[Active-l] (NEWS) Today's Cultural Warfare Update

[Dara (R'ykandar Korra'ti)]

Bloomberg's politics section reports on the massive theocon effort to  
turn out the GOP vote, and highlights several races where they've  
really been taking sides; what's fun about this is all the 501(c)(3)  
involvement;

Speaking of which, James Dobson using his national radio show for  
Thursday and Friday as a full-time GOP vote rally;

Focus on the Family condemns Rice comments recognising the deputy  
global AIDS coordinator's partner; according to FotF Focus on the  
Family staffer Tom Minnery, _Rice's chief of staff called to say it was  
a "mix-up"_; Family Research Council says that appointing a gay man to  
head an AIDS agency is a "conflict of interest" _and_ that gay people  
having sex is one of "the root causes of the AIDS problem";

Focus on the Family pushes opposition to the state initiative that  
would repeal South Dakota's blanket (no exceptions for the health of  
the woman) abortion ban;

FotF outrage over a group of students visiting a woman's health clinic  
that provides abortion services as part of a class on political  
activism;

Faith and Freedom Network likes Joe Lieberman, and also says the  
fundamentalist right must keep the secularists and Democrats out of  
power as they'll "lead this nation to impotence, stagnation and  
slavery";

FFN actually uses the word husband to refer to the  
legally-married-to-him _husband_ of the late Garry Studds, even if they  
surround the word with scare-quotes; meanwhile, they condemn the late  
Mr. Studds and the Democratic party, and oh yes, the press;

WorldNetDaily's Joseph Farah rips into Condi Rice and the current  
administration over the "mother in law" reference and for appointing a  
gay man to... well... any position at all, actually, as it's a crime  
against God; found via Andrew Sullivan ( http://andrewsullivan.com );

This is just freakish: Rumsfeld "leads in a way that the good Lord  
tells him is best for our country"; I'm sure the theocons love it, but,  
um, _what_;

Violating the 11th Commandment, U.S. Rep. Mike Pence, the chairman of  
the Republican Study Committee, is criticizing former House Majority  
Leader Dick Armey for his recent attack on Focus on the Family Chairman  
Dr. James Dobson;

Pope Benedict urges Roman Catholic leadership to fight marriage rights  
for GBLT people and any kind of civil unions arrangements as well;

Fundamentalist-organised protests prompt NBC to drop part of Madonna  
video;

Focus on the Family says Canada's marriage law "could be on shaky  
ground," saying marriage rights will "define an election";

Here's a neat one; many on the theoconservative side of things have  
been very upset about muslim taxi drivers refusing to carry people  
carrying alcohol; now here you've got a bus driver refusing to drive a  
bus with a GBLT-themed ad, and they're all happy about it -  
_hmmmmmmmmm_;

***** Thomas More Law Centre sues Los Angeles County for _not_ keeping  
a Christian cross on the county seal, claiming that _not_ having a  
cross on the seal shows "a disapproval of religion, including  
Christianity" and an unconstitutional hostility towards religion;

FotF condemns GBLT groups pointing out that the late Rep. Gerry Studd's  
husband won't receive Federal survivor's benefits because of the  
federal DOMA act; Concerned Women for America's Robert Knight (tho'  
they keep burying the CWA part deeper and deeper behind layers of front  
organisations) says that allowing survivor benefits would be "dangerous  
to society";

***** FotF pushes anti-judicial state initiatives, including a South  
Dakota initiative that would allow individuals to _sue judges  
personally if they don't like the ruling_; the clusterfuck this would  
create in the judicial system cannot be overstated;

FotF calls Viacom comments about how viewers who don't like a  
programme's content simply shouldn't watch it "absurd," calls for more  
government intervention against broadcasters;

Focus on the Family condemns GBLT business groups (chambers of commerce  
and the like), friendly-quotes other fundamentalists as saying they're  
a "drive for special status under the law"; they also drag in Mission  
America, a particularly virulent anti-gay group, saying that gay people  
are too unstable to have any purchasing power. Note the alternating  
reporting of "super wealthy perverts who make more money than us  
straights" and "have no economic value and aren't worth advertising to  
because they're too unstable to have money," as we see yet again how  
the theocon movement says whatever makes the people they hate seem  
worse;

Focus on the Family Canada reports on Quebec evangelical schools  
operating without provisional permits, says they are a response to  
"anti-biblical lessons, such as evolution and sex education";

Traditional Values Coalition demands explanation over Condi Rice  
recognising the marriage of the new (male) AIDS co-ordinator - since  
he's gay and all and they're both male; it's been covered before. They  
also protest having a gay person being AIDS co-ordinator because, "Why  
put a person in charge of fighting AIDS who is engaging in the very  
behavior that transmits this deadly disease?";

