The University of Chicago, the only college in America performing on-campus abortions, publishes an abortion guide complete with clinic locations, financial aid, and warnings about lies told at pro-life centers, while advising that abortion is one of the "safest" medical procedures.
However, according to the University, the "procedure" is terminal for about a dozen students' infants per year.
For background, read Gallup Poll Shows 'Higher Education' Indoctrinates Pro-abortion
And read about violent attacks by college professors on pro-lifers.
In addition, read how Planned Parenthood paid $2 million to hide the wrongful deaths of Chicagoan Tonya Reaves and her unborn child.
-- From "University Publishes How-To Guide On Getting Abortions" by Matt Lamb, The College Fix 7/3/14
Its launch has come under fire by some Illinois pro-life groups. A campus official told The College Fix that while the guide is hosted by the university, it’s not meant for students. Titled “Accessing Abortion in Illinois,” the guide launched on June 6 as a project of the Section of Family Planning and Contraceptive Research, the Center for Interdisciplinary Inquiry and Innovation in Sexual and Reproductive Health (Ci3), and the Urban Initiative of the National Institute for Reproductive Health.
While the university says it’s a guide for health and social service providers, the information is just as informative for students, providing links to multiple abortion providers in Illinois.
The guide says crisis pregnancy centers can cause “confusion” just by existing, and that going to such a place “can lead to delays in care for an individual who wants to consider abortion.” It cites a 2006 study commissioned by Rep. Henry Waxman, Democrat of California – at the time ranking member on the House Oversight Committee – that said such centers provide “false and misleading health information” about abortion.
Asked what other resources the university makes available to pregnant students, such as adoption services, the university forwarded links to how a student could acquire birth control or emergency contraception.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "University of Chicago Publishes How-To Guide on Obtaining an Abortion" by Melissa Duggan, Christian News Network 7/17/14
“The misrepresentation of facts continues in the abortion guide when it calls abortion ‘one of the safest and most common medical procedures…with less than a 2% risk of complications,’” Emily Zender, the executive director of Illinois Right to Life told Christian News Network. “However, it fails to note that in a Chicago Tribune investigation in 2011, ‘nearly 4,000 reports of abortion complications involving Illinois residents in 2009 were missing the required description.’”
“The abortion guide states, ‘equal access to all pregnancy options is critical for individuals,’ but then condemns the 31 pregnancy resource centers across Illinois,” Zender lamented. “These centers provide free pregnancy resources including free ultrasounds, free pregnancy tests, free counseling, free maternity clothing and much more. Why would a guide that underscores the importance of access to all pregnancy resources, attack community-based non-profits that increase pregnancy options and healthcare access?”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "University under fire for so-called 'abortion guide'" by Sarah Manhardt, The Chicago Maroon (University of Chicago student newspaper) 7/15/14
. . . Rising third-year Cait Duggan, co-president of the RSO Students for Life, agreed that students would use the guide.
“We’re not sure how many students do seek abortions, but we believe that there is a population that do, so we think there will be students turning to this website,” she said. “By having this website [the University] is going to be able to facilitate abortions but it doesn’t seem like they’re going to be interested in helping students who want to keep their children.”
In a Maroon article from January 2013 (“After Roe, UCMC Gives Choice,” 1/25/13), [assistant professor of obstetrics/gynecology at the University of Chicago Medicine, Amy] Whitaker estimated that the Ryan Center Clinic performs approximately one abortion procedure for a student a month. An abortion procedure at the Ryan Center Clinic costs between $350–$1,500, depending on the stage of the pregnancy, and U-SHIP, as well as many other health insurance plans, covers abortion.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Casual Sex Encouraged at University of Chicago as well as read Sadomasochistic Exhibit Funded by University of Chicago
In addition, read ObamaNation: Rating Colleges Based on Immorality
Friday, July 18, 2014
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Christian College Wins Transgender Dorm Complaint
20-year-old student Jayce Marcus filed a Title IX Civil Rights Act complaint against George Fox University in Newberg, Oregon when she wasn't allowed to live in male-only housing on the basis that she considers herself a man. The university had previously requested a Title IX exemption from the U.S. Department of Education, which last week dismissed the complaint and granted the school a waiver to the 1972 Title IX gender discrimination requirements for colleges receiving federal funds.
Jayce says she'll appeal the decision, knowing that the media will pressure President Obama to battle the religious liberty of the university.
For background, read Portland, Oregon Atheists Attack Christian Students Club
Also read Massachusetts Christian College Ostracized by City & Media for Opposing Gay Agenda
Atheists, secular humanists, totalitarians etc. feel they are "on the ropes" after a recent series of Supreme Court rulings favoring religious liberty.
In addition, read Gay Agenda will be Complete when Christians are Muzzled, Say Homosexualists as well as Senator Ted Cruz Says the Gay Agenda Ends Christian Liberty
-- From "George Fox gets an exemption in case of transgender student" by Seth Gordon, Portland Tribune 7/16/14
“This is about a transgender student who wanted to move from female-only housing in May to male-only housing in September and the university offered him a single apartment or off-campus housing instead,” university spokesman Rob Felton said. “We sought the Title IX exemption to protect us from being forced to act in a manner inconsistent with our convictions.”
In a release posed on the university’s website, George Fox clarified its housing policy:
“The university has a single-sex dorm policy it has developed in light of its religious convictions. It has the discretion to assign students to housing, including when they assert a gender inconsistent with their birth sex.”
Jayce said he does not intend on leaving George Fox and in lieu of accepting the university’s offer to live alone on campus, has found an off-campus house where he will live with the male friends.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "DOE: Quaker school can discriminate against transgender student" by Emma Margolin, MSNBC 7/17/14
. . . Though the school is private, it accepts millions of dollars every year from the government via student loan programs.
. . . School officials told Jayce he had to live in an on-campus single apartment, instead of with his male friends because he was born a biological female. Jayce has completed the transition process, with his birth certificate, driver’s license, and Social Security card all reflecting that he is male.
Unbeknownst to Jayce, George Fox University had applied for a religious exemption – the same kind recently affirmed in the Supreme Court’s Hobby Lobby decision – days before he submitted his Title IX complaint. Even more shocking, the DOE granted the religious exemption almost immediately thereafter.
The DOE’s handling of Jayce’s case was especially surprising, given that in April, the department released guidance that specifically extended Title IX’s protections to transgender students, and invited complaints for investigation. But when Jayce’s complaint came in, the DOE said it no longer had jurisdiction. George Fox had beaten Jayce to the punch.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "US Education Department Says Christian University Can Refuse Male Housing for Female to Male Transgender Student" by Anugrah Kumar, Christian Post Contributor 7/14/14
"George Fox University, without telling us, requested a religious exemption to the Title IX regulations regarding housing, restrooms and athletics as they apply to transgender students," the student's attorney, Paul Southwick, was quoted as saying.
"The university sought this exemption to preserve its right to draw on its religious convictions to handle situations related to students experiencing gender identity issues. Other colleges have received similar Title IX exemptions in the past," George Fox said in a statement. "Providing appropriate housing for transgender students continues to be a challenge at religious and non-religious institutions across the country."
Marcus says he is "shocked and disappointed."
"I'm not giving up. I deserve to be treated like the other men on campus," he said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Transgenderism is a 'Delusion' According to Victim
Jayce says she'll appeal the decision, knowing that the media will pressure President Obama to battle the religious liberty of the university.
For background, read Portland, Oregon Atheists Attack Christian Students Club
Also read Massachusetts Christian College Ostracized by City & Media for Opposing Gay Agenda
Atheists, secular humanists, totalitarians etc. feel they are "on the ropes" after a recent series of Supreme Court rulings favoring religious liberty.
In addition, read Gay Agenda will be Complete when Christians are Muzzled, Say Homosexualists as well as Senator Ted Cruz Says the Gay Agenda Ends Christian Liberty
-- From "George Fox gets an exemption in case of transgender student" by Seth Gordon, Portland Tribune 7/16/14
“This is about a transgender student who wanted to move from female-only housing in May to male-only housing in September and the university offered him a single apartment or off-campus housing instead,” university spokesman Rob Felton said. “We sought the Title IX exemption to protect us from being forced to act in a manner inconsistent with our convictions.”
In a release posed on the university’s website, George Fox clarified its housing policy:
“The university has a single-sex dorm policy it has developed in light of its religious convictions. It has the discretion to assign students to housing, including when they assert a gender inconsistent with their birth sex.”
Jayce said he does not intend on leaving George Fox and in lieu of accepting the university’s offer to live alone on campus, has found an off-campus house where he will live with the male friends.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "DOE: Quaker school can discriminate against transgender student" by Emma Margolin, MSNBC 7/17/14
. . . Though the school is private, it accepts millions of dollars every year from the government via student loan programs.
. . . School officials told Jayce he had to live in an on-campus single apartment, instead of with his male friends because he was born a biological female. Jayce has completed the transition process, with his birth certificate, driver’s license, and Social Security card all reflecting that he is male.
Unbeknownst to Jayce, George Fox University had applied for a religious exemption – the same kind recently affirmed in the Supreme Court’s Hobby Lobby decision – days before he submitted his Title IX complaint. Even more shocking, the DOE granted the religious exemption almost immediately thereafter.
The DOE’s handling of Jayce’s case was especially surprising, given that in April, the department released guidance that specifically extended Title IX’s protections to transgender students, and invited complaints for investigation. But when Jayce’s complaint came in, the DOE said it no longer had jurisdiction. George Fox had beaten Jayce to the punch.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "US Education Department Says Christian University Can Refuse Male Housing for Female to Male Transgender Student" by Anugrah Kumar, Christian Post Contributor 7/14/14
"George Fox University, without telling us, requested a religious exemption to the Title IX regulations regarding housing, restrooms and athletics as they apply to transgender students," the student's attorney, Paul Southwick, was quoted as saying.
"The university sought this exemption to preserve its right to draw on its religious convictions to handle situations related to students experiencing gender identity issues. Other colleges have received similar Title IX exemptions in the past," George Fox said in a statement. "Providing appropriate housing for transgender students continues to be a challenge at religious and non-religious institutions across the country."
Marcus says he is "shocked and disappointed."
"I'm not giving up. I deserve to be treated like the other men on campus," he said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Transgenderism is a 'Delusion' According to Victim
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Obama Favors the One Percenters (Homosexuals)
With much fanfare, yet minuscule reporting, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just released its National Health Interview Survey — the first large-scale survey "measuring Americans’ sexual orientation" — showing that only 1.6% of the population considers themselves to be homosexual, while 0.7% say they'll have sex with anyone, yet President Obama focuses most of his attention on the Gay Agenda.
For background, read Same-sex Household Count Tiny: US Census and also read Media Admit Propaganda Overstating Gay Population as well as Homosexuals Concentrated in Federal Government
In addition, read President Obama's latest unilateral Gay Agenda action, which is considered insufficient by homosexualists.
UPDATE 2/8/15: President Obama Floods Gay Agenda with Taxpayers' Money
-- From "Health of Gay & Straight People Compared in 1st National Survey" by Bahar Gholipour, Staff Writer, LiveScience.com 7/15/14
CDC researchers recently added an option for people participating in the agency's National Health Interview Survey to indicate their sexual orientation.
The survey, conducted in 2013, included nearly 35,000 adults. Among the participants, 96.6 percent identified themselves as straight, while 1.6 percent identified as gay or lesbian, and 0.7 percent identified as bisexual. The remaining 1.1 percent didn't select any of the options.
A higher percentage of bisexual people (11 percent) experienced serious psychological distress in the past 30 days, compared with their counterparts who identified as straight (3.9 percent), according to the report released today (July 15) by the CDC.
