ACLU Sues to Display Lesbians to Kindergartners

Utah parents in Davis School District complained after activist librarians purchased homosexual indoctrination books and provided free access for children as young as age five.  The school district responded by requiring parental permission slips for students to access the books, saying that state law prohibits teaching homosexuality, but the ACLU has sued the district saying that the new policy hurts the feelings of "homosexual families."

"Our job as parents is to make sure we teach our children about our values. We can do that without imposing our personal views on the rest of the school community."
-- Tina Weber, plaintiff (lesbian parent) represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Utah

That's certainly, an ironic statement coming from someone advocating indoctrination in her school.

For background, read Parents Force Back Gay Agenda in Several Schools and also read ACLU Threatens Schools: Must Teach Homosexuality as well as Homosexual Indoctrination Mandated for Schools

In addition, read Oklahoma Board Wants Homosexual Book Available to Kindergartners


-- From "Davis schools sued over policy on 2 moms book" by The Associated Press 11/13/12

The lawsuit claims it's unconstitutional to require elementary school students have a parent's permission to check out "In Our Mothers' House," a picture book featuring three adopted children growing up with two mothers.

"Public schools cannot remove books from the library shelves because some people disagree with the books' viewpoint," said John Mejia, legal director of the ACLU of Utah. "Taking a book off the shelves and hiding it behind a librarian's desk makes the book more difficult to read, and it sends the message that there is something wrong with the book and with children who have same-sex parents."

The lawsuit asks the district to return the book to library shelves without the permission slip process. It also seeks $1 in damages, attorney's fees, and a ban on future restrictions based on a book's perceived "homosexual themes" or "advocacy of homosexuality."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Utah school district sued over restricted access to lesbian family book" by Jennifer Dobner, Reuters 11/14/12

School officials acknowledge no similar limits have been placed on other titles in the library inventories of the Davis district, which encompasses an area north of Salt Lake City.

Parent Tina Weber objected to the restrictions, and attorneys for the American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit on her behalf in U.S. District Court in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, saying the policy amounts to "prior restraint" that violates her children's free-speech rights.

Utah is not the first place parents have raised concerns about Polacco's book, which was published in 2009. A 2011 report by the ACLU of Texas showed "In Our Mothers' House" was banned in several schools in that state.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "ACLU Sues Over Restriction of Book About Same-Sex Parents" by Eric Peterson, Salt Lake City Weekly 11/13/12

Award-winning children’s book author Patricia Polacco’s book may just have had the apostrophe on the wrong side of the “s” in her 2009 book In Our Mothers’ House for some families in Davis County who objected last spring to the book’s placement at Winnridge Elementary, in Davis County. In April, the district voted to have the book placed behind the librarian’s desk in all district libraries and moved to require students who wanted to check the book out to first get written permission.

In the Nov. 13 lawsuit, the ACLU argues “the District has placed a discriminatory burden on students’ ability to access fully protected speech. Even worse, restricting access to In Our Mothers’ House and segregating it from the rest of the library collection places an unconstitutional stigma on the ideas contained in the book and the students who wish to read it.” According to the suit, a group of parents had complained of the book having “normalized a lifestyle we don’t agree with.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Evangelical Message to Blame for GOP Losses?

In the wake of the elections, the media is filled with punditry from atheists and liberal "christians" to so-called evangelical leaders saying that the evangelical message must be changed to appeal to voters or the Republican party simply needs to jettison conservative Christians.  Even Bible-believing Christians are being pitted against one another.

Hello?!  By definition, a message that is truly evangelical CANNOT be changed.

For background, read Bishops Say Catholic Church Will Defy ObamaCare and also read Will 'Wimpy' Pastors Engage War on Christianity? as well as Religious Liberty & Anti-Christian Totalitarianism


UPDATE 12/2/12: Rev. Ken Hutcherson says Jim Daly is hiding behind compromise and alienating conservative Christians

UPDATE 11/22/12: GOP Moderation Lost the Election, Say Evangelicals

-- From "Hodges: Christian right must soften its tone, widen its agenda" by Corey J. Hodges, pastor of New Pilgrim Baptist Church and Special to The Salt Lake Tribune 11/14/12

Conservative evangelicals have to change if we intend to remain influential in the public arena. Changing our core values is not the solution. Christians derive their values from immutable biblical principles. But some shifting is necessary.

First, the tone of our discourse must change. . . . there is no place for intolerance and the divisive language . . .

Our focus has almost entirely been on opposing abortion and gay marriage. We have neglected issues such as poverty, health care and immigration reform, which arguably have just as much biblical support as the agendas we oppose. After all, the scriptures command us to exhibit love and compassion and to care for the less fortunate.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Focus on the Family head takes conciliatory tone after election" by Mitchell Landsberg, Los Angeles Times 11/10/12

[Focus on the Family leader Jim] Daly is willing to say things that few conservative evangelical leaders are likely to say. He believes, for instance, that the Christian right lost the fight against same-sex marriage in four states in part because it is on the losing side of a cultural paradigm. He says the evangelical community should have been considering immigration reform years ago, “but we were led more by political-think than church-think.”

These are controversial views in Daly's world, and he concedes that some of them have stirred anger among some of his fellow conservative Christians. But Daly, who exudes preternatural cheerfulness, said he believes that evangelicals need to win over friends, not make more enemies, and that the results of the election underlined the need to reach out to people with whom they have disagreements — including Obama — and seek common ground.

“Maybe we've been looking in the wrong direction and we've got to be more ecumenical,” he said.

Still, Daly parts ways with many of his associates when he says that the evangelical right is “fighting an uphill battle of demographics” on gay rights . . .

. . . Daly spoke of a willingness to work with abortion-rights groups to find common ground on adoption — a notion that would probably strike many Christian conservatives as appeasement.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Evangelicals struggle to stay relevant in Republican politics" by Ralph Z. Hallow, The Washington Times 11/13/12

The clout of evangelical voters, once a crucial part the Republican Party’s winning electoral coalition, has come under question after what some say was their failure in the past two presidential elections to put the Republican candidate over the top against a Democrat who had made few friends among social conservatives.

. . . Mr. Daly’s sentiments sit well with traditional Republicans and economic conservatives, some of whom have always felt that loud and uncompromising stands on social issues have cost the party support among a variety of constituencies, including women and a growing cadre of libertarian-minded younger voters.