TVC uses the Foley scandal to promote their gays-are-all-pedophiles  
propaganda "report";

TVC condemns effort of the late Rep. Gerry Studd's husband to receive  
survivor's benefits, claims it's part of a greater effort to "have  
public sex in restrooms and parks decriminalized so homosexuals can  
freely engage in sodomy in restroom stalls and in bushes";

TVC simultaneously condemns Oslo natural history museum's exhibit on  
homosexuality in the animal kingdom as saying humans shouldn't do  
things animals do _and_ claims that there is no such thing as a  
homosexual animal;

AFA condemns company firing of an HR manager who is active in the  
Virginia anti-gay initiative up for a vote this fall; the company says  
he was insubordinate, he says it's because of his politics;

Focus on the Family has more "get out the vote" efforts - I'm not  
including most of these, but here's a token;

Family Research Council announces rebroadcast of theocon "Liberty  
Sunday" confab;

FRC promotes its Texas endorsement sheet;

FRC promotes its Pennsylvania endorsement sheet.


----- 1 -----
Republicans Falter in Bid to Mobilize Christian Conservatives
By William Roberts
Bloomberg

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news? 
pid=20601070&sid=aYrOX2bgWUOY&refer=home

Oct. 19 (Bloomberg) -- If Republicans lose control of the U.S.  
Congress, the Supreme Court will be packed with abortion- backing  
liberals, tax dollars will pay for research on cloning to create  
``little human beings'' for organ farming, and elementary- school  
teachers will be forced to promote homosexuality to their students.

That's the view and vision of James Dobson, chairman of Focus on the  
Family, a nationwide, politically active evangelical group allied with  
the Republican Party. The moral future of America is at stake and  
``staying home'' isn't an option, Dobson told 2,400 followers at an  
Oct. 16 get-out-the-vote rally at the Two Rivers Baptist Church in  
Nashville. ``Folks, we cannot afford to do that.''

[...]

``Rove certainly sees Dobson as the most important and politically  
influential evangelical leader,'' said Ryan Sager, author of ``The  
Elephant in the Room: Evangelicals and the Battle to Control the  
Republican Party.'' ``Dobson is someone who the White House works with  
extremely closely and constantly.''

[...]

His group is also putting its weight behind Republican candidates, such  
as Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum, who support its positions on  
social issues. Dobson is supporting a statewide ballot initiative to  
ban gay marriage in Tennessee, where Republican Mayor Bob Corker of  
Chattanooga is locked in a tight race with Democratic Representative  
Harold Ford Jr. for an open Senate seat.

[...]

In Minnesota, Dobson is trying to engineer a win for Michele Bachmann,  
a candidate for the House seat being vacated by Republican Mark  
Kennedy, who is running for the Senate. Bachmann, a Republican who  
opposes abortion and supported a state constitutional ban on same-sex  
marriages while in the Minnesota Senate, said the scandals in  
Washington and Bush's low approval rating mean she faces a tight race  
in the socially conservative northern suburbs of Minneapolis.

[More at URL]


----- 2 -----
Dr. Dobson to Values Voters: 'Make Sure You Vote'
Focus on the Family chairman says liberals are doing their best to keep  
social conservatives away from the polls — and if we let them dissuade  
us, the consequences for the country could be grave.
by Gary Schneeberger, editor
Focus on the Family
October 19, 2006

http://www.family.org/cforum/extras/a0042372.cfm

Focus on the Family Chairman James C. Dobson, Ph.D., saying he is  
"concerned about my country," is devoting the next two days of his  
nationally syndicated radio show to urge fellow Christians to vote on  
Election Day.

"If people of faith — the so-called values voters — don't come out and  
let their voices be heard, there are going to be some major  
implications for this country," he says in the two-part broadcast that  
began today, much of it recorded at a rally earlier this week in  
Nashville, Tenn. "There are these statements from the media that values  
voters don't care this year and that they're going to stay home."

[...]

"Liberals are constantly telling us what they want to happen, and I  
pray that they aren't right," he said. "If one of those states is lost  
— or two or three — it has serious implications for the future of the  
family. It means adoption laws will change. It means textbooks will all  
have to be rewritten to include man and man and woman and woman  
marriage."

[More at URL]


----- 3 -----
Rice Affirms Appointee's Gay Partner
Secretary of state refers to mother of new ambassador's same-sex  
partner as his "mother in law."
Focus on the Family
from staff reports
October 19, 2006

http://www.family.org/cforum/news/a0042374.cfm

America 's new deputy global AIDS coordinator was sworn in this week by  
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice — while his same-sex partner held  
the Bible used in the ceremony.

