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.

Agree With Homosexuality Or Else…..

Christian charity worker suspended over opposition to gay rights

A charity worker has been suspended after telling a colleague about his Christian beliefs against homosexuality, even though he says he is not homophobic and was merely responding to questions from a colleague about his beliefs.

David Booker, 44, who works at a Christian hostel in Southampton, a charity whose patron is the Archbishop of Canterbury, was asked about his faith by a colleague, Fiona Vardy during a late shift last month.

He told her he was opposed to same-sex marriages and to homosexual clergy but denied being homophobic and said that he had homosexual friends.

The next evening, Mr Booker was suspended from his £19,000-a-year post as a hostel support worker with Society of St James, where he has been employed for the last four years. The hostel told him the action was taken for “events that happened last night”

A few days later he was told he had “seriously breached” the charity’s code of conduct “by promoting your religious views which contained discriminatory comments regarding a person’s sexual orientation”. The action had been taken “to safeguard both residents and staff”, he was advised.

Mr Booker, an evangelical from Southampton, who is being advised by the Christian Legal Centre, now faces an enquiry and a disciplinary hearing.

It comes just weeks after a Christian nurse suspended for offering to pray for the recovery of a patient was reinstated. North Somerset NHS Trust suspended nurse Caroline Petrie for failing to show a commitment to equality and diversity after she offered to pray for the recovery of an elderly patient. The patient did not complain.

E. Mich. Univ. ousts student for not affirming homosexual behavior

DETROIT — Attorneys with the Alliance Defense Fund Center for Academic Freedom filed a lawsuit against Eastern Michigan University Thursday after school officials dismissed a student from the school’s counseling program for not affirming homosexual behavior as morally acceptable. The school dismissed Julea Ward from the program because she would not agree prior to a counseling session to affirm a client’s homosexual behavior and would not retract her stance in subsequent disciplinary proceedings.

“Christian students shouldn’t be penalized for holding to their beliefs,” said ADF Senior Counsel David French. “When a public university has a prerequisite of affirming homosexual behavior as morally good in order to obtain a degree, the school is stepping over the legal line. Julea did the responsible thing and followed her supervising professor’s advice to have the client referred to a counselor who did not have a conscience issue with the very matter to be discussed in counseling. She would have gladly counseled the client if the subject had been nearly any other matter.”

EMU requires students in its program to affirm or validate homosexual behavior within the context of a counseling relationship and prohibits students from advising clients that they can change their homosexual behavior. Ward has never addressed homosexual behavior in any form during counseling sessions with clients.

EMU initiated its disciplinary process against Ward and informed her that the only way she could stay in the graduate school counseling program would be if she agreed to undergo a “remediation” program. Its purpose would be to help Ward “see the error of her ways” and change her “belief system” as it relates to counseling about homosexual relationships, conforming her beliefs to be consistent with the university’s views. When Ward did not agree with the conditions, she was given the options of either voluntarily leaving the program or asking for a formal review hearing.

Ward chose the hearing, during which EMU faculty denigrated her Christian views and asked several inappropriate and intrusive questions about her religious beliefs. The hearing committee dismissed her from the counseling program on March 12. Ward appealed the decision to the dean of the College of Education, who upheld the dismissal on March 26.

“Julea has a constitutional right not to be compelled to speak a message she disagrees with. She acted as a professional counselor should–with great concern both for her beliefs and the client,” ADF Legal Counsel Jeremy Tedesco explained. “The two are not incompatible, but EMU’s policies are incompatible with the Constitution.”

Obama Administration Proposing To Rescind Laws That Protect Health Care Providers

The sanctity of life is being attacked from all sides. From the United Nations to your doctor’s office, treaties, money and new regulations are forcing unwilling participants to participate in the act of abortion.

As you know, tax dollars from the United States are now funding abortions throughout the world because President Obama overturned the Mexico City Policy which previously barred recipients of any U.S. foreign aid from performing or promoting abortion services, as a method of family planning in other countries.

