[Active-l] (NEWS) Today's Cultural Warfare Update (catchup 1)

[Dara (R'ykandar Korra'ti)]

	I've got a long way to go, of course, and I'm glossing over a lot of  
material. But this first one made me stand up and go "oh for fuck's  
sake." So here we are with the fascism. Yay.
					- Dara

Holocaust revisionst anti-gay activists who blame queers for the  
holocaust (and not those good Germans) are coming into the area -  
Lynnwood, specifically - and local big anti-gay fundamentalist  
activists are joining up with them! Endorsing - and speaking at -  
this filthfest are Joe Fuiten of Faith and Freedom Network (who calls  
the Southern Poverty Law Centre a "gay front") and, according to  
them, the Rev. Ken Hutcherson, who spoke before them last year as  
well. Mike Echelbarger, chair of the board of the Lynnwood Public  
Facilities District, who operates the facility they'll be using, says  
that of course they wouldn't have rented to the KKK "of course," but  
apparently the KKK-equivalent in queer hating is okay;

And since the theoconservative / fundamentalist movement is openly  
adopting _fascist_ memetics, let's go now over to Bill O'Reilly, who  
calls warrents, legal defense / trials, and not torturing prisoners  
"far-left" in condemning the political campaign of John Edwards. I'm  
linking to Glenn Greenwald's column on this rather than the original  
transcript mostly because Mr. Greenwald does the grepping through the  
_Federalist Papers_ for me, so I don't have to. Apparently, the  
American Founding Fathers were a bunch of leftist America-haters who  
will destroy America. Damn you, Bill O'Reilly, for destroying  
Godwin's Law. God damn you to hell. Greenwald links to the Fox News  
transcript;

The Bush Administraiton launches its "National Abstinence Campaign,"  
which is "no sex until marriage;" queers outside Massacusetts are  
presumably supposed to have no sex until _evar_, as one of the  
commenters points out;

NYC transgender legal defense fund comes to the aid of a natal woman  
who was thrown out of a women's restroom - and the entire restaurant  
- for being too butch;

EyeOn08 reports on rumours that the fundamentalist leadership is  
"warming" to Mitt Romney;

Faith and Freedom Network, supporters of holocaust revisionism as  
above, endorse James Dobson's absolute rejection of any support for  
the candidacy of Rudolph Guliani, even if he wins the GOP nomination;

Faith and Freedom Network, supporters of holocaust revisionism as  
above, are hosting a "Change Your Culture" Youth Leadership Retreat.  
Said retreat includes Dino Rossi as a featured speaker, along with  
creationist Casey Luskin of the Discovery Institute;

Faith and Freedom Network shuts down their open replies policy to  
blog posts, noting that there were too many comments from people who  
opposed Faith and Freedom Network policies, quoting one reader  
stating that opponents' "biblical understanding is either twisted or  
off base," but adding that they'll continue to allow responses "that  
have substance" to be posted;

FFN says same-sex divorce shouldn't be recognised either, as it  
implies recognition of same-sex marriage;

Focus on the Family rails against Iowa court decision striking down  
their local anti-marriage law, howls with indignation that a gay  
couple managed to get a marriage license through the system before  
the ruling could be stayed pending appeal, calls for anti-marriage  
Constitutional amendment;

Separate FotF story railing against Iowa court ruling;

FotF reports on fundamentalist protests trying to prevent a women's  
health clinic that will provide abortion services from opening; they  
call it a "stealth" clinic. The best, or worst, part is that what  
tipped them off? Extra security cameras and _bulletproof glass_. An  
anti-abortion construction worker tipped off the anti-abortion  
activists, who are used to looking for this kind of extra security as  
normal and necessary. What does this say about _them_, I ask;

Vermont panel to consider same-sex marriage rights; anti-marriage  
activists plan to boycott the panel, claiming the panel has already  
made up its mind;

Focus on the Family quotes Senator Sam Brownback as saying that  
recognition of same-sex couples caused heterosexual couples to have  
80% of childbirths out of wedlock;

FotF condemns New Jersey poll showing a lack of opposition to same- 
sex civil marriage;

FotF and Focus on the Family's New Jersey state proxy, the New Jersey  
Family Policy Council - they install these state by state, and have  
just started one up here - condemn a high school production of _The  
Laramie Project_ as "homosexual propaganda [with] foul and sexual  
language";

FotF condemns study in New England Journal of Medicine finding that  
RU-486, the chemical abortion drug, is safe when used according to  
FDA guidelines;