Not only that, but Rice referred to the mother of Ambassador Mark  
Dybul's gay partner as his "mother in law."

Tom Minnery, senior vice president of government and public policy for  
Focus on Family, called Rice's comments "astonishing."

"This is very provocative," he said, "and very disappointing."

In response to inquiries from Focus, Minnery heard from the State  
Department on Wednesday.

"Secretary Rice's chief of staff called to say it was a mix-up," he  
said. "That somebody should have checked this mother-in-law business,  
didn't do it, and it got out."

[...]

Peter Sprigg, vice president for policy at the Family Research Council,  
shared Minnery's disappointment.

"It's not that it shows they're pushing an agenda in favor of same-sex  
marriage," he told Family News in Focus, "but it shows they're really  
rather apathetic about the efforts to defend traditional marriage."

Not to mention the conflict of interest inherent in appointing a gay  
man to head the nation's AIDS-prevention efforts.

"If we are not willing to say that men should not engage in sex with  
other men," Sprigg noted, "then we are really not willing to tackle the  
root causes of the AIDS problem."

[More at URL]


----- 4 -----
Physicians Support South Dakota Abortion Ban
Focus on the Family
October 19, 2006

http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0042380.cfm

One hundred thirty doctors — members of South Dakota Physicians for  
Life — have endorsed Referred Law 6, the Women's Health and Human Life  
Protection Act.

South Dakota lawmakers passed legislation outlawing most abortions in  
the state last spring, and Gov. Mike Rounds signed it in March. The law  
was immediately challenged by abortion activists who gathered enough  
signatures to place a measure on November's ballot to overturn the ban.

Yvonne Seger, a Sioux Falls physician, said the ballot measure provides  
full protection for the health of women.

[More at URL]


----- 5 -----
Field Trip to Abortion Clinic Sparks Outrage
Focus on the Family
October 19, 2006

http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0042379.cfm

Family advocates are upset that a group of Pennsylvania high school  
students visited an abortion clinic on a field trip, but that the  
teacher would not allow them to listen to pro-life speakers, too,  
LifeNews reported.

More than a dozen kids from the Solebury School in New Hope, Pa.,  
visited the clinic with social science teacher Jason Gordon as part of  
a class on activism.

[More at URL]


----- 6 -----
Change Your Ways -- Joe Lieberman to Democrats
Faith and Freedom Network
Thursday, October 19, 2006

http://www.faithandfreedom.us/weblog/2006/10/change-your-ways-joe- 
lieberman-to.html

Joe Lieberman, the Democratic Party’s Vice-Presidential nominee for  
2000, says he hopes Democrats win, but they must change their ways.  
“Otherwise,” he said in a speech in New Haven, Connecticut, a few days  
ago, “it won’t represent real progress. It’s not going to be much of a  
step forward if there’s a new Democratic leadership that doesn’t change  
the tone in Washington.”

[...]

The future of America and our communities is up for grabs and will be  
determined in this generation. It could go either way – to the secular  
progressive left and let an elitist minority of secularists lead this  
nation to impotence, stagnation and slavery – or to the right and place  
control with those who will continue to lead in the true spirit of the  
Founding Fathers, who led this nation to respect for God and man, moral  
sanity, true religious freedom, national strength, prosperity and  
opportunity.

[More at URL]


----- 7 -----
Extraordinary Double Standard
Faith and Freedom Network
Wednesday, October 18, 2006

http://www.faithandfreedom.us/weblog/2006/10/extraordinary-double- 
standard.html

To be sure both major political parties are flawed and imperfect.  
That’s why we encourage people to vote their values. But the  
not-so-subtle double-standard that we have seen recently displayed by  
our friends in the Democratic Party and their brethren in the press has  
been – well, extraordinary.

With the passing of Gerry Studds, much has been said about him, his  
life and his accomplishments.

The Associated Press, among others, spoke in glowingly reverent tones  
last Saturday, as they defined him as the “first openly gay person  
elected to Congress.”

The story actually suggested that this was an important moment in  
history for gay-rights as they quoted Gerry Studds’ “husband,” Dean T.  
Hara. “Gerry often said it was the fight for gay and lesbian equality  
that was the last great civil rights chapter in modern American  
history. He did not live to see its final sentences written, but all of  
us will forever be indebted to him for leading the way with compassion  
and wisdom.”

[More at URL]


----- 8 -----
What do they really believe?
Joseph Farah
WorldNetDaily
October 20, 2006

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=52522

What does the Republican Party really believe?

What does the Bush administration really want?

What does the congressional leadership really think?

These are questions on the minds of Americans this week as we draw near  
to a mid-term congressional election that threatens to change the  
balance of power in Washington.

