April 17, 2012

Issue

Porn Harms:  Online Resources and Events This Week!

Details

The War on Illegal Pornography Coalition, of which the AFA of PA is a part, has announced a series of events throughout the next couple weeks to help expose the harms of pornography and to provide resources for those caught up in its web of deceit and support for their loved ones.

Here are the events:

Wednesday – April 18th

11:00 PM EST – Documentary Streaming: “Somebody’s Daughter: A Journey to Freedom from Pornography”
**Organized by Somebody’s Daughter

Thursday – April 19th

1:00 PM EST – Live Online Discussion with Former Porn Prosecutor: “Why prosecute pornography? What will it take?”
**Organized by Morality In Media, on behalf of the War on Illegal Pornography Coalition

10:30 PM EST – Web Conference Discussion with author Michael Cusick: “Real Men Don’t Buy Sex”
**Organized by Restoring the Soul & Somebody’s Daughter

Friday – April 20th

1:00 PM EST – Online Roundtable Discussion For Wives & Partners of Addicts:“Hope in Heartache: Christian Women Share Stories of Love Lost Due to Pornography”
**Organized by Covenant Eyes

2:00 PM EST - Live Online Discussion with Former Porn Performer Shelley Lubben: “Trafficking in the industry! What they don’t want you to know.”
**Organized by The Pink Cross Foundation

Saturday – April 21st

10:00 AM EST - - Documentary Streaming: “Demand: A Comparative Examination of Sex Tourism and Trafficking in Jamaica, Japan, the Netherlands, and the United States”
**Organized by Shared Hope International

1:00 PM EST - Live Online Discussion with Former Porn Performer and Husband: “Love After Porn: Pastor’s Son Rescues Porn Star”
**Organized by The Pink Cross Foundation

Sunday – April 22nd

10:00 AM EST - Online Presentation with Internet Safety Expert: “Creating a Healthy Digital Climate”
**Organized by iKeepSafe

Monday – April 23rd

Noon EST - Documentary Streaming: “Somebody’s Daughter: A Journey to Freedom from Pornography”
**Organized by Somebody’s Daughter

Tuesday – April 24th

7:00 PM EST - Live Online Discussion: “Recovering Teens Speak About Their Struggles with Porn Addiction”
**Organized by Voices for Virtue & Sons of Helaman

Thursday – April 26th

1:00 PM EST - Live Online Presentation with Porn Addiction Expert and Life-Coach Tony Lister: “Straight Talk: Porn’s Real Effect On Relationships and Attitudes Towards Women”
**Organized by Tony Lister and Morality In Media

Sunday – April 29th

10:00 PM EST - Documentary Streaming: “Somebody’s Daughter: A Journey to Freedom from Pornography”
**Organized by Somebody’s Daughter

ACTION STEPS:

This is a very dangerous issue that is being portrayed as harmless as our culture becomes more and more desensitized to pornography.  Some push to lower the age of consent, while many in academia tells us that children are sexual beings and have the capability to consent to sex.  We must be equipped to fight this assault on our culture, our families and our children.

The events listed above will take place at the Pornography Harms’ Facebook Page here:

http://on.fb.me/qbIz7

December 28, 2011

Issue

What Are the Super Bowl Halftime Organizers Thinking?

Details

On December 4th the National Football League  issued a news release announcing their halftime entertainment choice — Madonna!     Her performance will be imagined by Cirque Du Soleil and Jamie King.

Super Bowl XLVI, will air live on February 5th from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.   This will be the fifth time Bridgestone Americas has sponsored the Super Bowl halftime show. More than 162 million US viewers watched the show last year.  The game and halftime show will be aired worldwide.  What will they see this year.  According to the homosexual website Xtra, the NFL has been inching towards ‘gay’ inclusion since the early ’90′s “but never has the show just come out and said, “I’m gay” the way that having Madonna perform over naked Québécois acrobats no doubt will.”

Will the Super Bowl XLVI Halftime Show be a greater assault upon America’s families, children and decency than Janet Jackson’s 2004 ‘wardrobe malfunction’?

Why is Bridgestone Americas willing to sponsor such a show?

Action Steps

Concerned about the content of the upcoming Super Bowl Halftime show?

1.) Contact the NFL and express your disappointment with their choice of halftime entertainers.

a.) You may write at:

National Football League
345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10017

b.)  Call NFL on Location which is the National Football League’s “official source for event experiences and hospitality” at 212-655-5665 or email using the contact form.

2.)  Contact Bridgestone America’s using their webform.  Ask them why they are willing to sponsor the Super Bowl XLVI Halftime Show when such entertainment goes directly against their corporate philosophy of building better communities.

October 6, 2011

Issues  (check corresponding number in ‘Details’ and ‘Action’ Sections)

1.)  Which Presidential Candidate(s) Will Enforce Obscenity Laws?

2.)  Another ‘Gay’ Historic Marker in Philly!