Focus on the Family quotes various Republican National Committee  
members saying that the GOP can't win without the fundamentalists and  
that the Democrats are "antithetical" to the fundamentalist movement  
for being "pro-choice" and "anti-traditional marriage";

Illinois city posts billboards at the roads into town declaring,  
"Welcome to The Village of Alorton. Where Jesus is Lord. Randy  
McCallum Mayor." Focus on the Family condemns ACLU for even  
considering action, pretending that the 14th Amendment doesn't exist  
and that the first amendment still only applies to Congress;

Focus on the Family promotes - as paid ad integrated seamlessly into  
their news mail (no difference at all, but a note on the website) -  
the Florida anti-marriage state constitutional amendment;

Focus on the Family ACTION ITEM against ENDA, saying that Christians  
must be able to fire people for being queer;

Focus on the Family and its California proxy the California Family  
Policy Council ACTION ITEM against several California bills; one to  
allow marriage rights for queer couples, one to prohibit anti-gay  
teaching in public schools, and so on;

FotF condemns Maryland sex-ed programme that is GBLT-inclusive,  
calling it "student indoctrination";

FotF says MTV is working with Satan in producing a bisexual dating  
game show;

FotF: Arkansas will have anti-GBLT-adoption initiative in 2008; Focus  
on the Family's local proxy (Arkansas Family Policy Council) is  
behind it;

Focus on the Family second ACTION ITEM against ENDA;

FOX's morning show to give airtime to Exodus International (the  
premere "ex-gay" quakery source);

Focus on the Family condemns New York State comptroller's decision to  
include same-sex married couples in the state retirement system; the  
Alliance Defense Fund sued to overturn the state decision, lost this  
round, and will appeal.


----- 1 -----
Anti-gay church group is coming to Lynnwood
Conference next weekend features anti-gay activist
Everett Herald
By Jackson Holtz, Herald Writer
Saturday, October 13, 2007

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20071013/NEWS01/710130053

LYNNWOOD -- An anti-gay religious group is planning a three-day  
conference beginning Friday at the Lynnwood Convention Center.

Watchmen on the Walls expects as many as 700 people to attend the  
prayer gathering, including religious leaders and an anti-gay  
activist who claims the Holocaust was perpetrated by gays.

[...]

"Our understanding is that they're law-abiding. They have a right of  
free speech just like any other group," said Mike Echelbarger, the  
board's chairman.

"If we were talking about the (Ku Klux Klan) we'd have a totally  
different take on it. Of course we wouldn't rent to the KKK," he said.

[...]

Among those expected to speak in Lynnwood is Scott Lively, a lawyer  
from California. He is a "radical anti-gay activist who has all sorts  
of beliefs about homosexuality and fascism," said Michelle Deutchman,  
western states counsel for the Anti-Defamation League.

Lively has published a book advancing the theory that gays were  
responsible for the Nazi holocaust during World War II. Millions of  
people, including gays, Jews, the mentally retarded and others  
perished in Nazi concentration camps.

[...]

Also listed as a speaker for the Lynnwood gathering is former Seattle  
Seahawk Ken Hutcherson. He's now a pastor at the Antioch Bible Church  
in Kirkland and a vocal opponent to gay marriage.

[...]

The Watchmen group is composed of some of the state's 200,000 Russian  
speaking immigrants, said Pastor Joe Fuiten of Bothell's Cedar Park  
Church. He plans to be a featured speaker at the Lynnwood event.

Fuiten, known statewide for rallying the religious right on moral  
issues, bristled at the Southern Poverty Law Center's  
characterization of the Watchmen.

"That southern law group, they're a bunch of whackos," Fuiten said.  
"They're the hate group. That's a gay front, is what that is."

[More at URL]


----- 2 -----
John Edwards' dark leftist America
Glenn Greenwald
Salon
Friday October 12, 2007 05:25 EST

http://www.salon.com/opinion/greenwald/2007/10/12/edwards/index.html

Bill O'Reilly devoted the beginning of his show last night to warning  
Americans about the dangerous radicalism of John Edwards, proclaiming  
that "John Edwards has no chance to become president because he's  
simply too far-left for most Americans." After highlighting all the  
scary, fringe positions Edwards holds, O'Reilly summarized what the  
Far-Left America would look like once John Edwards got done with it:

[W]ould you support President John Edwards? Remember, no coerced  
interrogation, civilian lawyers in courts for captured overseas  
terrorists, no branding the Iranian guards terrorists, and no phone  
surveillance without a specific warrant.

Who could even fathom an America plagued by habeas corpus, search  
warrants, and a military that fails to beat, freeze and mock-execute  
its detainees? And nothing is more sacred to core American values  
than branding other countries' armies as "Terrorists" ("The  
[Revolutionary] Guard is the SS of Iran").

