The current status of the same-sex marriage battle

There are new disturbing developments within New England and Washington, D.C.  and a new battleground has opened up in the state of New York. The current administration has made bold moves in direct defiance of the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), and a new development has begun in contravention of California’s recent state Supreme Court victory.

NEW ENGLAND

The majority of New England has recently shifted towards supporting homosexual marriage. With Massachusetts and Connecticut having already legalized the practice, the legislatures of Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire recently also passed bills permitting the same thing. This leaves Rhode Island as the final state within that region that does not allow for the practice, although it does agree to recognition of same-sex marriages legally performed elsewhere.

We are delighted that Stand for Marriage Maine announced that they have collected more than the 55,087 signatures needed to place a People’s Veto on the November ballot. With the collection of these signatures, it is proof that there are still many who want to restore marriage to its tradition al roots between an man and a woman.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

In the nation’s capital, the city council voted on April 7^th to recognize same-sex marriages performed elsewhere. Upset by the council’s decision without any public input, a coalition of individuals, including many African-American ministers, filed a referendum questioning the decision. Though the referendum was defeated, the group supporting traditional marriage plans to file an appeal with the D.C. Superior Court. In addition a Republican-led group of lawmakers also introduced a bill in the House that seeks to define marriage in the District of Columbia exclusively between a man and a woman.

In the meantime, the White House’s actions surrounding same-sex marriage have been appalling. Beyond just declaring June 2009 as Gay Rights Month, President Obama further violated the intent of the federal Defense of Marriage Act by extending full benefits to all domestic partners of federal employees. Seeking to assuage a vocal group of constituents, federal tax dollars have been misused, said Wendy Wright, president of the conservative Concerned Women for America:

“Barack Obama’s order demeans marriage and misuses taxpayer dollars. It violates the intent of the Defense of Marriage Act, which defines for the federal government that marriage (and thus all the benefits that come with marriage) is only between a man and a woman,” said Wright. “It generates untold costs and creates an incentive for fraud. Workers could claim anyone of the same sex is a ‘partner’ or seek coverage for multiple serial partners.”

Similar efforts have been made by other Democrats in the House, who have introduced a bill entitled the Reuniting Families Act. It blatantly redefines immigration policy by allowing for same-sex partners to be defined as “immediate family” for the purposes of reuniting in the United States. Without a marriage certificate, verifying the legitimacy of same-sex partnerships would be difficult.

NEW YORK

In May, the New York State Assembly voted by a majority to legalize same-sex marriage. Since that time, however, there has been great infighting amongst the Republican and Democrat members of the Assembly that have resulted in a gridlock of many forms of legislation, leaving the same-sex marriage result at a standstill. More news from this state on this particular issue is likely to emerge in the near future as their state legislature works to resolve its leadership disputes.

CALIFORNIA

On the west coast the battle over the California Supreme Court’s decision continues as a new case has been filed against the State of California in the hopes that the case will eventually reach the U.S. Supreme Court. Initiated by a surprising new ally of the gay rights movement, former solicitor general Theodore Olson has filed a federal case against the state of California’s Proposition 8 in the hopes of it reaching the U.S. Supreme Court. Olson has long been an attorney associated with representing conservative causes, and surprised many with this recent move. Though the outcome of the current Supreme Court’s justices on this issue is relatively uncertain, Olson’s case, entitled Perry v. Schwarzenegger, 09-CV-2292, argues that gay people are being denied their rights under the Constitution’s due process and equal-protection clauses. In character with the unbelievable power of the U.S. Supreme Court, should it choose to consider the case, all of the respective statewide battlegrounds outcomes could become irrelevant.

ACT NOW

Voters in each state where marriage has been re-defined or where the battle rages on have been ignored by policy makers and activists. The will of the people continues to be trampled under by those that have no respect for our nation’s way of governing. It is time to make your voices heard by contacting your elected officials and even the U.S. Supreme Court. Tell them that the people deserve to be heard!

In some states, referenda and initiatives are a possible alternative. Also, getting involved in the next election today is an integral way to make your voice known. The future of the family depends on you.

Most important, support organizations that support and advocate for the family. Without the needed financial donations, we cannot continue to inform, educate and be there to make a difference.