The CDC researchers cautioned that although the report is based on a relatively large, and nationally representative group of people, the number of participants who identified as gay or lesbian or bisexual is still relatively small, and some of the estimates may not be reliable.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Health survey gives government its first large-scale data on gay, bisexual population" by Sandhya Somashekhar, Washington Post 7/15/14
The figures offered a slightly smaller assessment of the size of the gay, lesbian and bisexual population than other surveys, which have pegged the overall proportion at closer to 3.5 or 4 percent. In particular, the estimate for bisexuals was lower than in some other surveys.
The inclusion of the sexual-orientation question in an influential survey used to guide government funding and research decisions was viewed as a major victory for the gay community, which has struggled with a dearth of data about its special health needs.
“This is a major step forward in trying to remedy some of these gaps in our understanding of the role sexual orientation and gender identity play in people’s health and in their lives,” said Gary J. Gates, a demographer at the Williams Institute, a research center at the University of California at Los Angeles that studies the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) population.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "U.S. Census Bureau Finds 1.6% of Adults Identify as Gay" by Dan Kedmey, Time Magazine 7/15/14
For the first time in 57 years the U.S. Census Bureau has surveyed adults on their sexual orientation, and the results published Tuesday show that 1.6% of adults aged 18 or over identified as gay, while another 0.7% identified as bisexual.
The figures, released by the Center for Disease Control, were slightly lower than the findings from previous surveys, which had estimated that the LGBT population comprised 3.4 to 4% of the population.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Government report finds 2.3 percent of Americans gay or bisexual" by Curtis Skinner, Reuters 7/15/14
Bisexual women were twice as likely to experience serious anxiety while bisexual men were more likely to indulge in binge drinking than others, according to the survey.
Roughly twice as many women than men identified as bisexual, with 0.9 percent of female respondents saying they were attracted to both sexes. Bisexual women were twice as likely to report having serious anxiety than any other group, with almost 11 percent saying they had been distressed in the past month.
Among bisexual men, almost 52 percent said they had five drinks or more in a night during the past year compared with only 31 percent of straight men.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read ObamaNation: Homosexualists Declare Victory in 'Pride Parades'
For background, read Same-sex Household Count Tiny: US Census and also read Media Admit Propaganda Overstating Gay Population as well as Homosexuals Concentrated in Federal Government
In addition, read President Obama's latest unilateral Gay Agenda action, which is considered insufficient by homosexualists.
UPDATE 2/8/15: President Obama Floods Gay Agenda with Taxpayers' Money
-- From "Health of Gay & Straight People Compared in 1st National Survey" by Bahar Gholipour, Staff Writer, LiveScience.com 7/15/14
CDC researchers recently added an option for people participating in the agency's National Health Interview Survey to indicate their sexual orientation.
The survey, conducted in 2013, included nearly 35,000 adults. Among the participants, 96.6 percent identified themselves as straight, while 1.6 percent identified as gay or lesbian, and 0.7 percent identified as bisexual. The remaining 1.1 percent didn't select any of the options.
A higher percentage of bisexual people (11 percent) experienced serious psychological distress in the past 30 days, compared with their counterparts who identified as straight (3.9 percent), according to the report released today (July 15) by the CDC.
The CDC researchers cautioned that although the report is based on a relatively large, and nationally representative group of people, the number of participants who identified as gay or lesbian or bisexual is still relatively small, and some of the estimates may not be reliable.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Health survey gives government its first large-scale data on gay, bisexual population" by Sandhya Somashekhar, Washington Post 7/15/14
The figures offered a slightly smaller assessment of the size of the gay, lesbian and bisexual population than other surveys, which have pegged the overall proportion at closer to 3.5 or 4 percent. In particular, the estimate for bisexuals was lower than in some other surveys.
The inclusion of the sexual-orientation question in an influential survey used to guide government funding and research decisions was viewed as a major victory for the gay community, which has struggled with a dearth of data about its special health needs.
“This is a major step forward in trying to remedy some of these gaps in our understanding of the role sexual orientation and gender identity play in people’s health and in their lives,” said Gary J. Gates, a demographer at the Williams Institute, a research center at the University of California at Los Angeles that studies the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) population.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "U.S. Census Bureau Finds 1.6% of Adults Identify as Gay" by Dan Kedmey, Time Magazine 7/15/14
For the first time in 57 years the U.S. Census Bureau has surveyed adults on their sexual orientation, and the results published Tuesday show that 1.6% of adults aged 18 or over identified as gay, while another 0.7% identified as bisexual.
The figures, released by the Center for Disease Control, were slightly lower than the findings from previous surveys, which had estimated that the LGBT population comprised 3.4 to 4% of the population.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Government report finds 2.3 percent of Americans gay or bisexual" by Curtis Skinner, Reuters 7/15/14
Bisexual women were twice as likely to experience serious anxiety while bisexual men were more likely to indulge in binge drinking than others, according to the survey.
Roughly twice as many women than men identified as bisexual, with 0.9 percent of female respondents saying they were attracted to both sexes. Bisexual women were twice as likely to report having serious anxiety than any other group, with almost 11 percent saying they had been distressed in the past month.
Among bisexual men, almost 52 percent said they had five drinks or more in a night during the past year compared with only 31 percent of straight men.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read ObamaNation: Homosexualists Declare Victory in 'Pride Parades'
Monday, July 14, 2014
Calif. School Lawyers Strip Student's Jesus Speech
When the Brawley (California) Union High School was challenged by attorneys representing class salutatorian Brooks Hamby for their action of forbidding him to deliver any graduation speech containing the words "God" or "Jesus," lawyers representing the school issued a 10-page certified letter stating that such words spoken publicly violate the First Amendment, and thus the school was obligated to censor his First Amendment free speech rights.
Lord's Prayer at South Carolina Graduation, Atheists Fume
Prayer at Kentucky Graduation Despite Atheists' Demands
Texas School Cuts Mic on Christian Valedictorian Speech
Jesus, God Almighty Censored at Vermont Graduation
Indiana Graduate Praises God Despite Judge's Ruling
Federal Appeals Court Overrules Texas Judge: Christian Speech OK
Also read the long list of states enacting laws to bring religious liberty back to schools.
-- From "Brooks Hamby’s salutatorian address gains wider audience than intended Brawley Union High School community" by Karina Lopez, Staff Writer, Imperial Valley Press (El Centro, CA) 6/17/14
When Brooks Hamby delivered his salutatorian address at Brawley Union High School’s graduation ceremony on Thursday, his intention was to share a few encouraging thoughts and words from the "the biggest, bestselling book of all-time in history" with his fellow graduates.
Yet in quoting the "bestseller" the 18-year-old used the names "God" and "Jesus," which were deemed “unconstitutional” by the school’s administration, he explained.
Hamby said he was asked to omit references to "God" and "Jesus" in his rewrites, and rather than become upset or frustrated the Stanford-bound student said he tried his best to work with the administration's requests while remaining true to himself.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Liberty Institute: Brawley Union High School Censors Salutatorian, Violates Constitution" by PRNewswire-USNewswire, posted at CNBC-TV25 6/19/14
On Wednesday, Liberty Institute sent a demand letter to Brawley Union High School District officials on behalf of its client, salutatorian Brooks Hamby, whose written speech school officials repeatedly rejected claiming, "reference to religious content is inappropriate and…will not be allowed." Although Hamby eventually delivered a fourth version of his speech at his graduation ceremony, for school officials to censor three different versions of his speech – and then threaten to turn off his microphone – just because he wanted to reference his faith is a serious First Amendment violation.
After school officials rejected two drafts of Hamby's graduation speech for what they considered unconstitutional and inappropriate religious references, Hamby received his third draft with all references to God, faith, and the Bible blacked out. Despite three rejections and the threat to have his microphone turned off, Hamby presented a fourth version of his speech at the graduation ceremony. Hamby's speech contained nothing that could be considered obscene or proselytizing, but instead reflected his personal story of inspiration and faith as an integral part of his life.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Brooks Hamby gives his thoughts on his speech heard around the U.S." by Lloyd Miller, The Desert Review (Brawley, CA) 6/16/14
When asked if the speech he gave was ad-libbed, Hamby was quick to say no. He wanted to do everything by the book.
“The speech I gave was my fourth draft,” said Hamby, “which was a variation of my first 3 drafts. On Wednesday morning I had my first draft denied by the counselor. Thursday morning my second draft was denied by the counselor and the principal. Thursday afternoon my third draft was denied by the counselor, the principal, and the superintendent. They sent me back a version of my third draft with any word or reference to God or religion blacked out. They said this would be approved. I sent the fourth draft to the counselor, the principal, and the superintendent at 5:09 p.m. on Thursday. The ceremony was at 8:00 p.m. I did not get a response on my final draft electronically and they didn’t speak to me before the speech. They never said a thing.”
After he finished [delivering his speech], the audience of several hundred comprised of his fellow students, family members, and staff responded with thundering applause.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "School: We have a right to ban God" by Todd Starnes, FoxNews.com 7/11/14
The school district, in the certified letter its attorneys sent to Liberty Institute, says . . . There will be no apology.
[Hamby] was supposed to stand in front of his graduating class as a “representative example of the success of the school’s own educational mission,” the attorneys wrote, referencing a previous court case.
Are they trying to tell us the reason the district took offense was because Brooks Hamby thanks God for his success instead of the school district?
[Attorney Jeremy Dys of Liberty Institute] said if the school district is hankering for a legal fight – “we may be willing to oblige them.”
To read the entire opinion column above, CLICK HERE.
From "Brooks Hamby looks to the future" by Lloyd Miller, The Desert Review (Brawley, CA) 7/11/14
The school was asked to have a meeting with Hamby and his attorney. They requested that the school give a public apology that stated religious discrimination will not happen in the future.
The school responded by denying the request to meet with Hamby and have hired attorneys to fight him.
“It’s shocking that the administration would want to spend that much money in potential litigation,” said Dys. “This could cost taxpayers up to a seven figure sum. We have no problem doing that if that’s what they want to do. It would be best if they would come out and apologize to Brooks for censoring his First Amendment rights. The real winner here so far is the law firm out of San Diego. They are walking away with a lot of money. Brooks, in the meantime, is suffering with this black cloud over his graduation. This all goes to show what the school feels about the First Amendment.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Atheists, Liberals Lament Recent Supreme Court Religious Liberty Rulings
“Censorship of the speech was necessary to avoid an Establishment Clause violation. . . . Mr. Hamby’s salutatorian speech was a sectarian invocation, which is not legally permitted in California or the Ninth Circuit.”For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:
-- Brawley Union High School District, via the San Diego law firm of Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud and Romo
Lord's Prayer at South Carolina Graduation, Atheists Fume
Prayer at Kentucky Graduation Despite Atheists' Demands
Texas School Cuts Mic on Christian Valedictorian Speech
Jesus, God Almighty Censored at Vermont Graduation
Indiana Graduate Praises God Despite Judge's Ruling
Federal Appeals Court Overrules Texas Judge: Christian Speech OK
Also read the long list of states enacting laws to bring religious liberty back to schools.
-- From "Brooks Hamby’s salutatorian address gains wider audience than intended Brawley Union High School community" by Karina Lopez, Staff Writer, Imperial Valley Press (El Centro, CA) 6/17/14
When Brooks Hamby delivered his salutatorian address at Brawley Union High School’s graduation ceremony on Thursday, his intention was to share a few encouraging thoughts and words from the "the biggest, bestselling book of all-time in history" with his fellow graduates.
Yet in quoting the "bestseller" the 18-year-old used the names "God" and "Jesus," which were deemed “unconstitutional” by the school’s administration, he explained.
