The Danger of Passing a Weak Marriage Protection Amendment – Colorado fails to pass civil unions bill, Governor calls for special session

(Harrisburg)  In 2006 a majority of Colorado voters approved an amendment to their state’s constitution which banned same-sex “marriage.”  However, it was a weak one part amendment which did not ban civil unions.  This is the second legislative session in a row with attempts to legalize civil unions, thus working around the intentions of the voters in 2006.  The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) has warned about the dangers of these weak one part amendments which only protect the word “marriage.”

“Colorado is but the latest example outlining the dangers of passing a weak amendment.  Colorado voters wanted to protect one man one woman marriage, but they were misled to believe the 2006 amendment would do just that.  Unfortunately, their amendment simply protects the word ‘marriage’ and nothing more,” noted Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

Homosexual activists in Colorado and their Democratic allies will not give up until they have civil unions.  Another unfortunate element in this story is the number of Republicans who have jumped off the cliff with Democrats and support the legalization of civil unions.

Civil unions, which in most cases give all the rights and privileges of natural marriage, have been used as a stepping stone to same-sex marriage in Vermont, Connecticut, and New Jersey homosexuals are pushing for same-sex “marriage” saying their civil union law makes them “second class citizens.”

Granting “civil unions,” like legalizing “gay marriage,” would also put government and society officially on the side of an anti-Christian worldview–a travesty for a nation founded on Biblical principles.

“The Colorado State House has failed to pass a civil unions bill.  Governor Hickenlooper is not pleased and has called for a special session costing taxpayers $23,500 a day.  He has indicated civil unions will be one of the issues addressed during the session.  The Governor has his priorities mixed up — he’s sending the taxpayers a bill to destroy marriage!  Hopefully the taxpayers are taking notes and will remember during the next election cycle!” Gramley concluded.

# # #

President Obama Has “Evolved” to Accept Same-sex “Marriage”

(Harrisburg) — President Obama’s “evolution” seems to be complete when it comes to his endorsement of counterfeit marriage.  The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) notes that this is the first time a sitting President of the United States has ever taken such a drastic step to undermine traditional American families.

“President Obama’s statements do not really come as a surprise.  He has been paving the way to this announcement since last year when he announced his administration would no longer defend the federal Defense of Marriage Act,” commented Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

The AFA of PA also notes that Obama opposed the North Carolina Marriage Protection Amendment which passed overwhelmingly by a 61% vote yesterday.  This is considered to be a swing state in November.  Other problematic re-election issues are the facts that the majority of African Americans and Latinos support traditional one man one woman marriage.  Will independent voters support a candidate who does not support traditional marriage?  President Obama and the Democrats are accelerating their downward spiral and trying to take the nation with them.

“Recent statements by Vice President Biden and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan in support of same-sex so-called marriage forced the President’s hand.  He is dependent upon the homosexual vote and the only way he could guarantee their continued support was to endorse same gender “marriage.”  However in so doing he is alienating many who supported him in 2008,” Gramley further commented.

Obama’s announcement today should also energize the Republican legislators in Harrisburg to stop obstructing our Marriage Protection Amendment — HB 1434 — and do what the majority of Pennsylvanians want and that is to protect natural one-man one-woman marriage.  Today’s announcement shows how great the need is to protect marriages and families.

# # #

May 9, 2012

Issues

1.)  When Will We Get the Chance?

2.)  Listen to This Interview — how homosexual activists are using anti-bullying

Details

1.)  Yesterday 61% of North Carolina voters said ‘yes’ on Amendment One which not only defined marriage as only between one man and one woman, but also banned civil unions.  As you will see in our news release ,banning civil unions is also critical in protecting natural marriage.  However, our Republican majority in Harrisburg still does not get it and are refusing to do the right thing and allow We the People to vote on a Marriage Protection Amendment!

2.)  Just how legitimate is the “anti-bullying” that is being pushed by homosexual activists?  Check out my interview of Peter LaBarbera with Americans for Truth About Homosexuality.  On April 29th Peter was kicked out of a presentation by “anti-bullying” advocate Dan Savage at Elmhurst College near Chicago.  What did Peter do wrong?  He asked Savage some tough questions about why he created the website (Google bomb) which redefined the name “Santorum” to mean a vile by-product of anal sex.  Savage also attacked the Pope during his presentation.  Click here to listen to his attacks on the Pope   (be forewarned of the vulgar content!).  Click here to listen to my interview with Peter.

Action Steps

Does your State Senator and State Representative support HB 1434?  Why not give them a call and ask!  Remind them what happened in North Carolina last night and tell them you want a chance to vote on protecting marriage in PA. Click here to find out who your State Representative and State Senator is.