O'Reilly has aptly highlighted here the new ideological divide in our  
political culture -- one is now on the "Left," usually the "Far  
Left," if one supports what were previously the defining attributes  
of basic American liberties, while one is "Serious" and "Responsible"  
and "Centrist/Right" only if one is too sophisticated and "tough" to  
actually think that such effete and abstract things matter. Under the  
cover of darkness, late at night, John Edwards must be reading filthy  
leftist tracts like this:

[More at URL]


----- 3 -----
Bush Admin Launches National Abstinence Campaign
youtube.com
Online as of 10 October 2007

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPnI9XAOzvE

[Video]

[...]

moonwatcher13 (15 hours ago)
What are gay people supposed to do? Wait forever?


----- 4 -----
Ejection of a Woman From a Women’s Room Prompts Lawsuit
By Jennifer Lee
October 9, 2007,  2:43 pm
The New York Times

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/10/09/ejection-of-a-woman-from- 
a-womens-room-prompts-lawsuit/index.html

City Room has heard of women being thrown out of men’s bathrooms, men  
who identify as women being thrown out of women’s bathrooms and, of  
course, men getting into trouble in men’s rooms. But we had not heard  
of a woman being thrown out of a women’s room — by a worker who  
didn’t believe she was really a woman — until now.

The woman, Khadijah Farmer, a 28-year-old who lives in Hell’s  
Kitchen, says she was at the Caliente Cab restaurant in the West  
Village after the Gay Pride Parade on June 24, when she left the  
table to go to the women’s room. While she was in there, the male  
bouncer burst into the bathroom.

[...]

Ms. Farmer, who is lesbian, describes herself as “not the most  
feminine,” but she has been a woman her entire life. Her New York  
State non-driver photo identification card clearly lists her sex as  
female.

[...]

Today, on Ms. Farmer’s behalf, the Transgender Legal Defense and  
Education Fund filed a lawsuit in State Supreme Court in Manhattan  
against Caliente Cab, asserting that she was the victim of gender  
discrimination.

[More at URL]


----- 5 -----
Evangelical leaders moving towards Romney? Not so much
EyeOn08.com
10 October 2007

http://www.eyeon08.com/2007/10/11/evangelical-leaders-moving-towards- 
romney-not-so-much/

This morning, I got an email from a family group leader. He was  
incredulous. He said:

Our "leaders" testify to the sincere conversion of a guy who today  
believes the Boy Scouts are wrong to prohibit homosexual Scoutmasters…

That was in response to Ralph Z Hallow’s article about Romney in  
today’s Washington Times:

Two social conservatives leaders — in surprise moves yesterday —  
criticized fellow evangelical and Republican presidential hopeful  
Mike Huckabee, while praising another party hopeful, Mitt Romney, a  
Mormon.

Still, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins and American  
Values President Gary Bauer hope the former Massachusetts governor  
will passionately express his pro-life views at the Values Voter  
Summit Oct. 19 and 20 at the Washington Hilton.

[More at URL]


----- 6 -----
No compromise for value voters
Faith and Freedom Network
Tuesday, October 09, 2007

http://www.faithandfreedom.us/weblog/2007/10/no-compromise-for-value- 
voters.html

There has been a growing concern regarding the upcoming 2008  
presidential election and what option Christians or "values voters"  
may have in the general election for U.S. President and other  
important offices.

[...]

We are not the only people who are concerned about this matter.

James Dobson has best articulated these concerns and some actions  
that have been taken in this regard in an op-ed to The New York  
Times. Faith & Freedom supports this position.

[More at URL]


----- 7 -----
Change Your Culture
Youth Leadership Retreat
Faith and Freedom Network
Online a of 15 October 2007

http://www.faithandfreedom.us/index.php

November 16-18, 2007
Cascade Camp & Conference Center
Yelm, Washington
Speakers:
Dino Rossi, former State Senator
Dan Browne, U.S. Olympian
Casey Luskin, Discovery Institute
Colleen McGinness, Hillsdale College

Contact Jon Russell for more information


----- 8 -----
Open Posts on Faith & Freedom Website
Faith and Freedom Network
Tuesday, October 02, 2007

http://www.faithandfreedom.us/weblog/2007/10/open-posts-on-faith- 
freedom-website.html

I want to personally thank all of you who have responded through both  
the poll and personal comments sent to me regarding allow open  
posting on our website.

I want to share a sampling of the kinds of comments we have received  
and what we have decided going forward.