As a follow-up, the Obama Administration is now proposing to rescind the Freedom of Conscience laws that protect health care providers of faith. In other words, nurses, doctors, pharmacists, and hospitals will now be forced to offer abortion services or they could lose their ability to practice in their chosen profession.

We should all be very concerned. Just imagine if you or a family member had trouble finding adequate health care because those who practice medicine in your area had to leave their profession because of these regulations. This could be particularly devastating to rural areas or states with a high concentration of medical practitioners of faith. Both could be severely impacted because of the lack of health care available due to these new laws. Healthcare providers may resign from their professions. Hospitals will be shut down. And future doctors and nurses will choose another profession rather than be forced to participate in the destruction of life.

Currently, Catholic hospitals account for 15-20% of the hospital services provided in this country. Those hospitals might have to cease operations if they had to succumb to new regulations requiring them to offer abortion services.

There is something you can do. The process the Administration is using requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to have a period of time to accept opinions from citizens. They are also required to review these opinions. We only have until April 9, 2009. Please take a moment and send a letter to the HHS asking them not to approve these discriminatory regulations. Click here

From the halls of the United Nations to the hospitals where the newborn babies lay, the Obama Administration is attempting to force us all to accept that taking the life of the unborn is a necessary act. They would like us all to believe that this is the opinion of the majority. We need to tell them that is not true! Please let them know that we will not be a party to this destruction of life! Act now to inform them that families throughout the world care about this issue and will not accept this type of discrimination upon their healthcare providers.

We at United Families International continue to work diligently to protect the life of the unborn. Our work at the international, national and state levels is vitally important to this cause. Please consider donating $25, $35, $50, or $100 TODAY so that we may continue to protect the lives of the unborn.

Beverly Rice, UFI President

UPDATE: Marriage in Minnesota

The UFI State Chapter Director from Minnesota reports:

Friday, March 27th, the Civil Justice committee in the MN House was scheduled to hear 4 bills concerning civil unions (HF999), ending of DOMA laws (HF893), recognizing same-sex marriages from other states (HF1740) and a proposed amendment to define marriage as between a man and a woman (HF 1871).

On March 25th the committee canceled hearing those four bills and added the bill, HF 1655 which is a bill to develop a committee to study marriage laws and regulations in Minnesota and how they may discriminate or affect economic conditions. 

Bottom Line: Marriage will not be voted on in Minnesota this year.

Hillary Clinton To Receive Planned Parenthood’s Highest Honor

Tony Perkins and the Family Research Council report:

And the Award Goes to…

Tomorrow in Houston, Texas, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is scheduled to receive Planned Parenthood’s highest honor–the 2009 Margaret Sanger Award. The gala, which takes place down the road from the construction of America’s largest-ever abortion facility, has been in the works since Hillary’s days in the Senate. To many, it reinforces the strong alliance between the Obama administration and the radical pro-abortion crowd.

As Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton is the most visible American ambassador. What better way to show her support for the President’s newest export–overseas abortion–than share the stage with one of the federal government’s prime partners in that effort? According to the organization’s press release, Clinton is being lauded as “a champion of women’s health and rights throughout her public service career.”

Of course, the question remains whether this award is even an honor. If “no one is pro-abortion,” as Barack Obama insists, then why agree to be celebrated by the number one supplier of abortion in America? It’s an organization whose founder embraced eugenics, targeted “the unfit” for “extinction,” and whose current staff is on record as accepting racially motivated donations in seven different clinics nationwide. It’s an organization that fights to bar parents from the medical decisions of their 12-year-old daughters. According to videos in at least four states, Planned Parenthood has been involved in serial statutory rape cover-ups. Allegations in California point to an estimated $180 million of fraud. In at least two states, Planned Parenthood petitioned for the construction of abortion clinics under false pretenses.

Really, is this an award that anyone–including Hillary Clinton–should covet? Its very name, the Margaret Sanger Award, is a tribute to a woman whose life’s mission was to “build a race of thoroughbreds.” Planned Parenthood’s long campaign to promote abortion on request, celebration of sexual libertinism, eugenics, and radical prejudice is the worst foreign policy message our nation could send–and tomorrow they crown their messenger.