If the Republicans do lose one or both houses of Congress, it will be  
because Americans have lost trust in them, because Republican  
constituents feel like it doesn't make that much difference who is in  
power, because the people feel betrayed.

[...]

But the more astonishing phenomenon is how current high-level officials  
of the Bush administration daily go out of their way to insult this  
critical constituency just weeks before the vote.

Here's an example: Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, someone who  
claims to be a Christian herself, which, by definition, means you  
submit to the authority of Jesus and the Bible, last week swore in to  
the position of AIDS coordinator an open homosexual. The position  
carries the rank of ambassador. The photo accompanying this column  
shows the smiling first lady, Laura Bush, and Mark Dybul's partner,  
Jason Claire, leering at him.

During her comments, Rice referred to the presence of Claire's mother  
and – sit yourself down for this one – called her Dybul's  
"mother-in-law."

Do you get the picture?

[...]

Or do they really believe that homosexuality is "just another  
alternative lifestyle," as Rice suggested with her mother-in-law  
remark?

I also want you to notice what the two homosexual lovers are holding in  
that picture. It's a Bible. The new ambassador is taking an oath on it.  
Why? Isn't it a homophobic text? Doesn't it strongly condemn homosexual  
activity? Doesn't it even warn of harsh physical judgments for those  
who practice it?

The Bible is not ambiguous at all about homosexuality. It is condemned  
as an abomination in both the Old Testament and New. So what kind of  
hypocrisy – what kind of sacrilege – is being demonstrated here?

[...]

Do you believe God will honor an administration that behaves this way?

Do you believe God will continue to protect a country that flagrantly  
disregards His laws?

Do you believe God will be mocked like this without consequences?

[More at URL]


----- 9 -----
Top US general says Rumsfeld is inspired by God
Associated Press
Thu Oct 19, 3:35 PM ET

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20061019/pl_afp/ 
usmilitarypolitics_061019193550

MIAMI (AFP) - The top US general defended the leadership of Defense  
Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, saying it is inspired by God.

"He leads in a way that the good Lord tells him is best for our  
country," said Marine General Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs  
of Staff.

[More at URL]


----- 10 -----
Congressman Comes to Dr. Dobson's Defense
Focus on the Family
October 20, 2006

http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0042405.cfm

U.S. Rep. Mike Pence, the chairman of the Republican Study Committee,  
is criticizing former House Majority Leader Dick Armey for his recent  
attack on Focus on the Family Chairman Dr. James Dobson.

[...]

"But negative personal attacks have no place in public debate and no  
place in the conservative movement. It is simply wrong for the former  
Majority Leader to question the motives of a leader of Dr. Dobson's  
character and integrity. It is simply wrong to refer to millions who  
cherish Dr. Dobson's voice of moral clarity as a 'gang of thugs' and  
'bullies.'

[More at URL]


----- 11 -----
Pontiff Says Traditional Marriage Protects Families
Focus on the Family
October 20, 2006

http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0042399.cfm

Pope Benedict XVI urged leaders of the Roman Catholic Church gathered  
for a convention in Italy to defend traditional marriage and oppose  
moves to legalize same-sex unions, The Daily Mail reported.

[...]

"(Defend) the family based on matrimony," he said, "opposing the  
introduction of laws on other forms of unions which would only  
destabilize it and obscure its special character and its social role --  
which has no substitute."

He urged leaders to say " 'No' to weak and deviant forms of love and  
'Yes' to authentic love -- to the reality of man as he was created by  
God."

[More at URL]


----- 12 -----
Protests Prompt NBC to Drop Madonna Crucifixion Scene
Focus on the Family
October 20, 2006

http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0042404.cfm

NBC announced Thursday that a concert special starring Madonna, slated  
to air Nov. 22, will not include a segment featuring the singer in a  
mock crucifixion.

Controversy erupted when NBC announced its intention to air a scene  
featuring the singer wearing a crown of glittering thorns as she  
perched on a mirrored cross during one song.

[More at URL]


----- 13 -----
Canada's Gay-Marriage Law Could be on Shaky Ground
Focus on the Family
October 18, 2006

http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0042357.cfm

Conservatives in the Canadian government are vowing to keep fighting  
for traditional marriage — even though same-sex marriage was legalized  
last year, The Toronto Star reported.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has said there is still much concern  
among religious groups that view the issue as a key theological  
concern, adding that Parliament may hold another vote on the issue.

Archbishop James Weisgerber, vice president of the Canadian Conference  
of Catholic Bishops, said Canada's Catholic Church is positioning  
itself to take an active role in protecting marriage.

"We are a big part of this society," he said. "We will be a vigorous  
part of the debate."