All the comments we received were supportive of this ministry, except  
one received this past weekend. I will share that with you in a moment.

People who care about this ministry were generally in favor of  
discontinuing open posting, although a few felt we should continue.

[...]

This person goes on at length to say that the reason they favor not  
having open posting is because a very few people dominate the  
negative side. They say, "These folks seem to have so much time on  
their hands that they cannot fathom keeping up with them to post and  
defend my positions. (By the way, I am in complete support of F&F and  
the positions you are taking on the issues.)"

"In my opinion often times their biblical understanding is either  
twisted
or off base and they verbally beat up on anybody who disagrees with  
them."

[...]

We will post hose [sic] comments that have substance, are directly  
related to the topic and are short and to the point.

Your comments that we post will be posted exactly as we receive them  
from you. We ask only that you identify the town from which you are  
responding.

[More at URL]


----- 9 -----
When divorce may mean "marriage"
Faith and Freedom Network
Monday, October 15, 2007

http://www.faithandfreedom.us/weblog/2007/10/when-divorce-may-mean- 
marriage.html

In 2004, Cassandra Ormiston and Margaret Chambers traveled from their  
home in Rhode Island, MA, where gay marriage is legal, to be "married."

Last year, they filed for divorce in Rhode Island, where they live.

The Associated Press and local Rhode Island news outlets have been  
covering the case because of its possible effect on marriage itself.

I have linked the latest article from The Providence Journal from  
yesterday. It will give you background if you care to read it.

Here is the concern.

The argument being made by counsel for Ormiston is that Rhode Island,  
which does not allow gay marriage, should recognize the "marriage" or  
at least grant a "divorce."

Many who support traditional marriage feel they are slowly trying to  
change public policy to bring about same-sex marriage.

[More at URL]


----- 10 -----
A Same-Sex 'Wedding' in the Heartland of America
Iowa's higher courts will decide if they can continue.
by Jennifer Mesko, associate editor
Focus on the Family
8-31-2007

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLNews/A000005390.cfm

With the help of two elitist judges, two men got "married" in Polk  
County, Iowa, this morning.

On Thursday, Judge Robert Hanson struck down the state's 1998 Defense  
of Marriage Act. About two dozen homosexual couples obtained marriage  
licenses before Hanson issued a stay on his ruling around noon today.  
In the meantime, Judge Scott Rosenburg agreed to sign an "emergency"  
waiver allowing one of the couples to marry today rather than wait  
three days, as required by law.

"There seems to be no end to the judicial arrogance being displayed  
in Iowa this week," said Bruce Hausknecht, judicial analyst for Focus  
on the Family Action. "Now it appears that judges can not only write  
the marriage laws, but they can waive any 'inconvenient' laws  
otherwise required — one-stop shopping for radical social change."

[more at URL]


----- 11 -----
Renegade Judge Strikes Down Iowa Defense of Marriage Act
Dr. Dobson calls it a 'purely political ruling.'
by Jennifer Mesko, associate editor
Focus on the Family
8-30-2007

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLtopstories/A000005372.cfm

County Judge Robert Hanson decided Thursday that he will make the  
laws for Iowa. He struck down the state's 1998 Defense of Marriage  
Act as unconstitutional and ordered Polk County to issue marriage  
licenses to same-sex couples.

Roger J. Kuhle, an assistant county attorney, argued the issue is not  
for a judge to decide. The county, home to state capital Des Moines,  
is expected to appeal the ruling to the Iowa Supreme Court.

Dr. James C. Dobson, founder and chairman of Focus on the Family  
Action, called it another example of a judge legislating from the bench.

[...]

"Sadly, little consideration seems to be given to the next generation  
of children," said Jenny Tyree, associate marriage analyst for Focus  
Action. "One judicial decision could change the definition of  
marriage for every Iowan and deprive more children of either a mother  
or a father."

[More at URL]


----- 12 -----
Life Advocates Fight Stealth Illinois Abortion Clinic
Around-the-clock protest and prayer aim to keep Planned Parenthood  
out; lawsuit possible.
by Jennifer Mesko, associate editor
Focus on the Family
8-27-2007

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLtopstories/A000005351.cfm

Planned Parenthood tried to sneak its largest clinic in the country  
into Aurora, Ill., but residents are having none of it.

Last month, neighbors of the "Gemini Health Clinic" were shocked to  
learn the $7.5 million facility will actually be used for abortions.  
On Saturday, more than 1,200 pro-lifers gathered near the building to  
express their outrage. Some marched with signs, while others prayed  
or handed out leaflets in the surrounding neighborhoods.