But reflecting the views of many other conservative religious leaders, evangelical political organizer David Lane, founder of Pastor and Pews, said it was “an outrage” for Mr. Daly to call for Christians to stop engaging in culture wars. Mr. Lane said Mr. Daly was flying the “white flag of surrender” to political opponents of traditional values.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Evangelical Leaders Urge Immigration Shakeup" by Miriam Jordan, Wall Street Journal 11/13/12

More than 150 evangelical leaders called on President Barack Obama Tuesday to make revamping the nation's immigration system a top priority, following a presidential election in which the Latino vote was a decisive factor.

An open letter from the group demanded that Mr. Obama and the heads of the Senate and House of Representatives support a legalization program for the 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. Among the signatories are Leith Anderson, president of the [seldom] conservative National Association of Evangelicals, and Jim Wallis, president of Sojourners, a liberal group.

It laid out six principles, including an immigration overhaul that protects family unity, respects the rule of law and guarantees secure borders. The letter said these principles reflect a "growing convergence" with positions by other religious, civic, business, labor and law-enforcement leaders.

Not all evangelicals are on board with legalizing undocumented immigrants.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "White Evangelical Asks Black Evangelicals Why They Re-Elected Obama" by Lillian Kwon, Christian Post Reporter 11/13/12

In an open letter to black evangelicals, Michael Brown candidly asks whether they compromised their beliefs by voting for the re-election of President Barack Obama.

"I simply do not understand how my black evangelical friends who so staunchly oppose same-sex marriage and who stand against abortion could cast their vote for the most radically pro-abortion, pro-gay-activist president in our history," he said as a fellow evangelical.

Brown said he is not attacking black voters in his open letter but that he's simply inquiring why nearly the same percentage of black Americans who voted for Obama four years ago did so again this year.

Black Christian leaders have expressed their disapproval of Obama's policies while on Brown's radio show and have even urged parishioners not to vote for the president. Brown listed Bishop Harry Jackson from the Washington, D.C., area as one of them.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Election 2012 Marks the End of Evangelical Dominance in Politics" by Jonathan Merritt, The Atlantic 11/13/12

. . . 79 percent of white evangelicals voted for Romney on Tuesday. That's the same percentage that Bush received in 2004, and more than Senator John McCain received in 2008. The evangelical vote was 27 percent of the overall electorate -- the highest it's ever been for an election.

Their support wasn't enough. Not only did Obama win soundly, but four states voted to allow same-sex marriage. [Correction: Three states]

[Why?]

First, evangelicals' size is a limitation. . . .

Second, evangelicals' influence is waning. Conservative Christian ideas are failing to shape the broader culture. . . .

Third, evangelical leadership is wanting. . . .

[The rising non-evangelicals] give me hope that American Christians may be on the cusp of a healthier engagement with the public square.

To read the entire opinion column above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Pastor Warns America of Socialism, Calls for Prayer

'Gay Marriage' Next in Illinois via Legislature

Having successfully redistricted Illinois in their favor recently, after last week's election, Democrats achieved full control of state government, and filled Congress as well.  The coming Illinois government agenda includes same-sex "marriage" (the 2011 civil unions law doesn't go far enough), continued taxpayer funded abortion on demand, and fiscal bankruptcy barring an economic miracle and/or a federal bailout (forcing all Americans to fund Illinois Democrats).

For background, read Illinois Creates Civil Unions, "Gay Marriage" Next and also read Illinois Civil Unions Not Enough; Must Destroy Marriage as well as Illinois Dems Declare Marriage Law Unconstitutional



-- From "Same-Sex Marriage Advocates In Illinois Encouraged By Election" posted at CBS News KMOX-AM1120 (St. Louis) 11/12/12

Bernard Cherkasov, chief executive of the gay-rights group Equality Illinois, [said] “. . . we had many candidates throughout the state who supported marriage equality, who ran in tight, competitive races and who won election, including candidates who were endorsed by our own PAC, so that was fantastic.”

Democrats also will have huge majorities in the new General Assembly, but Cherkasov says when there have been advances on gay rights in Illinois and elsewhere, Republicans have joined, and he expects that to be the case on the marriage issue.

Illinois enacted civil unions in 2011, which are, by law, supposed to be the same as marriage, but in practice, they fall short, Cherkasov says, because many in the public do not understand what a civil union is.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Illinois gay marriage gets 'huge' election boost, chief sponsor says" by Greg Hinz, Crain's Chicago Business 11/7/12

In a post-election phone interview, state Rep. Greg Harris said voters from Maine and Maryland to Washington state sent a message Tuesday that enacting same-sex marriage legislation "is something we should be doing. . . . The climate has changed in a huge way."

Mr. Harris, a Democrat who represents Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood, said it will take time for state lawmakers to learn details of those votes. In particular, he said, African-American lawmakers will need to know what happened in Maryland, which has a large black population.

A second openly gay legislator, Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, said she believes "we are on a 'when, not if' trajectory" in Illinois. Hesitant colleagues should take "comfort" from yesterday's votes that the political risks of a "yes" vote are minimal, she said.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Gay marriage Emanuel’s No. 3 priority for Legislature" by Fran Spielman, Chicago Sun-Times City Hall Reporter 11/13/12

[Chicago] Mayor Rahm Emanuel Tuesday ranked legalizing gay marriage as his No. 3 legislative priority in Springfield . . .

Asked how involved he was willing to get in the fight for gay marriage, Emanuel said he planned to be “very involved.” That apparently means putting his notorious powers of persuasion to work on reluctant Chicago lawmakers.

[The mayor said,] “I’ve been in touch with ... State Rep. Greg Harris, State Rep. Deb Mell and leaders in both chambers — so Illinois will now take the next step in making sure that our values are reflected in our laws.”

As a candidate for mayor, Emanuel showcased his broad support in the gay community and promised to return the favor by pressuring the Illinois General Assembly to approve gay marriage and extend pension benefits to domestic partners.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Illinois Christian Tea Party Counters Establishment GOP

Bishops Say Catholic Church Will Defy ObamaCare

Bishop James Conley, incoming bishop to Lincoln, Nebraska, as well as other Roman Catholic leaders, including Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore, say they have chosen to obey God's Laws over President Obama's health insurance mandates. Therefore, Catholic-affiliated organizations, such as charities, schools, universities and hospitals, will not provide health insurance covering contraceptives, abortifacients, or sterilization as the ObamaCare laws require.

