 |
|
 |
|
News
E-Alert 4.21.10
Wednesday April 21, 2010 - 02:21 AM
Inside this issue: "Bathroom Bill" debate heats up in governor's race; House approves gambling bill, Senate outcome unclear; MFI:60 with Kris Mineau: Truth Project coming to MA; Maine commission shelves "transgender" guideline plans; MFI releases updated Internet Safety publication; Coakley DOMA challenge advances; The War to ENDA All Wars; Pro-family leaders urge AG Holder to challenge NDP ruling. Be sure to click on eForce to receive our MFI eForce E-Alert in your Inbox every Wednesday.
| |
"Bathroom Bill" debate heats up in governor's race
|
|
| |
As we reported in our blast earlier today, Charlie Baker, the Republican candidate for governor, has joined MFI’s effort to defeat the “Bathroom Bill,” pledging to veto the bill should it ever come to his desk. Baker is at odds with his running mate, state Sen. Richard Tisei (R-Wakefield), who is one of the lead sponsors of the bill. Among the other candidates for governor, Treasurer Tim Cahill has also come out against it, while Gov. Deval Patrick has been an outspoken proponent of it.
The Boston Globe yesterday pointed out that “social conservatives remain a presence in Massachusetts…” and that this is the issue that has ignited the most interest, since all three candidates are supporters of same-sex “marriage” and abortion.
The “Bathroom Bill” remains in the Judiciary Committee, which has until May 7 to act on it. Homosexual activists continue to label opponents as “right wing,” including openly homosexual Rep. Carl Sciortino (D-Somerville) in yesterday’s Boston Globe. They continue to relentlessly pressure the committee to release the bill to be passed by the full Legislature.
Please take a moment to CLICK HERE right now to send an email to the Judiciary Committee restating your opposition to the “Bathroom Bill.” We cannot afford to rest until the May 7 deadline has come and gone with the committee sending the bill to study, and not to a vote.
|
|
|
Top
|
| |
House approves gambling bill, Senate outcome unclear
|
|
| |
Last Wednesday, the Massachusetts House approved legislation to build two resort casinos and install up to 750 slot machines at each of the state’s four racetracks, the largest expansion of gambling since the creation of the Lottery in 1971. The final vote was 120 to 37 and House Speaker Robert DeLeo, who represents a district that includes two racetracks that will benefit for the bill. The last gambling bill was defeated by a 108 to 46 margin in 2008.
According to the Boston Globe, several legislators acknowledged that the speaker’s power to strip legislators of their chairmanships and influence pushed them to back the bill. “This is a bill he has cared about more than any other bill,” said Rep. Ellen Story (D-Amherst). “My sense is that there may well be consequences for people voting against this bill – particularly people in his inner circle.”
The bill now heads to the state Senate, where most agree it faces an uncertain future. Both Senate President Therese Murray and Gov. Deval Patrick support casinos, but are opposed to slot machines at the tracks, explaining that they fail to create jobs. Senate discussions will likely begin later this month. According to the Globe, some legislators and casino lobbyists, the final bill will ultimately be resolved in a conference committee of House and Senate leaders this summer.
Source: Boston Globe
ACTION: Email your state Senator.
|
|
|
Top
|
| |
Maine commission shelves "transgender" guideline plans
|
|
| |
The controversial Maine Human Rights Commission is backing away from its plans to issue new guidelines for how schools handle so-called “transgender” students, reports the Bangor Daily News. Commission members decided Monday to cancel a public hearing on the issue and at least temporarily halt work on the document titled “Sexual Orientation in Schools and Colleges.”
The biggest questions have come about the recommendations for genderless bathrooms and locker rooms in schools, where students would be able to use any or all regardless of biological sex. The commission decided last month to postpone a decision on the guidelines after angry parents attended their meeting, but chose to schedule a public hearing, a hearing they have now canceled.
“I think it’s a victory for common sense and sound reasoning on a very controversial issues,” said Kenneth Fredette, a member of the commission. “If the issue is going to be pursued, it has to be done in a sound way.
Attorneys for the Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) have opposed a public hearing because the Maine Human Rights Act makes it clear that schools have a legal obligation to provide equal opportunities for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. In other words, the law trumps parental rights.
Source: Bangor Daily News
|
|
|
Top
|
| |
MFI releases updated Internet Safety publication
|
|
| |
Massachusetts Family Institute has released an electronic update to its Guide to Internet and Cell Phone Safety. This PDF publication is an in-depth guide for parents and teenagers about the dangers prevalent on the Internet and on cell phones. The topics range from social-networking websites like Facebook and MySpace, to instant messenger providers such as AIM. It also has a section on the recent “sexting” problem that has arisen, as well as the potentially deadly cyberbullying.