Hamby said he was asked to omit references to "God" and "Jesus" in his rewrites, and rather than become upset or frustrated the Stanford-bound student said he tried his best to work with the administration's requests while remaining true to himself.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Liberty Institute: Brawley Union High School Censors Salutatorian, Violates Constitution" by PRNewswire-USNewswire, posted at CNBC-TV25 6/19/14
On Wednesday, Liberty Institute sent a demand letter to Brawley Union High School District officials on behalf of its client, salutatorian Brooks Hamby, whose written speech school officials repeatedly rejected claiming, "reference to religious content is inappropriate and…will not be allowed." Although Hamby eventually delivered a fourth version of his speech at his graduation ceremony, for school officials to censor three different versions of his speech – and then threaten to turn off his microphone – just because he wanted to reference his faith is a serious First Amendment violation.
After school officials rejected two drafts of Hamby's graduation speech for what they considered unconstitutional and inappropriate religious references, Hamby received his third draft with all references to God, faith, and the Bible blacked out. Despite three rejections and the threat to have his microphone turned off, Hamby presented a fourth version of his speech at the graduation ceremony. Hamby's speech contained nothing that could be considered obscene or proselytizing, but instead reflected his personal story of inspiration and faith as an integral part of his life.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Brooks Hamby gives his thoughts on his speech heard around the U.S." by Lloyd Miller, The Desert Review (Brawley, CA) 6/16/14
When asked if the speech he gave was ad-libbed, Hamby was quick to say no. He wanted to do everything by the book.
“The speech I gave was my fourth draft,” said Hamby, “which was a variation of my first 3 drafts. On Wednesday morning I had my first draft denied by the counselor. Thursday morning my second draft was denied by the counselor and the principal. Thursday afternoon my third draft was denied by the counselor, the principal, and the superintendent. They sent me back a version of my third draft with any word or reference to God or religion blacked out. They said this would be approved. I sent the fourth draft to the counselor, the principal, and the superintendent at 5:09 p.m. on Thursday. The ceremony was at 8:00 p.m. I did not get a response on my final draft electronically and they didn’t speak to me before the speech. They never said a thing.”
After he finished [delivering his speech], the audience of several hundred comprised of his fellow students, family members, and staff responded with thundering applause.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "School: We have a right to ban God" by Todd Starnes, FoxNews.com 7/11/14
The school district, in the certified letter its attorneys sent to Liberty Institute, says . . . There will be no apology.
[Hamby] was supposed to stand in front of his graduating class as a “representative example of the success of the school’s own educational mission,” the attorneys wrote, referencing a previous court case.
Are they trying to tell us the reason the district took offense was because Brooks Hamby thanks God for his success instead of the school district?
[Attorney Jeremy Dys of Liberty Institute] said if the school district is hankering for a legal fight – “we may be willing to oblige them.”
To read the entire opinion column above, CLICK HERE.
From "Brooks Hamby looks to the future" by Lloyd Miller, The Desert Review (Brawley, CA) 7/11/14
The school was asked to have a meeting with Hamby and his attorney. They requested that the school give a public apology that stated religious discrimination will not happen in the future.
The school responded by denying the request to meet with Hamby and have hired attorneys to fight him.
“It’s shocking that the administration would want to spend that much money in potential litigation,” said Dys. “This could cost taxpayers up to a seven figure sum. We have no problem doing that if that’s what they want to do. It would be best if they would come out and apologize to Brooks for censoring his First Amendment rights. The real winner here so far is the law firm out of San Diego. They are walking away with a lot of money. Brooks, in the meantime, is suffering with this black cloud over his graduation. This all goes to show what the school feels about the First Amendment.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Atheists, Liberals Lament Recent Supreme Court Religious Liberty Rulings
Sunday, July 13, 2014
1st-grade Lesbians Attack Girl, NY Teacher Ignores
The mother of a Long Island six-year-old girl is suing the New Visions Magnet School in Freeport, New York for doing nothing to stop a sexual assault on her daughter by three other first grade girls taking place in a classroom and observed by the teacher.
“This abhorrent act would never have happened if the school had properly supervised the classroom.”
-- Attorney Vesselin Mitev, Ray, Mitev and Associates (representing victim)
(Is supervision the problem, or is it the school itself?)
For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:
Third Grade Boys Mimic Homosexual Abuse at California School
6-year-old Girls Want to be Sex Objects: Study
Sex in New Jersey Kindergarten, Nobody Blames Culture
Predatory Pre-school Girl Forces Oral Sex on Boys
Secret Sex Training of 6th-Graders in Oregon
Missouri Elementary Principal Announces Boy Now a Girl
Relax Parents, Sexting Simply How Kids Flirt Today
Also read how public schools integrate pornography and sex training into the curriculum.
-- From "Long Island mom says daughter, 6, was molested by classmates at school: lawsuit" by John Marzulli, New York Daily News 7/11/14
The attack occurred last year at the New Visions Magnet School in Freeport where the victim was surrounded by three other first-graders in the “cubby area” of the classroom, according to the complaint originally filed in state court but transferred to Brooklyn Federal Court this week.
The girl was allegedly held down by the pint-sized female assailants, her clothing forcibly removed and she was sexually abused, the court papers allege.
The suit claims a teacher entered the room during the attack and failed to take action.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Teacher didn’t stop sexual assault of 6-year-old girl by classmates: suit" by Selim Algar, New York Post 7/11/14
Naudia Reid, an accountant, claims that her daughter was stripped below the waist in a rear portion of a classroom at the New Visions Magnet School in Freeport by a trio of first-grade girls who sexually assaulted her, according to court papers.
Her disturbing suit claims that a teacher who entered the area to retrieve a book saw her daughter half-naked and curled up — but took no action.
Reid — who immediately pulled her out of the school — said principal Renee Crump Dedmon called her after the incident to tell her that something unseemly had happened but failed to relay the true extent of the attack.
Reid said the principal told her that another student who witnessed the attack alerted administrators and that other kids have corroborated her account.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read President Obama Wants an End to Abstinence Education, Favors Anal Sex
And read America Going to Hell; Christians Lose Convictions
“This abhorrent act would never have happened if the school had properly supervised the classroom.”
-- Attorney Vesselin Mitev, Ray, Mitev and Associates (representing victim)
(Is supervision the problem, or is it the school itself?)
For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:
Third Grade Boys Mimic Homosexual Abuse at California School
6-year-old Girls Want to be Sex Objects: Study
Sex in New Jersey Kindergarten, Nobody Blames Culture
Predatory Pre-school Girl Forces Oral Sex on Boys
Secret Sex Training of 6th-Graders in Oregon
Missouri Elementary Principal Announces Boy Now a Girl
Relax Parents, Sexting Simply How Kids Flirt Today
Also read how public schools integrate pornography and sex training into the curriculum.
-- From "Long Island mom says daughter, 6, was molested by classmates at school: lawsuit" by John Marzulli, New York Daily News 7/11/14
The attack occurred last year at the New Visions Magnet School in Freeport where the victim was surrounded by three other first-graders in the “cubby area” of the classroom, according to the complaint originally filed in state court but transferred to Brooklyn Federal Court this week.
The girl was allegedly held down by the pint-sized female assailants, her clothing forcibly removed and she was sexually abused, the court papers allege.
The suit claims a teacher entered the room during the attack and failed to take action.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Teacher didn’t stop sexual assault of 6-year-old girl by classmates: suit" by Selim Algar, New York Post 7/11/14
Naudia Reid, an accountant, claims that her daughter was stripped below the waist in a rear portion of a classroom at the New Visions Magnet School in Freeport by a trio of first-grade girls who sexually assaulted her, according to court papers.
Her disturbing suit claims that a teacher who entered the area to retrieve a book saw her daughter half-naked and curled up — but took no action.
Reid — who immediately pulled her out of the school — said principal Renee Crump Dedmon called her after the incident to tell her that something unseemly had happened but failed to relay the true extent of the attack.
Reid said the principal told her that another student who witnessed the attack alerted administrators and that other kids have corroborated her account.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read President Obama Wants an End to Abstinence Education, Favors Anal Sex
And read America Going to Hell; Christians Lose Convictions
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Mass. Christian College Booted—Opposes Gay Agenda
Gordon College near Salem, Massachusetts publicly stated that President Obama should respect its religious conscience and not force it to hire homosexuals, transgendered persons or anyone who opposes Gordon's deeply held religious beliefs. As a result, Salem officials have terminated a contract with Gordon for the Old Town Hall, and the New England Association of School and College’s higher education commission is considering revoking its accreditation.
Also read about President Obama's pending unilateral action regarding the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) and consideration of a religious exemption.
In addition, read Gay Agenda will be Complete when Christians are Muzzled, Say Homosexualists as well as Senator Ted Cruz Says the Gay Agenda Ends Christian Liberty
-- From "Accreditation board to take up Gordon College backlash after president signed controversial letter" by Mary Moore, Reporter- Boston Business Journal 7/11/14
Gordon College President D. Michael Lindsay thrust the college into the spotlight a week ago by signing a letter to President Barack Obama requesting that he exclude religious institutions from an executive order barring organizations that take federal money from discrimination in hiring based on sexual orientation.
Now the Christian college on the North Shore faces scrutiny from the body that accredits colleges and universities in New England.
“It has achieved a lot of visibility and the issues are complicated,” said Barbara Brittingham, president of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, referring to Gordon College. “(The commission) will talk about the issues and decide if the issues, that are raised and what is publicly available, is at odds in any way with standards and policies.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Salem ends Gordon College’s use of town hall" by Matt Rocheleau, Boston Globe correspondent 7/10/14
Salem officials declared Wednesday they will end a contract allowing Gordon College to use the city-owned Old Town Hall because of the Christian school’s opposition to expected federal hiring protection for gays and lesbians.
Mayor Kimberley Driscoll, who also cited the college’s longstanding policies prohibiting gay activities among students, said Gordon’s policies violate a city ordinance prohibiting Salem from contracting with entities that discriminate.
But she said it would be “even more troubling” to have the city do business with “an institution that enables, and now advocates for, discrimination against the [lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender] community.”
City officials said Salem has contracted with Gordon since 2008 to maintain, operate, rent out, and help preserve and improve the Old Town Hall, a two-century-old, two-story building in Derby Square that includes a museum and a large hall space.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Accrediting agency to review Gordon College" by Matt Rocheleau, Boston Globe correspondent 7/11/14
Brittingham declined to predict what the commission members may ultimately decide at their next meeting in September, when they are scheduled to discuss the controversy over Gordon.
Revoking accreditation is a “very drastic” and rare step, Brittingham said. The US Education Department typically pulls federal financial aid funding from schools that lose accreditation.
. . . NEASC’s accreditation standards specify that each “institution adheres to nondiscriminatory policies and practices in recruitment, admissions, employment, evaluation, disciplinary action, and advancement” and that each school “fosters an atmosphere within the institutional community that respects and supports people of diverse characteristics and backgrounds.”
Gordon received its initial accreditation in 1961, according to NEASC’s online records.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Salem mayor, Kim Driscoll, cuts ties with Gordon College over gay rights" by Paul Leighton, Staff Writer, The Salem News 7/10/14
“While I respect your right to embed religious values on a private college campus, religious freedom does not afford you the right to impose those beliefs upon others and cannot be extended into a publicly owned facility or any management contract for a public owned facility, like Old Town Hall,” Driscoll wrote [to Gordon President Michael Lindsay].
“I hope you realize how hurtful and offensive these ‘behavioral standards’ are to members of the greater Salem LGBT community, some of whom are Gordon alumni, staff and/or students,” she wrote.
Gordon College has long had policies prohibiting homosexual conduct, but Driscoll said Lindsay’s decision to sign on to the letter to President Obama “brought the full circumstances” forward regarding the college’s official stance toward sexual orientation and gender identity.