“The Catholic Church is not going to back down. We are never going to compromise our principles. We will defy it and face the consequences.”
-- Roman Catholic Bishop James Conley

For background, read Bishops Throw Down Gauntlet: Obama War on Christianity and also read Bishops Warn Voting for Democrats is 'Grave Sin' as well as Religious Liberty & Anti-Christian Totalitarianism in America

-- From "New Lincoln bishop: Church will defy health mandate on birth control coverage" by Joe Duggan, Omaha World-Herald Bureau 11/9/12

Roman Catholic officials in Omaha and Des Moines expressed similar sentiments this week over a plan by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services requiring all employers to provide their employees contraception coverage without copays.

The so-called HHS mandate for religious organizations, currently the subject of dozens of legal challenges nationally, is set to take effect next August.

Opponents of the rule say the [ObamaCare religious employer] exceptions are inadequate.

“Insurance companies have said there is no free lunch, (religious groups are) going to end up paying for it, so it’s a shell game,” said Emily Hardman, communications director for the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, a Washington, D.C., firm that takes up legal cases for all religious faiths.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "‘We will defy’ Obama’s birth control mandate, says new Nebraska bishop" by Kirsten Andersen, LifeSiteNews.com 11/12/12

Conley’s remarks echo those of the head of Priests for Life, Fr. Frank Pavone, who said last week that Obama’s re-election means that “the collision course of the Obama administration with the Catholic Church…is assured.”

Fr. Pavone called on pro-lifers to “an unwavering commitment to civil disobedience.”

[Archbishop] Lori, who serves as head of the U.S. bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee on Religious Liberty, told the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops at their annual meeting Monday that “whatever setbacks or challenges in the efforts to defend religious liberty we may be experiencing, we’re going to stay the course.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read President Obama Denies Leading War Against Christianity

Obama NOT Antichrist, Poll Numbers too Low: Pastor

Robert Jeffress, senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Dallas, encouraged Christians to vote for Mitt Romney for president, a man whom he said is a leader of the religious cult of Mormonism, because Jeffress believes that President Obama "is paving the way for the future reign of the Antichrist."

UPDATE 2/8/13 - Catholic Bishops Slam Obama: Criminal in Eyes of God

For background, click headlines below:

Catholic Bishops Warn Voting for Democrats is 'Grave Sin'

Obama Makes New Promise to Fund Killing Babies

Lead Abortionist Joins Obama Full-time

Obamanation: Gay Agenda Carries in 4 More States

Obama a Christian? No, Say Two-Thirds of Americans

President Obama Denies Leading War Against Christianity

Religious Liberty & Anti-Christian Totalitarianism in America

-- From "Texas Mega-Church Pastor: Obama 'Paving the Way for the Future Reign of the Antichrist'" by Jackson Williams, Huffington Post 11/06/12

. . . just before President Obama's reelection day, Jeffress [said]:

"I want you to hear me tonight, I am not saying that President Obama is the Antichrist, I am not saying that at all. One reason I know he's not the Antichrist is the Antichrist is going to have much higher poll numbers when he comes. President Obama is not the Antichrist. But what I am saying is this: the course he is choosing to lead our nation is paving the way for the future reign of the Antichrist."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Texas Megachurch Pastor Says Obama Will 'Pave Way' for Antichrist" by Michael Gryboski, Christian Post Reporter 11/8/12

Jeffress would go on to say that "it is time for Christians to stand up and to push back against this evil that is overtaking our nation" and to do so via "the ballot box."

This is not the first time that Jeffress has garnered controversy for his remarks regarding major political figures. During the Family Research Council's "Values Voters Summit" in October of last year, Jeffress called Mormonism a cult.

"Mitt Romney is a Mormon, and don't let anybody tell you otherwise. Even though he talks about Jesus as his Lord and savior, he is not a Christian. Mormonism is not Christianity. Mormonism is a cult," said Jeffress, who was supporting Texas Gov. Rick Perry's bid to become the GOP presidential nominee.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read God's Conspiracy Theory per NBC's Rachel Maddow

San Fran. OKs Taxpayer-funded Sexual Mutilation

The San Francisco Health Commission has expanded its universal health care covering patients suffering gender identity, but NOT by providing counseling and treatment for their mental illness, but rather by providing hormone and other treatments exacerbating their problems, and now as well as surgery to remove healthy female breasts, male and female genitalia, etc.

For background, read Obama, Senate Continue to Push Transgender Privilege and also read Transgenderism is 'Delusion' Says Victim

And what about the children?  Read 2-year-old Says She's a Boy, 'Parents' Say OK as well as 4-year-old Says I'm a Boy AND a Girl, NY Times Loves It

-- From "Transgender surgeries to be included in SF health plan" by Lisa Leff, Associated Press 11/11/12

The city’s Health Commission voted Tuesday to create a comprehensive program for treating transgender people experiencing mental distress because of the mismatch between their bodies and their gender identities. San Francisco already provides transgender residents with hormones, counseling and routine health services, but has stopped short of offering surgical interventions, Public Health Director Barbara Garcia said Thursday after the vote was announced.

The idea for a new program that included surgeries came out of conversations between public health officials and transgender rights advocates who wanted mastectomies, genital reconstructions and other surgeries that are recommended for some transgender people covered under San Francisco’s 5-year-old universal health care plan.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "San Francisco Offers Transgender Health Care As Part Of City's Universal Health Care Plan" by Aaron Sankin, Huffington Post 11/09/12

San Francisco became the first city in the nation to offer universal health care to its citizens through the Healthy SF program, which provides government subsidized health services to uninsured residents. Now, with a unanimous vote of the San Francisco Health Commission, the Healthy SF program will extend to transgender patients.

A report by LGBT [Gay Agenda] advocacy group Human Rights Campaign noted that in 2004, only one percent of Fortune 500 companies offered transgender-inclusive health insurance policies. By 2011, that number had grown to 25 percent.

The San Francisco already offers transgender-inclusive plans to city employees.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Gender spenders: San Francisco to foot bill for sex changes" posted at FoxNews.com 11/9/12

Backers say it will help ease the mental anguish of people who feel they are trapped in bodies of the wrong gender, but critics wonder why the taxpayers should foot the bill.

“Taxpayers cannot afford this, as there are unintended costs and unintended consequences unrelated to the actual surgery, such as their longer-term hormone treatment, psychology needs and other longer term health issues,” said Thomas Moyer, a City by the Bay resident and author of “A Conservative Survival Guide to San Francisco.”

