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

[Dara (R'ykandar Korra'ti)]

A local story first; the new Oklahoma-based owners of the Seattle  
Supersonics and Seattle Storm NBA and WNBA teams - who are demanding  
$300M from the legislature to build them a new arena even while they  
aren't selling out the current (and recent, and very nice) Key Arena  
at Seattle Centre, spent $1.1 _million_ dollars bankrolling anti-gay  
Family Research Council maven Gary Bauer in 2004 and 2005. I'm  
already opposed to government funding for pro sports arenas; now I'm  
opposed _and pissed off_;

CBN News reports on local Christianist groups having various issues  
with Mitt Romney;

Wyoming GOP state rep Dan Zwonitzer speaks against the anti-gay  
activities in his own state - and could use some support;

Focus on the Family complains about Illinois state action against the  
Illinois DOMA; I have no idea how far (if at all) this'll go;

Sen. Sheila Kuehl, "an open homosexual" as Focus on the Family says,  
reintroduces California SB1437 (passed last year, vetoed) as SB 777;  
anything you remember about SB1437 probably applies to SB 777;

Christian Medical Association condemns "harm-reduction" approach to  
AIDS prevention in prostitutes; it and Focus on the Family are  
pleased at Bush Administration decision not to support condom  
distribution to prostitutes in Vietnam because the AIDS prevention  
organisation doing so refuses to condemn prostitution in general was  
upheld by the DC Court of Appeals. At first glance I suspect the DC  
ruling is legally correct, but I'm certainly opposed to the policy;

Focus on the Family state-level-leadership confab produces this great  
line, which Focus on the Family support-quotes: _"Right now the  
church believes there's a difference between public policy and  
theological issues. And I see no difference."_ (Jeff Laszloffy,  
president of the Montana Family Foundation.) You don't really get a  
whole lot clearer statement on theocratic rule than that;

Focus on the Family short article on the Anglican/Episcopalian fight  
over a gay bishop in the US church;

Anglican Archbishop Akinola (Nigeria) supports bill in Nigerian  
Senate to criminalise gay and lesbian people (five year prison  
terms), support for GBLT rights, and censor the media to that end;

FotF glad that US Supreme Court did not accept an appeal of a Utah  
Supreme Court ruling against polygamous marriage; they bring up  
_Lawrence v. Texas (2003)_ again as a potential "wedge" for legal  
recognition of polygamy; longtime readers know that _Lawrence_ is the  
Supreme Court ruling stating that states couldn't make gay people  
illegal. Focus on the Family wants it overturned;

FotF article talks explicitly about how _Lawrence v. Texas (2003)_  
"overturned all the nation's sodomy laws," which is to say, ended the  
illegal status of gay people in 24 states, and how "pro-family  
groups" think it should be overturned, or at least limited;

FotF ACTION ITEM to tell a school principal not to "allow students to  
make a mockery of marriage" by letting gay students stage "fake  
wedding ceremonies" in the school cafeteria; FotF alleges  
"counterfeit marriage certificates" were handed out, which implies  
illegality and fraud, but hey; I looked for a real news story about  
this but didn't see one;

"Alliance for Marriage" and Focus on the Family to shift anti-gay  
activities more to states, to get local marriage bans in place; in  
states with marriage bans, they'll work to ban civil unions and  
domestic partnerships, which they call "counterfeit marriage efforts;"

Maryland "Citizens for Responsible Curriculum" fighting GBLT- 
inclusive sex education lesson plan; there appears to be some  
traction, so if you know anyone in Maryland, you might let them know;  
they're most upset that gay people are presented as normal;

Focus on the Family ACTION ITEM against adoption by gay and lesbian  
people in New Hampshire and Michigan; "people of faith should keep  
fighting attempts to place children in homes that, by definition,  
exclude either a mom or a dad;"

Focus on the Family condemns a Federal judge's throwing out a bill  
against Massachusetts state schools over their GBLT-inclusive  
curriculum, particularly regarding marriage - despite the fact that  
same-sex marriage is legal and recognised in Massachusetts;

I guess Wyoming State Representative Dan Zwonitzer (R) did a good job  
- the Wyoming anti-marriage bill _fails_ to get out of House Rules  
and is dead for the year;

Focus on the Family condemns Iowa bill "easing restrictions on  
embryonic stem-cell research"; anti-abortion Democrat who voted for  
the bill "sold out thousands of unborn babies for 30 pieces of silver";

FotF doesn't like medical marijuana;

"Faith-Based Initiative Goes on Trial"; supporters of the programme  
say that opponents "are trying to stop all government... funding of  
religion" - yes, really;

American Psychological Association considers opposition so-called  
"reparative" therapy, which claims to "convert" lesbian and gay  
people to straight. Focus on the Family, Dr. Warren Throckmorton, and  
the usual suspects are up in arms;

Senator Brownback introduces video-game rating bill; Penny Arcade has  
talked a lot about various versions of this floating around; last I  
heard, Senator Brownback's was incoherent at the practical level, but  
that doesn't stop him;

FotF complains about the Supreme Court not overturning a billboard  
ruling involving "Bible passages concerning homosexuality" - anybody  
know what the case was actually about? - and another involving the  
"War on Christmas";

FotF cranky as Rhode Island atty. general opinion indicates that RI  
would and should recognise same-sex marriages performed in  
Massachusetts;

South Dakota Senate Committee votes 8-1 to kill another attempt to  
ban abortion in South Dakota; this follows the overturning of the  
comprehensive ban passed last year, and popular-vote rejection of a  
similar ban attempt; remember, kids, the voter's will only matters  
when it agrees with you;