A 24-hour, 40-day prayer vigil began Aug. 9 and organizers say it  
will continue until the scheduled opening Sept. 18.

Ann Scheidler, executive director of the Pro-Life Action League, said  
court is next.

[...]

In July, a construction worker became suspicious of the bulletproof  
glass, excess cameras and the dozen-plus recovery rooms.

Pro-life Aurora Alderman Richard Irvin isn't buying it. "All the  
while, they are building it to spec, for this type of clinic," he  
said. "Of course, they knew what this was going to be for."

[Editor's note: This is how they figured out it was a clinic that  
would provide abortion services: the _bulletproof glass_ and  
_security measures_. Note that Mr. Irvin takes this kind of extra  
security as _normal_. What does this say about the anti-abortion- 
rights activists?]

[More at URL]


----- 13 -----
Vermont Panel Considers Marriage Redefinition
A Vermont legislative commission tasked with looking into redefining  
marriage in the state to include homosexuals met for the first time  
on Thursday.
Focus on the Family
8-24-2007

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLBriefs/A000005341.cfm

A Vermont legislative commission tasked with looking into redefining  
marriage in the state to include homosexuals met for the first time  
on Thursday.

The Rutland Herald reported that the meeting largely dealt with  
preliminary issues, such as the format of public hearings.

Tom Little, the Republican who is chairing the euphemistically named  
Commission on Family Recognition and Protection, oversaw the writing  
of the state's civil-union law seven years ago.

Meanwhile, same-sex marriage opponents announced at the Statehouse  
that they will be boycotting the commission's future public hearings  
because they believe the members have already decided to endorse gay  
marriage.

[More at URL]


----- 14 -----
Washington Briefing Will Equip Values Voters
Early registration ends Sept. 15.
Focus on the Family
from staff reports
8-24-2007

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLtopstories/A000005345.cfm

Values voters from across America will gather in the nation's capital  
for the Washington Briefing: A Call to Action on Oct. 19-21.

People who attend will hear from presidential hopefuls, national  
leaders and authors on a wide range of topics of interest to  
conservatives.

RoseMarie Briggs from Maryland went to last year's event and called  
it "inspiring."

"It is so important for people across the country to realize they are  
not alone as they read the headlines and see what’s happening in our  
schools," she told Family News in Focus. "The moral decline in our  
country is vivid.”

She said the topic that opened her eyes last year was Sen. Sam  
Brownback’s speech that detailed how Norway’s recognition of same-sex  
marriage led to 80 percent of children being born out of wedlock in  
some parts of the country.

“I was aware it was bad, but I didn’t realize it was that bad," she  
said. "How can anyone turn a blind eye to the trends that are  
happening in Europe and not be concerned about the trends that could  
happen here in the U.S.?”

[More at URL]


----- 15 -----
New Jersey Gay Activists Seek to Redefine Marriage
Family advocates question a poll being used to make the case.
Focus on the Family
from staff reports
8-17-2007

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLNews/A000005295.cfm

Six months ago, same-sex civil unions were legalized in New Jersey,  
but now homosexual activists are seeking to redefine marriage – and  
are citing a suspect poll to make their case.

The Zogby poll shows 63 percent of the state's voters would not be  
upset if lawmakers "upgraded" civil unions to allow same-sex  
marriages. And 72 percent said such a move would not jeopardize  
politicians’ re-election bids.

But Len Deo, president of the New Jersey Family Policy Council, said  
it's important to point out who commissioned the poll: Steven  
Goldstein, chairman of the gay-activist group Garden State Equality.

[More at URL]


----- 16 -----
Under Pressure, New Jersey School to Present Gay-Activist Play
Focus on the Family
8-16-2007

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLBriefs/A000005284.cfm
Homosexual activists in New Jersey have pressured an Oakhurst, N.J.,  
high school to put on a play called The Laramie Project. The  
principal had canceled it after parents objected.

The play contains overt homosexual propaganda, and foul and sexual  
language. Critics say it's not proper for a high school audience.

Len Deo, president of the New Jersey Family Policy Council, said the  
battle is not over.

“We’re going to look into this," he told Family News in Focus. "We  
want to at least encourage people to understand the full story.”


----- 17 -----
Study Calls Abortion Pill 'Safe' for Women
Serious side effects and multiple physical risks still very real.
by Jennifer Mesko, associate editor
Focus on the Family
8-16-2007

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLtopstories/A000005288.cfm

In 2000, the Food and Drug Administration approved the abortion drug  
mifepristone, also known as RU-486. Since then, it has ended the  
lives of 500,000 U.S. preborn babies and millions more worldwide,  
Time.com reports.