“This surgery is not an essential health function, especially when it would be taking money away from those suffering from chronic illnesses like cancer, Aids, and heart disease,” Moyer said. “We are already stretched too thin as San Francisco is facing a budget deficit and won't be able to afford the costs of this.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "San Francisco to Expand Healthcare Insurance to Cover Transgender Surgeries" by Amber Moore, Medical Daily 11/9/12

"This decision will help get critically needed medical care to countless transgender Americans. More and more medical authorities finally agree: nobody should be denied healthcare simply because of who they are," said Herndon Graddick, president of GLAAD [a Gay Agenda advocacy organization].

In May this year, Argentina approved a law that would give people a right to change their gender and even get required surgeries covered by medical plans.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read about the transgender dilemma:  Naked Man in Girls Locker Room OK'd in Washington

Supreme Court Rules for Pro-lifer with Fetus Photos

In 2005, Greenwood County, S.C. police told Steven Lefemine and others of Columbia Christians for Life to toss their signs showing bloody aborted fetus photos, which they held in display on a street corner, lest they be ticketed for disturbing the peace. Lefemine sued for his First Amendment rights, and a federal district judge ruled in his favor, but refused to award nominal damages.  This week, the U.S. Supreme Court went further, allowing for monetary award for attorney's fee.

For background, read Judges Counter Obama's Attacks on Pro-lifers and also read Wyoming Pays $30,000 for Censoring Pro-life Posters

-- From "Supreme Court says antiabortion protester can claim legal fees" by David G. Savage, Washington Bureau, Los Angeles Times 11/5/12

Although the ruling [by the Supreme Court this week] concerned only legal fees, it probably will strengthen the hand of abortion protesters who clash with police or city officials. If they go to court and prevail on any claim, they can force officials to pay their legal costs.

The unsigned decision, based on legal briefs, had no recorded dissent.

The Supreme Court has adopted a broad approach to the Civil Rights Act and said plaintiffs can obtain civil rights fees if they prevail on any significant issue. Without hearing arguments in Lefemine vs. Wideman, the justices reversed the two lower courts on Monday and said the antiabortion protester was a "prevailing party" because he won the right to display his graphic photos on the sidewalk.

"What we argued is for the benefit of all protesters of all stripes all across the country," said Steven Fitschen, president of the National Legal Foundation in Virginia Beach, Va., which calls itself a "Christian public interest law firm."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Supreme Court: abortion protester may deserve lawyer fees" by Jonathan Stempel, Reuters 11/5/12

In its first decision since the 2012-2013 term officially began last month, the court reversed a ruling by the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals against Steven Lefemine and Columbia Christians for Life, which had sought to recover the fees.

Steven Fitschen, a lawyer for Lefemine, said attorneys' fees in the case may reach hundreds of thousands of dollars, and that other protesters should welcome the decision.

The case is Lefemine v. Wideman et al, U.S. Supreme Court, No. 12-168.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Fees May Be in Store for Anti-Abortion Protesters" by Barbara Leonard, Courthouse News Service 11/5/12

Since further adjudication of the matter could uncover other grounds on which the police officers could contest liability for the attorneys' fees, however, the [U.S. Supreme] court emphasized that it is not making a guarantee for Lefemine.

The activist could appear before the Supreme Court again soon in trying to revive claims over a Madison Square Garden protest that police quashed. The 2nd Circuit threw out a lawsuit Lefemine filed in August 2012.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Middle School Students Taught Homosexual Foreplay

Administrators and teachers at the middle school in Gorham, Maine demonstrated either their utter ignorance or their Gay Agenda advocacy when they allowed children as young as eleven to be instructed in homosexual sex acts by a gay advocacy organization (PRYSM) that they invited to the school. The principal apologized to parents, and claimed the teachers where caught off guard by the homosexual presenters.

For background, read Supreme Court Allows Same-sex Marriage Law to Force Indoctrination of Students and also read Another Gay Agenda Indoctrination Day in Schools as well as Homosexual Indoctrination Mandated for Schools

Also see a list of public school indoctrination incidents.



-- From "Gorham principal apologizes for sex discussion" by The Associated Press 11/5/12

In a blog post today, Gorham Middle School Principal Robert Riley wrote:

"There is no excuse for what happened. It happened, and it happened quickly in response to an honest student question. The results of which we are all very aware. We will be more vigilant in the future to make sure this does not happen again, but the idea of Diversity Day program is still very important to us as a Middle School."

A group called Proud Rainbow Youth of Southern Maine gave a presentation last month about gender diversity and discrimination.

Principal Robert Riley said he was alerted by some teachers who said it all happened so fast they didn't know how to respond.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "School Children Taught About Gay Foreplay, Saran Wrap" by Todd Starnes, FOX News 11/8/12

“They were talking about sex and if you didn’t have a condom – saran wrap could be used in place of a dental dam,” [parent Kristy] Howard told Fox News. “It was all new to me.”

Howard said the PRYSM presenters also cursed and questioned whether the children had been taught about safe homosexual sex.

Principal Riley defended the way the teacher’s handled the situation – noting that the conversation about gay foreplay happened near the end of the presentation.

“I think if it had gone longer, they would have intervened,” he told Fox News.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Middle School Apologizes for Gay Youth Organization's Inappropriate Talk" by Jeff Schapiro, Christian Post Reporter 11/6/12

Most reports of the controversial statements say the presenters spoke about homosexual foreplay in response to a question by a student. Some, however, say the discussion was centered on the topic of safe sex practices for homosexuals and it was the presenters who initiated the talk.

[Carroll Conley, Jr., executive director of the Christian Civic League of Maine (CCLM) said,] "Our concern is that this typifies the lack of regard for parental rights."

Protect Marriage Maine is concerned that if same-sex marriage is allowed [update: it's now the law in Maine], young students could be taught that "boys can marry boys" even without parental consent . . .

"If there was any doubt that gay marriage would be taught to young children in Maine schools just as it is in Massachusetts and Canada, that doubt should be removed now," said Protect Marriage Maine Chairman Bob Emrich in a blog post about the Gorham Middle School incident. "If they are willing to teach our kids how homosexuals engage in foreplay, do you really think they won't force gay marriage instruction of young children when it is the law of the land?"

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Principal Under Fire for Exposing Middle School Students to Explicit ‘Diversity Day’ Foreplay Talk" by Heather Clark, Christian Network News 11/5/12

“The [principal] is not repentant. …. That doesn’t sound like someone that’s truly concerned about the lewd nature of the discussion,” said Pastor Jeremy Hiltz of Windsor Memorial Baptist Church in Windsor.

