuality in Tennessee





-- From "Knoxville bistro grabs spotlight for booting lawmaker Stacey Campfield over AIDS remarks" by Matt Lakin, The Knoxville News Sentinel 1/30/12

Restaurant owner Martha Boggs says she ordered state Sen. Stacey Campfield out of her Gay Street restaurant and banned him from brunch Sunday in disgust over his recent remarks about gays and the origin of the AIDS virus.

“When I saw him at the front door, I told him to leave,” Boggs said Monday. “It’s just my way to show support for the gay community and stand up to somebody I think is a bully. He’s really gone from being stupid to dangerous. I think he needs to know what it feels like to be discriminated against.”

Campfield responded with a blog post comparing himself to Jesus Christ and to the civil-rights demonstrators of the 1960s.

“Unfortunately some people do not let facts get in the way of their prejudice,” he wrote. “I guess some people still support segregation. Just segregation of thought.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

To hear the radio interview with Sen. Stacey Campfield that ignited the firestorm, CLICK HERE.

From "Restaurant refuses to serve TN state senator" posted at WBIR-TV3 (CBS) 1/31/12

"When ignorance has the ability to kill people, we have the responsibility to fight ignorance," said Tamara Shepherd, a restaurant patron who supports the Boggs' decision to deny service to Campfield.

"The lady who I guess is the owner came up and said I'm not serving you you're a homophobe and hate gay people. I said, ‘I don't hate gay people. I don't care what they do,'" Campfield said. "She said, ‘well you said all those terrible things.' I said, ‘well, all that stuff is backed up by the CDC.' I directed her to the site. She said, ‘I'm not serving you, I don't care.' I said OK. I just left."

The restaurant owner says Campfield has visited the Bistro a couple of times before.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "'Don't Say Gay' senator is asked to leave Tennessee restaurant" by Richard Fausset, Los Angeles Times 1/31/12

Campfield, a Republican who represents the Knoxville area, has gained notoriety among gay supporters in recent days for sponsoring legislation some call the "Don't Say Gay" bill, which would ban discussion of homosexuality in elementary and middle schools.

Campfield stood by his assertions in a blog post and mused about his treatment at the restaurant:

"In the 60's my grandfather sat at the lunch counters with the blacks in Knoxville to help break up the segregation of the races. I guess some people still support segregation. Just segregation of thought. Some people have told me my civil rights were violated under the 1964 civil rights act in that a person can not be denied service based on their religious beliefs. (I am catholic and the catholic church does not support the act of homosexuality) I had not thought about that much.

"I just figured this is just another example of the open minded tolerant left. They claim tolerances for divergent points of view.....Until someone actually has one. Then they don't know how to handle it."

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.







Also read Tennessee Struggles for Freedom of Religion - Bullying and also read ACLU Threatens Tennessee School over Gay Club

Washington Seventh State for Same-sex 'Marriage'

Four Republican Washington state senators joined all but three Democrats to pass the "gay marriage" Senate Bill 6239 by 28-21. The state House is expected to pass the bill by a larger margin next week, and Gov. Chris Gregoire has promised that she will sign it into law immediately.

"It saddens me that there aren't more Christians here tonight," said citizen Jane Sterland standing outside the Senate gallery.

UPDATE 6/11/12: Citizen petition to reject law succeeds overwhelmingly

For background, read 'Gay Hate Crimes' Planned Against Christians Who Sign Petition

-- From "Washington Senate passes bill legalizing same-sex marriage; final vote will come in House" by The Associated Press 2/2/12

“Those of us who support this legislation are not, and we should not be accused of, undermining family life or religious freedom,” said [Sen. Ed] Murray, a gay lawmaker from Seattle who has spearheaded past gay rights and domestic partnership laws in the state. “Marriage is how society says you are a family.”

Nearly a dozen amendments were debated, including several that passed that strengthen legal protections for religious groups and organizations. A handful were rejected, including one that would exempt photographers, cake decorators and other business owners who object to gay marriage from the law, and another that called for a referendum clause to be added to the bill.

Even though the referendum clause amendment was rejected, opponents have already promised to file a challenge to the legislation. But that can’t be done until after it is passed by the full Legislature and signed into law by Gregoire. Opponents then must turn in 120,577 signatures by June 6.