Sen. Joe Lieberman threatens to join GOP over any war vote; I include  
this mostly because I haven't seen it elsewhere;

Focus on the Family (USA) celebrates successful effort to get  
Canadian cell phone company TELUS to block access to pr0n on cell  
phones;

Focus on the Family Canada version of the story;

Focus on the Family Canada scare-story against t3h int4rwebs;

Focus on the Family Canada scare-story about open WAP; the very first  
word in the headline and the story is "Pedophiles";

American Family Association ACTION ITEM against the Discovery  
Channel, headlined "The Discovery Channel documentary says  
Christianity is a lie";

AFA ACTION ITEM against including sexual orientation in existing  
Federal violent hate-crimes law; claims it will lead to a laundry  
list of evils, such as landlords having to rent to qualified queer  
applicants and not being able to fire someone just because they're  
gay, and oh yeah, "Biblical language used to define homosexuality"  
will be banned;

Family Research Council - started as a Focus on the Family project,  
if you're not aware - cheers lack of vote on civil unions bill in  
Hawai'i;

FRC reports anti-abortion MP in the UK introduces a bill to ban  
abortion after 21 weeks;

FRC condemns Federal court ruling upholding Massachusetts school  
policy guidelines on GBLT marriage;

Family Research Council: letting queers marry is exactly the same as  
letting a man marry a horse.


----- 0 -----
Seattle Storm Owners Bankroll Anti-Gay Group
Posted by JOSH FEIT on February 26 at 8:45 AM
The Stranger

http://www.thestranger.com/blog/2007/02/ 
re_seattle_storm_fans_should_be_pissed

It’s even worse than my tipster thought.

The campaign finance records I’ve reviewed show that Sonics/Storm co- 
owner Tom Ward has contributed $475,000 to Gary L. Bauer’s Americans  
United to Preserve Marriage.

And another Sonics/Storm co-owner, Aubrey McClendon, contributed  
$625,000.

[More at URL]


----- 1 -----
Circulating Around New Hampshire
February 26, 2007
CBN News

http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/110241.aspx

The Brody File has in its posession an email circulating among  
conservative activists in New Hampshire that isn't kind to Mitt  
Romney. It's from Paul Nagy, who used to be head of the Christian  
Coalition in the granite state. He's a long time GOP conservative  
activist who clearly isn't sold on Romney. The title of the email is  
"Mitt-flops in Massachusetts." It reads:

As a long-time conservative activist in New Hampshire, I thought it  
was important that my fellow conservatives see these videos of Mitt  
Romney passionately outlining his SUPPORT FOR abortion, SUPPORT FOR  
gay marriage, SUPPORT FOR Affirmative Action, and OPPOSITION TO  
Ronald Reagan's economic policies. Of course, like John Kerry (what's  
in the water down there in Massachusetts?) he's flip-flopping on all  
these issues now that he is running for President. I have not yet  
chosen a Presidential candidate to support, but I know as a Reagan- 
conservative, Mitt Romney will not get my vote.

[More at URL]


----- 2 -----
Read the Speech by Straight GOP WY Lawmaker Favoring Equality for Gays
Petrelis Files
Friday, February 23, 2007

http://mpetrelis.blogspot.com/2007/02/read-speech-by-straight-gop-wy- 
lawmaker.html

Needless to say, I am quite happy to wake up today and find not only  
a personal letter in my email in-box from the brave Wyoming  
legislator, who just happens to be straight and a member of the GOP,  
who stood up for gay marriage equality and civil rights for all.

Again, Dan Zwonitzer, you are worthy of much praise and thanks from  
gays, not just in the Equality State, but across the United States of  
America.

[More at URL]


----- 3 -----
Gay Activists Target Illinois DOMA
Focus on the Family
2-28-2007

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLBriefs/A000004023.cfm

An openly gay Illinois lawmaker is leading an effort to repeal a  
state law that defines marriage as one man and one woman.

Democratic Rep. Greg Harris has introduced HB 1615, the Religious  
Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act, which, if passed, would set the  
state up for a legal challenge by homosexual-activist groups.

[More at URL]


----- 4 -----
Gay Lawmaker Pushes Bill to Muzzle Schools
by Wendy Cloyd, assistant editor
Focus on the Family
2-28-2007

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLNews/A000004027.cfm

Legislation would silence any curriculum that reflects adversely on  
homosexuality.

A gay-activist lawmaker has introduced a bill to require California  
schools to censor any instructional material that "reflects  
adversely" on people with perceived gender issues.

Sen. Sheila Kuehl, an open homosexual, is the sponsor of SB 777, a  
bill almost identical to last session's SB 1437. That bill was vetoed  
by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Ron Prentice, executive director of the California Family Council,  
said Kuehl’s bill would further infiltrate the state's laws with  
definitions and protections for alternative sexual behavior.

[More at URL]


----- 5 -----
Court Rules U.S. Can Deny Funding to AIDS Groups
Making groups pledge opposition to sex-trafficking is OK.
[Ed note: it goes beyond that, but the sub-headline/summary is set up  
to make opposition sound as stupid and/or evil as possbile, implying  
that opponents think sex-trafficing is good.]
by Pete Winn, associate editor
Focus on the Family
2-28-2007

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLNews/A000004028.cfm

The government has the right to require nonprofit groups that  
distribute federal AIDS funding to oppose prostitution and sex  
trafficking.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit said  
the Bush administration has the right to deny U.S. Agency for  
International Development (USAID) funding to DKT International. The  
group, which receives federal AIDS funding, refused to sign a pledge  
to oppose the practices, because it supplies condoms to prostitutes  
in Vietnam.