Now, a study appearing in the Aug. 16 issue of the New England  
Journal of Medicine reports that the drug is safe for women in the  
long term.

[...]

"Women who have had abortions have greater risks of miscarriage and  
infertility than women who have not had abortions," Operation Rescue  
Senior Policy Adviser Cheryl Sullenger said in a statement. "It is no  
accident that the study refused to compare these two groups of women,  
because we know they would have found that abortion hurts women, and  
that is obviously a conclusion that they did not want to reach."

[More at URL]


----- 18 -----
Is GOP Straying from Conservative Base?
Focus on the Family
8-6-2007

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLBriefs/A000005201.cfm
As the Republican National Committee (RNC) wrapped up its four-day  
annual summer meeting in Minneapolis over the weekend, some leaders  
were left wondering if the party is straying from its conservative  
stance on social and religious issues.

"Evangelical and pro-life Catholics are a critical part of the GOP's  
electoral coalition," James Bopp Jr., an Indiana member of the RNC,  
told The Washington Times. "The GOP cannot win in 2008 without their  
enthusiastic support. It remains to be seen whether the GOP is moving  
away from them. Whether the GOP is doing so will be determined by who  
is nominated for president."

[...]

Michigan Republican Chairman Saul Anuzis said the party is not  
drifting from its social conservatism.

"The religious Right and social conservatives are still a very big  
part of the party and will be for a long time to come," Anuzis said.  
"The Democrat policies clearly are antithetical to what religious and  
social conservatives believe in. The Left that controls the  
Democratic Party is very much pro-choice on abortion and anti- 
traditional marriage."

[More at URL]


----- 19 -----
ACLU Wants Illinois Town to Remove Jesus Signs
Focus on the Family
8-3-2007

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLBriefs/A000005186.cfm
As you enter the small town of Alorton, Ill., you'll see two green- 
and-white billboards that read: "Welcome to The Village of Alorton.  
Where Jesus is Lord. Randy McCallum Mayor."

As if on cue, the American Civil Liberties Union is objecting. The  
group says the signs may be unconstitutional, but hasn't determined  
what action, if any, to take.

Callie Mobley, who was mayor in the 1980s, pushed for the signs.

[...]

Bruce Hausknecht, judicial analyst for Focus on the Family Action,  
said: "If the Supreme Court hadn't erroneously decided at one point  
that the First Amendment phrase 'Congress shall make no law...'  
should now include states, municipalities, even schools,  [ed. note:  
as per the 14th Amendment, which they like to ignore] we would not be  
in the position where an organization like the ACLU could roam to and  
fro across the land, seeking those acknowledgements of God they could  
devour with their well-oiled machine of intimidation and litigation.

"The arrogance displayed here by the ACLU in not caring if the whole  
town believes the sign's message is illustrative of the Left's  
intentions of coercing every corner of the country to follow its  
secularized, anti-Christian worldview."

[More at URL]


----- 20 -----
Florida Marriage Amendment Moves Full Speed Ahead
Residents seek to prevent redefinition of the sacred institution.
by Jennifer Mesko, associate editor
Focus on the Family

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLtopstories/A000005190.cfm

John Stemberger, head of the Orlando-based Florida Family Policy  
Council, is confident that, starting next fall, traditional marriage  
will be secure in his state. Twenty-seven states have amended their  
constitutions to protect traditional marriage.

Stemberger is leading Florida4Marriage.org, which is working to put a  
marriage amendment on the November 2008 ballot.

"This summer we have received thousands upon thousands of new  
petitions into our headquarters," he wrote to supporters Tuesday.  
"While we do not have an exact count, we believe we are well within  
striking distance of completing the petition goal but not quite there  
yet."

Petitions can be submitted to Stemberger through Sept. 1. He  
estimates he has about 650,000; 611,009 signatures are required.

( http://florida4marriage.org/ )

[...]


----- 21 -----
Take Action: Let Your Lawmaker Know You Oppose ENDA
Bill seeks to enshrine sexual orientation in federal law.
Focus on the Family
from staff reports
9-18-2007

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLNews/A000005498.cfm

The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) is making its way toward  
a vote in the U.S. House. It would prevent businesses and  
organizations from taking sexual orientation or gender identity into  
consideration when hiring, promoting or firing. That could spell  
trouble for Christian business owners, churches and faith-based groups.

Rep. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., said if ENDA passes, it would create a crisis  
for Christians.

“Not being able to hire people based on their agreement with your  
sense of the principles and values of the institution would be  
devastating,” he said.