In an interview, Driscoll acknowledged that she was “surprised” by the college’s policy, which says homosexual practice is “expressly forbidden” in Scripture and “will not be tolerated in the lives of Gordon community members, either on or off campus.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Gordon College policy on gays sparks accrediting review" by Paul Leighton, Staff Writer, The Salem News 7/12/14
The 27-member [NEASC] accrediting commission that will review Gordon’s policies is chaired by Salem State University President Patricia Meservey. In a message to the Salem State community on Thursday, Meservey said she was “outraged” by the letter that was signed by Lindsay.
“I do not understand how an institution such as Gordon College can have a mission that includes ‘preparing students for a lifetime of growth’ and strives to ‘prepare them for leadership worldwide’ can see the value in shutting out access to their student body to an entire segment of our population,” Meservey wrote.
Gordon, a Christian liberal arts college, has a policy that prohibits “homosexual practice” by students, staff or faculty on or off campus.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Gordon College president defends call for religious exemption" by Peter Schworm, Boston Globe Staff 7/8/14
“Signing the letter was in keeping with our decades-old conviction that, as an explicitly Christian institution, Gordon should set the conduct expectations for members of our community,” Lindsay wrote in a statement posted Monday on the Wenham college’s website.
In Monday’s letter, Lindsay said the college typically stays out of politically charged issues, and that he regretted the letter to Obama had “resulted in confusion, hurt feelings and disappointment among the Gordon community, which was not what I intended.”
He said the college’s positions on employment or admissions had not changed.
“We have never barred categories of individuals from our campus and have no intention to do so now,” he wrote. “We have always sought to be a place of grace and truth, and that remains the case.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
And read American Decline: Obama's Gay Agenda vs. Christians as well as America Going to Hell; Christians Lose Convictions
“[The Gordon College position] is a slap in the face of every gay and lesbian person, particularly every gay and lesbian Christian, that says you are somehow less of a human being, you do not belong in the embrace of God’s merciful arms.”For background, read Gays, Media Attack Nebraska Christian College with Values
-- Michael Alexander, president of Lasell College in Newton, Mass.
Also read about President Obama's pending unilateral action regarding the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) and consideration of a religious exemption.
In addition, read Gay Agenda will be Complete when Christians are Muzzled, Say Homosexualists as well as Senator Ted Cruz Says the Gay Agenda Ends Christian Liberty
-- From "Accreditation board to take up Gordon College backlash after president signed controversial letter" by Mary Moore, Reporter- Boston Business Journal 7/11/14
Gordon College President D. Michael Lindsay thrust the college into the spotlight a week ago by signing a letter to President Barack Obama requesting that he exclude religious institutions from an executive order barring organizations that take federal money from discrimination in hiring based on sexual orientation.
Now the Christian college on the North Shore faces scrutiny from the body that accredits colleges and universities in New England.
“It has achieved a lot of visibility and the issues are complicated,” said Barbara Brittingham, president of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, referring to Gordon College. “(The commission) will talk about the issues and decide if the issues, that are raised and what is publicly available, is at odds in any way with standards and policies.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Salem ends Gordon College’s use of town hall" by Matt Rocheleau, Boston Globe correspondent 7/10/14
Salem officials declared Wednesday they will end a contract allowing Gordon College to use the city-owned Old Town Hall because of the Christian school’s opposition to expected federal hiring protection for gays and lesbians.
Mayor Kimberley Driscoll, who also cited the college’s longstanding policies prohibiting gay activities among students, said Gordon’s policies violate a city ordinance prohibiting Salem from contracting with entities that discriminate.
But she said it would be “even more troubling” to have the city do business with “an institution that enables, and now advocates for, discrimination against the [lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender] community.”
City officials said Salem has contracted with Gordon since 2008 to maintain, operate, rent out, and help preserve and improve the Old Town Hall, a two-century-old, two-story building in Derby Square that includes a museum and a large hall space.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Accrediting agency to review Gordon College" by Matt Rocheleau, Boston Globe correspondent 7/11/14
Brittingham declined to predict what the commission members may ultimately decide at their next meeting in September, when they are scheduled to discuss the controversy over Gordon.
Revoking accreditation is a “very drastic” and rare step, Brittingham said. The US Education Department typically pulls federal financial aid funding from schools that lose accreditation.
. . . NEASC’s accreditation standards specify that each “institution adheres to nondiscriminatory policies and practices in recruitment, admissions, employment, evaluation, disciplinary action, and advancement” and that each school “fosters an atmosphere within the institutional community that respects and supports people of diverse characteristics and backgrounds.”
Gordon received its initial accreditation in 1961, according to NEASC’s online records.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Salem mayor, Kim Driscoll, cuts ties with Gordon College over gay rights" by Paul Leighton, Staff Writer, The Salem News 7/10/14
“While I respect your right to embed religious values on a private college campus, religious freedom does not afford you the right to impose those beliefs upon others and cannot be extended into a publicly owned facility or any management contract for a public owned facility, like Old Town Hall,” Driscoll wrote [to Gordon President Michael Lindsay].
“I hope you realize how hurtful and offensive these ‘behavioral standards’ are to members of the greater Salem LGBT community, some of whom are Gordon alumni, staff and/or students,” she wrote.
Gordon College has long had policies prohibiting homosexual conduct, but Driscoll said Lindsay’s decision to sign on to the letter to President Obama “brought the full circumstances” forward regarding the college’s official stance toward sexual orientation and gender identity.
In an interview, Driscoll acknowledged that she was “surprised” by the college’s policy, which says homosexual practice is “expressly forbidden” in Scripture and “will not be tolerated in the lives of Gordon community members, either on or off campus.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Gordon College policy on gays sparks accrediting review" by Paul Leighton, Staff Writer, The Salem News 7/12/14
The 27-member [NEASC] accrediting commission that will review Gordon’s policies is chaired by Salem State University President Patricia Meservey. In a message to the Salem State community on Thursday, Meservey said she was “outraged” by the letter that was signed by Lindsay.
“I do not understand how an institution such as Gordon College can have a mission that includes ‘preparing students for a lifetime of growth’ and strives to ‘prepare them for leadership worldwide’ can see the value in shutting out access to their student body to an entire segment of our population,” Meservey wrote.
Gordon, a Christian liberal arts college, has a policy that prohibits “homosexual practice” by students, staff or faculty on or off campus.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Gordon College president defends call for religious exemption" by Peter Schworm, Boston Globe Staff 7/8/14
“Signing the letter was in keeping with our decades-old conviction that, as an explicitly Christian institution, Gordon should set the conduct expectations for members of our community,” Lindsay wrote in a statement posted Monday on the Wenham college’s website.
In Monday’s letter, Lindsay said the college typically stays out of politically charged issues, and that he regretted the letter to Obama had “resulted in confusion, hurt feelings and disappointment among the Gordon community, which was not what I intended.”
He said the college’s positions on employment or admissions had not changed.
“We have never barred categories of individuals from our campus and have no intention to do so now,” he wrote. “We have always sought to be a place of grace and truth, and that remains the case.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
And read American Decline: Obama's Gay Agenda vs. Christians as well as America Going to Hell; Christians Lose Convictions
Friday, July 11, 2014
Atheists Attack Christian Kids Club: Portland, OR
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| Opposition advertisement |
"We believe that these doctrines are harmful to 5-year-old children. They teach fear. They teach shame."Atheists, secular humanists, totalitarians etc. feel they are "on the ropes" after a recent series of Supreme Court rulings favoring religious liberty.
-- Robert Aughenbaugh, Freedom From Religion Foundation and co-founder of Protect Portland Children
Liberals are dismayed as even Democrat legislators across America are supporting school prayer laws.
-- From "Evangelical Christian clubs coming to Portland-area public schools, opposition says curriculum is 'hardcore fundamentalist indoctrination'" by Melissa Binder, The Oregonian 7/9/14
Missouri-based Child Evangelism Fellowship has already launched Good News Clubs in roughly 4,300 schools nationwide, said program manager John Luck. Now organizers of the religious group want to expand to Portland and its suburbs.
This year, Good News Across America is hosting summer Bible schools in partnership with 30 churches in the Portland region. Each church will run a separate program the week of July 21 and, if they have enough volunteers, work to establish a Good News Club at a nearby school in the fall.
There are already 94 Good News Clubs elsewhere in Oregon that meet on public school campuses, said Tony Villanueva, the fellowship's assistant state director.
According to a 2001 U.S. Supreme Court ruling, the Good News Club has the same right to meet in public schools as non-religious educational or recreational clubs, such as the Boy Scouts.
Christine Miles, spokeswoman for Portland Public Schools, said the Good News Club won't be treated any differently than non-religious groups. . . .
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Secret Sex Training of 6th-Graders in Oregon as well as Gay Savage Sells Sex App for Univ. of Oregon
In addition, read Portland Boots Teacher for Countering Abortionist
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Obama Wedged by Religious Homosexualists on ENDA
Homosexualists cheered when the Senate passed the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) last year, which included only a narrow religious exemption. However, just months later, now with far greater power than they anticipated, homosexualists want that ENDA bill killed in favor of new legislation that specifically targets Christians' free speech and religious conscience.
Meanwhile, since the GOP-controlled House has never supported ENDA in any form, President Obama announced last month that he'd enact ENDA without Congress, but he's yet to do so because his pro-homosexual allies of the religious left are pleading that Obama's ENDA executive order include "strong religious exemptions," thus placing the president in between his big-money homosexualist advocates and his religious left homosexualist advocates.
However, in the latest development, there's now a rift in the homosexualist religious left exhibited by the issuance of a letter to the president from some extreme-left religious types urging Obama to force sexual deviancy on every church, synagogue, mosque, etc. with a vengeance.
UPDATE 7/22/14: Obama Orders ENDA Unilaterally, with NO Religious Exemption - - Court Challenges Loom
For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:
President Obama and Senate Continue to Push Transgender Privilege - ENDA
Houston Lesbian Mayor Agenda vs. Religious Liberty -- ENDA one town at a time
Homosexual 'Marriage' is Not Enough; Next Gay Agenda Goal
President Obama Ignores Law for Religious Freedom Ambassador
ObamaNation: Building Alters of Worship to Sexual Deviancy
Vice President Biden Says 'Gay Rights' Trump Religious Beliefs
Also read Liberals Furious over Supreme Court Rulings Favoring Religious Liberty
In addition, read Gay Agenda will be Complete when Christians are Muzzled, Say Homosexualists as well as Senator Ted Cruz Says the Gay Agenda Ends Christian Liberty
-- From "Rift Over Religious Exemption in Anti-Bias Order" by The Associated Press 7/9/14
[It] is a difficult balancing act for the White House, which says the executive order is still being drafted — nearly a month after Obama announced he would sign it. White House spokesman Josh Earnest declined to say whether a religious exemption would be included or was even being considered.
Within the past two weeks, scores of religious leaders of contrasting views have signed letters to Obama, arguing for and against an exemption.
One letter, signed by 14 faith leaders urging a "robust" exemption, was organized by Michael Wear, a Washington-based consultant who previously worked on Obama's re-election campaign and in the White House office of faith-based initiatives.
He said the exemption sought by the 14 signatories of his letter would not establish new prerogatives for religious organizations, but would enable them to continue long-standing hiring practices favoring people who share the employers' faith. Among those signing were popular evangelical preacher Rick Warren, prominent megachurch pastor and Obama confidant Joel Hunter, and the Rev. Larry Snyder, CEO of Catholic Charities USA.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Hobby Lobby Is Already Creating New Religious Demands on Obama" by Molly Ball, The Atlantic 7/2/14
[The letter] comes from a group of faith leaders who are generally friendly to the administration, many of whom have closely advised the White House on issues like immigration reform. The letter was organized by Michael Wear, who worked in the Obama White House and directed faith outreach for the president's 2012 campaign. Signers include two members of Catholics for Obama and three former members of the President’s Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.
Balancing religious freedom with other concerns, be they gay rights or health-care mandates, is difficult, said Stephen Schneck, director of the Institute for Policy Research and Catholic Studies at Catholic University and a signatory to the letter. The faith community simply wants to make sure its side is heard and respected as the administration tries to thread this delicate needle.