North Carolina Voters Define Marriage as Between One Man and One Woman; When Will PA Get the Chance?

(Harrisburg) — May 8th brought yet another state into the fold of those whose voters have defined marriage as only between one man and one woman.  With 100% of precincts counted, 61% of North Carolina voters said ‘yes’ on Amendment One.   The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide advocate for natural marriage, commends the voters of the Tar Heel state, but also asks the Republican majority in Harrisburg when they will give us the same opportunity the North Carolina Republican majority gave their voters.

“Voters in thirty-one states have now voted to include marriage protection amendments in their state’s constitution defining marriage as only between one man and one woman.  That is a clear indication that the polling data is incorrect when it says Americans are becoming more supportive of same-sex so-called marriage.  A poll done of North Carolina voters in September supposedly showed that 56% of the voters opposed banning ‘gay’ marriage.  Today’s vote showed the truth,” noted Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

The North Carolina amendment, which bans so-called marriage between two people of the same sex and also civil unions, is similar to the one introduced by State Representative Daryl Metcalfe a year ago.  Pennsylvania’s HB 1434 would also ban ‘gay’ marriage and civil unions.

“The language of HB 1434 is identical to that of Florida’s Marriage Protection Amendment which passed with over 60% of the vote!  It took the North Carolina legislature to change hands and have  a Republican majority to get the amendment before the people.  Pennsylvania’s Republican majority took its oath of office in January 2011 and has shown no courage in doing what is right and passing HB 1434 which would be the first step in the two step process of getting the marriage question before the people.  The AFA of PA will continue asking the question ‘What are they afraid of?’” Gramley further remarked.

The effort to legalize civil unions taking place in Colorado right now is a perfect example of why a strong two-part Marriage Protection Amendment like HB 1434 is needed.  In 2006, 56% of Colorado voters approved a Marriage Protection Amendment.  However, it was a weak one sentence amendment simply protecting the word marriage.

# # #

Why is Campbell’s Soup Sponsoring This Event?

(Philadelphia) —  The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) has contacted the Campbell’s Soup Company asking why they  are sponsoring this week’s Equality Forum which promotes so-called same-sex marriage, adoption by homosexuals, homosexuality education to innocent young children in our schools and forcing our military to accept same-sex ‘marriage’ and transgenders in the ranks.

“The majority of American families who buy Campbell’s products do not want them promoting, through sponsorship dollars or any other way, the redefinition of marriage, the adoption of children by homosexuals, nor the normalization of homosexuality in our nation’s schools and military.   Campbell’s tries to portray itself as family-friendly, but has tainted its clean-cut image by this sponsorship,” noted Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

The AFA of PA’s message to Campbell’s outlines our concerns:

“The American Family Association of Pennsylvania, a statewide traditional values group, is appalled that Philadelphia’s Equality Forum lists your company as a sponsor of this year’s homosexual event.

Campbell’s Soup offers many fine products, but this blatant promotion of homosexuality is unacceptable.  Your sponsorship of this event will help pay for panel discussions on so-called same-sex marriage, adoption by homosexuals, promoting homosexuality to innocent young children in our schools and forcing our military to accept same-sex ‘marriage’ and transgenders in the ranks.

Additionally, there will also be a panel discussing how many churches and Christians supposedly misinterpret the Bible when it comes to the issue of homosexuality.

We are asking that you remain neutral in the culture wars.”

“A company’s image is critical for its continued success — something of which Campbell’s new CEO, Denise Morrison, may need to be reminded.  Families need to be able to trust a company they do business with — to know that very same company is not doing something behind the scenes to undermine the very families that keep them in business.  We are simply asking Campbell’s to remove itself from the culture war that is taking place in this country,” Gramley concluded.

# # #

May 2, 2012

Issue

Campbell’s and Wells Fargo Sponsor Philadelphia Homosexual Event

Details

This evening is the VIP Kickoff of Equality Forum, a “week-long” homosexual event in Philadelphia which will hold panel discussions on adoption by homosexuals, same-sex “marriage,” men who think they are women using the women’s restroom, the re-interpretation of Scripture when it comes to homosexuality, normalizing homosexuality in our nation’s schools and in the military.  To see their program schedule for Monday through Friday click here  and for Saturday’s and Sunday’s schedule click here.

Their website says, “The weeklong Annual Equality Forum has an international focus, top-tier panel discussions, parties, an annual art exhibit, International Equality Dinner, Sunday OUT! and more. There is no registration fee and all substantive programs are free.”