Genetically Engineered to be a “Donor Child”

A newly released movie, “My Sister’s Keeper” has brought the controversial topics of parental rights and designer families to the box office. In this thought provoking movie Anna, the main character, was created to be a “donor child” for her older sister Kate who has leukemia. The parents choose to conceive Anna through genetic engineering to ensure that she was perfect genetic match with Kate. Thus, Anna can donate blood, bone marrow and whatever else is necessary to keep her elder sister alive.

Anna loves her sister and never complains. Then, 11 years later, Kate’s kidneys begin to fail and she’ll need one of Anna’s. Anna finally says no. She hires a big-shot lawyer and takes her parents to court seeking “medical emancipation.”

This movie is very timely on the current issues with the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and generations of designer families. “Designer families” are becoming more and more popular with European and American couples. Using today’s technology to “design” the number, type and sex of their families has geneticists, ethicists, pro-life and pro-family experts alarmed over the potential harm this practice will have on children, families and society as a whole, and especially on women.

We want to hear from our readers, Do you think it is ok for a family to genetically engineer a child in hopes of saving another?

UNDERCOVER STUDENT VIDEO SHOWS PLANNED PARENTHOOD IN ALABAMA “BENDING THE RULES” OF MANDATORY REPORTING FOR SEXUAL ABUSE

BIRMINGHAM, June 30–A Planned Parenthood counselor in Birmingham was caught on hidden camera telling an alleged 14-year-old statutory rape victim that the clinic “does sometimes bend the rules a little bit” rather than report sexual abuse to state authorities. This is the seventh Planned Parenthood clinic implicated in a multi-state child abuse scandal involving the deliberate and unlawful suppression of evidence of statutory rape.

Lila Rose, 20-year-old UCLA student and Live Action president, went undercover at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Birmingham and told a counselor that she was 14-years-old, pregnant by her 31-year-old “boyfriend,” and needed a secret abortion so her parents would not find out about her sexual relationship with the older man.

After telling the counselor that her “boyfriend” is 31, Rose asks, “Is it a problem about my boyfriend?” The counselor, identified as “Tanisha” in the video, responds, “As long as you consented to having sex with him, there’s nothing we can truly do about that.” Rose then says that her boyfriend “said he could get in big trouble,” and Tanisha acknowledges that “he could, especially if your parents find out that he’s 31.”  She then tells Rose that the clinic manager, OB/GYN Dr. Desiree Bates, “sometimes does bend the rules a little bit” and states that “whatever you tell us stays within these walls” and “we can’t disclose any information to anybody.”

Alabama Code 26-14-3 requires health professionals to disclose suspected cases of sexual abuse to state officials immediately.

“The law is explicit about a healthcare provider’s duty to report, yet Planned Parenthood pretends they cannot say anything,” Rose notes of the investigation. “Planned Parenthood increases its business and influence by circumventing state reporting laws, but inflicts terrible harm upon the vulnerable young girls sent back to statutory rapists.”

In the video, Tanisha also seems to tell Rose that a signature from an “older sister that’s over the age of 18″ or someone “with the same last name” could function as a substitute for parental consent so Planned Parenthood could perform an abortion on a minor. Alabama Code 26-21-3 specifies that the written permission of either a parent or legal guardian is necessary before a minor may obtain an abortion.

The new video is sixth in Live Action’s “Mona Lisa Project,” a nationwide undercover investigation that documents Planned Parenthood’s repeated noncompliance with state mandatory reporting laws for sexual abuse of minors. Alabama is the fourth state to be implicated in the controversy, along with Arizona, Indiana, and Tennessee. Recently, the investigation of a clinic in Memphis, TN assisted state legislators in their effort to successfully divert nearly $1 million in taxpayer subsidies from Planned Parenthood to law-abiding local health clinics.

“When to ‘bend the rules a little’ means hiding a case of statutory rape from Child Protective Services and looking for ways around the parental consent requirement, Planned Parenthood becomes directly responsible for ensuring that statutory rapists can continue their abuse of young girls,” Rose says.