Details

1.)  The Coalition on the War on Illegal Pornography, of which the AFA of PA is a part, has started another initiative. We are seeking to know which presidential candidate will enforce the obscenity laws – something that has been missing in the past several administrations.  Federal obscenity laws prohibit distribution of hardcore “obscene” pornography on the Internet, on cable/satellite TV, on hotel/motel TV, in retail shops, through the mail, and by common carrier.  Pornography is causing great harm to America. It is causing addiction to children and adults and increasing violence against women. It is a contributing factor to sexual trafficking and causing an increase in child pornography. It is a leading cause of divorce and is harming many marriages.

2.)   They were sneakier this time, but Philadelphia is set to get its second ‘gay’ historic marker!  Last time the ‘gay media’ in Philadelphia began publicizing the attempt to get one approved to ‘commemorate the historic marches in Philadelphia between 1965 and 1969 which led to the gay rights movement” as soon as the application was sent to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC). Looks like they didn’t want a repeat of the uproar created by our exposure of that application and they kept this next effort under wraps until it was approved and the date set for its dedication!  That date is October 9^th during Outfest and it (the state – us) will recognize Giovanni’s Room as the “oldest, continuously operating LGBT bookstore in the country.”  This historic marker places Pennsylvania’s stamp of approval upon what the bookstore stands for.  This is what it says, “ One of the earliest gay book stores in the nation, and the oldest in existence. Giovanni’s Room provided not only reading material, but a refuge as a support center and gathering place for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals in the community.  A true center of early activism for the gay civil rights movement.”   Other historic markers approved this year include “Herman Herzog,” “Kinzua Viaduct,” “Parker Kidnapping and Rescue,” “Union Fire Company,” and “Sister Rosetta Tharpe.”  Truly historic events or personages and it doesn’t seem Giovanni’s Room should have a place on this list.

Action Steps

1.)  Ask the leading presidential contenders:  “Will you agree to vigorously prosecute illegal adult pornography if elected president?  Will you order your Attorney General to make adult obscenity prosecutions a priority?”  You can call each of the front-runner Presidential candidates by calling 877-354-2951.

2.)  The dedication of Philadelphia’s newest gay historic marker is set for October 9^th at 2:00 p.m. at 345 S. 12th Street in Philadelphia.  Remember the other historic marker is located diagonally across the street from Independence Hall!  What would our Founding Fathers think?  Contact Executive Director Barb Franco  at 717-705-4266 or email at kgalle@pa.gov and express your concerns.  Also, contact your State Representative and State Senator and inform them this is not a good use of the state’s resources. The PHMC website says, “Nominators should be prepared to cover the costs of their historic marker’s fabrication.” BUT “The PHMC maintains its historical markers on a cyclical basis through a contract.” So . . .  who pays for that contract? You and I do!  Here’s their mission statement, “The PHMC preserves the Commonwealth’s memory as a teacher and champion of its heritage for citizens of Pennsylvania and the nation.”

Coalition Asks Whether the Next President will Enforce the Federal Obscenity Laws

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Coalition for the War on Illegal Pornography, of which the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) is a member, launched a new campaign today asking all presidential candidates to state their position on the enforcement of federal laws prohibiting the distribution of illegal, hard-core, obscene pornography.

“This current administration has turned a blind eye to the harm of pornography.  The Obama Administration has not initiated one federal obscenity prosecution since Inauguration Day 2009.   President Bush was not strong on this issue, but at least there were obscenity prosecutions such as the Extreme Associates case in Pittsburgh.  So where do the current presidential candidates stand?” questioned Diane Gramley, President of the AFA of PA.

According to peer-reviewed research gathered at www.pornharms.com, harm from adult pornography is at pandemic levels. Exposure to pornography is leading to addiction among many children and adults and is a significant cause of broken marriages and the sexual exploitation of children and women.   According to new studies, pornography increases the demand for sexual trafficking and child exploitation; this explains the unprecedented increase in child pornography.

Current federal laws, upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, prohibit distribution of hard-core obscene pornography on the Internet, on cable/satellite TV, on hotel/motel TV, in retail shops, through the mail, and by common carrier. But, the laws are simply not being enforced.  The country needs strong presidential leadership on this issue.

“Almost on a daily basis we read stories of the sexual assault of women, children and sometimes even infants.   Recent studies connect the dots between the use of adult pornography, sexual exploitation, addiction, and sex trafficking.  Who among the candidates care enough to put a stop to this?  We want guarantees that the next President will agree to make the prosecution of illegal hardcore pornography a priority of the U.S. Department of Justice.  Americans will then see a drastic decline in the harms generated by the use of illegal obscenity.  It is much more important to go after pornographers than guitar manufactureres” noted Gramley.

# # #

July 11, 2011

Issues  (check corresponding number in ‘Details’ and ‘Action’ Sections)

1.)  Allentown Abortion Clinic Remains Open!

2.)  Porn Harms – National Awareness Campaign

Details

1.)  Allentown Medical Services has again been cited for gross health and safety violations by the PA Department of Health.  This abortion clinic is at least partially owned by Steven Chase Brigham who has been banned from operating in Pennsylvania. Here’s how he’s getting around that little “inconvenience”: “When served with the order, Brigham reorganized his Pennsylvania clinics under the name of Rose Health Services and transferred ownership to an elderly woman in Ohio, who was later discovered to be his mother. Brigham continues to offer services in Allentown as part of his American Women’s Services abortion chain that spans four states.”