[More at URL]



----- 22 -----
Take Action: California Legislature Takes Up Batch of Bad Bills
Dr. Dobson says, 'They have outdone themselves this time.'
by Jennifer Mesko, associate editor
Focus on the Family
9-6-2007

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLtopstories/A000005423.cfm

The California Legislature is at it again — trying to coerce  
schoolchildren to accept homosexuality and overturn voters’ support  
for traditional marriage.

Those outrageous measures are among the seven bills that soon could  
be headed to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's desk. He needs to be  
persuaded to veto all seven.

"He should get hundreds of thousands of phone calls. We know that  
makes a difference," Dr. James C. Dobson, founder and chairman of  
Focus on the Family Action, said on a radio program to be broadcast  
Friday.

Joining Dr. Dobson on the program are Tony Perkins, president of the  
Family Research Council, and Tom Minnery, senior vice president of  
government and public policy at Focus Action.

Specifically, the bills would: teach public school children age 5 and  
older to be accepting of homosexuality, cross-dressing and  
bisexuality; end local oversight of school discrimination policies;  
legalize same-sex “marriages"; and allow HIV-positive men to donate  
sperm, with no guarantee that the child conceived in the process  
would be HIV-free.

One of the bills, AB 43, is another attempt to force same-sex  
"marriage" onto the residents of California. In 2000, 62 percent of  
voters passed a constitutional amendment that states, "Only marriage  
between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California."

According to news reports, the American Civil Liberties Union  
dispatched letters to its activists last week, urging them to  
pressure Schwarzenegger on this year's batch of pro-gay bills. The  
governor needs to hear from the pro-family side, as well.

The end of the legislative session is Sept. 14. The governor has  
until Sept. 30 to sign or veto any bills.

"We've got to get the governor to veto these bills," Minnery said.

TAKE ACTION
Call Gov. Schwarzenegger’s office and urge him to veto all seven  
bills. You can contact his office at (916) 445-2841. Select "7" to  
speak with a staffer. Tell them you want the governor to veto all  
seven of the bills opposed by Focus on the Family Action. If you call  
after hours, you can leave a message. You do not need to list the  
bills by number. You may also send a message through the governor's  
Web site. (Note: The governor's Web site has been up-and-down for the  
past day or so.)

FOR MORE INFORMATION
View our fact sheet on the seven bills.

To learn more about these bills and other state issues, visit the  
California Family Council Web site.


----- 23 -----
Maryland Parents Move to Halt Student Indoctrination
Focus on the Family
9-5-2007

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLBriefs/A000005407.cfm
Three pro-family groups have filed for a stay in the Circuit Court  
for Montgomery County, Md., to block implementation of “a  
scientifically flawed and politically biased sexuality curriculum”  
targeted to middle and high school students there.

They are appealing a decision by the state Board of Education to go  
ahead with the controversial curriculum, which describes  
homosexuality as “innate” and exposes kids to propaganda. One example  
from the curriculum: “It took me a while to figure out that I am  
bisexual. I’ve had great relationships with men and with women.”

[More at URL]


----- 24 -----
MTV Will Air Bisexual Dating Show
Focus on the Family
9-7-2007

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLBriefs/A000005432.cfm
Just weeks after its own survey showed teens place high value on  
family and faith, MTV is rolling out a bisexual dating show.

A Shot At Love With Tila Tequila, which is scheduled to premiere on  
the cable network Oct. 9, will feature 16 heterosexual men and 16  
lesbians competing for the attention of the show's namesake.

[...]

"Men and women are made in the image of God, and our masculinity and  
femininity reflect something of his wonder and glory. So it’s no  
wonder the enemy attacks this area and works to create confusion,  
brokenness and lust," he said. "It’s sad that MTV is cooperating so  
readily with our adversary. Especially since they just learned that  
what makes young men and women happy is time with their families and  
with God, not sexual brokenness and confusion. " [Ed. note:  
Biblically speaking, "our adversary" is a reference to Satan, in his  
old-testiment role of the adversary necessary for free will. So what  
they're doing here is saying MTV is working for Satan.]


----- 25 -----
Arkansas Gay-Adoption Ban Hits Roadblock
Focus on the Family
9-10-2007

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLBriefs/A000005441.cfm
Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel has rejected a ballot  
measure aimed at preventing same-sex couples from adopting foster kids.

John Thomas, vice president of the Arkansas Family Council, which  
brought the ballot measure, told Family News in Focus it wasn't the  
content that got it bounced.