[More at URL]


----- 6 -----
Principles Protect the Fabric of Society
State leaders discuss the impact of pro-family work.
by Wendy Cloyd, assistant editor
Focus on the Family
2-28-2007

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLtopstories/A000004029.cfm

Pro-family leaders from across America are gathered at Focus on the  
Family this week to discuss the importance of strengthening the  
nation's social fabric through grassroots activism.

Tom Minnery, senior vice president of government and public policy  
for Focus on the Family Action, said "the stakes are high, the  
threats are real, but the opportunities are tremendous" for  
conservative leaders.

Speaking to the group, Minnery held up his favorite striped rugby  
shirt. After a spaghetti spill, he had wiped he shirt clean with  
bleach. It removed the stains, but over time, three large gaping  
holes appeared. The fabric had been weakened.

He said, in a corresponding fashion, there's a lesson to be learned  
from nations that have seen a moral decline rooted in the country's  
drift toward multiculturalism and tolerance. Social battles of the  
'70s, '80s and early '90s were lost, because they were fought feebly.

[...]

Jeff Laszloffy, president of the Montana Family Foundation, said the  
key is to link the issues to Biblical principles.

"If we can link issues to principles, the church will find relevance  
in society again," he said. "Right now the church believes there's a  
difference between public policy and theological issues. And I see no  
difference."

[More at URL]


----- 7 -----
Gay Episcopal Bishop Rejects Call to Step Down
Focus on the Family
02-28-2007

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLBriefs/A000004025.cfm

The man at the center of what is likely to be a split in one of the  
world's largest Christian denominations says he won't step down --  
and the Episcopal Church should reject pleas by the worldwide  
Anglican Communion to not consecrate gay bishops.

V. Gene Robison, the openly homosexual Episcopal bishop of New  
Hampshire, said the U.S. branch of Anglicanism should not give in to  
demands from the world body that it reconsider Robinson's 2003  
installation, the Associated Press reported.

[...]

"Doesn't Jesus challenge the greater whole to sacrifice itself for  
those on the margins?" he asked in a statement issued Tuesday. "Now  
is the time for courage, not fear."

[More at URL]


----- 8 -----
The Anglicans Out-Sharia Muslims
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Matthew Thompson, reported by Andrew Sullivan
28 Feb 2007

http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2007/02/ 
the_anglicans_o.html

Blogger Matthew Thompson reports on the latest maneuvring on a  
draconian anti-gay bill that could pass imminently in the Nigerian  
Senate. One of the provisions:

[Ed. note: summary and links are at the URL, but in short form, the  
measure criminalises homosexuality, bans GBLT organisations of any  
sort, bans support for GBLT rights, and representation of GBLT people  
in any form in the media.]

[...]

A leading Muslim opposes the bill as gratuitously homophobic, but  
Archbishop Akinola, a favorite among American theocons, is all for  
it. Here's a helpful summary of this alarming development, as  
American Episcopalians ally with brutal opponents of human rights.

[More at URL]


----- 9 -----
Justices Reject Polygamy Case
Refusal is good news for traditional marriage.
from staff reports
2-28-2007

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLNews/A000004026.cfm

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the plea of convicted  
polygamist Rodney Holm, who argued his marraiges should be legal  
based on the landmark 2003 ruling that struck down a Texas sodomy law.

[...]

Chris Stovall, an attorney with the Alliance Defense Fund, is  
breathing a sigh of relief the Supreme Court didn't take up the case  
or use Lawrence to ratify polygamy.

"From a constitutional-law standpoint," he said, "it would have  
opened the floodgates on all manner of behavior and lifestyle for  
people living in all sorts of relationship(s)."

[More at URL]


----- 10 -----
The Case For a Creator
Lee Strobel makes the case for the existence of an intelligent designer
Focus on the Family
Nurturing and Defending Families Worldwide
[Ed. Note: that's a new tagline]
by Lee Strobel

http://www.family.org/faith/a000000725.cfm

THE ISSUE: Does current scientific data support the theory that the  
universe was created with intelligent design?

WHAT SKEPTICS SAY: Belief in an intelligent designer is a religious  
theory that has no basis in science. Scientific data supports  
evolutionary theory, and everyone knows it.

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS: "In the beginning God created the heavens and  
the earth" (Genesis 1:1). "The heavens declare the glory of God; the  
skies proclaim the work of his hands" (Psalm 19:1).

[More at URL]


----- 11 -----
High Court Declines Polygamy Appeal
Focus on the Family
2-27-2007

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLBriefs/A000004011.cfm

The U.S. Supreme Court will not hear an appeal by a polygamist who  
sought to overturn his bigamy conviction, The Salt Lake Tribune  
reported.

In 2006 the Utah Supreme Court found Rodney Holm guilty of bigamy for  
having three wives. Holm appealed to the high court and argued the  
2003 Lawrence v. Texas ruling protected his lifestyle. That case  
overturned all the nation's sodomy laws.

Bruce Hausknecht, judicial analyst for Focus on the Family Action,  
said the Supreme Court's refusal to hear this appeal is important for  
two reasons.

"First, the Court must have agreed with the Utah Supreme Court that  
the 2003 Lawrence v. Texas decision was indeed a narrow one," he  
said, "and couldn't be used to redefine marriage, which is a public,  
not private, institution." [Ed. Note: they didn't say this. Note the  
use of "must have."]

Pro-family groups that want the Lawrence ruling limited -- or even  
reversed -- should find hope in this decision, he added.
"Second, this case highlights the fact that marriage is indeed a  
federal issue," Hausknecht said.