Politico: Clinton to appear at Planned Parenthood event

New Hampshire Takes The Stage

The New Hampshire House voted this morning to reject the same-sex marriage bill on a 183-182 roll call vote, only to reverse position moments later on a motion to reconsider. On motion to reconsider, proponents successfully pressured 3 representatives to change their votes. The bill then passed the House by a 186-179 margin and is now headed to the Senate.

Just three weeks ago, we were expected to lose by a wide margin in the New Hampshire House, but because of your efforts very nearly pulled off a shocking upset victory. Those on the ground in New Hampshire are telling us that your efforts — contacting NH legislators and supporting the NOM Northeast Action plan — were critical as we were able to send thousands of emails to New Hampshire lawmakers and run radio ads throughout the state.

Unfortunately, a loss is still a loss, and we have lots of work ahead in the Senate. Please join us in contacting the NH Senate today.

-Brian Brown, National Organization for Marriage

UPDATE: Vermont Gay Marriage Bill Passes Senate, Moves to House

**NEWS** AP: Vt.’s GOP governor says he’ll veto gay marriage

The following was received by the National Organization for Marriage as an Urgent Action Alert:

If we don’t act now, by the end of the week, Vermont could become the first state to adopt same-sex marriage legislatively — without a court order hanging over their heads.

I need two things from you today. It’ll only take about 5 minutes, but your action could make the difference for marriage, not just in Vermont, but in the nation. Once the floodgates open in Vermont, it will be easier for other state legislatures to follow suit.

We need to remind these legislators that their constituents are watching, and that they will be held accountable for their votes. We can’t let them forget that 17 Vermont legislators lost their seats over civil unions in 2000. Urge them to adopt a proposed amendment sending the same-sex marriage bill to the people of Vermont for a vote. Tell them this is too important an issue to ramrod through in just a few days — with no real public debate.

Here’s where things stand: Despite our best efforts, the Vermont Senate passed Senate Bill 115 Monday night on a vote of 26-4. The vote sends the bill to the Vermont House, where the leadership is expected to try to push it through quickly — a committee vote is likely within the next day or two and a vote of the full House may come before the end of the week.

While the Democratic leadership claims to have enough support to pass the bill, our efforts this week are critical. Working together, we can stop this, and at the same time put Vermont legislators on notice that the nation is watching, and that their constituents care about marriage. Even if the leadership succeeds in ramming the bill through this week, the margin of passage is critical.  Governor Douglas opposes same-sex marriage, and is considering a veto. The House vote is certain to be closer than the Senate vote, and we need to keep the pressure on.

One legislator told the Burlington Free Press yesterday that he’d received 300 calls and emails about the same-sex marriage bill (an unheard-of number in Vermont!)– and that supporters of same-sex marriage outnumbered opponents by a 2-1 margin! Let’s correct the record, and make sure that every pro-marriage Vermonter contacts his or her legislators today!

Here’s what I need you to do:

1. Contact the members of the Vermont House. If you live in Vermont, your action today is critical. Even if you’ve taken action before, please use this hyperlink to send a message to all 150 members of the Vermont House of Representatives, urging them to respect the voice of all Vermonters, and send this to the people for a vote — not rush it through in just a few days.

Even if you don’t live in Vermont, please send a message letting the Vermont House know that the nation is watching, and urging them to respect the voices of their constituents — let the people vote!

2. Forward this message to every person you know in Vermont!  We have three days to get every pro-marriage person in Vermont to contact their legislators, and we need your help!

Thank you for all you’re doing to stand for marriage. The need is urgent, and we couldn’t do it without your help.

-Brian Brown

ALERT: Marriage in Vermont is in Jeopardy TODAY!

This EMERGENCY ACTION ALERT was sent by the National Organization for Marriage:

This afternoon, the Vermont Senate is holding a rare special session to vote on a handful of bills including S.115, the same-sex marriage bill. A vote on the SSM bill is likely to take place sometime after 3:00pm.  Unless we take decisive action now, it looks increasingly likely that the bill may pass.

Please take action before 3pm today!   Send emails to every member of the Vermont Senate to let them know how important protecting marriage is.