“I’m against the Diversity Day altogether,” he said. “I don’t think that there needs to be any kind of homosexual activists speaking to the students. I don’t think that’s part of education. I think that’s part of indoctrination. But, I also find it disturbing that it went into a sexually explicit nature. … This is way over the line.”

Hiltz is a father of four boys, and also works as a substitute teacher. While he and his wife homeschool their children, he states that if his children were put in such a situation, he would remove those in authority that promoted ‘Diversity Day’ in the first place.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Voters in 4 States (including Maine) Favor Same-sex Marriage in November 2012 as well as Gay Recruitment of Kids: Senators Join President Obama

Mandatory Porn Safe-sex with Inspections: LA Votes

Los Angeles, CA voters approved a law mandating use of condoms by the pornography industry.  The new law will establish a restaurant-like permitting system complete with on-set inspections by county officials.  Pornographers, who plan to sue on constitutional grounds, complain that government regulations are killing their industry, and claim that Christians are secretly behind the new law and lied to voters.

"The idea of allowing a government employee to come and examine our genitalia while we're on set is atrocious."
-- Amber Lynn, adult film actress

For background, read Porn Industry May Leave LA Over 'Safe Sex' Regs and also read California Wants Improved Occupational Health in Porn Industry as well as Porn Stars' STDs Blamed on County Health Officials

UPDATE 2/15/16: Failed HIV Test on Gay Porn Star Causes Multiple Infections

UPDATE 8/16/13: Federal judge rules condom requirements in porn are constitutional

UPDATE 4/14/13: Porn film industry pulls out of Los Angeles

UPDATE 3/18/13: AIDS Healthcare Foundation complains county inspections are impotent

UPDATE 9/16/13: Multiple HIV-positive porn stars cause filming shutdowns



-- From "LA County Voters Mandate Condom Use on Porn Sets" by The Associated Press 11/8/12

The measure requires adult film producers to apply for a permit from the county Department of Public Health to shoot sex scenes. Permit fees will finance periodic inspections of film sets to enforce compliance.

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation, which sponsored the initiative, says the measure will help safeguard the public, as well as porn workers, from sexually transmitted infections.

But the adult film industry, which is largely centered in the San Fernando Valley in suburban Los Angeles, says the requirement is unnecessary since the industry already polices itself by requiring performers to undergo monthly tests for HIV and other infections.

The industry also says the requirement would damage it since porn viewers will not watch sex scenes with condoms, and force adult film producers to relocate to where they can make movies that will sell.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "L.A. county porn shoots must use condoms" by Michelle Castillo, CBS News 11/7/12

California and New Hampshire are the only two states that legally allow adult films to be produced. Previously, the permit was required in Los Angeles city, but now the regulations will be expanded to 85 other cities in Los Angeles county.

But, the Los Angeles Times opposed the measure, saying that demand for unprotected sex in films will just increase the number of people who will circumvent the law, leading to more underground and possibly unsafe performances.

But, The AIDS Healthcare Foundation said a 2004 HIV scare and a 2012 syphilis scare that temporarily shut down the industry and infected at least nine was enough evidence that testing in the porn industry wasn't working.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "How will L.A. County enforce the law requiring condoms in porn?" posted at Los Angeles Times 11/8/12

The answer could mean the prospect of government inspectors on porn sites watching if condoms are being used, and surprise inspections of unlicensed porn shoots. It’s possible that regulators would view adult movies for evidence of violations.

AIDS activists call the measure similar to requiring restaurants to obtain a public health permit and submit to surprise inspections. Bathhouses and sex clubs – businesses where gay and bisexual men meet for anonymous sex – are  inspected quarterly by the county Public Health Department and pay annual fees of more than $1,000 each. The businesses are required to offer free condoms and on-site testing of HIV.

If porn companies move elsewhere in California, [AIDS Healthcare Foundation president Michael] Weinstein said they would still be violating Cal/OSHA rules, which require employers to protect workers from potentially infectious bodily fluids.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read President Obama Enables Pornographers

Obamanation: Gay Agenda Carries in 4 More States

Besides the reelection of President Obama, Americans witnessed more evidence of God's judgment on America as citizens in Maryland, Maine and Washington voted for same-sex "marriage," and voters of Minnesota rejected an amendment to their state constitution to define marriage as one man and one woman.

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men [and women] who suppress the truth by their wickedness . . . men [and women] are without excuse . . . Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools . . . Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another.
-- The Apostle Paul's letter to the Romans (excerpts from chapter one, NIV)

For background, read Exploiting Obama Racism for Maryland Same-sex 'Marriage' and also read about Maine, the process in Washington state, and the amendment in Minnesota.

UPDATE 11/8/12: Final Washington count shows voters approved same-sex "marriage"

UPDATE 5/31/13: Minnesota, the 12th "gay marriage" state, begins weddings June 6th

-- From "Gay marriage, marijuana backed in historic votes" by David Crary, Associated Press National Writer 11/7/12

Altering the course of U.S social policy, Maine and Maryland became the first states to approve same-sex marriage by popular vote . . .

The results in Maine and Maryland broke a 32-state streak, dating to 1998, in which gay marriage had been rebuffed by every state that voted on it. They will become the seventh and eighth states to allow same-sex couples to marry.

In another gay-rights victory, Minnesota voters defeated a proposed constitutional amendment that would banned same-sex marriage in the state. Similar measures were approved in 30 other states, most recently in North Carolina in May.

Washington state also voted on a measure to legalize same-sex marriage, though results were not expected until Wednesday at the soonest.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Obamanation: Secularized Like Europe, Spiritualized Like Oprah

In addition, read Homosexual 'Marriage' Not Enough; Next Goal as well as Pedophilia is Sexual Orientation, Like 'Being Gay'

The question is: Will 'Wimpy' Pastors Engage War on Christianity?

Lesbians' Kids Do Better, Says Gay Study - Surprise!

With great fanfare, the Williams Institute at UCLA has reiterated its numerous past announcements that children raised by lesbians are more successful, well-adjusted, happier, and just "better" than other children, according to Nanette Gartrell, MD, Principal Investigator of the U.S. National Longitudinal Lesbian Family Study, who happens to be "married" to Diane "Dee" Mosbacher, a high-profile lesbian feminist activist.