[More at URL]


----- 14 -----
City Driver Doesn't Have to Pilot Bus with Gay Ads
Focus on the Family
October 18, 2006

http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0042358.cfm

A Minneapolis-St. Paul Metro Transit employee who did not want to drive  
a bus displaying ads featuring homosexuals will be assigned vehicles  
with a different display, 365Gay.com reported.

The transit authority, working with the gay magazine Lavender, agreed  
to place ads on 50 buses with the slogan, "Unleash Your Inner Gay."

Bob Gibbons, a Metro Transit spokesman, said a female driver who was  
not comfortable with the ads was told by company officials she would  
not be assigned to any bus carrying them.

"The decision has nothing to do with the content of the advertisement,"  
he said. "It has everything to do with the employee's religious  
beliefs."

[More at URL]


----- 15 -----
Lawsuit Filed Over Removal of Cross from L.A. County Seal
Focus on the Family
October 18, 2006

http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0042359.cfm

The Thomas More Law Center filed a lawsuit Tuesday against Los Angeles  
County officials for ordering the removal of a cross on the county's  
50-year-old seal, CNS News reported.

Officials decided to remove the cross in 2004 after the American Civil  
Liberties Union (ACLU) threatened to sue the county for using a  
Christian symbol.

Richard Thompson, president and chief counsel for the law center, said  
the seal contains a lot of different symbols, all of which have  
historical significance to the county of Los Angeles.

[...]

"Our position is that, by removing the cross, they showed a disapproval  
of religion, including Christianity," Thompson said. "That disapproval,  
that hostility toward Christianity, violates the Establishment Clause —  
which has been interpreted that not only must government not promote  
religion, but it must also not be hostile toward religion."

Targeting the tiny cross on the L.A. County Seal, he said, is hostility  
toward religion.

[More at URL]


----- 16 -----
Studds' Death Leveraged by Gay Activists
At least one group is arguing the deceased former congressman's  
same-sex partner should receive his federal pension.
by Pete Winn, associate editor
Focus on the Family
October 18, 2006

http://www.family.org/cforum/extras/a0042366.cfm

Homosexual activists are looking to capitalize on the recent death of  
the first openly gay congressman, Rep. Gerry Studds, by claiming his  
same-sex partner is being discriminated against by the federal Defense  
of Marriage Act (DOMA).

That law prohibits Studds' gay partner from inheriting his federal  
pension, worth an estimated $114, 000 annually, according to Gary  
Buseck of Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders. So, the group plans to  
use the incident to "educate" Congress about the need to legalize  
same-sex marriage — and then work to get lawmakers to strike down the  
law.

[...]

Studds and his partner, Dean Hara, were married in Massachusetts — the  
only state that allows same-sex couples to unite in matrimony.

Still, Knight is not surprised gay activists are trying to leverage  
Studds' death to push for gay marriage, since one of their tactics is  
to portray same-sex relationships as being equal to real marriages.

"They are comparing unequal things, however, and it really isn't about  
equality," Knight said. "It's about seizing the moral capital of  
marriage and applying it to a relationship that's totally different,  
one which is not essential for society's survival."

Knight said lawmakers should not be in the business of placing  
incentives into law for relationships that "can be dangerous to  
society."

[More at URL]


----- 17 -----
Judicial Activism Prompts Citizen Efforts to Restrain Judges
Voters in several states will get a chance three weeks from now to vote  
on initiatives aimed at reining in out-of-control courts.by Pete Winn,  
associate editor
Focus on the Family
October 17, 2006

http://www.family.org/cforum/extras/a0042338.cfm

Outrage over judicial activism has been so high in the last few years  
that voters in several states will face something new this fall: ballot  
initiatives designed to restrict the role of judges.

"You have ballot questions this year in South Dakota, Montana and  
Colorado proposing different ways to try to rein in out-of-control  
judges," said Bruce Hausknecht, judicial analyst for Focus on the  
Family Action. "But the larger picture, the details of the efforts  
aside, is that people all over the country are attempting to take back  
the courts from judicial tyrants."

South Dakota 's Amendment E is the most ambitious measure — it would  
allow residents to sue judges over their decisions. Grand juries would  
be convened, and judges would face removal from the bench if they were  
found guilty of an infraction.

[More at URL]


----- 18 -----
Viacom Chief Says FCC Stifling Networks' Free Speech
Focus on the Family
October 17, 2006

http://www.family.org/cforum/briefs/a0042335.cfm

Top Viacom and CBS executive Sumner Redstone is criticizing the Federal  
Communications Commission (FCC) for its crackdown on broadcast  
indecency, going so far as to accuse the agency of interfering with  
constitutionally protected free speech.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Redstone told a gathering of the  
Media Institute on Monday that the FCC is placating a small minority at  
the expense of creative expression.

[...]