 

Even if you’re from out of state, help us send a message to the Vermont Senate.

1. TAKE ACTION! Use this hyperlink to send a message to all 30 members of the Vermont Senate, urging them to respect marriage and the voices of their constituents by voting NO on S.115.

2. FORWARD TO A FRIEND! Then, click here to forward this email to five friends, especially anyone who lives in Vermont. We must get this email into the hands of as many Vermonters as possible before 3pm today!

Voice Of The Nation: Family Values Blog Talk Radio Debuts

United Families International (UFI) and the Digital Network Army (DNA) are pleased to announce the new BlogTalkRadio show: Voice Of The Nation, on Family Values Blog Talk Radio. Voice Of The Nation will be hosted by UFI Media Director, Drew Conrad and DNA Director, Angela Rockwood. The on-line talk radio show will highlight current Family Values news and discusses the logic behind the Pro-Family Movement.

The inaugural show was on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 2:00 PST.Voice Of The Nation discused same-sex marriage initiatives that are taking root across the country as well as summarized the recent happenings regarding the assault on the family at the UN.

UFI International Policy Director, Laura Knaperek, who was one of several UFI representatives at the UN during CSW, will be a guest on the show. Prior to joining UFI, Mrs. Knaperek served in the Arizona State Legislature for ten years. During her tenure as a State Representative, she established herself as an advocate for children, families and the disabled.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SHOW’S HOMEPAGE

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

ADF: Activists filing lawsuit against DOMA, want judge to redefine marriage for everyone

BOSTON — A lawsuit filed by a handful of same-sex couples represented by a homosexual activist group is seeking to have a judge redefine marriage for the entire country, according to attorneys with the Alliance Defense Fund. The lawsuit asks a federal judge to declare portions of the federal Defense of Marriage Act, which defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman, unconstitutional.

“Public policy should be decided by the public, not by one judge and a very small number of radical activists,” said ADF Senior Legal Counsel Brian Raum. “America continues to overwhelmingly reaffirm that marriage is one man and one woman. Does the democratic process mean anything anymore?”

• 45 states have laws defining marriage as the union of a man and a woman.
• All 30 states that have sought to affirm marriage as one man and one woman in their state constitutions have done so.
• DOMA passed in 1996 by an overwhelming majority of 342–67 in the House and 85–14 in the Senate and was then signed by President Bill Clinton.

“None of these facts appear to matter to the people who have filed this lawsuit,” Raum explained. “They do not care about the negative social impact on children if federal judges redefine marriage. Courts should never impose a system which guarantees that more kids will be brought up in homes without a married mom and dad. How can we justify hurting millions of children for the possible emotional benefit of a very small number of adults?”

The homosexual activist group Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders brought the lawsuit on behalf of several individuals involved in homosexual behavior.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE STORY FROM THE AP

UFI at CPAC: February 27 Update

For the second day in a row, the 2009 edition of CPAC focused the conversation on the economy. Barack Obama’s plan to save the economy was discussed and many conservative alternatives to the president’s plan were offered. Rep. Jason Chaffetz from Utah submitted to the conference that the United States cannot continue to run the country on a credit card. Former Governor Mitt Romney and other business minds floated the idea of cutting all taxes in half, while eliminating the capital gains tax for the middle class. The economy aside, the family was mentioned by several speakers.

Dr. Larry Eastland, a man who has held several positions from White House staffer to statistical analyst to author and U.S. Marine, shared that of all the jobs he has had, the job of grandfather has been his favorite.  Dr. Eastland spoke of the importance of his family in his life and in his success.  He also spoke of the need to preserve freedoms, while holding individuals accountable for their actions.

Rep. Ron Paul, a medical doctor who has delivered over 4,000 babies spoke on abortion.  Rep. Paul, who is pro-life, stated that the decision of abortion should be a state decision, not  a federal one. He said that state legislatures should have the power to pass their own abortion legislation and that if the courts were needed, the State Supreme Court, not the U.S. Supreme Court should make the ruling. 

Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney delivered one of the better speeches of the day. In the speech, Gov. Romney denounced liberal activist judges who seek to legislate from the bench. He spoke of the disregard for democracy as non-elected judges re-write the constitution. Gov. Romney pleaded with conservatives everywhere to stand up for their values as several important principles come under fire.

UFI added several signatures for the U.N. Petition to Protect Life, bringing the total number of signatures gathered at CPAC to just under 400.

SEE ALSO: UFI at CPAC: February 26 Update

UFI at CPAC: February 26 Update

The largest CPAC in history kicked off today in Washington, D.C. with more than 8,500 attendants.  A large youth presence is noticed as nearly half of those 8,500 CPAC goers are college students.  Much of the conversation was dominated by the current economic condition, the “Fairness Doctrine”, and discussion of ways to advance the conservative movement.  One of the more humorous comments made about the economy was made during tonight’s banquet when the Emcee said, “we know with the current president, a penny saved is a penny taxed.”  Between the humor and financial speak, the family was also mentioned.

Rep. Mike Pence criticized the Mexico City Policy, saying that it is shameful that the tax dollars of Pro-Life Americans goes toward the promotion of abortion abroad.  He also called for action to reduce the amount of federal funding that the pro-abortion group, Planned Parenthood receives.  Rep. Pence cited the breakdown of accountability and integrity as a major reason for the current economic downturn.

Gov. Mike Huckabee advocated the family as a means of reducing government’s involvement in the lives and business of Americans.  Gov. Huckabee said, “It is when families fail that government is forced to take over.”  In his speech, the former Arkansans governor also refereed to the fact that in all 30 states that have allowed citizens to vote on the definition of marriage,  traditional marriage has won every time…including states like California and Florida, states that Barack Obama won.

At the UFI booth in the exhibit hall, we gathered nearly 200 signatures for the UN Petition to Protect Life.  If you will be attending CPAC tomorrow or Saturday, please come by and add your name!

UFI to Attend CPAC

United Families International will be attending the 2009 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), held in Washington, D.C. from February 26-28.

From Wikipedia: CPAC is an annual political conference attended by conservatives, activists, and elected officials from across the United States. CPAC began in 1973 as a small gathering of dedicated conservatives but has since grown into a large event attracting members of Congress, college activists, and other political celebrities. It is hosted by the American Conservative Union in association with sponsors Human Events and the Young America’s Foundation.

UFI will be an exhibitor at the conference and UFI representatives will attend the various meetings that CPAC offers.   UFI will write daily from the conference here on the UFI blog and will post updates on the UFI Twitter page.

Openly Gay Minn. State Senator calls Same-Sex Marriage a ‘Pointless Issue’

From The Minnesota Independent: 

The office of state Sen. Paul Koering, a gay Republican representing a district near Brainerd, Minn., is responding by e-mail to criticisms over his decision not to vote for the Marriage and Family Protection Act, a bill that would make gay marriage legal in Minnesota.

The gist? Legislators can’t “waste their time” with “pointless legislation.” The mass e-mail, penned by an impassioned Ken Swecker, Koering’s legislative assistant, concludes with the punchline: “I’ve already wasted too much time in responding to you.”

Here’s the full letter:

My name is Ken Swecker, Senator Koering’s Legislative Assistant. Senator Koering and I both would like to respond to the e-mails we’ve been receiving regarding his intention to not vote in favor of Senate File 120. I am currently responding to the e-mails to give you the Senator’s home phone number so that you might call him over the weekend and speak with him personally on the matter. This much he asked me to do.

To add to that, as a personal statement, is to say that SF 120 is something that the majority of the People of Senate District 12, the People that he was elected to represent, do not favor this piece of legislation. In case you have forgotten, we are a government of the People, by the People, and for the People. He was not elected serve his personal interests. I personally believe that instead of sending e-mails full of threats and hateful words you should take his example to heart and congratulate him on being a legislator who cares more about what the People of his district want than what he may want personally. You and I both know that this is a rare quality to find, and just because this is contrary to how you wish for him to vote, you must remember and respect he is here to represent the interests of his rural Minnesota constituents who voted him into office. As a constituent of his myself, I am happy to see him take non-personal votes on several issues. After all, I would not want another politician taking another vote that would serve his or her personal interests more so than the People’s, would you?