[More at URL]


----- 12 -----
Gay Student 'Weddings' Anger California Parents
High school event offer counterfeit marriage certificates.
from staff reports
Focus on the Family
2-27-2007

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLNews/A000004013.cfm

Some self-identified gay students at Glendale High School in  
California recently gathered in the cafeteria for fake wedding  
ceremonies -- a school-sponsored event.

A petition asking the government to end discrimination against same- 
sex marriage was also in the mix.

The "Freedom to Marry" event provided the couples with mock marriage  
certificates and included a petition drive calling on the government  
to allow same-sex marriage.

George Taylorson, a Glendale resident, said he's appalled the school  
would allow the event.

"To encourage this type of lifestyle with kids that are 13, 14, on  
up, it just totally angers me and just disturbs me," he told Family  
News in Focus. "The schools have a big-enough problem as it is just  
educating the kids without getting involved in such a highly  
sensitive area."

The Pacific Justice Institute sent a warning letter to Principal  
Kathy Fundukian, urging her to act in the best interest of all  
students. The goal of the ceremonies, backed by an openly gay teacher  
and the school's Gay-Straight Alliance student club, was to "mock  
marriage."

[...]

TAKE ACTION: If you'd like to ask Principal Kathy Fundukian to not  
allow students to make a mockery of marriage, you may e-mail her at  
kfundkian at gusd.net

[More at URL]


----- 13 -----
Alliance for Marriage to Focus on States
Last election ended hopes on Capitol Hill.
by Pete Winn, associate editor
Focus on the Family
2-27-2007

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLtopstories/A000004014.cfm

The group that drafted the original federal marriage amendment will  
now turn its attention to state legislatures.

The Alliance for Marriage (AFM) announced today it's forming a  
marriage-protection caucus of state lawmakers for the "50-state  
strategy."

"We have to turn our attention to the states in light of what  
happened in the last election," AFM President Matt Daniels told  
CitizenLink. "We are building a new and unique national network of  
legislators in both parties who share a desire to see marriage  
protected under our laws."

[...]

AFM has already identified lawmakers in 14 states. The initial focus  
will be states that do not constitutionally protect marriage.

In states with marriage amendments, AFM will press lawmakers to pass  
nonbinding resolutions that call upon the congressional delegation to  
pass the federal marriage amendment.

[...]

Tom McClusky, vice president of government affairs at the Family  
Research Council (FRC), said 27 states have passed amendments with  
support from pro-family groups, including FRC Action and Focus on the  
Family Action.

[...]

Carrie Gordon Earll, senior director of issue analysis at Focus on  
the Family Action, also welcomed AFM's efforts. She added that the  
battle has recently shifted.

"The first phase of the fight has been passing state marriage  
amendments declaring marriage as one man and one woman," Earll said.  
"However, the next phase will be fighting against what has been  
called 'marriage lite' -- passage of counterfeit marriage efforts  
through domestic partnership and civil union legislation. That's  
where the battle lies, and we welcome everyone who will help with it."

[More at URL]


----- 14 -----
Maryland Considers Parents' Appeal of Pro-Gay Lessons
Focus on the Family
2-26-2007

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLBriefs/A000004005.cfm

Maryland is reconsidering sex-education lessons that portray  
homosexuality as normal, CNSNews.com reported.

The Montgomery County Board of Education unanimously approved the  
curriculum in January, but pro-family groups immediately filed an  
appeal that the state Board of Education is considering.
Michelle Turner, spokeswoman for Citizens for Responsible Curriculum  
(CRC), said the curriculum teaches that homosexuality is an innate  
characteristic equal to heterosexuality.

[More at URL]


----- 15 -----
Two More States Consider Gay Adoption
Family advocates urge people of faith to fight back.
Focus on the Family
from staff reports
2-26-2007

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLNews/A000004006.cfm

New Hampshire and Michigan are working on legislation to make gay  
adoption legal.

Massachusetts legalized adoption for same-sex couples in 2006. That  
move led the state to mandate that Catholic Charities of Boston refer  
children to gay couples. The group discontinued its century-old  
adoption program under that pressure.

Ron Stoddart, president and executive director of Nightlight  
Christian Adoption Agency in California, said the family itself is at  
stake.

"It's just a continuation of the cultural trend of breaking down the  
basic foundation blocks of the family," he Family News in Focus.

Stoddart said in his state, homosexuals use antidiscrimination laws  
to ensure they can adopt.  He says it's a formula he expects to see  
leveraged across the country.

"It will come up, in my opinion, not as a matter of legalizing same- 
sex couples being able to adopt," he said, but through states  
modifying nondiscrimination clauses intended to offer protection for  
race, gender and religion.

Kelly Shackelford, chief counsel for Liberty Legal Institute, said  
people of faith should keep fighting attempts to place children in  
homes that, by definition, exclude either a mom or a dad.

"We're going to stand by what's best for these children," he said,  
"and what's best for these children is to have a mom and a dad."


----- 16 -----
Parental Rights Under Attack in Massachusetts
Judge shoots down lawsuit brought by outraged parents.
by Pete Winn, associate editor
Focus on the Family
2-26-2007

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLtopstories/A000004008.cfm

"The shot heard 'round the world."

That's how Ralph Waldo Emerson described that moment in 1776 when the  
Minute Men fired the opening salvos of the American Revolution on the  
village green in Lexington, Mass.

It's also how parental-rights advocates describe what happened last  
week when a federal judge in Boston shot down a lawsuit by some  
parents who objected to what Lexington schools were teaching their  
young children about homosexuality.