If opponents aren’t able to collect enough signatures, gay and lesbian couples would be able to be wed starting in June. Otherwise, they would have to wait until the results of a November election.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Bill legalizing same-sex marriage passes Washington state Senate" by Andrew Garber, The Seattle Times 2/2/12

Sen. Dan Swecker, R-Rochester, a longtime opponent of gay-marriage legislation, said he’s worried about the impact the law could have on people who oppose same-sex marriage because of their religious beliefs.

"I’m extremely concerned that without additional protections this legislation will create a hostile environment for those of us who believe in traditional marriage," he said.

Supporters of the bill also had to fend off a push to let the voters decide. An amendment to put the measure on the November ballot, sponsored by Sen. Brian Hatfield, D-Raymond, was defeated by a 26-23 vote.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Psychotherapist Ousted for Christian Beliefs

A sting operation by homosexual journalist Patrick Strudwick resulted in the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) ruling that Lesley Pilkington was guilty of professional misconduct for helping Strudwick with his (phony) request for Jesus to relieve him of homosexual temptation.

To hear Pilkington's radio interview, CLICK HERE.

-- From "Church of England bishops back shrink's 'cure for gays'" posted at Belfast Telegraph 1/30/12

Former archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey, Bishop of Chester the Rt Rev Peter Forster, and Bishop of Lewes the Rt Rev Wallace Benn were among signatories to a letter giving support to 60-year-old psychotherapist Lesley Pilkington.

In their letter, the clerics said Ms Pilkington distinguishes "very carefully" between her "non-directive" counselling and the biblical and pastoral counselling she also offers as a Christian.

"We believe that people who seek, freely, to resolve unwanted same-sex attractions hold the moral right to receive professional assistance," they said.

"Whether motivated by Christian conscience or other values, clients, not practitioners, have the prerogative to choose the yardstick by which to define themselves.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Senior Church Figures Back Christian Counsellor Lesley Pilkington Over 'Gay' Cure" reported by Huffington Post UK 1/30/12

The counsellor is due to mount an appeal this week following a British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) ruling that she was guilty of professional misconduct over a therapy session with gay journalist Patrick Strudwick.

Working undercover, Strudwick approached Ms Pilkington and asked her to "make me straight" after meeting her at a conference for therapists and psychiatrists who wanted to learn how to convert their patients to heterosexuality. Writing in The Guardian last year, he said:

"I am an out, happily gay man. I was undercover, investigating therapists who practise this so-called conversion therapy - also known as reparative therapy - who try to 'pray away the gay',"

"I asked her to make me straight.

"Her attempts to do so flout the advice of every major mental-health body in Britain."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Senior clergy support Christian counsellor in gay disciplinary case" posted at Christianity Today 1/30/12

Strudwick, a freelance journalist, approached Mrs Pilkington for help at a Christian conference where he posed as a Christian struggling with same-sex attraction.

They had two therapy sessions at her home, during which Mr Strudwick secretly recorded their conversations.

Mrs Pilkington is being supported in her appeal by the Christian Legal Centre (CLC).

CLC Director Andrea Williams said: “It is time to stand up to a militant homosexual lobby who are unable to tolerate difference of opinion and who seek to coerce behaviour and thought.”

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.

Judges Counter Obama's Attacks on Pro-lifers

U.S. District Judge Philip A. Brimmer dismissed President Obama's Attorney General Eric Holder's assertions of ten separate violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act against Kenneth Scott's sidewalk counseling at Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains abortion clinic in Denver.

For background, read Obama Administration Targets Pro-lifers for Prosecution and also read White House Targets Pro-lifers with Lawsuits

UPDATE 9/24/12: Federal judge blocks Obama DOJ in prosecution of David Hamilton in Louisville, KY

UPDATE 3/22/12: Obama administration gives up -- all charges dismissed against Kenneth Scott

-- From "Feds want 25-foot limit for Colo. abortion protester" by Colleen Slevin, Associated Press 1/26/12

U.S. Justice Department lawyer Gayle Winsome told U.S. District Judge Philip Brimmer on Thursday that Kenneth Scott sometimes stands in the only driveway leading to the center's to talk to drivers and distribute pamphlets, forcing drivers stopped behind them to wait before they can enter. She said that violates a 1994 law protecting access to abortion clinics and urged Brimmer to order Scott to keep at least 25 feet away from the entrance. She said he can still express his views from there without impeding traffic and without visitors having to worry about hitting Scott.

Scott's lawyers argue that Scott is a peaceful protester with a constitutional right to speak from public areas leading up to the property line of the Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains center.