I can testify all day long about how much Senator Koering cares for the People of Senate District 12. He ran three consecutive times, being defeated the first two, and why did he put himself through so much hard work? Do you think it was because he needed another job? Absolutely not! He did it because he believed he was the best person to serve the People that he calls neighbors, friends, and family. And especially now, in a time like this, we are being bogged down with this completely pointless issue. There are People in Morrison and Crow Wing Counties, and across the State who are losing their jobs, their homes, their insurance, and were you to ask them if this is an issue that should take one second of precedent over these conditions they’re facing every day, do you believe, do you honestly believe that they would say to you, ‘Yes, please, waste the time of the State Legislature with a piece of legislation that will not help, but in fact, overshadow the current situation we’re living in? Please, waste their time with this piece of legislation while I tell my son and daughter that mom and dad aren’t hungry tonight?’

I know very well that you will respond to this e-mail of mine with some probably quirky, snide, and very thoughtless comment that will make me out to be a bad person and threaten the Senator even more just as most of the absolutely tactless and disrespectful e-mails we’ve received have been written, but really, don’t waste your time. We’ll just put your e-mail where it belongs, in the trash.

The Senator’s home number is
xxx-xxx-xxxx

He’s free on the weekends.

Very Sincerely, every word of it,
Ken Swecker

P.S.
I hope you do not believe that this e-mail was written specific to the one that you sent, this is a blanket e-mail, being sent to everyone who has e-mailed us on this issue and I’ve already wasted too much time in responding to you. Good day.

Senator Paul Koering
District 12
131 State Office Building
St. Paul, MN 55155-1206
Phone:651-296-4875

Who is Kathleen Sebelius?

LifeSiteNews reports that President Obama will call Governor Kathleen Sebelius, of Kansas, to be the new head to the Health and Human Services Department.  

The article states, “While House officials say President Barack Obama will name pro-abortion Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, who has been criticized for refusing to limit late-term abortions, as the Secretary of the Health and Human Services Department.

Once official, her selection would add to Obama’s growing pro-abortion record as president. Obama advisors notified the media late Wednesday that the president has settled on Sebelius as his top choice for the position, though her has not made his decision official.

The New York Times indicates the White House has not finished vetting Sebelius for the post and officials were unsure whether the process would be complete in time for her to be nominated next week.”

Of Gov. Sebelius’ abortion record, The Family Research Council said this: “Sebelius has been endorsed by Planned Parenthood and they have conducted fundraising activity on her behalf.

“Reviewing the record of Gov. Sebelius when she served in the Kansas House of Representatives, it is difficult to find a single instance, either in a procedural or substantive vote, where she acted in a manner that would afford unborn children the maximum protection. In the 1980s and 1990s then- Representative Sebelius voted to weaken or eliminate even such modest measures as parental notification, waiting periods and informed consent. 
As governor, she twice has vetoed bills attempting to protect the health and safety of women by more tightly regulating abortion clinics.”

In April 2007, Sebelius hosted a private reception for infamous abortion doctor George Tiller and his staff at the governor’s mansion.

Vetoed the Comprehensive Abortion Reform Act as unconstitutional because it would allow court orders to be written to help prevent second and third term abortions.”

Obama Administration Declares War On Families

The Obama Administration has declared war on parents and children. In the last few weeks, they have approved and voted for people or groups who would like to promote pornography, pedophilia, and destroy parental rights. They have appointed or voted for people or groups who want international law to usurp our own Constitution. Are you prepared to let the government tell you how to raise your children? Are you prepared to have pornographers and pedophiles have access to your children by enacting new laws or failing to uphold existing ones? Two seemingly unrelated events occurred recently which will have a significant impact on your parental rights.

The first one took place at the United Nations. There is a committee which screens organizations that are trying to gain access to the United Nations. Non-governmental organizations must submit an application and be approved by the group before they can lobby delegates on their issues. The group that was denied by the committee was a Brazilian homosexual rights groups who critics charge supports having sex with children. This group has been working for two years to gain official status with the UN. In the 6-8 decision, the member states supporting this radical group included the United States. If history repeats itself the committee’s decision to deny this group membership will be overturned by the larger body.