OBAMA’S HEALTH CARE REFORM ENDANGERS FAMILIES AND LIFE AROUND THE GLOBE

UFI keeps vigilant watch of those issues around the world that affect the family.  One such issue is developing in the United States. If US President Obama and the liberal majority in Congress have their way, health care provider choices will soon be obsolete. As promised, Obama is pushing through health care reform that will destroy the American health care system as we know it. This system will resemble government-run health care plans already in place in Canada and Europe. (To read the full alert)

Experience shows that when a socialistic system of mandated, government-run health care is instituted, mediocrity follows.  Private providers and drug companies close their doors and health care becomes rationed out.  Often those who need it most – the sick, chronically ill and elderly are the least cared for due to age or cost restrictions.  Equally critical is the concern of government regulation and mandates.

Fast Track Legislation

It is important that you learn as much as you can as fast as you can. This legislation is being promoted today and will be ready for a vote within a few short weeks. Protect your family today. You can make a difference. American citizens spoke out about their disagreement on comprehensive immigration reform and stopped legislation in its tracks. We can make a difference on this issue as well.

Speak up now, before it is too late. Talk to your family, your friends, your business associates. And, most importantly, contact the U.S. Senators in the states that have a possibility of bucking the Obama administration. They include:

(CLICK ON THE STATE TO CONTACT)

Arkansas
Virginia
Montana
Nebraska
Indiana
South Dakota
Louisiana
Alaska
Nevada
Pennsylvania
North Dakota
Missouri
Colorado
North Carolina
Maine
New Hampshire
Utah
Iowa
Ohio

Let the Senators know that you do not want government run, government controlled health care. Your family deserves better.

Together we can make a difference!

YouTube deems Planned Parenthood exposure video in violation of its policies!

On June 24th, Live Action uploaded a video to YouTube which was removed by YouTube shortly thereafter for “violation of the YouTube Community Guidelines”. No detailed explanation was provided and YouTube also give our account the Live Action account a “warning strike”.

United Families encourages you to watch the censored video by clicking on this link – http://bit.ly/ngVDc

For more information on why this video is not in violation of YouTube’s policies CLICK HERE.

CRC wants to take away parental rights and US wishes to join them! Stand for your rights – Take ACTION NOW

This letter from HSLDA addresses parental rights on the verge of being taken away.  Please read carefully and TAKE ACTION NOW!

Call Now to Stop
UN Children’s Treaty

Monday in a Harlem middle school, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice told a group of 120 students that administration officials are actively discussing “when and how it might be possible to join” (that is, ratify) the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). As before, she also communicated what a disgrace it is that the U.S. would stand with only Somalia against such a widely accepted treaty.

This is the first direct public statement by the Obama administration that it will seek ratification of the UN CRC.

In my 30 years of political involvement, I have learned to recognize this as what is called a “trial balloon.” Like in World War I trench warfare, our opponents have “sent up a balloon” to see if it will draw fire. If things remain quiet, they will proceed with their plans to push for ratification of the CRC in the U.S. Senate. To discourage them from doing so, we need to make sure that our voices are heard with unmistakable clarity. We must let the Obama administration know that we oppose this anti-family, anti-American treaty.
Action

Here’s what we need you all to do:

1. Call the White House comments line at 202-456-1111. Tell them you heard the administration wants to ratify the CRC, and you strongly oppose this giving away of U.S. sovereignty to the UN. Also, keep in mind that this treaty gives the government jurisdiction to override any decision made by any parent if the government thinks that a better decision can be made—even if there is no proof of any harm.

2. Call the Ambassador Susan Rice’s office at the United Nations. Tell her that you want her to represent the United States to the world rather than trying to get the United States to go along with international law initiated by the UN. Her office number is 212-415-4000.

3. Contact your senators and urge them to oppose ratification of this treaty. (Find your senators’ contact information by using HSLDA’s Legislative Toolbox.) Ask them also to defeat it once and for all by cosponsoring SJRes 16—the Parental Rights Amendment.

It is very important that we speak up right now. Please call before you close this page!

Father’s Day

Roughly 100 years ago, the first Fathers’ Day celebration in the United States began. This weekend individuals have the opportunity to commemorate fathers and together celebrate the important role they play in the family unit, society and in our personal lives.