Last Friday, U.S. District Court Chief Judge Mark Wolf told David  
Parker and Rob and Robin Wirthlin that they had no legal right to  
challenge the schools -- at all.

"It's so absurd, you can hardly even discuss it," said Brian  
Camenker, executive director of the Boston-based group  
MassResistance. "The judge said that the schools have a right and an  
obligation to teach about same-sex relationships, even in the  
elementary schools -- and that parents' rights end at the schoolhouse  
door."

[More at URL]


----- 17 -----
Wyoming Marriage Effort Falls Short
Focus on the Family
2-23-2007

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLBriefs/A000003976.cfm

A marriage-strengthening bill in the Wyoming Legislature failed to  
pass out of the House Rules Committee by one vote.  SF 13 would have  
denied state recognition of same-sex marriages performed in other  
states.  The deadline for all House votes is today, so a revival of  
the bill is unlikely.

[More at URL]


----- 18 -----
Iowa Legislature Sacrifices Embryos
Focus on the Family
2-23-2007

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLBriefs/A000003978.cfm

The Iowa House approved by one vote Thursday night a bill easing  
restrictions on embryonic stem-cell research involving cloned human  
beings. The Iowa Senate approved a similar measure last week. Gov.  
Chet Culver, a Democrat, is expected to sign the bill.

The governor pressured pro-life Democrats to approve the measure,  
according to Chuck Hurley, executive director of Iowa Family Policy  
Center in Pleasant Hill.

[...]

“Brian Quirk is a long-time pro-life Democrat who said last week he  
was going to oppose the bill,” said Hurley, who witnessed Thursday’s  
vote. “We were hanging out for hope, even up to the last vote, but  
then Quirk’s green light went up [signifying his ‘yes’ vote]. There  
was literal talk in the lobby afterward that he had sold out  
thousands of unborn babies for 30 pieces of silver.”

[...]

“Clearly, we live in a fallen world, so we can’t let a disappointment  
or two or 10 obliterate our citizenship responsibilities. What I plan  
to do personally and organizationally is go into the solid churches  
and find those who’ve stood the test of time, raised a good family,  
been a good elder, a good pastor, an overseer. You don’t take  
questionable alloy and try hammering it into steel and build a  
bridge. The bridge will collapse. It did last night.”

[More at URL]


----- 19 -----
Marijuana’s Medical Value Questioned
The FDA says there is no evidence of benefit.
from staff reports
Focus on the Family
2-23-2007

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLNews/A000003980.cfm

Marijuana “has no accepted medical value,” according to the Food and  
Drug Administration. But a medical marijuana advocacy group,  
Americans for Safe Access, is demanding in federal court that the  
agency reverse its stance.

“All we are asking is for them to change the sentence. The sentence  
is, ‘Marijuana has no accepted medical value,’” said spokesperson  
Steph Sherer. “We would love to see that sentence replaced with,  
‘Marijuana has accepted medical value in the United States.’”

[More at URL]


----- 20 -----
Faith-Based Initiative Goes on Trial
High Court hears oral arguments next week.
from staff reports
Focus on the Family
2-23-2007

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLNews/A000003981.cfm

The Freedom From Religion Foundation will argue at a U.S. Supreme  
Court hearing next week that President Bush’s Faith-Based and  
Community Initiative violates the “separation of church and state.”  
But Jordan Lorence, senior counsel for Alliance Defense Fund, told  
Family News in Focus he sees an ulterior motive in the lawsuit.

“What they are trying to do is stop all government acknowledgement of  
religion or funding of religion,” Lorence said. “And what is very  
detrimental is they are on a search-and-destroy mission of all things  
religious.”

[More at URL]


----- 21 -----
Gay Pressure Threatens Counseling
Task force will review "appropriate therapy practices.”
by Wendy Cloyd, assistant editor
Focus on the Family
2-23-2007

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLtopstories/A000003985.cfm

Under pressure from homosexual activists, the American Psychological  
Association (APA) plans to re-examine its policy on therapy for gay  
men and women seeking change.

At least two homosexual groups--the National Gay and Lesbian Task  
Force Policy Institute (NGLTF) and PFLAG (Parents, Family and Friends  
of Lesbian and Gays)—want the APA to get tough on anyone who tries to  
help gays change.

The groups “came to us and said from their perspective issues related  
to reparative therapy are still very important issues that affect the  
well-being of lesbian, gay and bisexual people," Dr. Clinton W.  
Anderson, director of the lesbian, gay, and bisexual concerns office  
at the APA, told CitizenLink. "They said, 'We think it would be a  
good idea if you took another look at it.' "

[...]

Dr. Warren Throckmorton, associate professor of psychology and fellow  
for psychology and public policy at Grove City College, said the APA  
is responding to pressure, not science.

"The reasons they recommended it was for political reasons, not for  
scientific reasons," he said. "They didn't refer to new research, or  
new studies -- they referred to new policy statements from other  
groups."

The APA already stands against therapies that treat homosexuality as  
a mental illness, Throckmorton said. If the group yields to demands  
from PFLAG and NGLTF and comes out against reparative therapy,  
discontented gays will have fewer options.

[More at URL]


----- 22 -----
Brownback Introduces Video-Game Rating Bill
Wants reviewers to look at every bit of each game.
by Wendy Cloyd, assistant editor
Focus on the Family
2-22-2007

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLNews/A000003969.cfm

Sen. Sam Brownback introduced a bill earlier this week to make sure  
video game ratings are based on the entirety of each game.

The Kansas Republican said ratings of violent and sexually explicit  
video games are grossly inadequate, and parents may not be aware of  
explicit content because of it.