"It would be nice if we had just a little bit more leverage," said Schneck, a onetime cochair of Catholics for Obama. "I am a very strong supporter of LGBT rights, and I am really excited about the prospect of extending provisions against discrimination in federal contracts. But I am also aware that this is an issue that provokes real differences among some of the most important religious organization on the front lines of providing care for the poorest and most vulnerable." Those groups, he said, need to be allowed to work with the government while following the dictates of their faith.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Faith Groups Seek Exclusion From Bias Rule" by Julie Hirschfeld Davis and Erik Eckholm, New York Times 7/8/14
Mr. Wear, who calls himself an “ardent supporter” of the president and a backer of gay rights, said in an interview on Tuesday that the rationale of the organizations was to maintain the rights they have. “We’re not trying to support crazy claims of religious privilege,” he said.
The demands of the faith organizations pose a dilemma for Mr. Obama, who has struggled to preserve freedom of expression among religious groups while supporting the rights of gay men and lesbians. Mr. Obama could unleash a conservative uproar if he is seen as intruding on religious beliefs, but many of his strongest supporters would be bitterly disappointed if he appeared to grant any leeway to anti-gay discrimination.
The White House has given no reason for the executive order’s delay.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Gay rights groups halt support for ENDA workplace discrimination bill" by Timothy M. Phelps, Los Angeles Times 7/8/14
Led by the American Civil Liberties Union, the groups said they could no longer support the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, known as ENDA, which passed the Senate last fall.
The move, which has split gay rights groups, reflects the impact of last week's [Hobby Lobby] Supreme Court decision granting employers a religious exemption from providing workers with insurance coverage that includes contraceptives. Also at issue is the scope of an executive order that President Obama has promised that would ban discrimination against gays by companies doing business with the federal government.
The religious exemption in the proposed anti-discrimination law was added last year in a successful effort to attract some Republican support in the Senate, which passed the bill, 64 to 32. But some activist groups had been uncomfortable with the breadth of the exemption, and the Supreme Court's Hobby Lobby decision heightened concern over how it could be interpreted.
"ENDA's discriminatory provision, unprecedented in federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination, could provide religiously affiliated organizations — including hospitals, nursing homes and universities — a blank check to engage in workplace discrimination against LGBT people," the ACLU and four other national gay rights legal groups said in a statement announcing their position. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force announced separately that it was withdrawing its support.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Gay Rights Groups Withdraw Support for ENDA Over Religious Exemption" by Michael Gryboski, Christian Post Reporter 7/9/14
Ironically, critics of ENDA have argued that the religious exemption provision does not do enough to protect religious organizations who may hold moral objections to homosexuality or transgenderism.
David Christensen, vice president for Government Affairs at the Washington, DC-based Family Research Council, told The Christian Post about his views on the ENDA exemption.
"The religious organization exemption in the Senate ENDA bill is very narrow to begin with. So it is incredible that some would drop support for even the narrow religious freedom protections under ENDA," said Christensen.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Gay Rights Groups Pull Support For ENDA Over Sweeping Religious Exemption" by Jennifer Bendery and Amanda Terkel, Huffington Post 7/9/14
Civil rights groups have long trumpeted their support for ENDA, which would make it illegal to fire or harass someone at work based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. But some have privately had concerns with an exemption in the current Senate bill that would allow businesses with religious affiliations to fire someone for being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. That language goes far beyond religious exemptions afforded under The Civil Rights Act of 1964 for characteristics like race, gender, religion or national origin.
The shift is a huge blow for the legislation, which passed the Senate last year, but has stalled in the House. But there were signs of discontent before the Supreme Court's ruling in Hobby Lobby. The National Center for Lesbian Rights and the Transgender Law Center, along with a few state LGBT groups, dropped support for the Senate version of ENDA early last month.
Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), sponsor of the Senate ENDA bill, demurred Tuesday when asked if it’s time to revisit the religious exemption in his legislation. He redirected attention to Obama’s forthcoming executive order on federal contractors. The order wouldn’t go as far as ENDA, but is still a top priority among civil rights groups.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "U.S. Bishops Wary of White House’s Promised ENDA Executive Order" by Brian Fraga, National Catholic Register 7/10/14
. . . Robert Destro, a law professor and founding director of the Interdisciplinary Program in Law & Religion at The Catholic University of America’s Columbus School of Law, told the Register that he does not expect the Obama administration, given its track record on advocating for same-sex “marriage” and homosexual-friendly policies, will be influenced by the Hobby Lobby ruling to accommodate religious liberty concerns in the executive order.
“The big problem across the board is that people who are hostile to the way Church sees things are running the show,” said Destro, who added that he expects the executive order will prompt a new wave of litigation.
“You really have a war between world views,” said Destro, who speculates that the next wave of “non-discrimination” legislation could even include attempts to get rid of marriage altogether because it supposedly discriminates against single people.
The bishops previously warned that ENDA threatened religious liberty and could undermine the institution of marriage. A letter sent last fall to the U.S. Senate — signed by three USCCB committee chairmen — said ENDA made no distinction between sexual conduct and sexual inclination, contained an inadequately narrow religious exemption and did not allow employers, in appropriate circumstances, to consider a job applicant’s sexual inclination.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From letter to President by homosexualist Rev. Jim Wallis 7/2/14
Dear Mr. President,
We are writing this private letter with regards to the Executive Order on discrimination against LGBT persons in federal contracts. We have questions about how this order will be worded, shaped, rolled out, and practiced in relationship to the faith community. In particular, we have concerns over the religious exemptions question which has become so understandably controversial.
We are in favor of non-discrimination protection of LGBT people—not only in federal contracts but throughout society. Many of us have endorsed the ENDA bill in the Senate. We have supported equal protection under the law for LGBT people and some of us support same-sex civil marriage as a part of that commitment to equal protection. So we share many of your goals.
Yet we also have a strong commitment to religious liberty and believe that the issues of equal protection and religious freedom must be very carefully balanced. . . .
Your allies in the progressive faith community also have strong convictions on religious liberty. We have had many experiences with governments around the world intruding upon the beliefs and practices of our global faith communities . . . [thus] we are still resistant to federal intrusion into the beliefs and practices of faith communities as a requirement of partnership; it is a creative tension we live with.
If religious exemptions are removed, withdrawn, or seriously cut back from those in place, like in ENDA, the perception will be that your administration is attacking religious freedom and liberty.
. . . it is imperative that the government is not perceived as stepping outside of its proper role and inappropriately influencing these theological conversations. Just as freedom of speech is only meaningful if it protects all viewpoints, ensuring religious liberty must be respected for churches and faith-based organizations who believe that heterosexual marriage is the biblical norm. And the state should not require faith-based organizations to violate those beliefs in order to receive government contracts or grants.
To read the entire letter above, CLICK HERE.
From letter to President by a list of far-left religious homosexualists 7/8/14
Dear Mr. President,
As faith and civic leaders dedicated to affirming the sacred dignity and equal worth of every person, we are grateful for your upcoming executive order ending discrimination against LGBT people in hiring by federal contractors. We urge you not to include a religious exemption in the executive order.
In a nation as diverse as the United States of America, it is critical that the federal government be trusted to follow — and indeed, to role-model — equitable employment practices. We believe that our mutual commitment to the common good is best served by policies that prohibit discrimination based on factors that have no relationship whatsoever to job performance. We are better and stronger as a nation when hiring decisions are made based on professional merit rather than personal identity.
An executive order that allows for religious discrimination against LGBT people contradicts the order’s fundamental purpose, as well as the belief shared by more and more Americans every day, which is that LGBT people should not be treated as second-class citizens. An exception would set a terrible precedent by denying true equality for LGBT people, while simultaneously opening a Pandora’s Box inviting other forms of discrimination.
To read the entire letter above, CLICK HERE.
And read American Decline: Obama's Gay Agenda vs. Christians as well as America Going to Hell; Christians Lose Convictions
Meanwhile, since the GOP-controlled House has never supported ENDA in any form, President Obama announced last month that he'd enact ENDA without Congress, but he's yet to do so because his pro-homosexual allies of the religious left are pleading that Obama's ENDA executive order include "strong religious exemptions," thus placing the president in between his big-money homosexualist advocates and his religious left homosexualist advocates.
However, in the latest development, there's now a rift in the homosexualist religious left exhibited by the issuance of a letter to the president from some extreme-left religious types urging Obama to force sexual deviancy on every church, synagogue, mosque, etc. with a vengeance.
UPDATE 7/22/14: Obama Orders ENDA Unilaterally, with NO Religious Exemption - - Court Challenges Loom
For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:
President Obama and Senate Continue to Push Transgender Privilege - ENDA
Houston Lesbian Mayor Agenda vs. Religious Liberty -- ENDA one town at a time
Homosexual 'Marriage' is Not Enough; Next Gay Agenda Goal
President Obama Ignores Law for Religious Freedom Ambassador
ObamaNation: Building Alters of Worship to Sexual Deviancy
Vice President Biden Says 'Gay Rights' Trump Religious Beliefs
Also read Liberals Furious over Supreme Court Rulings Favoring Religious Liberty
In addition, read Gay Agenda will be Complete when Christians are Muzzled, Say Homosexualists as well as Senator Ted Cruz Says the Gay Agenda Ends Christian Liberty
-- From "Rift Over Religious Exemption in Anti-Bias Order" by The Associated Press 7/9/14
[It] is a difficult balancing act for the White House, which says the executive order is still being drafted — nearly a month after Obama announced he would sign it. White House spokesman Josh Earnest declined to say whether a religious exemption would be included or was even being considered.
Within the past two weeks, scores of religious leaders of contrasting views have signed letters to Obama, arguing for and against an exemption.
One letter, signed by 14 faith leaders urging a "robust" exemption, was organized by Michael Wear, a Washington-based consultant who previously worked on Obama's re-election campaign and in the White House office of faith-based initiatives.
He said the exemption sought by the 14 signatories of his letter would not establish new prerogatives for religious organizations, but would enable them to continue long-standing hiring practices favoring people who share the employers' faith. Among those signing were popular evangelical preacher Rick Warren, prominent megachurch pastor and Obama confidant Joel Hunter, and the Rev. Larry Snyder, CEO of Catholic Charities USA.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Hobby Lobby Is Already Creating New Religious Demands on Obama" by Molly Ball, The Atlantic 7/2/14
[The letter] comes from a group of faith leaders who are generally friendly to the administration, many of whom have closely advised the White House on issues like immigration reform. The letter was organized by Michael Wear, who worked in the Obama White House and directed faith outreach for the president's 2012 campaign. Signers include two members of Catholics for Obama and three former members of the President’s Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.
Balancing religious freedom with other concerns, be they gay rights or health-care mandates, is difficult, said Stephen Schneck, director of the Institute for Policy Research and Catholic Studies at Catholic University and a signatory to the letter. The faith community simply wants to make sure its side is heard and respected as the administration tries to thread this delicate needle.
"It would be nice if we had just a little bit more leverage," said Schneck, a onetime cochair of Catholics for Obama. "I am a very strong supporter of LGBT rights, and I am really excited about the prospect of extending provisions against discrimination in federal contracts. But I am also aware that this is an issue that provokes real differences among some of the most important religious organization on the front lines of providing care for the poorest and most vulnerable." Those groups, he said, need to be allowed to work with the government while following the dictates of their faith.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Faith Groups Seek Exclusion From Bias Rule" by Julie Hirschfeld Davis and Erik Eckholm, New York Times 7/8/14
Mr. Wear, who calls himself an “ardent supporter” of the president and a backer of gay rights, said in an interview on Tuesday that the rationale of the organizations was to maintain the rights they have. “We’re not trying to support crazy claims of religious privilege,” he said.