"If the public is not happy with a particular program, then they won't  
watch it and it will go off air," he said. "Give the government the  
tools to punish those it doesn't like or silence what is doesn't want  
to hear and you undermine democracy. Give people the tools to choose  
what they see and hear and you enhance democracy."

Daniel Weiss, senior analyst for media and sexuality at Focus on the  
Family Action, called Redstone's comments "absurd."

[More at URL]


----- 19 -----
Gay Chambers of Commerce Growing
Family advocates say groups are just another attempt to mainstream  
homosexuality.
from staff reports
Focus on the Family
October 17, 2006

http://www.family.org/cforum/news/a0042330.cfm

Chambers of commerce made up of businesses owned by gays or designed to  
cater to the gay community are growing in number nationwide, with 45 of  
them currently in operation.

Gay chambers of commerce exist in at least a half-dozen states, and in  
cities as large as Chicago. One, called Plexus, is forming in Cleveland  
— and organizers say Chase and KeyBank are already on board, with  
additional partnerships being eyed with other trade groups like the  
Greater Cleveland Partnership and the Council of Smaller Enterprises.

Cleveland resident Charles Giunta said such gay chambers are part of  
homosexual activists' drive for special status under the law.

[...]

Linda Harvey, president of Mission America, said even though the gay  
community brags about its buying power, the bravado is often more myth  
than muscle.

"The vast majority of people involved in homosexuality are projected by  
many studies to be people that are employed sporadically, because of  
their lifestyle," she said. "They are more unstable."

[More at URL]


----- 20 -----
Quebec tolerates evangelical schools
Focus on the Family Canada
October 18, 2006

http://www.fotf.ca/tfn/education/stories/101806.html

Quebec’s Ministry of Education appears to be turning a blind eye to 20  
or so evangelical schools that are operating in the province without a  
provincial permit, CBC News reported.

Claude Grant, a lawyer who represents l’Association des églises  
évangéliques du Québec, said possibly as many as 4,000 elementary and  
high school students attend these schools because they offer a  
Bible-based curriculum.

[...]

Grant thinks he knows why the government has so far left them alone.  
“It’s because they are aware that we want to preserve a cultural  
heritage in a way,” he said, “and there is a void left by the  
secularization of the education system.”

Charles Boucher, a Pentecostal pastor in Gatineau, said the faith-based  
school that is affiliated with his church exists in response to certain  
“anti-biblical” lessons, such as evolution and sex education, being  
taught by the public system.

[More at URL]


----- 21 -----
First Lady And Condoleezza Rice Swear In Homosexual Global Aids  
Coordinator
Traditional Values Coalition

http://www.traditionalvalues.org/modules.php?sid=2897

October 19, 2006 – Traditional Values Coalition Chairman Rev. Louis P.  
Sheldon is deeply troubled by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice,  
First Lady Laura Bush and their apparent endorsement of a homosexual  
couple.

The ceremony involved the swearing in of Mark Dybul to become the new  
global AIDS coordinator. Dybul was present with his homosexual partner,  
Jason Claire.

(To see the photograph and article discussed in this statement go to:  
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2006-10-11-gop-gay-identity- 
crisis_x.htm?POE=click-refer.)

Rev. Sheldon noted: “Secretary Rice’s endorsement of their homosexual  
relationship is deeply troubling. She singled out Dybul’s partner,  
Jason Claire, and Claire’s mother-- referring to her as Dybul’s  
‘mother-in-law.’  In addition, it was shocking to see the First Lady of  
the United States taking part in the ceremony.

“This is so out of character with the public statements and positions  
of President Bush and his administration.

“The White House should issue an immediate clarification, explaining to  
the many Americans who have accepted the President's words in defense  
of traditional marriage how this could have possibly occurred.

[More at URL]


----- 22 -----
Attorney Names Priest Who Molested Mark Foley As A Child
Traditional Values Coalition

http://www.traditionalvalues.org/modules.php?sid=2896

October 19, 2006 – At a press conference on Oct. 17, Gerald Richman,  
attorney for Mark Foley said he was releasing the name of the Catholic  
priest who molested Foley when he was a child—but not until he had  
spoken with the Archdiocese of Miami and West Palm Beach.

After being exposed as a homosexual child predator who was targeting  
congressional pages,  Foley went public with the claim that he’d been  
molested as a child—which accounted for his sexual attraction to  
teenage boys.

[...]

Read and distribute TVC’s special reports on the close connection  
between homosexual pederasty and pedophilia: Homosexuality And  
Pedophilia.

Access these resources that provide help for individuals suffering from  
unwanted homosexual desires: Ministry and Counseling Resources.