For background, read Study: Lesbians Never Abuse Kids and also read Study: Gay Parenting Harms Kids - Media Frantic as well as Explaining Gay Agenda Effect on Children

-- From "Study: Teens With Lesbian Mothers Do Better In School, Happier In Life" posted at CBS News KNXT-FM100.5 (Las Vegas) 11/5/12

A new study has found that 17-year-olds with lesbian mothers had high school GPAs ranging between A-minus to B-plus, while having strong family bonds with their mothers, whom the teens consider good role models. The Williams Institute at UCLA, which conducted “Adolescents with Lesbian Mothers Describe Their Own Lives,” tracked 78 adolescents over a 26-year period.

“These kids were planned and their lesbian mothers were very engaged in parenting,” said Nanette Gartrell, principal investigator of the study for the Williams Institute. “At the end of high school, the teens tell us that they have excellent grades, feel connected to their families and friends, and admire their parents.”

The research, which appears in the Journal of Homosexuality . . .

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Teenage children of lesbian parents excel in school and are happier in life, claims new study" by UK Daily Mail Reporter 11/5/12

According to the report from the U.S. National Longitudinal Lesbian Family Study . . .

'Adolescents with Lesbian Mothers Describe Their Own Lives' is part of a larger study conducted by professors at the Williams Institute, UCLA School of Law that has tracked same sex families for 26 years as it examines the progress of children raised by two mothers.

Nearly all of them are planning to go to college after high school and all boasted strong family bonds with an open-minded attitude to life thanks to their non-traditional family situations.

The most recent, promising results were drawn after the 78 participants answered a series of questions about their everyday life covering topics such as academia, hobbies, goals, friendships, family dynamics, role models, health issues and wellbeing.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Teens Raised by Lesbian Parents Tend to Be Smarter, Happier: Study" by Makini Brice, Medical Daily 11/5/12

In a blow to one argument against the legalization of gay marriages, one study says that children raised by lesbian parents perform better in school and are happier in life.

The teens were also asked to rank their feeling of overall well-being. In a scale in which the highest number was 10, the average score of the adolescents was an 8.14.

Empirical data can hardly be counted as a scientific study, and the sample size was fairly small, though statistically sound. It is also unclear whether researchers controlled for confounding factors, like age and socioeconomic status. Further studies will need to be conducted and will likely be conducted on this hot-button issue.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Homosexual Judge Says Children Don't Need Parents as well as Homosexualists Use Children to Battle Christianity

Students Given PA Mic for Prayer at Football Games

Liberals, media, and atheists are fuming that Birdville Independent School District near Fort Worth is citing a Texas law in defense of its policy to allow a randomly-chosen student to pray before football games using the school's public address system.

Critics cite the 2000 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Santa Fe Independent School District v. Doe that school-sponsored prayer at football games is unconstitutional.

For background, read Prayer in America: Hidden Faith, or Public? and also read Missouri Votes to Bring Prayer Back to School, Countering Atheists

UPDATE 6/15/13: Texas Law Tells Schools to Ignore Atheist Threats



-- From "Despite Legal Issues, Prayers Before Football Games" by Scott Gordon, KXAS-TV5 (NBC Dallas-Fort Worth) 11/3/12

The district defends the policy and says it's legal under a Texas law passed in 2007 that allows a "limited public forum" for public school students.

"[Students] tell us they want to do it and we draw names out of the hat and say, 'This is your event' and they go on," [Birdville ISD spokesman Mark] Thomas said.

Thomas said the district allows students to say whatever they want. Sometimes it's a prayer, and other times students just welcome fans to the game, he said.

"We don't know until the student gets up there and we turn the mic on," he said. "We don't dictate; we don't ask."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Birdville school district defends prayers on PA system before football games" by Drew Davison, Fort Worth Star Telegram 11/1/12

. . . a student said a prayer from the field just before the national anthem. A disclaimer on the video board said the student was selected on "neutral criteria" and that her comments were a "private expression" and did not reflect the "endorsement" of the district.

"If the students choose to do a prayer, they can," Thomas said. "They can do a welcome. ... It's a freedom-of-speech issue that was addressed in [2007 Texas] legislation."

Birdville school board president Ralph Kunkel said . . . "During graduation ceremonies, we've had the valedictorian and salutatorian give speeches, where three or four times, they mention Allah. We can't edit that, just as if they mention Jesus and God."

[Rebecca Robertson of the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas said,] "We don't need to be doing it at school. We don't want a taxpayer-funded school to have a prayer over the loud speaker, whether it's Christian or Muslim or Jewish, because then it looks like the school has endorsed it."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Bishops Warn Voting for Democrats is 'Grave Sin'

Given the 2012 Democrat Party pro-abortion platform, and the ObamaCare assault on religious liberty, Roman Catholic bishops across America are directing local priests to inform their flocks of the eternal risks of voting for candidates who support abortion and/or who fight the Church.

For background, read Bishops Chasten VP Biden, a 'Practicing Catholic' and also read Pastors Endorse Candidates, IRS Fears Challenge

And read what the Vatican Says: NEVER Vote for Pro-choice Candidate and also says Liberal Catholic Candidates Must Repent Publicly

UPDATE 3/20/13: Pope Francis Says Wayward Politicians Can't Take Communion

UPDATE 11/5/12: Complaint to IRS Against Catholic Bishops is Bogus 'Scare Tactic'

-- From "Ill. bishop's election message criticizes Obama" by The Associated Press 11/3/12

Catholic Diocese of Peoria Bishop Daniel Jenky's letter [to his flock] says the president and the current majority in the U.S. Senate have been unwilling to consider Catholic objections to a requirement that insurance companies provide birth control to employees of religious organizations.

The letter says voters who enable "the destruction of innocent human life in the womb" are "guilty of grave sin." Jenky instructed priests to read it at every Mass over the weekend.

The letter continues: "Today, Catholic politicians, bureaucrats, and their electoral supporters who callously enable the destruction of innocent human life in the womb also thereby reject Jesus as their Lord. They are objectively guilty of grave sin."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Catholic bishops take campaign to prayer and pulpit" by Joel Connelly, Seattle Post Intelligencer 11/2/12

Jenky ordered diocesan priests to read his latest broadside from their pulpits, telling them:  “By virtue of your vow of obedience to me as your bishop, I require that this letter be personally read by each celebrating priest at each weekend Mass.”

[Jenky wrote,] “Since the foundation of the American Republic and the adoption of the Bill of Rights, I do not think there has ever been a time more threatening to our religious liberty than the present . .  . For those who hope for salvation, no political loyalty can ever take precedence over loyalty to the Lord Jesus Christ and to his Gospel of Life.”