Looking back into American history, fatherhood’s role established the strength of this country from the beginning. During a time when the father specifically was responsible for the discipline, education, and moral upbringing of his children, great leaders like Samuel Chase, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and many other founding fathers were shaped by the patriarchs of their homes. As a result of their worthy efforts, one of the greatest democracies in the world was born out of unbelievable odds.

This weekend reflect on a broader topic, the rights of a father. The Washington Times writer Armstorng Williams wrote a powerful article: A critical role for fathers. Williams  writes, “A father’s rights have remained a largely hidden issue, tucked away beneath America’s fiery and passionate opinions on abortion. In many ways, the parental rights of expectant fathers are blatantly ignored, and fathers are, in a court of law, unable to voice their opinion in regard to childbirth.”

In this heartbreaking story of a father whose child is aborted because his girlfriend does not want to have the child. The father pleads with the mother and the courts, willing to raise the child alone and in the end fail to convince the courts that he has any rights to save his dear child. The courts look upon him as no more then a DNA donor.

Williams challenges the courts decision, “Doesn’t this symbiotic act give the father some say in the matter of whether his girlfriend may have an abortion? After all, if the baby had been carried to term, Mr. Stachokus, irrespective of his own preferences, would have been legally obligated to pay child support. Society would have demanded that he take responsibility. And yet when it comes to the decision of whether to abort that same child, he is denied any say whatsoever. That is an appalling contradiction. “

It is time to rally together and fight for the rights of the fathers. There are many more cases like these stories shared. As a community of those who believe in the family, we thank each and every father who daily chooses to be a part of the lives of his children. Not only are you blessing their lives today, but you are also blessing the lives of future communities of which they will be a better part. Like those great men who shaped the founding fathers of the United States, you too are nation-building in a way that no one else can.

Help Send the United Families Team to World Congress of Families V in Amsterdam! CHIP IN TODAY!

The room was packed!  Several hundred people from many countries had gathered in a break out session at World Congress of Families IV.  The room was quiet except for my pounding heart and the soft buzz of interpreters behind the glass windows.  What could be said to verify that mother’s in the home have a positive effect on national economy?  Trembling, I began my prepared remarks with the words: “As the mother of 13 children, I understand the critical role mothers play in a healthy society.”   I hardly got the words out of my mouth when the room broke into a thunderous applause.  As I stood there looking into the faces of these wonderful people, I could see the great love they felt for the blessing of families.  Many of them lived in political and economic situations that would never allow them to enjoy the benefits of a large family, but they recognized the value of it just the same. It was heart warming to feel their support for families.

World Congress of Families is a gathering for people around the world who value the traditional family and wish to preserve that heritage.  They come seeking to be educated on ways they can strengthen families in their individual countries.  At the last World Congress we distributed hundreds of educational materials, collected thousands of signatures for the Canadian Petition to Protect Marriage Between a Man and a Woman and built relationships with pro family individuals and organizations that have enhanced our vital work at the United Nations.  World Congress of Families is a critical gathering in the fight to protect families around the world.

In less than two months United Families International will be attending World Congress of Families V(WCFV) in Amsterdam!  We are VERY excited for this opportunity to participate in educating thousands of people from around the world on the importance of the family, and to network with other like-minded organization to unite and strengthen the worldwide voice for the family.  To learn more about WCFV click here.  To attend WCFV click here.

United Families will be sending a team of experts to this conference and we need your help!

Our team consists of:

Carol Soelberg a mother, community volunteer and committed pro-family activist.  As the mother of thirteen children and a growing number of grandchildren, she understands the crucial role families play in a healthy society.  Carol and her husband, Glade, were named the Untied States National Parents of the year in 2006.  Carol has served as Arizona Defend Marriage Project chairperson, President of United Families Arizona, and is currently President of United Families International.  Carol will be speaking and moderating a panel discussion on Intergenerational Solidarity Within Families.

Laura Knaperek served for 10 years as an Arizona State Representative, during which she established herself as an advocate for children and the disabled.  As the International Policy Director for UFI, Laura represents family issues at the United Nations in New York and participates in international delegations.  Laura will be attending WCFV to network with other organizations to unite the family voice.