[More at URL]


----- 23 -----
Former Rep. Gerry Studds’ ‘Husband’ Wants His Death Benefits
Traditional Values Coalition

http://www.traditionalvalues.org/modules.php?sid=2895

October 19, 2006 – Gerry Studds, the first openly homosexual U.S.  
Representative died last week and his homosexual “husband” has lobbied  
for his pension and death benefits. His appeal for benefits has been  
denied.

Studds and Dean Hara ‘married’ in Massachusetts, but the federal  
Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) prevents the federal government from  
recognizing their “marriage.”

The radical lobbyists with the Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders  
(GLAD) are trying to exploit the death of Studds to lobby Congress to  
give Hara the death benefits and Studds’ pension. GLAD is the group  
that filed the lawsuit in Massachusetts that resulted in the  
legalization of homosexual marriage in that state. GLAD has also  
lobbied to have public sex in restrooms and parks decriminalized so  
homosexuals can freely engage in sodomy in restroom stalls and in  
bushes.

[More at URL]


----- 24 -----
Oslo Natural History Museum Opens ‘Homosexual’ Animal Exhibit
Traditional Values Coalition

http://www.traditionalvalues.org/modules.php?sid=2893

October 19, 2006 – The Natural History Museum in Oslo, Norway, has just  
opened up an exhibit supposedly showing various examples of homosexual  
animals. The leader of this exhibit, “Against Nature” is Geir Soeli who  
told reporters, “Homosexuality has been observed for more than 1500  
animal species, and is well documented for 500 of them.”

Soeli claims: “The sexual urge is strong in all animals … It’s a part  
of life, it’s fun to have sex.” A statement at the exhibit says: “We  
may have opinions on a lot of things, but one thing is clear –  
homosexuality is found throughout the animal kingdom, it is not against  
nature.”

One commenter on the conservative Free Republic web site scoffed at the  
idea that homosexuality should be considered normal if animals engage  
in sodomy. He noted how unwise it is to justify homosexuality for  
humans simply because such activities may be practiced by animals.

[...]

“The Animal Homosexuality Myth,” published by the National Association  
for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH) debunks the claim  
that “homosexual” animals truly exist.

[More at URL]


----- 25 -----
White House says Condi 'showing due deference'
She recognized as 'mother-in-law' the mom of appointee's 'gay' partner
October 21, 2006
WorldNetDaily

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=52553

Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice was "showing due deference" when she  
recognized as "mother-in-law" the mother of one of two "gay" partners  
at a recent Washington ceremony.

It happened recently when Rice and first lady Laura Bush spoke for the  
administration at an Oct. 10 swearing-in at the State Department for  
Mark Dybul. He was accompanied by his male partner, Jason Claire. [Ed.  
Note: They are legally married under Massachusetts law.]

[...]

"The Secretary said what she said, and she was showing due deference to  
the people involved," was the response from Tony Snow, Bush's  
spokesman.

While the party wants the support of "values voters," it also is  
courting homosexuals and seems willing to appease the movement's  
radical agenda, USA Today said.

[...]

The use of the "mother-in-law" term normally reserved for legally  
married heterosexual families rankled Peter Sprigg, vice president for  
policy at the Family Research Council, who called Rice's comments  
"profoundly offensive," according to Agape Press.

The secretary's remarks, he said, fly in the face of the Bush  
administration's endorsement of a federal marriage protection  
amendment.

"We have to face the fact that putting a homosexual in charge of AIDS  
policy is a bit like putting the fox in charge of the henhouse," said  
Sprigg. "But even beyond that, the deferential treatment that was given  
not only to him but his partner and his partner's family by the  
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is very distressing."

[More at URL]


----- 26 -----
Pro-Marriage Message at Root of Employee's Dismissal
By Jim Brown and Jody Brown
American Family Association/Agape Press
October 20, 2006

http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/10/afa/202006a.asp

(AgapePress) - A Virginia man has allegedly been fired from his job for  
supporting a state ballot initiative defining marriage as the union of  
one man and one woman.

Luis Padilla was reportedly terminated from his employment at a Cargill  
Foods plant in Harrisonburg because of a written message on the rear  
window of his pickup truck that read: "Please, vote for marriage on  
Nov. 7." That is the day when voters in Virginia will be considering a  
proposed amendment to the state constitution protecting traditional  
marriage.

According to the Daily-News Record in Harrisonburg, Padilla -- who  
worked in Cargill's human resources office -- was dismissed for  
insubordination when he refused to remove the message, which company  
officials could be considered harassment. He apparently had removed the  
sign when first requested, then later posted it again and parked his  
truck outside the company parking lot. The newspaper report indicates  
the former Cargill employee was trying to reach an accommodation with  
the company about the message when he was fired.