Peter Breen of the Thomas More Society, one of Scott's lawyers, said the government lawsuit against Scott is an overreach under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, passed in the wake of clinic sit-ins and a 1993 shooting that wounded Kansas abortion provider George Tiller. He was shot again and killed in 2009 at his Wichita church.

The FACE act went mostly unused under George W. Bush, but the Obama administration has taken a harder line against anti-abortion activists.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Five D.C. prosecutors go after abortion protestor for passing out literature" by Jack Minor, Greeley Gazette 1/4/12

Ken Scott and his wife, Jo, have a history with Planned Parenthood. In 2008, Jo was convicted of violating the state’s bubble law after a pair of Planned Parenthood employees, pretending to be patients, recorded Jo Scott moving within eight feet of them. The bubble law creates an eight foot floating bubble around anyone within 100 feet of the entrance to an abortion facility.

While the law specifies that Scott cannot protest within 100 feet of the clinic entrance, the DOJ wants the distance expanded to include being within 25 feet of the entrance to the clinic. The Justice department has assigned five prosecutors to handle the case.

The Chicago-based Thomas More Society has recently announced it would be assisting Scott with his defense. Peter Breen, executive director and general counsel for the society, told the Gazette that the government’s case turns free speech on its head. “Scott is not being charged with violating any of the bubble law requirements.”

“When I read the complaint it made it sound as if Scott was throwing himself in front of cars. It was nothing of the sort, when you watch the video he is standing on the side of the road and if people want to come over to talk and receive literature about abortion alternatives, they are free to do so. He is in no way blocking people from entering or exiting the facility.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Judge Stops Obama Admin From Silencing Pro-Life Activist" by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com 1/30/12

“This is the latest in a series of meritless, harassing lawsuits filed by the Obama Administration that seek to squelch peaceful pro-life advocacy on public sidewalks outside abortion providers,” said Peter Breen, executive director and legal counsel for the Thomas More Society.

Breen added, in his statement to LifeNews today: “In this case, the Attorney General presented no evidence that Mr. Scott injured, intimidated, or did anything other than speak to folks who willingly decided to stop their cars to talk with him. Assigning five taxpayer-funded prosecutors from Washington, D.C. to attack one peaceful man exercising his free speech rights is a colossal waste of money, uncalled for at any time, much less at a time of record government deficits, not to mention the Government’s gross insult to the First Amendment.”

United States v. Scott is one of many recent FACE Act lawsuits brought by the Obama Administration and its Attorney General, Eric Holder, against local sidewalk counselors, Breen says. The Attorney General’s primary legal theory is that a car that stops to speak to a sidewalk counselor constitutes a “physical obstruction” of access to an abortion facility and a violation of the FACE Act, punishable by a $10,000 fine and an injunction against sidewalk counseling at a particular facility.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

And, in a related court case in Florida . . .

UPDATE 4/4/12: Obama's DOJ drop case and pay prolife sidewalk counselor Mary Susan Pine $120,000 in legal fees

From "Judge: White House persecuting pro-lifer" by Bob Unruh, World Net Daily 1/16/12

A federal judge says he doesn’t have enough evidence to sanction Barack Obama’s Department of Justice, but its prosecution of a Florida pro-lifer is suspiciously like persecution.

“It is rather curious that the Department of Justice was able to meet with the [Presidential Women's Center in West Palm Beach, Fla.] staff and police officers the very next day after the alleged violations occurred. It is also curious that the government failed to make any efforts to obtain the identities of the passengers who are the alleged victims in this case – the court finds it hard to believe that the government was completely unaware of the existence of the sign-in sheets and video surveillance system.”

The comments come from U.S. District Judge Kenneth L. Ryskamp on a decision granting summary judgment for Mary Susan Pine. She had been charged with a violation of the Federal Access to Clinic Entrances law and could have been subjected to an intimidating $10,000 fine.

“The court can only wonder whether this action was the product of a concerted effort between the government and the PWC, which began well before the date of the incident at issue, to quell Ms. Pine’s activities rather than to vindicate the rights of those allegedly aggrieved by Ms. Pine’s conduct,” the judge wrote.

“The court is at a loss as to why the government chose to prosecute this particular case in the first place,” Ryskamp wrote.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Romney Wins Big with Fla. Homosexual Republicans

Mitt Romney is far and away the favorite GOP presidential candidate among Americans who support sexually deviant behavior.