"The current video-game ratings system is not as accurate as it could  
be," he said, "because reviewers do not see the full contents of  
games and do not even play the games they rate."

The Truth in Video Game Rating Act would require the Entertainment  
Software Ratings Board (ESRB) to review the entire playable content  
of a game.

[More at URL]


----- 23 -----
Supreme Court Turns Down Religious-Liberty Cases
Bible verses and Nativity scenes lose out.
from staff reports
Focus on the Family
2-22-2007

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLNews/A000003968.cfm

The U.S. Supreme Court this week declined to hear two important  
religious-freedom cases.

One dealt with New York City pulling down billboards that quoted  
Bible passages concerning homosexuality. Officials called them hate  
speech. Lower courts ruled in favor of the city. Pastor Kristopher  
Okwedy, who leads Keyword Ministries, the church behind the  
billboards, is unapologetic.

"My mandate is not from the Supreme Court," he said. "I would love  
for the Supreme Court to stand on what America stands for, to defend  
what America is built upon, but my mandate is from God Himself."

[More at URL]


----- 24 -----
Rhode Island Official Seeks Recognition of Gay Marriages
Focus on the Family
2-22-2007

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLBriefs/A000003964.cfm

Rhode Island's attorney general said Wednesday that gay state  
employees who are married in Massachusetts should have those unions  
recognized and receive benefits.

According to The Associated Press, Attorney General Patrick Lynch  
based his opinion on the fact that his state has no law banning gay  
marriage. The advisory opinion is not binding.

"It's essentially guidance," Lynch said. "It's my interpretation of  
the law."

[More at URL]


----- 25 -----
South Dakota Senate Committee Kills Abortion Ban
Focus on the Family
2-22-2007

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLBriefs/A000003965.cfm

After easily passing the South Dakota House, a second attempt to ban  
abortion failed in a Senate committee Wednesday.

According to LifeNews.com, the bill lost 8-1 in the Senate State  
Affairs Committee. Some lawmakers said the measure probably wouldn't  
stand up in court.

Last year, voters defeated a near-total ban. The Legislature came  
back with a ban that included exceptions for rape and incest.

[More at URL]


----- 26 -----
War Vote Could Prompt Senate Democrat to Switch Parties
Focus on the Family
2-22-2007

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLBriefs/A000003966.cfm

A high-profile Democrat suggested today that his party's opposition  
to funding the war in Iraq might lead him to switch to the GOP -- a  
move that would change the Senate's balance of power.

Sen. Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut is a supporter of the war and  
the president's plan to send additional troops. He told the blog  
Politico he has "no desire to change parties," but the ongoing debate  
might change his mind.

"If that ever happens," he said, "it is because I feel the majority  
of Democrats have gone in a direction that I don't feel comfortable  
with. I hope we don't get to that point. That's about all I will say  
on it today."


----- 27 -----
Wireless Company Drops Porn Service
Focus on the Family
2-22-2007

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLBriefs/A000003963.cfm

Telus Corp., a Canadian cell phone company, announced Wednesday that  
it will no longer allow customers to download pornography. According  
to the Candian Press, the action came as a result of hundreds of  
complaints from customers, shareholders and religious leaders.

[...]

Daniel Weiss, senior analyst of media and sexuality at Focus on the  
Family Action, said the decision shows the importance of speaking out.

"It only took a few hundred complaints to convince a business it was  
on the wrong track," he said. "People often think they can't do  
anything about the social ills in our culture, but if people would  
only act on their convictions, we would begin to see hundreds of  
similar stories all over the globe."

[More at URL]


----- 28 -----
Telus cancels cellphone porn
Focus on the Family Canada
February 28, 2007

http://www.fotf.ca/tfn/culture/stories/2007/070228_01.html

“We listened to our customers,” Janet Yale, Telus’s executive vice- 
president of corporate affairs, told the Globe and Mail in explaining  
why Canada’s second-largest telecommunications company decided  
abruptly to stop selling pornography to cellphone customers.

Yale conceded that they “heard from a broad range of customers . . .  
who made it clear they were not supportive of this initiative” that  
would have made the Vancouver-based company the first in North  
America to offer this type of service.

Less than a month ago, Jim Johannsson, Telus’s director of media  
relations, defended the decision to sell “adult” images and videos as  
something their customers wanted. He also maintained that Telus was  
only providing access to legal websites that offered “basically  
nudity” and “basically no sex”– and all behind a “rigorous” age- 
verification procedure that would prevent children from accessing the  
images.

For many Canadians, those assurances were not good enough. As one  
concerned parent wrote Focus on the Family Canada, “I certainly  
cannot support any company that demonstrates as little moral fibre as  
this, so I will be transferring our phone service . . . and will be  
recommending to everyone who will listen that they do the same  
thing.” “My family and I see this as . . . a threat against the  
innocent,” another wrote. “. . . I am disheartened, disgusted and in  
disbelief over this matter.”

[More at URL]


----- 29 -----
Internet poses multiple dangers to kids
Focus on the Family Canada
February 28, 2007

http://www.fotf.ca/tfn/culture/stories/2007/070228_02.html

With even preschoolers becoming skilled in internet use, there are  
virtually no children immune from the dangers that lurk in the World  
Wide Web, The Tri-City News in B.C.’s Lower Mainland reported.

Samantha Wilson, a former police officer and founder of Kidproof USA/ 
Canada, believes the three greatest dangers they face are: sexual  
predators who populate chat rooms and other online meeting places,  
viewing inappropriate materials and internet bullying.

Children have no business entering chat rooms, she said, because  
“That is where your bad guy is.”