Needless to say this will costs lots of money.  Click here for the listed donors and sponsors — note this list is only through January 11, 2012,  In the past the Commonwealth of PA has been a sponsor, my assumption is that it is not or it would be posted front and center.

The only real surprise the list holds is Campbell’s Soup Company.  Wells Fargo has become more ‘gay-friendly’ in recent years willing to spend their profits on sponsoring ‘gay-pride’ activities.

Action Steps

1.)  Contact Campbell’s Soup via their website here. 

Here’s a sample letter you can copy and paste into the form or compose your own:

I am appalled that Campbell’s Soup Company has stooped to sponsoring homosexual events!  Did you know that you are listed as a sponsor of Philadelphia’s Equality Forum?  http://www.equalityforum.com/2012/donors.cfm

During this event they will be promoting same-sex ‘marriage,’ telling homosexuals how they can adopt innocent young children, trashing what the Bible really says about homosexuality and discussing ways to get the ‘gay is okay’ message into schools.

Until you stop the promotion of homosexuality, I can no longer buy your products.

I will also inform my family, friends and neighbors of your attacks on the family and children.

2.)  Does your local school save Campbell’s Soup labels for the Labels for Education program?     If so, would they be interested in knowing that Campbell’s Soup is involved in promoting same-sex ‘marriage,’ homosexual adoption and forcing schools to allow young men who think they are young women to use the women’s restroom?  Why not give them a call.

Obama Seeks to Give Special Protections to Students Who Identify as Homosexual

(Harrisburg) — Today President Obama took another step down the path of pushing the normalization of homosexuality on our nation’s school children — endorsement of the homosexual-affirming bills Student Non-Discrimination Act (SNDA) — S 555   and the Safe Schools Improvement Act (SSIA) — S 506.      The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a child advocacy and traditional values group, recognizes the danger these endorsements pose to students.  The AFA of PA believes all students should be provided a safe learning environment.  That includes not encouraging them to engage in homosexual activity and telling students about the dangers inherent in that lifestyle choice.

“The timing of these endorsements are not coincidental.  Today is the Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network’s  Day of Action the “Day of Silence.”  Obama’s endorsements of the Student Non-Discrimination Act  and the Safe Schools Improvement Act are yet more efforts to give a green light in allowing our school children to be guinea pigs in this social experiment homosexualizing our nation’s school.  The White House is more concerned about what the kids are eating at lunch, warning about the dangers of obesity, than it is about the real dangers of engaging in homosexual sex.  This is an election year ploy to garner the homosexual vote,” commented Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

Pennsylvania Senator Robert Casey’s introduction of S 506 is additional proof that he is not his father.  Robert Casey, Sr. would have worked to protect children from malicious indoctrination that will take place in schools if this bill is passed.  It’s main purpose is not safety, but advancing the idea that ‘gay is okay’ and to silence students with deeply held religious beliefs that engaging in homosexual acts is sinful.  It will amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and load already overburdened schools with additional reporting and policy changes.

Senator Casey also is a co-sponsor of S 555 whose stated purpose is “To end discrimination based on actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity in public schools . . . “  This bill will specifically target those who oppose the portrayal that homosexuality as a ‘safe, alternative lifestyle.’

“Christian students and all public schools will be on the losing end if these bills are passed.  Christian students will be silenced.  Schools will be forced to permit male students who believe they are female to use the girl’s restroom and gym locker rooms and shower facilities.  Schools will also be forced to allow boys to come to school in makeup, high heels and a dress.  They will be forced to allow ‘gay’ proms and ‘gay’ speakers to address students.  These are not about safety, but are an effort to push the envelope further and will demonize anyone who objects.  These endorsements are further evidence of Obama’s radical agenda,” Gramley concluded.

# # #

Issue

“Gay” Day of Silence is This Friday!  Is Your Child’s School Participating?

Details

This Friday, April 20th, is the Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network (GLSEN) Day of Silence in schools across  the nation and many in Pennsylvania will participate also.  This is a day when students and, in some cases, teachers remain silent throughout the day to show support for ‘homosexual rights’ claiming that those who identify as ‘gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender’ have been silenced.   However, the ACLU even recognizes that the silence cannot be legally maintained during instructional time.

This mostly takes place in high schools, but some middle schools now participate.  Is you child’s school going to observe this day?  GLSEN used to proudly list all the participating schools, but since the AFA of PA and others have worked to expose the dangers of promoting homosexuality in schools, the list is now top secret information!  They don’t want parents and taxpayers to find out how a taxpayer funded school day is being used to normalize the homosexual lifestyle.