“I don’t believe in discriminating in employment or opportunity for gay individuals. So I favor gay rights.”
-- Mitt Romney told Nashua Telegraph 11/22/11

For background, read Christian Liberty at Risk with a President Romney?

UPDATE 5/15/12: Romney says same-sex couples ‘have the right’ to adopt children

-- From "Mitt Romney wins big in straw vote Saturday at Log Cabin Republicans' Florida caucus in Miami" by Steve Rothaus, Miami Herald Staff 1/28/12

Log Cabin Republicans overwhelmingly chose Gov. Mitt Romney as their favorite GOP presidential candidate in a Florida straw vote on Saturday at City Hall the Restaurant, 2004 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami.

The straw vote came following Log Cabin's national board meeting in Miami.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Fla. Log Cabin members tilt toward Romney" by Lou Chibbaro Jr., Washington Blade 1/29/12

Officials from the group’s Florida chapters said the outcome was consistent with anecdotal information they’ve received from club members and gay and lesbian Republicans across the state – that a majority of Florida’s LGBT Republicans, including those who initially backed former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman and Texas Congressman Ron Paul, have shifted their support to Romney.

Shortly after Log Cabin’s cocktail caucus adjourned on Saturday evening, the Miami Herald, El Nuevo Herald, and the Tampa Bay Times released the findings of a joint poll that showed a large majority of the state’s Republican voters were in agreement with the Log Cabin members.

[R. Clarke Cooper, president of the national Log Cabin Republicans organization, said,] “Romney has said doing a [one-man/one-woman marriage] constitutional amendment is not realistic and that’s not something that’s going to happen.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Atheist Proposes Godless Religion, with Sermons

Alain de Botton disagrees with traditional atheism's disdain for religion, instead preaching that what atheists need is everything Christian including congregations, sermons, church-like buildings, Christmas, and even the Bible . . . but without God.

For background, read Atheists Find Agreeable Churches Good for Family and also read Atheists Crave Church Fellowship, but Absent God as well as New Massachusetts 'Church' With No God



-- From "Atheist writers clash over how to not worship a nonexistent God" by Carolyn Kellogg, Los Angeles Times 1/27/12

Writer Alain de Botton wants to erect a $1.5-million "temple for atheists" in London, complete with a 151-foot tower reaching toward a godless sky.

De Botton finds [fellow atheist] Richard Dawkins' approach to atheism "aggressive" and "destructive."

Dawkins, an evolutionary biologist and author of the controversial book "The God Delusion," countered, "Atheists don't need temples. I think there are better things to spend this kind of money on. If you are going to spend money on atheism you could improve secular education and build non-religious schools which teach rational, skeptical critical thinking."

In his upcoming book, "Religion for Atheists," De Botton argues that many of the trappings and teachings of religion are valuable -- just not the God part.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Alain de Botton reveals plans for 'temple to atheism' in heart of London" by Robert Booth, UK Guardian 1/26/12

"Normally a temple is to Jesus, Mary or Buddha, but you can build a temple to anything that's positive and good," he said. "That could mean a temple to love, friendship, calm or perspective. Because of Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens atheism has become known as a destructive force. But there are lots of people who don't believe but aren't aggressive towards religions."

The idea has echoes of earlier atheist spaces, ranging from churches converted to "temples of reason" during the French revolution to the Conway Hall in London which is run by the humanist South Place Ethical Society. The plan is already proving controversial and attempts to secure public sector backing have struggled. Discussions with City authorities about a possible site stalled because "they can't be seen to be connected to anything to do with atheism", the project's architect, Tom Greenall, said.

Humanists said it was misplaced for non-believers to build quasi-religious buildings, because atheists did not need temples to probe the meaning of life.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Atheism 2.0: Don’t get god, get good" by David Bradley, SciScoop Science 1/28/12

Can non-believers reinvent atheism to side-step Dawkin’s snarkiness. After all, to those of unfaith, it doesn’t matter that all religions are fairy stories, we can still learn and benefit from them by picking-and-mixing the best bits of their morality, art, transcendentalism and sermonising (lectures that present not just facts but insights into the human condition).

Alain de Botton posits the idea of a mixed-creed “religion for atheists” – call it Atheism 2.0 – that incorporates religious forms and traditions to satisfy our human need for connection, ritual and transcendence, but without all the creation myths, the slings and arrows, undead and the reincarnation.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Atheism, Paganism Latest Liberal Media Darling