Then, last week, David J. Ogden sailed through confirmation hearings on his appointment as the second in command at the Justice Department. In this position, Mr. Ogden would be charged with upholding and defending the law. Mr. Ogden is a dangerous man to families. He has defended and supported the rights of pornographers, Planned Parenthood, and the use of international law to usurp our own constitution. He has worked to reduce parental rights, encourage abortion and promote homosexual rights. His efforts have included rejecting the idea that pornographers should keep documents verifying that their models are of legal consenting age. He did this by opposing a law that was designed to protect children from molestation and rape focused on “imposing a burden too heavily and infringe too deeply on the right to produce First Amendment protected material.”

He also filed a brief on behalf of a group of library directors who were opposed to the Children’s Internet Protection Act. Mr. Ogden called the Act, “unconstitutional”. In addition, Mr. Ogden submitted a brief in the Lawrence v. Texas case defending the use of international law as opposed to using our Constitution to determine what is constitutional.

And there you have the connection. The United Nations will probably allow a group to begin lobbying delegates with the intention of legalizing all homosexual rights. This may include pedophilia. The United States delegation – appointed by Obama – voted in favor of this group. And, in the United States, Obama has appointed a man who favors groups like this one and many others who are working to destroy the family.

United Families International will spend two weeks in New York during the important Commission on the Status of Women. We will be working against the agenda of the United States delegation, the European Union delegation and many others. But we will be working with many member states who believe as we do that families deserve to be protected. We will work with them to protect parent’s rights to raise their children. We will be working to defend the family – not destroy it. We will be working to protect your parental rights – not take them away. We cannot do it alone. We need your help. Please consider making a donation today to help us be able to do our job and protect your family.

Beverly Rice, UFI President

Yes on 8 Campaign Asks Legislature To Stop Wasting Time and Resources on Prop 8 Resolutions When Voters Have Already Spoken

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Feb. 17 – Urging the Legislature to stop wasting time and resources on non-binding resolutions concerning voter approved Proposition 8, Protect Marriage.com today urged legislative committees to shelve HR 5 and SR 7, resolutions stating that the Supreme Court should overturn Proposition 8 when it hears the matter next month.

“Proposition 8 was adopted with over a 600,000 vote margin, gaining approximately the same vote percentage as Barack Obama did nationally,” said Ron Prentice, Chairman of ProtectMarriage.com – Yes on 8, the campaign committee responsible for passage of the measure. “It passed in 42 out of California’s 58 counties, including the five largest counties in California. It is wrong for legislators to disrespect the vote of the people and attempt to substitute their values for the decision of over 7 million voters.”

HR 5 (Ammiano) and SR 7 (Leno) are authored by legislators who have long opposed Prop 8. Their views were well known and rejected by voters when 52.3% of the electorate approved Prop 8. These same legislators have also signed onto amicus briefs before the Court asking that Prop 8 be overturned. Now they are authoring meaningless nonbinding resolutions that take up the time of legislators and legislative staff who should be focused on appropriate legislative priorities such as solving the state deficit.

“Disrespecting the will of voters and wasting taxpayer resources on meaningless legislative resolutions are among the reasons that public approval of the Legislature has fallen to 15%, the lowest in history.” Prentice said. “We urge the Judiciary committees of the Assembly and Senate to shelve these inappropriate resolutions and return the Legislature’s attention to more appropriate work.”

SOURCE The ProtectMarriage.com – Yes on 8 Campaign

Justice Department Nominees Worry Pro-Family Movement

CNA Reports:

Confirmation hearings for President Barack Obama’s Department of Justice nominees are reportedly proceeding so quickly that Republicans and outside groups are unable to make meaningful criticisms of their intense support for abortion rights and other moral issues. One critic said the nominations portend the most “Culture of Death” justice department in American history.