“The attorney general’s role is not to pass judgment on the content  
per se, or the constitutionality of it," Thomas explained. "He's  
responsible for making sure the language is as clean as it can  
possibly be so there won’t be confusion.”

In fact, the attorney general said once the housekeeping items are  
cleaned up, the draft can be resubmitted for the November 2008 ballot.

Mona Passignano, state issues analyst for Focus on the Family Action,  
said Arkansas is leading the nation in the fight against homosexual  
adoption.

“I’m sure that many states are going to have to deal with this at  
some point," she said. "Right now, Arkansas is the only one actively  
trying to let the people decide.”


----- 26 -----
U.S. House Set to Vote on Special Rights for Gay Employees
Under the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, even churches may be  
forced to comply.
by Jennifer Mesko, associate editor
Focus on the Family
9-12-2007

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLtopstories/A000005457.cfm

Could a Christian bookstore be forced to hire outspoken homosexual  
employees? If the Democratic Congress has its way, yes.

Last week, the U.S. House Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions  
Subcommittee held a hearing on the dangerous Employment Non- 
Discrimination Act (ENDA). The full House could vote on the bill this  
month.

ENDA would prohibit employers from making employment decisions — such  
as hiring, promotions and firing — based on an individual's "actual  
or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity."

Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, said it  
"could put the rights of homosexuals above employers', including some  
churches.

"Once this law goes into effect, I don't think you can guarantee that  
even churches themselves would be exempt."

House Minority Whip Rep. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., joined Perkins on his  
Sept. 8 radio broadcast.

"This Employment Non-Discrimination Act would do terrible things,"  
Blunt said. While the bill purports to exempt religious groups, "It  
really doesn't do that. The court has to decide if your purpose is  
sufficiently religious enough in character. Are you a church? Are you  
only a church? Do you do other things? Do you have a daycare center?

"It's a terrible policy. We've worked hard over the years to continue  
to strengthen rather than weaken the ability of faith-based  
organizations to truly be faith-based in their hiring. And I think  
that's important, and it's a big part of the debate we need to have  
on this bill."

Blunt urged pro-family Americans to let their representatives know  
how they feel.

"Stay informed. Be knowledgeable," he said. "As much as possible, be  
out there as an independent force. Telephone calls still matter.  
Don't take anything for granted."

TAKE ACTION
Urge your representative to oppose ENDA. If you are a CitizenLink  
Daily Update subscriber, click on the "Take Action" button in the e- 
mail to be automatically logged in to our Action Center. Otherwise,  
click here.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
View CitizenLink Managing Editor Stuart Shepard's Stoplight video  
commentary ENDA Liberty.

[More at URL]



----- 27 -----
Exodus Leader to Share Story on Fox Morning Show
Focus on the Family
9-12-2007

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLBriefs/A000005453.cfm
Exodus President Alan Chambers and his wife, Leslie, will share their  
life stories as part of a panel discussion on change and sexuality  
Thursday on The Morning Show with Mike & Juliet on the Fox television  
network.

Chambers will talk about his decision to leave homosexuality more  
than 14 years ago.

The show's Web site lists local affiliates that carry the program.

Jayson Graves, a therapist in the Exodus network, will join the  
debate panel, hosted by Juliet Huddy and Mike Jerrick. The program  
will be broadcast live from the Fox studios in New York.

"While it is encouraging that a major media network is willing to  
allow former homosexuals to share their personal stories, sometimes  
the segment turns out to be an ambush attack driven by cynical and  
biased reporting," said Caleb H. Price, research analyst for Focus on  
the Family. "I would encourage believers everywhere to lift up Alan  
and Leslie and Jayson in prayer as they participate in this interview  
— that their life journeys would be fairly portrayed and that many  
would be reached with the Gospel message of hope and transformation  
for those entrapped in homosexual behavior."

[More at URL]


----- 28 -----
New York Judge Affirms Out-of-State Gay 'Marriages'
Tosses out challenge to state comptroller's decision.
Focus on the Family
from staff reports
9-14-2007

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLNews/A000005474.cfm

A New York judge has dismissed a challenge to a decision by the state  
comptroller to include gay couples in the retirement system who were  
legally "married" elsewhere.

In his ruling, Judge Thomas McNamara wrote “the policy of the  
Comptroller to recognize same-sex Canadian marriages is legal and not  
contrary to the law.”

Brian Raum, an attorney for the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF), said the  
decision opens Pandora’s box.

“What they’re saying, basically, is the law of other countries will  
now apply in New York, circumventing the Legislature, circumventing  
the legislative process,” he told Family News in Focus.

He added that ADF will appeal the ruling.

[More at URL]