Aaryn Lind has served as the office manager for United Families for over a year.  In February of this year she attended the Conservative Political Action Conference and gathered hundreds signatures for the The Universal Right to Life and Recognition of the Family as the Fundamental Unit of Society petition and she is ready to do the same in Amsterdam.  Aaryn will be attending WCFV to manage the UFI booth as she educates people about UFI’s mission to strengthen the family by standing for family, marriage, life, parents, and sovereignty.

You can help us get to WCFV by chipping in TODAY!

(To see the progress of this fundraiser CLICK HERE)

Help us spread the word!

Please forward this to all your friends and family so that they too can help us get to Amsterdam!  Even if you cannot make a donation by simply helping us spread the word you are helping us get there!

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Demographic Winter

What would you do if you knew your family line would cease to exist… not at some distant point in time, but in the foreseeable future? What would you do if a human genocide was taking place RIGHT NOW, right under your nose, in countries around the world and RIGHT HERE in the United States?

If after viewing Demographic Winter you agree that it is the most authoritative and shocking thing that you have seen; and if you agree that it must be shared with your friends, your family members, the people who go to your church and your neighbors, then CLICK HERE to have the full length hour-long DVD delivered directly to you!

Please watch this trailer to Demographic Winter.

What Others Are Saying About Demographic Winter

“Demographic Winter is a strong wake up call to most people.  It dispels common misconceptions that overpopulation is a viable concern.  Only by educating ourselves as to the seriousness of Demographic Winter can we  raise our voice of warning to others.  Take the time to watch and learn from this incredibly well done documentary.  When you do, you will be compelled to share it with others.  Help United Families International spread this important message!  Help us preserve a future for families!”
Carol Soelberg
United Families International

“Demographic Winter is a timely account of a crisis we cannot ignore. The loss of confidence and the decline of faith that afflict much of the West are leaving us with empty cradles and emptier hearts. This film is a call to recover the family so that we can renew our future.”
Tony Perkins
Family Research Council

“Demographic Winter is a wake-up call for the pro-family movement. The worldwide fall of birthrates is one of the most pressing problems confronting humanity. Watching this DVD (and sharing it with others) is a necessary first step to finding solutions.”
Paul Weyrich
Free Congress Research and Education Foundation

Click here to  take immediate action to have the full length hour-long DVD delivered directly to you.

Go to https://secure.ultracart.com/checkout/singleLoad.do?r=1244826211328&merchantId=DEMOW to ORDER TODAY and share this important information with ALL your friends and family!

Good News Comes in Threes: Utah, California & The Nation

One…Two…Three. United Families Utah and the pro-family movement is making a difference!

1. Utah’s Next Governor Supports Traditional Marriage

At a recent news conference on Capitol Hill, Lt. Gary Herbert, soon to be Governor Herbert, was asked by a reporter “Do you support same-sex civil unions?” Lt. Gov. Herbert clearly stated:

“I do not. I supported Amendment 3; I voted for Amendment 3; and for me, at least, the debate is over in Utah. The [State] Constitution’s been changed, amended. That being said, I do believe we have due respect for all people in Utah and ought to make sure we conduct ourselves in that way. Again, in my faith, I believe we’re all brothers and sisters of a loving Heavenly Father and we’re going to treat each other that way.”

In response to the follow-up question, “Did you support any of the ‘Common Ground Initiative’ [bills]?” the Lt. Governor responded:

“I supported Amendment 3 and I’m going to let that be my statement on the issue…”

United Families Utah along with the Sutherland Institute commends Lt Governor Herbert and looks forward to working with him in the future.

2. California Supreme Court Upholds Prop 8

Finally, California Supreme Court has upheld the voter’s voice: Same-sex marriage will not be allowed in California. The Christian Science Monitor reports “the measure only takes away the term ‘marriage’ – not a gay couple’s legal rights.”

3. Majority of Americans are Pro-Life

America has shifted to a Pro-Life position and the trend will continue into the future. A recent Gallup poll reveals more Americans are “Pro-Life” than “Pro-Choice” for first time since 1995 when Gallup started gathering opinions on pro-life. Click here for more information.

It is evident that when we keep up the effort to reason and advocate for the family we can make a difference. Let us continue to reach out to those who will join our ranks to keep the tide rolling our way.