[More at URL]


----- 30 -----
Pedophiles exploit wireless net access
Focus on the Family Canada
February 21, 2007

http://www.fotf.ca/tfn/culture/stories/2007/070221_02.html

Pedophiles have discovered they can easily pirate other people’s  
wireless computer signals to download child pornography, the  
Vancouver Sun reported last week.

“People don’t secure their wireless systems [with password  
protection], so anyone with a laptop driving around their  
neighbourhood can get access to the Internet,” Sergeant Janis Gray  
with the RCMP child exploitation unit told the Sun.

[...]

Recently, Purita joined a CBC Marketplace film crew investigating Wi- 
Fi network access in downtown Vancouver. He said they found 400  
signals – of which more than half were unsecured.

“You’d be amazed at the number of people who have [unsecured]  
wireless – schools, Internet cafes, businesses,” Gray said. “They  
think that they are doing people a favour by having wireless, but  
they are not taking steps or the expense to secure it.”

[More at URL]


----- 31 -----
The Discovery Channel documentary says Christianity is a lie
American Family Association
February 27, 2007

http://www.afa.net/tombofjesus.htm

The documentary claims that the tombs of Jesus, Mary, Mary Magdalene  
and a supposed son of Jesus —Judah— have been found, thus making the  
Bible and two thousand years of history a lie.

According to the Discovery Channel's documentary "The Lost Tomb of  
Jesus" airing Sunday, March 4, the bones of Jesus-- buried with His  
family -- have been found. In addition, the documentary says that  
Mary Magdalene and Jesus might have had a son named Judah.

The documentary claims that the tombs of Jesus, Mary, Mary Magdalene  
and a supposed son of Jesus —Judah— have been found, thus making the  
Bible and two thousand years of history a lie.

Here is what The Discovery Channel says about the program and the  
Christian faith: "All leading epigraphers agree about the  
inscriptions. All archaeologists confirm the nature of the find. It  
comes down to a matter of statistics. A statistical study  
commissioned by the broadcasters (Discovery Channel/Vision Canada/C4  
UK) concludes that the probability factor is 600 to 1 in favor of  
this tomb being the tomb of Jesus of Nazareth and his family."

Having watched how Hollywood portrays Christians and Christian values  
for the past 30 years, it is clear that Hollywood considers  
Christianity its greatest enemy. Because of our silence, Christianity  
is the only religion they feel free to attack!

It is time for Christians to send a message to The Discovery Channel  
and Hollywood that enough is enough! Don't stay silent while The  
Discovery Channel and Hollywood continually attack our faith and our  
values.

The documentary was produced by James Cameron, whose claim to fame is  
directing the movie "The Titanic." Saying that Cameron is qualified  
to make a documentary on Jesus is like saying Hugh Hefner is  
qualified to make a documentary on abstinence before marriage!

For a critical review of this film by Probe Ministries President  
Kerby Anderson, click here.

Take Action

Send your email to The Discovery Channel.

Forward this to your friends and family. Urge them to get involved  
and send a message to The Discovery Channel and Hollywood.


----- 32 -----
House of Representatives set to vote on “hate crimes” giving  
homosexuals special rights
[Ed. Note: the bill, by their own admission, includes "sexual  
orentation." Heterosexual is a sexual orientation. The use of the  
"special rights" language is intended to distort the issue, as it  
always is.]
Contact Your Representative In Opposition to HR 254 Today!
American Family Association
Online as of 28 February 2007

http://www3.capwiz.com/afanet/issues/alert/?alertid=9395716

The U.S. House of Representatives will soon vote on HR 254, which  
establishes “hate crime” legislation. HR 254 will create new special  
rights for homosexuals under the guise of enhancing law enforcement.  
It would make “sexual orientation” a protected class alongside race,  
religion and gender.

The only way this bill can be defeated is with a real grassroots  
uprising by those who care about the future of their children,  
families and marriages!

The intent of this law is to force the acceptance and approval of  
homosexuality on every American, regardless of their religious views.  
Here is a short summary of HR 254.

For a more in-depth review of where we are headed, click here.

Here is a partial list of what homosexual activists are trying to  
force on every American. While HR 254 will not, in and of itself,  
accomplish these goals, it will open the door to such regulations.  
Once the elephant gets its trunk under the tent, the way is open for  
the elephant to move inside and do whatever he wants.

* Preaching that homosexuality is a sin from the pulpit will result  
in the preacher being charged with “hate speech.”
* Churches will have their tax-exempt status revoked if they oppose  
homosexuality.
* Homosexual marriage will be legalized and recognized in all states.
* Polygamy will be legalized.
* Landlords will be forced to rent to homosexuals.
* Scouts, and all non-profit organizations, will be required to hire  
homosexuals as leaders.
* Biblical language used to define homosexuality will be considered  
“hate speech.” City officials have already had a billboard removed in  
Long Island, NY, because it was classified as “hate speech.” The  
billboard read: “If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a  
woman, both of them have committed an abomination.” (Leviticus 20:13)
* Employees will not be allowed to say anything negative about  
homosexuality in their workplaces.
* Classes promoting the homosexual lifestyle will be included in  
school curricula beginning with the lower grades.
* Employers will be forced to hire homosexuals.
* Adoption by homosexuals will be legalized in every state.

To read HR 254, click here. [ http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z? 
c110:h.r.254: ]

Let me say again: HR 254 will not, in and of itself, accomplish  
everything the homosexual activist’s desire. But it is the first step  
is to position their cause where they can achieve all their goals.

If they are successful with HR 254, rest assured they will pursue  
their next goal and will not stop until they achieve all their goals.