The demands of the faith organizations pose a dilemma for Mr. Obama, who has struggled to preserve freedom of expression among religious groups while supporting the rights of gay men and lesbians. Mr. Obama could unleash a conservative uproar if he is seen as intruding on religious beliefs, but many of his strongest supporters would be bitterly disappointed if he appeared to grant any leeway to anti-gay discrimination.
The White House has given no reason for the executive order’s delay.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Gay rights groups halt support for ENDA workplace discrimination bill" by Timothy M. Phelps, Los Angeles Times 7/8/14
Led by the American Civil Liberties Union, the groups said they could no longer support the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, known as ENDA, which passed the Senate last fall.
The move, which has split gay rights groups, reflects the impact of last week's [Hobby Lobby] Supreme Court decision granting employers a religious exemption from providing workers with insurance coverage that includes contraceptives. Also at issue is the scope of an executive order that President Obama has promised that would ban discrimination against gays by companies doing business with the federal government.
The religious exemption in the proposed anti-discrimination law was added last year in a successful effort to attract some Republican support in the Senate, which passed the bill, 64 to 32. But some activist groups had been uncomfortable with the breadth of the exemption, and the Supreme Court's Hobby Lobby decision heightened concern over how it could be interpreted.
"ENDA's discriminatory provision, unprecedented in federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination, could provide religiously affiliated organizations — including hospitals, nursing homes and universities — a blank check to engage in workplace discrimination against LGBT people," the ACLU and four other national gay rights legal groups said in a statement announcing their position. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force announced separately that it was withdrawing its support.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Gay Rights Groups Withdraw Support for ENDA Over Religious Exemption" by Michael Gryboski, Christian Post Reporter 7/9/14
Ironically, critics of ENDA have argued that the religious exemption provision does not do enough to protect religious organizations who may hold moral objections to homosexuality or transgenderism.
David Christensen, vice president for Government Affairs at the Washington, DC-based Family Research Council, told The Christian Post about his views on the ENDA exemption.
"The religious organization exemption in the Senate ENDA bill is very narrow to begin with. So it is incredible that some would drop support for even the narrow religious freedom protections under ENDA," said Christensen.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Gay Rights Groups Pull Support For ENDA Over Sweeping Religious Exemption" by Jennifer Bendery and Amanda Terkel, Huffington Post 7/9/14
Civil rights groups have long trumpeted their support for ENDA, which would make it illegal to fire or harass someone at work based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. But some have privately had concerns with an exemption in the current Senate bill that would allow businesses with religious affiliations to fire someone for being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. That language goes far beyond religious exemptions afforded under The Civil Rights Act of 1964 for characteristics like race, gender, religion or national origin.
The shift is a huge blow for the legislation, which passed the Senate last year, but has stalled in the House. But there were signs of discontent before the Supreme Court's ruling in Hobby Lobby. The National Center for Lesbian Rights and the Transgender Law Center, along with a few state LGBT groups, dropped support for the Senate version of ENDA early last month.
Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), sponsor of the Senate ENDA bill, demurred Tuesday when asked if it’s time to revisit the religious exemption in his legislation. He redirected attention to Obama’s forthcoming executive order on federal contractors. The order wouldn’t go as far as ENDA, but is still a top priority among civil rights groups.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "U.S. Bishops Wary of White House’s Promised ENDA Executive Order" by Brian Fraga, National Catholic Register 7/10/14
. . . Robert Destro, a law professor and founding director of the Interdisciplinary Program in Law & Religion at The Catholic University of America’s Columbus School of Law, told the Register that he does not expect the Obama administration, given its track record on advocating for same-sex “marriage” and homosexual-friendly policies, will be influenced by the Hobby Lobby ruling to accommodate religious liberty concerns in the executive order.
“The big problem across the board is that people who are hostile to the way Church sees things are running the show,” said Destro, who added that he expects the executive order will prompt a new wave of litigation.
“You really have a war between world views,” said Destro, who speculates that the next wave of “non-discrimination” legislation could even include attempts to get rid of marriage altogether because it supposedly discriminates against single people.
The bishops previously warned that ENDA threatened religious liberty and could undermine the institution of marriage. A letter sent last fall to the U.S. Senate — signed by three USCCB committee chairmen — said ENDA made no distinction between sexual conduct and sexual inclination, contained an inadequately narrow religious exemption and did not allow employers, in appropriate circumstances, to consider a job applicant’s sexual inclination.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From letter to President by homosexualist Rev. Jim Wallis 7/2/14
Dear Mr. President,
We are writing this private letter with regards to the Executive Order on discrimination against LGBT persons in federal contracts. We have questions about how this order will be worded, shaped, rolled out, and practiced in relationship to the faith community. In particular, we have concerns over the religious exemptions question which has become so understandably controversial.
We are in favor of non-discrimination protection of LGBT people—not only in federal contracts but throughout society. Many of us have endorsed the ENDA bill in the Senate. We have supported equal protection under the law for LGBT people and some of us support same-sex civil marriage as a part of that commitment to equal protection. So we share many of your goals.
Yet we also have a strong commitment to religious liberty and believe that the issues of equal protection and religious freedom must be very carefully balanced. . . .
Your allies in the progressive faith community also have strong convictions on religious liberty. We have had many experiences with governments around the world intruding upon the beliefs and practices of our global faith communities . . . [thus] we are still resistant to federal intrusion into the beliefs and practices of faith communities as a requirement of partnership; it is a creative tension we live with.
If religious exemptions are removed, withdrawn, or seriously cut back from those in place, like in ENDA, the perception will be that your administration is attacking religious freedom and liberty.
. . . it is imperative that the government is not perceived as stepping outside of its proper role and inappropriately influencing these theological conversations. Just as freedom of speech is only meaningful if it protects all viewpoints, ensuring religious liberty must be respected for churches and faith-based organizations who believe that heterosexual marriage is the biblical norm. And the state should not require faith-based organizations to violate those beliefs in order to receive government contracts or grants.
To read the entire letter above, CLICK HERE.
From letter to President by a list of far-left religious homosexualists 7/8/14
Dear Mr. President,
As faith and civic leaders dedicated to affirming the sacred dignity and equal worth of every person, we are grateful for your upcoming executive order ending discrimination against LGBT people in hiring by federal contractors. We urge you not to include a religious exemption in the executive order.
In a nation as diverse as the United States of America, it is critical that the federal government be trusted to follow — and indeed, to role-model — equitable employment practices. We believe that our mutual commitment to the common good is best served by policies that prohibit discrimination based on factors that have no relationship whatsoever to job performance. We are better and stronger as a nation when hiring decisions are made based on professional merit rather than personal identity.
An executive order that allows for religious discrimination against LGBT people contradicts the order’s fundamental purpose, as well as the belief shared by more and more Americans every day, which is that LGBT people should not be treated as second-class citizens. An exception would set a terrible precedent by denying true equality for LGBT people, while simultaneously opening a Pandora’s Box inviting other forms of discrimination.
To read the entire letter above, CLICK HERE.
And read American Decline: Obama's Gay Agenda vs. Christians as well as America Going to Hell; Christians Lose Convictions
Wednesday, July 09, 2014
Obama Ignores Law for Religious Freedom Ambassador
In 1998, Congress passed the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) to highlight and alleviate religious persecution worldwide, but since Barack Obama was elected president, the position of IRFA ambassador-at-large has been vacant for a cumulative three years despite Obama's repeated promises to fill the post.
President Obama Claims Religious Liberty Around the World is his Priority
President Obama Prioritizes 'Gay Rights' NOT International Religious Freedom
President Obama Ignores Christian Genocide by Islamists, Focuses on Gay Agenda
Vice President Biden Says 'Gay Rights' Trump Religious Beliefs
Al Qaeda Proclaims War on Cross & U.S., Obama Silent
In addition, read Christians, Extinct in Middle East, as Islam Wins
-- From "Religious Freedom Is a Tenet of Foreign Policy, Obama Says" by Peter Baker, New York Times 2/6/14
Mr. Obama’s attention to religious freedom issues has sometimes been criticized. He did not nominate someone to fill the congressionally authorized position of ambassador at large for international religious freedom until the summer of his second year in office and his eventual nominee, Suzan Johnson Cook, was not confirmed until April 2011.
She stepped down in October and has yet to be replaced. Mr. Obama had no nominee to announce by Thursday’s [prayer] breakfast and so was left to promise vaguely that he looks forward to nominating a replacement, offering no timetable.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Wanted: a new ambassador-at-large for religious freedom" by Lauren Markoe, Religion News Service — Washington Post 1/15/14
. . . wondering how long it’s going to take the White House to name a new ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom.
Many in the field hope it’s someone with more diplomatic background than Johnson Cook, a former Clinton administration official and popular Baptist minister whose international experience was mostly acquired on the job.
The ambassador-at-large position does not report directly to Secretary of State John Kerry, as do other ambassadors-at-large, further evidence to those who argue that the State Department needs to take the plight of the religiously oppressed more seriously.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Despite His February Promise, Obama Still Hasn’t Filled Religious Freedom Post" by Patrick Goodenough, CNSNews.com 7/9/14
Obama told the National Prayer Breakfast gathering last February, “I look forward to nominating our next ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom to help lead these efforts” to promote religious freedom around the world.
Over the ensuing period State Department spokeswomen have periodically agreed that the ambassador position is an important one, while saying that other officials from Secretary of State John Kerry down regularly bring up religious freedom issues in their interaction with foreign governments.
“You know how strongly we feel about having someone in that position,” department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said on Monday, as she confirmed that she had nothing to report on a nomination.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Rep. Wolf: Int’l Religious Freedom Commission Gives ‘Unvarnished Truth’ About Allies, Foes" by Patrick Goodenough, CNSNews.com 7/9/14
At a time when religious persecution is on the rise across the globe, the U.S. House voted Tuesday to reauthorize a statutory religious freedom watchdog. . . .
Pakistan arguably has been the biggest beneficiary of the State Department’s reluctance to impose penalties on a country viewed as an important counter-terrorism partner. Citing notorious blasphemy laws and other abuses, the USCIRF [U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom] has called for Pakistan to be designated a “country of particular concern” (CPC) every year since 2002, and the State Department has overruled the recommendation each time.
Under the IRFA the administration may impose sanctions or take other measures against CPCs, designed to generate improved behavior from governments which either themselves violate citizens’ religious freedom, or permit other parties to do so.
Even when the administration has followed a USCIRF recommendation on CPC designation, it has at times chosen to waive sanctions, favoring dialogue instead. The clearest case of this has been Saudi Arabia, which has been blacklisted since 2004 but which neither the Bush nor Obama administration has sanctioned as a result.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read President Obama Provokes Second 'In God We Trust' Movement as well as ObamaNation: Alters of Worship to Sexual Deviancy
“A continued vacancy will confirm the suspicion that already exists among foreign governments, persecutors, victims and American diplomats that the issue is not a priority.”For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:
-- Thomas Farr, professor of religion and international affairs at Georgetown University
President Obama Claims Religious Liberty Around the World is his Priority
President Obama Prioritizes 'Gay Rights' NOT International Religious Freedom
President Obama Ignores Christian Genocide by Islamists, Focuses on Gay Agenda
Vice President Biden Says 'Gay Rights' Trump Religious Beliefs
Al Qaeda Proclaims War on Cross & U.S., Obama Silent
In addition, read Christians, Extinct in Middle East, as Islam Wins
-- From "Religious Freedom Is a Tenet of Foreign Policy, Obama Says" by Peter Baker, New York Times 2/6/14
Mr. Obama’s attention to religious freedom issues has sometimes been criticized. He did not nominate someone to fill the congressionally authorized position of ambassador at large for international religious freedom until the summer of his second year in office and his eventual nominee, Suzan Johnson Cook, was not confirmed until April 2011.