Click here for a great article by Laurie Higgins with the Illinois Family Institute. This gives more details and reasons why this is so dangerous and actions you can take.

ACTION STEPS:

1.)  Contact your child’s high or middle school and ask if they will permit students and/or teachers to remain silent during instructional time during the Day of Silence – April 20th.

2.)  If your school acknowledges that they will permit this silence during instructional time, please take part in the Day of Silence Walkout and  keep your child home on Friday!  Click here for more information and a sample letter to give to the school.

3.)  This year we want to do follow-up and would like YOUR story if you keep your child home on the “Gay Day of Silence.”  Here’s what we are asking for:

If you are keeping your child home from school on the Day of Silence, could you drop us a short note about your situation? Here are some of the kinds of things we’re interesting in hearing:

1. Whom did you contact at your school prior to the Day of Silence?

2. What did this person or persons tell you about how the administration’s expectations for teachers and students?

3. Did the administration contact parents prior to the Day of Silence to tell them that it was taking place, what it was, what organization promotes it, and about the administration’s expectations for student behavior?

If you would like to share your story please email us at info@afaofpa.org and we will forward your story to Linda Harvey at Mission America.  With your permission, we will include it in our follow up report.

East Pennsboro School Board Decision Tonight Will Be a Vote for or Against Students’ Well-being

(Harrisburg) –  Tonight’s vote at the East Pennsboro school board meeting will determine whether students will face indoctrination that endangers their well-being or they will remain safe from the social engineering that goes hand in hand with so-called Gay Straight Alliance Clubs or GSAs.  The tie vote of the board on April 2nd showed that at least half the board understands the legal liability the school may face by allowing homosexuality education into the schools.  The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) has contacted the school board members with the exact language of the Equal Access Act and a list of disruptive activities GSAs promote in their respective schools.

“GSAs are the brain child of Kevin Jennings, former Safe Schools Czar of President Obama, who has promoted homosexuality in schools since he was a Massachusetts teacher.  He formed the Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network (GLSEN) to fulfill his dream of nationwide student indoctrination that ‘gay is okay.’  GLSEN has several days of action with their biggest disruptive day coming this Friday with the Day of Silence where students and teachers remain silent — in some cases even during instructional time.  The clear message with GSAs, GLSEN and their days of actions is that engaging in homosexual acts is safe and normal and anyone who opposes them is a homophobic bully — that’s their message.  It’s one that threatens the free speech rights of students with deeply held religious believes,” noted Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

The last section (Section f) of the Equal Access Act says:   Authority of schools with respect to order, discipline,  well-being, and attendance concerns

Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to limit the authority of the
school, its agents or employees, to maintain order and discipline on school
premises, to protect the well-being of students and faculty, and to assure that
attendance of students at meetings is voluntary.

“GLSEN’s agenda through their GSAs and their Days of Action are designed to be an attack on order and discipline within the school and the life of the student body.  To give a green light to this club would be giving a green light to indoctrination which would disrupt the academic process and would send the wrong message to students,” further stated Gramley

# # #

April 11, 2012

Issues

State Representative Mike Turzai Continues Obstructing Way

Details

Pennsylvania’s Marriage Protection Amendment, HB 1434,  continues sitting in the House State Government Committee because House Majority Floor Leader Mike Turzai  will not give Committee Chairman Daryl Metcalfe a guarantee that he will allow HB 1434 to come to a vote before the full House.   Representative Metcalfe is sure he has the votes to get it out of committee, although homosexual activists have increased their attacks on committee members trying to get them to vote against it.

We must act today to convince Representative Turzai that Pennsylvania needs HB 1434, that we need to take this step to protect marriage.  Homosexual activists will continue in their attempts to redefine marriage and family.  Sooner or later a homosexual ‘couple’ will get ‘married’ in New York or Maryland (where it has been legalized, but awaits a voter referendum) or some other state where it has been legalized and come back to Pennsylvania and challenge our Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). We cannot begin the lengthy amendment process at that point; we must begin NOW and Representative Turzai must be convinced of that.

ACTION STEPS:

1.)  Contact your State House member and ask him or her to contact Representative Turzai and ask him to give Representative Metcalfe a guarantee that he will allow HB 1434 to come to the floor of the House for a vote.   Click here to find your legislator.

2.)  Contact Representative Turzai directly and ask him to give Representative Metcalfe the green light to advance HB 1434.  His district office number is (412) 369-2230 or his email is mturzai@pahousegop.com

3.)  Sign our petition in support of HB 1434, the Marriage Protection Amendment.  Click here to sign the petition or print off a copy to circulate.