. . . Green Bay, Wisconsin, Bishop David Ricken wrote in an October 24 letter that the Democratic Party platform support for marriage equality and abortion rights and other “intrinsic evils” puts parishoners’ souls at risk if they support the Democrats.

The Catholic bishops of Pennsylvania wrote a letter to voters last week arguing that abortion, contraception and marriage equality policies supported by the Obama administration and Democrats mean America is “losing its soul by little steps.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Arlington bishop’s pre-election letter" by Jeannine Hunter, Washington Post 11/1/12

Days before the presidential election, several Catholic bishops are making a final pitch to their flocks to vote, with some arguing that the last-minute appeals sound like powerful and partisan endorsements for Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney over President Obama.

In his final election message to the Diocese of Arlington and Catholics who live in northern Virginia, the Most Rev. Paul S. Loverde wrote [in part]:

We are first Catholics, not Democrats or Republicans, and recognizing our Catholic identity and the immutable truths of our faith, we must make the best decision we can according to our consciences, properly informed by the Church’s official teaching. . . .

. . . As Catholics, we must recognize that the defense of religious liberty is necessary if we, as individuals and as a Church, are to preserve our ability to practice in our daily lives and in the public square all that we profess at Mass each Sunday. . . .

. . . Abortion is no abstract topic or public policy issue without consequence in the present elections. The party platforms and political advertisements we see and hear each today confirm that the lives of the unborn, the weakest and most innocent amongst us, are still squarely in the public debate, and our votes do have consequences with respect to this “unspeakable crime,” both here at home and in nations abroad. If we do not defend life at its beginning at conception, then there is no life for us to develop and protect thereafter. It is the first right.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Catholic bishops make last-minute pitch for Romney" by David Gibson, Religion News Service 11/2/12

On Thursday, the bishops of Pennsylvania — a crucial battleground state where most Catholics are currently supporting Obama — released a letter to voters declaring that policies on contraception, abortion and gay rights backed by the White House and Democrats meant the nation was “losing its soul by little steps.”

In Wisconsin, Green Bay Bishop David Ricken wrote an Oct. 24 letter saying that the Democratic platform’s support for abortion rights and same-sex marriage and other “intrinsic evils” made it impossible for Catholics to support the party without putting their souls at risk.

That same day, Brooklyn Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio’s column in the diocesan newspaper said that voting for a candidate who supports policies on contraception coverage and abortion rights — as Obama does — “stretches the imagination, especially when there is another option.”

Across the continent in Alaska, Juneau Bishop Edward J. Burns wrote a column in the local newspaper on Oct. 27 comparing Vice President Joe Biden’s support for abortion rights to supporting slave owners in the antebellum South, and he questioned Biden’s character and Catholic faith.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Peoria Bishop: Voting For Pro-Choice Candidates A ‘Grave Sin’" posted at CBS News WBBM Chicago 11/2/12

Donna Doucette, of the group Voice of the Faithful — a Catholic lay group that seeks structural change in the Catholic Church — said Jenky and others like him threaten the Catholic Church’s tax exempt status by appearing to support a specific candidate.

Although the letter does not specifically urge Catholics to vote for Mitt Romney, and doesn’t mention President Barack Obama by name, it compares the president and Senate Democrats to those who killed Jesus.

Doucette calls the level of political involvement by some Catholic bishops this election year “unprecedented.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Complaint says bishops are violating politics ban" by Annysa Johnson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 11/2/12

A Washington-based ethics group has filed a complaint with the Internal Revenue Service alleging Catholic bishops, including Green Bay Bishop David Ricken, are violating the IRS ban on certain political activity by nonprofit organizations.

The group, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington . . . specifically highlighted comments by Ricken, who sent a letter to Catholics last week warning that their souls would be in danger if they voted for candidates who support gay marriage or abortion rights, generally Democrats; and Peoria Bishop Daniel Jenky, who directed his priests to read a statement accusing the Obama administration of waging an assault on religious freedom "without precedent in the American political and legal system." Jenky had previously compared Obama to Hitler and Stalin.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "For Catholic Voters, Pro-Life Issues are Not Negotiable" by Fr. Shenan Boquet, posted at LifeNews.com 11/2/12

The Church itself is very clear in its teaching, but the truth of the Church’s message can be lost in the deluge of political ads and speeches aimed at getting votes. In these critical days leading up to the election, it’s imperative that we reach out to our friends and family members to explain the non-negotiables for Catholic voters.

Catholics must be aware of the five non-negotiables (abortion, euthanasia, embryonic stem cell research, human cloning and the redefinition of marriage) which are intrinsic evils that cannot be supported. Voting to limit evil on these moral issues far outweighs any position on economic policy or issue of government-provided financial assistance in any election. Voting for a candidate who favors and supports any of the five non-negotiables could lead one to be morally complicit with promoting these intrinsic evils, putting one’s soul in jeopardy, as Bishop David Ricken of Green Bay courageously said last week.

[Also,] Catholics going into the election booth on Tuesday should be aware of the very real threat to our religious freedom.

As the saying goes, work like it all depends on you, pray as if it all depends on God.

To read the entire opinion column above, CLICK HERE.

Also read President Obama Denies Leading War Against Christianity

It's all about Religious Liberty & Anti-Christian Totalitarianism in America

Naked Man in Girls Locker Room OK'd in Washington

A 45-year-old man calling himself Colleen Francis has complained that he was discriminated against when a female coach at Evergreen State College (Olympia, WA) told him to put some clothes on and get out of the girls swimming pool locker room where girls as young as six were present.  State law requires the sexually confused to be allowed to use locker rooms of their choice.

“The idea that the college and the local district attorney will not act to protect young girls is appalling. What Americans are seeing here is the poisoned fruit of so-called ‘nondiscrimination’ laws and policies. Placing this man’s proclivities ahead of protecting little girls is beyond acceptable.”
-- David Hacker, a senior legal counsel for the Alliance Defending Freedom.

UPDATE 1/1/16: ALL Girls' Rooms Open to Men - It's the Law now in Washington

For background, read Tampa Gives Green Light to Men in Ladies' Room and also read Colorado Law Allows Men to Use Women's Rooms as well as Rutgers Co-ed Dorms & Showers: Gay Agenda

UPDATE 2/16/13: Government Says Boys Free to Use Girls Locker Room

UPDATE 2/27/13: Parents Demand School Allow Son in Girls Restroom

Click here to view KIRO TV News report/interview

-- From "Transgender woman told to leave women’s locker room" by KIRO-TV7 (Seattle) 10/5/12

Colleen Francis was using the sauna in a women’s locker room inside the recreation center at the school late in September.