“We are on the brink of having the most Culture of Death, anti-family Justice Department ever,” Leonard Leo, former Co-Chairman of the Republican National Committee Catholic Outreach and Chairman of Students for Life of America, told CNA in an e-mail.

The first controversial Obama nominee is David Ogden, whose confirmation hearing for Deputy Attorney General is scheduled for next week, less than one month after his nomination. In an amicus brief for the 1992 Planned Parenthood v. Casey decision which reaffirmed Roe v. Wade’s mandating of permissive abortion laws, Ogden argued that abortion “rarely causes or exacerbates psychological or emotional problems.”

“The few women who do experience negative psychological responses after abortion appear to be those with preexisting emotional problems,” he continued.

He argued that evidence shows abortion is more likely to make women “experience feelings of relief and happiness” and claimed childbirth and childrearing or adoption may pose “concomitant (if not greater) risks or adverse psychological effects” compared to the effects of abortion.

Thomas Perelli, the nominee for Associate Attorney General, is the second person pro-life and pro-family advocates are concerned about. Perelli is best known for representing the husband of Terri Schiavo in his effort to withdraw life-sustaining treatment from the severely injured woman.

President Obama has also chosen Dawn Johnson to head the Office of Legal Counsel. Johnson raises red flags for pro-lifers because she is a former counsel to the pro-abortion rights group NARAL. The Office of Legal Counsel provides the government with opinions about the constitutionality of proposed governmental acts.

The nominee for Solictor General, Elena Kagan, is reportedly a lesbian who strongly opposed the Solomon Amendment, which denies federal grants to institutions of higher education which forbid military recruitment or the Reserve Officer Training Corps from campus.

“A Deputy Attorney General who signed a brief in Casey dismissing the psychological harm caused by abortion. An Associate Attorney General who supported withdrawing Terry Schiavo’s life-sustaining treatment. An Assistant Attorney General who was counsel to NARAL. And a Solicitor General who has actively supported homosexual rights, particularly in regard to banning military recruiters on campus,” Leo summarized.

Gary Bauer: White House “Extreme Makeover”

If you visited the White House website yesterday morning, you would have been introduced to a defense of the right to life, the need for lower taxes and the sanctity of traditional marriage. But within hours, as power changed from a president of one party to a president of another, all that was gone. By mid-afternoon the White House website had undergone an “extreme makeover,” with the extreme agenda of the new administration front and center. Here are just a few examples:

• Abortion: “he [President Obama] has been a consistent champion of reproductive choice [abortion on demand] and will make preserving women’s rights under Roe v. Wade a priority in his Administration.”

• Homosexual rights: “President Obama and Vice President Biden will strengthen federal hate crimes legislation… President Obama supports full civil unions that give same-sex couples legal rights and privileges equal to those of married couples. Obama also believes we need to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. …President Obama believes that we must ensure adoption rights for all couples and individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation.”

• On taxes and the economy, he is promising to hike tax rates on successful families and small businesses back to Clinton-era levels, raise payroll taxes, again raise the minimum wage and then index it for inflation.

Of course, changes to the White House website by the new administration were to be expected. But the radical changes in policy outlined there today underscore the consequences of elections past and future, as well the challenges ahead for those who cherish our time-honored traditional values, which do not change with the winds of political fortunes.

2008 Election

As the 2008 election has played out it has been somewhat different than I expected. I thought we would hear a lot about the war–the war in Iraq that is. Instead I have witnessed first hand the tremendous need to protect, promote and strengthen the family. The war that has come to the forefront has been a cultural war–a war on our culture and our families–a war on which the outcome of our civilization rests. I have thought often of Joseph Daniel Unwin, a well known anthropologist of the early 1900’s, who set out to prove like many today that marriage was irrelevant. His research chronicled the decline of 86 different cultures and he was forced to conclude that only marriage with complete fidelity could produce cultural prosperity.

I have wondered many times if our civilization would learn from the past. Will our society choose to fall or fly? Will we recognize that families are essential to personal and national liberty and must be given the highest possible protection under the law or will we allow the tyranny of tolerance towards the politically correct to redefine and redesign our social structure completely out of existence?