The Family Foundation of Virginia sent a letter to Cargill, calling for  
Padilla's reinstatement. However, the large private company has denied  
the request, saying "Cargill is not required to allow Mr. Padilla to  
impose his beliefs on his co-workers." Victoria Cobb, executive  
director of the Family Foundation, says Cargill is engaging in  
viewpoint discrimination.

[More at URL]


----- 27 -----
African American Pastors Equip their Flocks to Vote Values
With the continual growth of black churches, African American pastors  
want their congregations to make informed decisions at the ballot box  
next month.
by Josh Montez
Focus on the Family
October 20, 2006

http://www.family.org/cforum/fnif/news/a0042381.cfm

Bishop Harry Jackson of Hope Christian Church in Washington D.C. says  
the typical African American values voter is concerned about issues  
like the War on Terror, but there are a few other things on their minds  
as well.

“He is very much concerned that the person he votes for is a person of  
integrity and will also deal with the economy, and then come back to  
family values and protecting marriage, and limiting abortion.”

[More at URL]


----- 28 -----
Liberty Sunday Rebroadcast Schedule
Family Research Council
October 19, 2006 - Thursday
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 19, 2006 CONTACT: J.P. Duffy or Bethanie  
Swendsen, (866) FRC-NEWS

http://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=PR06J08&f=PG03I03

Washington, D.C. - Liberty Sunday: Defending Our First Freedom, the  
nationwide Family Research Council simulcast that aired from Tremont  
Temple Baptist Church in Boston, Massachusetts, on Sunday, October 15,  
will rebroadcast on the networks listed below. This nationwide event  
featured Governor Mitt Romney, Tony Perkins, Dr. James Dobson, William  
Donohue, Chuck Colson, Dr. Ray Pendleton, Dr. Roberto Miranda, Bishop  
Gilbert Thompson, Bishop Wellington Boone, Alan Chambers and many  
others. The event responded to the legal battles over marriage taking  
place in Massachusetts and explained how these battles are destined to  
have an impact not only on marriage, but also on free speech, parental  
rights and religious freedoms for all citizens.

[More at URL]


----- 29 -----
Texas Voters' Guide Now Available
Family Research Council
October 18, 2006 - Wednesday
Forward to a Friend!

http://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=AL06J06&f=PG03I03

The 2006 General Election is approaching and we want to provide you  
with a valuable resource to help you navigate through all the  
candidates running for public office in Texas. The Texas Voters' Guide  
produced by the Free Market Foundation is available now in hard copy  
and will soon be available online. This educational guide will give you  
access to the viewpoints of candidates from the Governor to State  
Supreme Court Justices to the U.S. House. You will be able to see if  
they support or oppose specific issues like the abortion ban, divorce  
reform, a waiting period on firearms and the marriage amendment. The  
Free Market Foundation expects to reach more than 6 million Texans with  
the guides. These guides are also non-partisan so that they can be  
distributed in churches and non-profits and will not jeopardize the  
tax-exempt status of those organizations.

If you would like to request hard copies of this guide, you can contact  
the Free Market Foundation at (972) 423-8889 ext. 104 or e-mail them  
at: programs at freemarket.org. Be sure to request additional copies for  
your friends and family. Many people find it helpful to review the  
voters' guide ahead of time and bring it with them to their polling  
place. This will help you save time at the ballot box and is perfectly  
legal. For more information go to: www.freemarket.org. The guides will  
eventually be available online.

Please forward this email to your friends and family and encourage them  
to vote in November. Thank you for your help in getting out the vote.


----- 30 -----
Pennsylvania Voter Guides now available
Family Research Council
October 18, 2006 - Wednesday
Forward to a Friend!

http://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=AL06J07&f=PG03I03

Election Day is fast approaching and all across Pennsylvania citizens  
will be voting for Governor, U.S. Senator and their U.S. Representative  
in Congress. To help you find out where each candidate stands on issues  
like abortion, the definition of marriage, gambling, educational  
choice, religious liberty, taxes and more, the Pennsylvania Family  
Institute has developed an in-depth, full-color Voter Guide that is  
nonpartisan and legal for distribution at your church, civic club, etc.  
The Voter Guides are bundled in packages of 100, so that they are ready  
for mass distribution.

To order your Voter Guide, simply go to the Pennsylvania Family  
Institute home page at: www.pafamily.org, click on the Voter Guide  
graphic, then complete the secure Order Form online or call us at  
717-545-0600. Please indicate how many Voter Guides you need for  
distribution at your church (in multiples of 100). Please help spread  
the word about this new resource for responsible citizenship.

Go to: www.PAvoter.info for the comprehensive, online, interactive  
Voter Guide covering the statewide races plus your State House and  
State Senate offices. It will be up and running in the coming weeks so  
please bookmark this page for future reference before Election Day.


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