Francis, who acknowledges she was born a man, said she lived as a woman since 2009.

Officials at the school told KIRO 7 that they have been working with the Olympia School District, which leases space at the pool.

According to state law, it requires equal access to state facilities regardless of gender identity.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "University 'nondiscrimination' policy lets man change with female swim team" by Bob Unruh, World Net Daily 11/1/12

. . . a school spokesman told WND the school would make sure “transgendered individuals” would continue to have access to the women’s locker room, and the school would uphold “civil rights” for all.

“I mean, uh, at this point, too, we have established a, um, privacy screens. These measures should offer everyone more privacy,” the school spokesman said.

The [ADF] letter to Matt Newman, recreation director, and Art Costantino, vice president of student affairs, pointed out that the school’s pool and locker rooms are used by swim teams from Capital High School and Olympia High School, as well as children with Evergreen Swim Club and the Aquatics Academy.

“Most of these students are minors, and range from ages 6 to 18,” the letter said. “On several occasions recently, the children saw a naked man in the women’s locker room sauna who was displaying his male genitalia. The children saw him through the sauna’s glass door, which allowed him a plain view of the young girls while they were changing. The children notified their swim coach, who called police.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Transgenderism is 'Delusion' Says Victim

Exploiting Obama Racism for MD Same-sex 'Marriage'

Next week's vote on the definition of marriage in Maryland is said to hinge on the state's nearly one-third black population, according to homosexualists who advertise that African Americans who blindly pledge allegiance to President Obama should likewise follow his anti-Christian lead and bless what God abhors -- a mantra being countered by black pastors.

“It's bad enough for President Obama to personally support gay marriage, now he and this ad are urging Black Christians to ignore their pastors and are attempting to re-educate the Black Christian community for political gain. This has to stop.”
-- Rev. Williams Owens, President of the Coalition of African-American Pastors

For background, read Voters Can Stop Maryland being Eighth 'Gay Marriage' State and also read Black Pastors Line up to Oppose Obama as well as Black Pastors Split with NAACP, Obama on Gay Agenda

-- From "President Obama’s voice featured in new same-sex marriage radio ad in Maryland" by John Wagner, The Washington Post 10/25/12

The ad, produced by Marylanders for Marriage Equality, highlights the emphasis both sides have put on wooing African-American voters, who make up a larger share of the electorate in Maryland than in any state outside the Deep South.

Proponents have also featured civil rights leaders and black ministers in their ads, arguing that allowing gay people to wed is the fair thing to do whether one personally approves or not.

They have also emphasized Obama’s conversion and the endorsement of same-sex marriage this spring of the NAACP.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Black vote key to Maryland gay marriages" by Pamela Nonga Ngue, California News Service 10/31/12

Increasing acceptance of same-sex marriage among African American voters could propel Maryland to become the first state to legalize same-sex marriage through a ballot referendum.

Initially, opposition among African American churches presented a formidable obstacle in a state whose population is almost one-third black and is among the nation's most reliable Democratic states.

But recent polls have revealed a shift in African American attitudes, which could have implications for same-sex measures around the nation, including those in Minnesota, Maine and Washington state. Support for marriage rights from President Obama has contributed to a growing acceptance among blacks that parallels evolving attitudes in the population as a whole.

A Washington Post poll this month showed the measure ahead by nine percentage points, though a Baltimore Sun poll released last weekend showed it a dead heat. If approved, the law will go into effect on Jan. 1.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Black Shift on Maryland Gay Marriage Pits Clergy Against NAACP" By William Selway, Business Week 10/19/12

Black voters have traditionally opposed gay marriage. . . .

[However,] Black opinion in Maryland shifted after Obama this year publicly backed same-sex marriage and the NAACP announced its support. A Pew Research Center national poll yesterday on Hispanics found that 52 percent said they supported gay marriage, a shift from 2006 when 56 percent opposed it.

. . . backers of gay marriage are making a direct appeal to blacks, who make up a quarter of the state’s voters, using television ads that feature ministers and a civil-rights leader explaining their support.

The Maryland ballot initiative is pitting minister against minister.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Maryland voters' support for same-sex marriage slips" by Danielle Ryan, Los Angeles Times 10/31/12

The change appears to be partly driven by black pastors in Maryland urging their congregations to vote against the measure.

The latest polling for the [Baltimore] Sun, conducted Oct. 20-23 by the Annapolis, Md., firm OpinionWorks, now shows 50% of black voters against same-sex marriage, with 42% supporting the idea.

Turnout in the state is likely to be driven by the presidential election, with Democrats expected to show up in big numbers. In the 2008 election, African Americans accounted for 25% of the Maryland vote.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Black Pastors: Pro-Gay-Marriage Ad ‘Manipulating the Black Community’" by Matt Cover, CNSNews.com 11/1/12

A group of African-American pastors is slamming a political ad that urges Marylanders to vote for a ballot referendum that would legalize same-sex marriage, calling it an attempt “to re-educate the black community” on the issue.

“This ad is the worst attempt at pandering and manipulating the Black community to ignore their own pastors who rightfully uphold the sanctity of traditional marriage. President Obama, whose support for same-sex marriage is used in the ad to explicitly pressure Black listeners to ignore their church's teachings, must disavow the ad and its message,” Owens said.

Black Christian churches traditionally have opposed homosexual marriage on religious grounds, often frustrating the attempts of liberals who try to enact it. In Maryland, the state legislature passed a same-sex marriage bill earlier this year, prompting the ballot measure as a last-chance effort by opponents of gay marriage to stop the law from taking effect.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Gay Marriage On Ballot In Four States; Obama Endorses Measures" by Liz Halloran, National Public Radio 10/26/12

. . . over the past decade and a half, each of the 30 states to consider constitutional amendments that would outlaw such unions has adopted the ban — from Alaska in 1998 to North Carolina earlier this year.

That may change on Election Day, when voters in Maryland, Washington, Maine and Minnesota — awash in money, messages and advertisements from both sides of the issue — will make their decision on whether to recognize gay marriage.

The Maryland Marriage Alliance has featured black preachers in its ads, and a note opposing gay marriage written by a niece of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. appears on the organization's website.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.