She stepped down in October and has yet to be replaced. Mr. Obama had no nominee to announce by Thursday’s [prayer] breakfast and so was left to promise vaguely that he looks forward to nominating a replacement, offering no timetable.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Wanted: a new ambassador-at-large for religious freedom" by Lauren Markoe, Religion News Service — Washington Post 1/15/14
. . . wondering how long it’s going to take the White House to name a new ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom.
Many in the field hope it’s someone with more diplomatic background than Johnson Cook, a former Clinton administration official and popular Baptist minister whose international experience was mostly acquired on the job.
The ambassador-at-large position does not report directly to Secretary of State John Kerry, as do other ambassadors-at-large, further evidence to those who argue that the State Department needs to take the plight of the religiously oppressed more seriously.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Despite His February Promise, Obama Still Hasn’t Filled Religious Freedom Post" by Patrick Goodenough, CNSNews.com 7/9/14
Obama told the National Prayer Breakfast gathering last February, “I look forward to nominating our next ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom to help lead these efforts” to promote religious freedom around the world.
Over the ensuing period State Department spokeswomen have periodically agreed that the ambassador position is an important one, while saying that other officials from Secretary of State John Kerry down regularly bring up religious freedom issues in their interaction with foreign governments.
“You know how strongly we feel about having someone in that position,” department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said on Monday, as she confirmed that she had nothing to report on a nomination.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Rep. Wolf: Int’l Religious Freedom Commission Gives ‘Unvarnished Truth’ About Allies, Foes" by Patrick Goodenough, CNSNews.com 7/9/14
At a time when religious persecution is on the rise across the globe, the U.S. House voted Tuesday to reauthorize a statutory religious freedom watchdog. . . .
Pakistan arguably has been the biggest beneficiary of the State Department’s reluctance to impose penalties on a country viewed as an important counter-terrorism partner. Citing notorious blasphemy laws and other abuses, the USCIRF [U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom] has called for Pakistan to be designated a “country of particular concern” (CPC) every year since 2002, and the State Department has overruled the recommendation each time.
Under the IRFA the administration may impose sanctions or take other measures against CPCs, designed to generate improved behavior from governments which either themselves violate citizens’ religious freedom, or permit other parties to do so.
Even when the administration has followed a USCIRF recommendation on CPC designation, it has at times chosen to waive sanctions, favoring dialogue instead. The clearest case of this has been Saudi Arabia, which has been blacklisted since 2004 but which neither the Bush nor Obama administration has sanctioned as a result.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read President Obama Provokes Second 'In God We Trust' Movement as well as ObamaNation: Alters of Worship to Sexual Deviancy
Tuesday, July 08, 2014
Democrat Missouri Gov. Signs Religious Liberty Law
Countering numerous lawsuit attacks by atheists and humanists, Gov. Jay Nixon signed the Missouri Student Religious Liberties Act (HB 1303) to allow public school students to freely express their faith in public school work, as well as through prayer and speeches at forums such as graduation ceremonies.
For background, read Missouri Citizens Vote to Bring Prayer Back to School and also read Humanists Sue Missouri School over Prayer as well as Bible Terminology Banned at Missouri School
The trend is clear, as New Mississippi Religious Liberty Law Infuriates Liberals
Also read the long list of states enacting laws to bring prayer back to schools in response to the myriad atheist lawsuits against Christians and prayer nationwide.
-- From "Nixon says religious liberties bill for schools" by The Associated Press 7/3/14
The bill signed Wednesday says students cannot face discrimination for expressing their religious viewpoints in homework, artwork and other class assignments. It says those projects must be graded according to ordinary academic standards.
The legislation also says that students may pray while at school and wear clothing and jewelry displaying religious messages to the same extent that other types of clothes are accessories are allowed.
Another part of the bill says that student religious groups shall be given the same access to using school facilities as other kinds of non-curricular groups.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Legislator Pushes Bill to Protect Religious Expression" posted at KRZK-FM106.3 (Branson, MO) 1/25/14
[The bill] would permit religious expression in class assignments and provide students with the freedom to organize religious groups and activities in public schools. The legislation is in response to several incidents across the country where students were specifically excluded from group activities when the topic of their faith was discussed.
“The Student Religious Liberties Act will make it clear that students do not set aside their religious freedoms when they walk through the schoolhouse door,” said [state Rep. Elijah] Haahr, R-Springfield. “This legislation reaffirms the fact that it is not government’s place to prevent religious expression but to ensure that all student viewpoints are treated equally.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Haahr: Gov. Nixon gives victory to religious liberty in schools" posted at South County Mail (Rogersville, MO) 7/6/14
State Rep. Elijah Haahr called the governor’s signing of HB 1303 Wednesday an important victory for religious liberty in the state of Missouri. . . .
Haahr’s bill also allows public school districts to allow a limited public forum for student speakers at non-graduation and graduation events. In addition, it requires public school districts to issue a disclaimer at these events clarifying that viewpoints expressed are those of the student and not those of the school or district.
Haahr’s bill is similar to legislation signed into law in the state of Mississippi last year . . .
With the governor’s signature the bill is now set to become law on Aug. 28.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Missouri Gov. Signs Law to Protect Worship Services from Militant Homosexuals
And read Missouri Elementary School Principal Announces Boy Now a Girl
For background, read Missouri Citizens Vote to Bring Prayer Back to School and also read Humanists Sue Missouri School over Prayer as well as Bible Terminology Banned at Missouri School
The trend is clear, as New Mississippi Religious Liberty Law Infuriates Liberals
Also read the long list of states enacting laws to bring prayer back to schools in response to the myriad atheist lawsuits against Christians and prayer nationwide.
-- From "Nixon says religious liberties bill for schools" by The Associated Press 7/3/14
The bill signed Wednesday says students cannot face discrimination for expressing their religious viewpoints in homework, artwork and other class assignments. It says those projects must be graded according to ordinary academic standards.
The legislation also says that students may pray while at school and wear clothing and jewelry displaying religious messages to the same extent that other types of clothes are accessories are allowed.
Another part of the bill says that student religious groups shall be given the same access to using school facilities as other kinds of non-curricular groups.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Legislator Pushes Bill to Protect Religious Expression" posted at KRZK-FM106.3 (Branson, MO) 1/25/14
[The bill] would permit religious expression in class assignments and provide students with the freedom to organize religious groups and activities in public schools. The legislation is in response to several incidents across the country where students were specifically excluded from group activities when the topic of their faith was discussed.
“The Student Religious Liberties Act will make it clear that students do not set aside their religious freedoms when they walk through the schoolhouse door,” said [state Rep. Elijah] Haahr, R-Springfield. “This legislation reaffirms the fact that it is not government’s place to prevent religious expression but to ensure that all student viewpoints are treated equally.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Haahr: Gov. Nixon gives victory to religious liberty in schools" posted at South County Mail (Rogersville, MO) 7/6/14
State Rep. Elijah Haahr called the governor’s signing of HB 1303 Wednesday an important victory for religious liberty in the state of Missouri. . . .
Haahr’s bill also allows public school districts to allow a limited public forum for student speakers at non-graduation and graduation events. In addition, it requires public school districts to issue a disclaimer at these events clarifying that viewpoints expressed are those of the student and not those of the school or district.
Haahr’s bill is similar to legislation signed into law in the state of Mississippi last year . . .
With the governor’s signature the bill is now set to become law on Aug. 28.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Missouri Gov. Signs Law to Protect Worship Services from Militant Homosexuals
And read Missouri Elementary School Principal Announces Boy Now a Girl
Monday, July 07, 2014
Abortion Movie Flops at Box Office; Just Not Funny
Promoted as a comedy and a "positive" film about a promiscuous woman who has an abortion, "Obvious Child" has demonstrated that audiences aren't clamoring to see a movie where a child is obviously murdered.
For background, read about the waves of pro-life sentiment flooding the nation.
-- From "'Obvious Child' lacks comic constancy" by Rick Bentley, The Fresno Bee 7/3/14
Give writer/director Gillian Robespierre credit for even attempting with "Obvious Child" to make a romantic comedy built around a woman's decision to have an abortion after a close encounter of the getting pregnant kind. Just being called an "abortion comedy" is enough to insight mobs to grab torches and pitchforks.
The way Robespierre handles such an incredibly delicate topic is not to make the jokes about having an abortion but have the comedy come from the nervousness and uncertainties Donna has about her life and this massive decision. The comedy feels natural because it's well-established that Donna deals with everything in her life with a joke.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Movie review: ‘Obvious Child’ offers gab, not comedy" by Edwin Arnaudin, Asheville Citizen-Times 7/3/14
Comedy is hard. Sitting through an unfunny comedy is even harder.
. . . “Obvious Child” truly is a laugh-free affair, one made improbably less appealing by the filmmakers’ false assumption that its blunt handling of abortion is revelatory.
The bulk of critics, however, have bought the latter claim hook, line and sinker . . .
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Abortion Comedy 'Obvious Child' Flops at the Box Office" by Cassy Fiano, LiveActionNews/LifeNews.com 7/3/14
The way abortion advocates tell it, women have been clamoring for a movie featuring abortion – and not just abortion, but a “positive” abortion story. Forever bemoaning the lack of abortions in romantic books and movies, and even shoehorning abortion into a wedding announcement, pro-abortion activists were screeching with joy over the pro-abortion film Obvious Child.
No one expected Obvious Child to be a box office smash as an independent comedy. But these [dismal box office] numbers still tell a tale: women, in fact, are not rushing to theaters to see a movie that revolves around abortion. Crazily enough, it seems that people don’t find abortion all that romantic or funny. Like After Tiller, also the darling of the pro-abortion crowd, most of America is ignoring this movie, because most normal people don’t feel the need to romanticize abortion. Only pro-abortion extremists feel the need for abortion to not only be legal, but be celebrated and glorified.
Obvious Child was supposed to be the dawn of a glorious new day of abortion films, with studios realizing that it was just a genius idea to feature abortion as a positive in movies. But considering that most Americans aren’t turning out in droves to see a “comedy” about a girl who gets knocked up and has an abortion, laughing and making crude jokes all the way through it, the future of pro-abortion movies looks bleak.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
For background, read about the waves of pro-life sentiment flooding the nation.
-- From "'Obvious Child' lacks comic constancy" by Rick Bentley, The Fresno Bee 7/3/14
Give writer/director Gillian Robespierre credit for even attempting with "Obvious Child" to make a romantic comedy built around a woman's decision to have an abortion after a close encounter of the getting pregnant kind. Just being called an "abortion comedy" is enough to insight mobs to grab torches and pitchforks.
The way Robespierre handles such an incredibly delicate topic is not to make the jokes about having an abortion but have the comedy come from the nervousness and uncertainties Donna has about her life and this massive decision. The comedy feels natural because it's well-established that Donna deals with everything in her life with a joke.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Movie review: ‘Obvious Child’ offers gab, not comedy" by Edwin Arnaudin, Asheville Citizen-Times 7/3/14
Comedy is hard. Sitting through an unfunny comedy is even harder.
. . . “Obvious Child” truly is a laugh-free affair, one made improbably less appealing by the filmmakers’ false assumption that its blunt handling of abortion is revelatory.
The bulk of critics, however, have bought the latter claim hook, line and sinker . . .
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Abortion Comedy 'Obvious Child' Flops at the Box Office" by Cassy Fiano, LiveActionNews/LifeNews.com 7/3/14
The way abortion advocates tell it, women have been clamoring for a movie featuring abortion – and not just abortion, but a “positive” abortion story. Forever bemoaning the lack of abortions in romantic books and movies, and even shoehorning abortion into a wedding announcement, pro-abortion activists were screeching with joy over the pro-abortion film Obvious Child.