Take Action
Enter your zip code above or below and click “GO” to create and send  
the e-mail to your representative urging him or her to vote AGAINST  
HR 254. It all boils down to who is dedicated to their cause more —  
homosexual activists or Christians. Right now the homosexual  
activists are winning.

Please forward this to all your friends and family. The only way to  
stop this onslaught on Christian values and Christianity is a  
national uprising against HR 254, saying enough is enough!

Thanks for caring enough to get involved. If you consider our efforts  
worth supporting, would you consider making a small donation to help  
us continue? Thanks.

Sincerely,

Donald E. Wildmon, Founder and Chairman
American Family Association


----- 33 -----
In Hawaii, Coast Is Clear from Civil Union Threat
Family Research Council
1 March 2007

http://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=WU07B20

After a grueling five hours of testimony, Hawaiian lawmakers refused  
even to vote on a bill in committee that would have allowed same-sex  
unions. Later, the state's legislators refused to offer an  
explanation for the move, but we applaud the Hawaii Family Forum for  
motivating voters to voice their opposition to this dangerous  
measure. The vote in Hawaii is more evidence that legislatures are  
reluctant to change the public understanding of marriage when they  
are free to debate and vote in the absence of a judicial decree that  
puts a finger on the scales of justice. Hawaii is a politically  
liberal state, but it was one of the first in the nation to grapple  
with a pro-homosexual judicial ruling upsetting the man-woman  
character of marriage. When Hawaii courts first ruled on the matter  
roughly a decade ago, voters amended the state constitution to  
require that any changes in state law on the nature of marriage could  
only be made by the elected branches of government, not judges. This  
stands in sharp contrast to the judicially-driven outcomes in  
Vermont, Massachusetts, and now New Jersey. It also has the virtue of  
being more honest: elected officials must account for themselves, and  
not point to another branch of government and say, "They made me do  
it." Whatever your position is on this issue, or any other  
controversial matter, voters should expect their elected officials to  
stand on the courage of their convictions, not the convenience of  
coercion.

[More at URL]


----- 34 -----
U.K. Pro-Lifers Take Baby Steps in Legislature
Family Research Council
28 February 2007

http://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=WU07B20

The miraculous story of little Amillia Taylor, who is said to be the  
youngest surviving premature baby, has prompted Britain to reconsider  
its abortion policies. As it stands, the U.K. allows women to abort  
through the 24th week of pregnancy. Until recently, experts argued  
that unborn children could not survive outside the womb before that  
period, a theory that Amillia's existence has completely discredited.  
Tory MP Nadine Dorries has sponsored bills in the past that would  
impose a tighter limit on late-term abortions. In light of the  
Taylors' story, Dorries intends to reintroduce legislation that would  
make abortions illegal after 21 weeks. As one doctor said, "To me it  
seems utterly illogical that one doctor is struggling to save a baby  
delivered at 23 weeks while another is aborting a healthy baby of the  
same age."


----- 35 -----
Federal Judge: No Room for Parents in the Classroom
Family Research Council
26 February 2007

http://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=WU07B18

According to a federal judge, public schools--not parents--have the  
right to control the curriculum to which children are exposed. Joseph  
and Robin Wirthlin sued Lexington, Massachusetts schools for allowing  
their son's second-grade teacher to read the homosexual fairy tale,  
King and King, to the class without prior notice to the Wirthlins. A  
couple FRC interviewed for Liberty Sunday, Tonia and David Parker,  
joined the suit when their son brought home a book about families  
that included two gay adults. Judge Mark Wolf sided with the school,  
saying, "...Under the Constitution public schools are entitled to  
teach anything that is reasonably related to the goals of preparing  
students to become productive citizens in our democracy." Wolf  
continued by saying that if parents don't agree with the curriculum,  
they are welcome to send their kids to a private school. "It is  
increasingly evident that our diversity includes differences in  
sexual orientation." Clearly, this is not about diversity but a  
political agenda. Massachusetts law on homosexual marriages was  
imposed by judicial decree and is far from settled. The government  
seems bent on overpowering parents and dictating what's in the best  
interest of children. At the very least, the Parkers, Wirthlins and  
others deserved to be informed about the content of the curriculum  
and to have their kids exempted from lessons that violate their moral  
beliefs. School administrators argued that the books did not focus on  
human sexuality but family structures. If they truly believe that,  
Lexington officials must be living in the very fairy tales their  
schools are promoting. It's no wonder America is failing miserably to  
keep up with international test scores. Public schools are consumed  
with teaching not the basics reading and writing but the chic and the  
radical. Both couples will appeal the case to the U.S. 1st Circuit  
Court of Appeals, where we can only hope that the inherent authority  
of parents will fare better.

[More at URL]


----- 36 -----
The Slippery Slope of Same-Sex 'Marriage'
by: Timothy J. Dailey, Ph. D.
Family Research Council

http://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=BC04C02&f=WA07B62

A Man and His Horse

In what some call a denial of a basic civil right, a Missouri man has  
been told he may not marry his long-term companion. Although his  
situation is unique, the logic of his argument is remarkably similar  
to that employed by advocates of homosexual marriage.

The man claims that the essential elements of marriage--love and  
commitment--are indeed present:"She's gorgeous. She's sweet. She's  
loving. I'm very proud of her. ... Deep down, way down, I'd love to  
have children with her."1

Why is the state of Missouri, as well as the federal government,  
displaying such heartlessness in denying the holy bonds of wedlock to  
this man and his would-be "wife"?

It seems the state of Missouri is not prepared to indulge a man who  
waxes eloquent about his love for a 22-year-old mare named Pixel.

[More at URL]