CLICK HERE to view the PDF on our website, or download it to your computer HERE. Feel free to duplicate the PDF for other parents or school officials.
|
|
|
Top
|
| |
Coakley DOMA challenge advances
|
|
| |
Opening arguments are set to be delivered on May 6 in a lawsuit brought by the Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) and Attorney General Martha Coakley with the goal of overturning Section 3 the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) on constitutional grounds.
“This is a case that suggests there is no rational reason why the government legitimately considers marriage a union of husband and wife,” said Maggie Gallagher, president of the National Organization for Marriage. “If that were accepted, it would be the beginning of the end of marriage in all 50 states.”
Bruce Hausknecht, a judicial analyst for Focus on the Family Action, said GLAD’s lawsuit is “intended to chip away of DOMA rather than attacking it head-on and asking for the entire thing to be thrown out as unconstitutional.”
Source: CitizenLink.com
|
|
|
Top
|
| |
The War to ENDA All Wars
|
|
| |
From Tony Perkins’ Washington Update:
Before the elections can put a kibosh on his lopsided agenda, the President is racing through his gay-friendly "to-do" list: stop enforcing the military ban on homosexuals (check), redefine marriage through the census form (check), grant spousal benefits to same-sex partners of federal workers (check), order hospital visitation rights for gays that already exist (check), cram government offices with influential homosexuals (check), and nominate gay-friendly justices to the bench (check). Considering how small his homosexual constituency actually is, President Obama has been a busy guy. Not busy enough, say gay activists. At a fundraiser for Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), several hecklers interrupted his speech to demand more. "It's time for equality for all Americans!" they yelled. Visibly frustrated, the President strayed from his script and said, "[W]e already hear you, all right?" And boy, do they. With the backing of this administration, Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) will soon have his shot at one of the homosexuals' crown jewels: the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). After 16 years of back-and-forth, ENDA's chances for passage have never been better.
"We have an agreed-upon bill," Rep. Frank told reporters. "We're going to get the bill voted on this spring--what people really ought to focus on is helping us get the vote. I think that we're pretty close, but it's not a done deal." As early as next week, the House Education and Labor Committee will start debating a bill that could do permanent damage to American liberty as we know it. Under this bill, the government will order businesses, including religious ones, to stuff their personal beliefs and hire gays and lesbians--even if the organization considers the lifestyle immoral. Essentially, Congress would be establishing a caste system, where the "rights" of homosexuals trump the First Freedoms of any employer. At the very least, it will force people out of business. At its worst, it will bully into silence every American who disagrees with homosexual behavior.
If that doesn't frighten you, it should. ENDA builds the bridge to every last piece of the homosexual agenda, including marriage. With it, the Left can take a hacksaw to every God-given freedom established by the Constitution--including the ability to speak openly about your beliefs. When asked about a vote on the House floor, Rep. Frank said, "The Speaker has promised that."
Source: Family Research Council
|
|
|
Top
|
| |
Pro-family leaders urge AG Holder to challenge NDP ruling
|
|
| |
U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.), Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, National Day of Prayer Task Force Chairman and wife of Focus on the Family Founder Dr. James Dobson, Shirley Dobson and ACLJ Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow, along with numerous members of Congress, last week called on Attorney General Eric Holder to appeal the ruling by U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb who ruled that the annual National Day of Prayer is unconstitutional. Tiahrt is introducing a congressional resolution condemning this ill-advised decision and supporting the continued recognition of the National Day of Prayer.
"The National Day of Prayer is a time when we as a nation acknowledge our deep reliance on God and ask for his guidance in these uncertain times," said Tiahrt. "From the earliest days of our nation’s history, our Founding Fathers and presidents have called for days of prayer and fasting to be observed. Judge Crabb’s misguided ruling against a long-established tradition was characteristic of liberal judicial activism that has sought to remove God from the public square. Attorney General Holder should immediately appeal the Wisconsin court’s ruling that found the National Day of Prayer unconstitutional."
On Thursday, May 6, people around the nation will be celebrating the 59th annual National Day of Prayer. The purpose of the NDP is personal repentance and prayer, and serves to mobilize the Christian community to intercede for America and its leadership in the seven centers of power: Government, Military, Media, Business, Education, Church and Family. We encourage you to host an event in your own community, or attend a nearby event. There will be an event at the State House in Boston from Noon to 1:00 pm. Find out more at www.nationaldayofprayer.org, or contact Dr. Paul Taylor to help coordinate one in Massachusetts (ptaylor@flameoffire.net or 781.775.9283).
|
|
|
Top
|
|