No one expected Obvious Child to be a box office smash as an independent comedy. But these [dismal box office] numbers still tell a tale: women, in fact, are not rushing to theaters to see a movie that revolves around abortion. Crazily enough, it seems that people don’t find abortion all that romantic or funny. Like After Tiller, also the darling of the pro-abortion crowd, most of America is ignoring this movie, because most normal people don’t feel the need to romanticize abortion. Only pro-abortion extremists feel the need for abortion to not only be legal, but be celebrated and glorified.
Obvious Child was supposed to be the dawn of a glorious new day of abortion films, with studios realizing that it was just a genius idea to feature abortion as a positive in movies. But considering that most Americans aren’t turning out in droves to see a “comedy” about a girl who gets knocked up and has an abortion, laughing and making crude jokes all the way through it, the future of pro-abortion movies looks bleak.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Saturday, July 05, 2014
Obama Provokes Second 'In God We Trust' Movement
Just like in the 1950s as communism threatened the land of the free and the home of the brave (as well as the entire world) when Americans gloriously displayed their defiance to the atheistic totalitarians by declaring "In God We Trust," Americans now again see the need to show their contrast to a tyrannical, socialist White House.
For background, read President Obama's typical messages for Easter and for Thanksgiving, and compare those to his Ramadan speech, where President Obama Praises Islam for Making America What It Is
And read how President Obama Strips God from Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and how the Lawless Obama Administration Tells States to Violate Oath in favor of 'Gay Marriage'
Also read how Barack Obama, Commander in Chief, wields power over the military.
-- From "Mississippi officially adds 'In God We Trust' to state seal" by Renee Johnson, WLOX-TV13 (Biloxi, MS) 7/1/14
Remember that other part of Senate Bill 2681? Not the controversial Religious Freedom Restoration Act that made national headlines, but the part of the bill that added "In God We Trust" to the state seal. That also took effect Tuesday, and Governor Phil Bryant is showing off the new design.
"In my State of the State Address, I called on the Legislature to add the simple yet profound words 'In God We Trust' to Mississippi's state seal. These words should strengthen our resolve and give us the courage to stand for our principles in our state. I am very proud to see them added to our seal," Bryant said Tuesday.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Mobile County commission votes to allow display of 'In God We Trust'" by Steve Alexander, WALA-TV10 (Mobile, AL) 6/19/14
Commissioner Merceria Ludgood said, “I cannot in good conscience support an action by this county commission that, I believe, at best, is a hollow gesture and, at worst divisive.”
Commissioner Jerry Carl said, “I personally support it and support it to the max. Whether it it is a political move or not, it really doesn’t make a difference to me at this point.”
Commission President Connie Hudson said, “I think its splitting hairs, at this point, to deny putting the national motto on a wall in this building.”
Pete Riehm of Mobile said, “The County of Mobile proudly does begin its sessions with prayer, and I didn’t notice anybody being uncomfortable. It also has a pledge that we’ve been saying for a long time that acknowledges a cardinal truth that this nation is based on, that this is, ‘One Nation Under God.’ “
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Mobile County Commission votes to display 'In God We Trust' in Government Plaza" by Cassie Fambro, The Birmingham News 6/20/14
Nine people signed in to speak before the commissioners with eight of them against the public display of the words "In God We Trust" on a plaque in Government Plaza and one supporting it.
The issue went far beyond the four words proposed, according to many who spoke. The crux of the problem is that the phrase signifies the Christian God, several said, and Commissioner Jerry Carl disagreed.
"Mobile has been blessed," said Riehm. "Ben Franklin said 'look how God has delivered us," he used as an example. He cited Franklin's quote that "God governs in the affairs of men" as historical precedent for the word God.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "‘In God We Trust’ Causes County Stir" posted at The Spokesman-Review (Spokane, WA) 7/1/14
A spirited discussion embroiled the Whitman County (Colfax) Commissioners on Monday about whether to display the national motto, “In God We Trust,” in their chambers at the courthouse. Earlier this month, the commissioners received a request to do so by In God We Trust-America, a volunteer organization in California that encourages elected officials to approve such displays.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Council votes to display 'In God We Trust' in chambers" by Liz Lohuis, WYFF-TV4 (Greenville, SC) 7/3/14
“I think it reinforces our sense of who we are and where we can from as citizens,” said Councilman Butch Kirven.
“I trust in God and I think every member of council will say the same thing. I just don't know if it's absolutely necessary to invite a lawsuit,” said [Councilman Joe] Baldwin.
News 4 spoke with the woman who is encouraging the plaques. She is a council woman in Bakersfield, California, and the founder of the In God We Trust organization.
She said if anyone sues, she will put council in touch with an attorney who will defend their case for free.
As of Wednesday, more than 370 local governments in 15 states voted to display the motto, including Anderson County Council.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Greenville joins ‘In God We Trust’ movement" by Rudolph Bell, The Greenville News 7/2/14
County Councilman Fred Payne said he proposed the idea after getting an email newsletter from In God We Trust America, a nonprofit organization that encourages local governments to display the motto.
In God We Trust America was launched more than a decade ago by Jacquie Sullivan, a longtime member of City Council in Bakersfield, Calif.
“It’s completely, solidly legal,” Sullivan said.
Greenville County Attorney Mark Tollison, asked if he’d reviewed the legality of displaying the motto, pointed to a legal opinion from former South Carolina Attorney General Charlie Condon.
He cited three federal appeals court rulings that upheld use of the motto against Establishment Clause challenges.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Public schools might be given option to display 'In God We Trust'" by Eric Morris, Herald Standard 6/24/14
The state House of Representatives voted [172 to 24] on June 2 to pass a bill [the National Motto Display Act] that would allow public schools to display the motto — as well as the Bill of Rights — in classrooms and other areas of the buildings.
Brownsville Area School Board President R.W. “Rocky” Brashear said he is in favor of the bill and that the board would likely consider implementing the motto in its schools if the bill is passed into law.
State Rep. Pam Snyder, D-Jefferson, said she voted in favor of the bill because it allows school districts the power to decide if they want to display the motto.
The Rev. Ewing Marietta of Liberty Baptist Church in North Union Township and member of Thou Shalt Not Move grassroots religious advocacy movement said the motto should be displayed for its historical significance.
Marietta cites historical figures such as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt as American leaders who cited God in their public speeches.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "The Star-Spangled Banner" (the national anthem of the United States of America) fourth verse, 1814
O thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation.
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the Heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
Also read FDR's D-Day Prayer is Un-American, Say Atheists
And read Atheists Fret Supreme Court Ruling Favoring Prayers in Christian America
For background, read President Obama's typical messages for Easter and for Thanksgiving, and compare those to his Ramadan speech, where President Obama Praises Islam for Making America What It Is
And read how President Obama Strips God from Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and how the Lawless Obama Administration Tells States to Violate Oath in favor of 'Gay Marriage'
Also read how Barack Obama, Commander in Chief, wields power over the military.
-- From "Mississippi officially adds 'In God We Trust' to state seal" by Renee Johnson, WLOX-TV13 (Biloxi, MS) 7/1/14
Remember that other part of Senate Bill 2681? Not the controversial Religious Freedom Restoration Act that made national headlines, but the part of the bill that added "In God We Trust" to the state seal. That also took effect Tuesday, and Governor Phil Bryant is showing off the new design.
"In my State of the State Address, I called on the Legislature to add the simple yet profound words 'In God We Trust' to Mississippi's state seal. These words should strengthen our resolve and give us the courage to stand for our principles in our state. I am very proud to see them added to our seal," Bryant said Tuesday.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Mobile County commission votes to allow display of 'In God We Trust'" by Steve Alexander, WALA-TV10 (Mobile, AL) 6/19/14
Commissioner Merceria Ludgood said, “I cannot in good conscience support an action by this county commission that, I believe, at best, is a hollow gesture and, at worst divisive.”
Commissioner Jerry Carl said, “I personally support it and support it to the max. Whether it it is a political move or not, it really doesn’t make a difference to me at this point.”
Commission President Connie Hudson said, “I think its splitting hairs, at this point, to deny putting the national motto on a wall in this building.”
Pete Riehm of Mobile said, “The County of Mobile proudly does begin its sessions with prayer, and I didn’t notice anybody being uncomfortable. It also has a pledge that we’ve been saying for a long time that acknowledges a cardinal truth that this nation is based on, that this is, ‘One Nation Under God.’ “
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Mobile County Commission votes to display 'In God We Trust' in Government Plaza" by Cassie Fambro, The Birmingham News 6/20/14
Nine people signed in to speak before the commissioners with eight of them against the public display of the words "In God We Trust" on a plaque in Government Plaza and one supporting it.
The issue went far beyond the four words proposed, according to many who spoke. The crux of the problem is that the phrase signifies the Christian God, several said, and Commissioner Jerry Carl disagreed.
"Mobile has been blessed," said Riehm. "Ben Franklin said 'look how God has delivered us," he used as an example. He cited Franklin's quote that "God governs in the affairs of men" as historical precedent for the word God.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "‘In God We Trust’ Causes County Stir" posted at The Spokesman-Review (Spokane, WA) 7/1/14
A spirited discussion embroiled the Whitman County (Colfax) Commissioners on Monday about whether to display the national motto, “In God We Trust,” in their chambers at the courthouse. Earlier this month, the commissioners received a request to do so by In God We Trust-America, a volunteer organization in California that encourages elected officials to approve such displays.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Council votes to display 'In God We Trust' in chambers" by Liz Lohuis, WYFF-TV4 (Greenville, SC) 7/3/14
“I think it reinforces our sense of who we are and where we can from as citizens,” said Councilman Butch Kirven.
“I trust in God and I think every member of council will say the same thing. I just don't know if it's absolutely necessary to invite a lawsuit,” said [Councilman Joe] Baldwin.
News 4 spoke with the woman who is encouraging the plaques. She is a council woman in Bakersfield, California, and the founder of the In God We Trust organization.
She said if anyone sues, she will put council in touch with an attorney who will defend their case for free.
As of Wednesday, more than 370 local governments in 15 states voted to display the motto, including Anderson County Council.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Greenville joins ‘In God We Trust’ movement" by Rudolph Bell, The Greenville News 7/2/14
County Councilman Fred Payne said he proposed the idea after getting an email newsletter from In God We Trust America, a nonprofit organization that encourages local governments to display the motto.
In God We Trust America was launched more than a decade ago by Jacquie Sullivan, a longtime member of City Council in Bakersfield, Calif.
“It’s completely, solidly legal,” Sullivan said.
Greenville County Attorney Mark Tollison, asked if he’d reviewed the legality of displaying the motto, pointed to a legal opinion from former South Carolina Attorney General Charlie Condon.
He cited three federal appeals court rulings that upheld use of the motto against Establishment Clause challenges.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Public schools might be given option to display 'In God We Trust'" by Eric Morris, Herald Standard 6/24/14
The state House of Representatives voted [172 to 24] on June 2 to pass a bill [the National Motto Display Act] that would allow public schools to display the motto — as well as the Bill of Rights — in classrooms and other areas of the buildings.
Brownsville Area School Board President R.W. “Rocky” Brashear said he is in favor of the bill and that the board would likely consider implementing the motto in its schools if the bill is passed into law.
State Rep. Pam Snyder, D-Jefferson, said she voted in favor of the bill because it allows school districts the power to decide if they want to display the motto.
The Rev. Ewing Marietta of Liberty Baptist Church in North Union Township and member of Thou Shalt Not Move grassroots religious advocacy movement said the motto should be displayed for its historical significance.
Marietta cites historical figures such as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt as American leaders who cited God in their public speeches.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "The Star-Spangled Banner" (the national anthem of the United States of America) fourth verse, 1814
O thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation.
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the Heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
Also read FDR's D-Day Prayer is Un-American, Say Atheists
And read Atheists Fret Supreme Court Ruling Favoring Prayers in Christian America
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