According to Operation Rescue, “An inspection that took place on May 26, 2011, discovered out-of-date medicine, metal instruments with a brown material in the hinges and inside the supposedly sterile packaging, surgical instruments tossed in unsterilized drawers, and surgical instruments stored in a “musty” smelling suitcase in broken wrappers – all of which were considered by employees to be ready for use on patients.”  Additionally, an inspection in January found that patients were not properly monitored during or after their abortions.

2.)  The AFA of PA is part of the 100+ organization coalition War on Illegal Pornography whose purpose is to education on the dangers to individuals, families and society of pornography use and the need to enforce existing obscenity laws. Today is the beginning of a four week campaign to re-education the nation on the adverse affects of porn.  Be Aware: PORN HARMS will address different aspects of porn dangers each week of the campaign.  This week “Addiction” is addressed.

Action Steps

1.)  Call the Department of Health and ask why this ‘clinic,’ after being ordered closed and having failed two recent inspections, is still open.  Here’s the number (717) 346-4736.

2.)  During this four-week awareness effort, there will be lots of events – webinars, conference calls, live online conferences, free giveaways, etc. See www.pornharms.com/beaware for the calendar of events.

Quick overview: Be Aware: PORN HARMS campaign is 4 weeks long starting July 11. Each week will focus on a different aspect of harm. There will be lots of events – webinars, conference calls, live online conferences, free giveaways, etc. See www.pornharms.com/beaware for calendar of events.

May 5, 2011

Issues  (check corresponding number in ‘Details’ and ‘Action’ Sections)

1.)     How Did Your Congressman Vote on Ban on Taxpayer Funded Abortions?

2.)    Eric Holder Said What!

Details

1.)    Wednesday’s vote was 251-175 to pass H.R. 3, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, which makes permanent the Hyde Amendment, which currently has to be approved each year.  Here’s how Pennsylvania’s nineteen Congressmen voted:

Jason Altmire — Yea
Lou Barletta — Yea
Robert Brady — Nay
Mark Critz  — Yea
Charles Dent — Yea
Michael Doyle — Nay
Chakah Fattah — Nay
Mike Fitzpatrick — Yea
Jim Gerlach — Yea
Tim Holden — Yea
Mike Kelly – Yea
Tom Marino — Yea
Pat Meehan — Yea
Tim Murphy — Yea
Joseph Pitts — Yea
Todd Russell Platts — Yea
Allyson Schwartz — Nay
Bill Shuster — Yea
Glenn Thompson — Yea

2.)    Tuesday in a U. S. House Judiciary Committee hearing, U. S. Attorney General Eric Holder agreed that adult pornography leads to sex trafficking, violence against women, and to child pornography.  THAT IS A VICTORY!  Click here to watch it on YouTube.  Wednesday in the Senate Judiciary oversight hearing the Attorney General unfortunately told Sen. Hatch that the Department has done at least seven adult obscenity cases since he came to office.  That is NOT true!  Those seven cases are undoubtedly related to child pornography, perhaps where the indictment throws in a count for obscenity for a picture or video with a child because it may be difficult to prove that the victim is a child.  BUT that cannot be counted as an adult porn case.  THERE HAVE BEEN NO ADULT OBSCENITY CASES SINCE AG HOLDER TOOK OFFICE.

Action Steps

1.)     Depending on how your Congressman voted as listed above will determine your response to him.  Did he or she vote yea or nay to stop using our tax dollars to fund abortion?  Click here for contact information.  This bill now goes to the Senate.  Please contact Senator Toomey and Senator Casey and ask them to support HR 3, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act.  Click here.

2.)    Thank you for your efforts over the past three days in contacting Attorney General Eric Holder asking that he enforce the federal obscenity laws.  This national effort generated tens of thousands of calls into the Department of Justice as AG Holder faced tough questions during Senate and House Judiciary Committee oversight hearings.  Click here for resources to fight pornography in your area.

May 4, 2011

Issues  (check corresponding number in ‘Details’ and ‘Action’ Sections)

1.)     Department of Justice Tries to Shut Us Down!

2.)    Vote on Planned Parenthood Funding

Details

1.) Remember part 2 of Monday’s alert?  We’re at war and they’ve tried to shut us down!  We expected trouble when the War on Illegal Pornography coalition picked a fight with the United States Department of Justice (DOJ).  And we got one!  Our toll-free call line used to make calls to the Department has been SHUT DOWN. This is the message we received: “We have closed this account at the request of our provider and the party that your account was forwarding phone calls to.” Rather than surrender, we got a new toll free number!

2.)    Later this afternoon – Wednesday, May 04, 2011 — a crucial vote is being taken in the US House. The bill before the House Wednesday, “The No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act,” or H.R. 3, would permanently prohibit taxpayer funding for abortion across all federal programs.  It would reduce the need for numerous separate policies to prevent government funding for abortion. H.R. 3 establishes a government-wide permanent prohibition on funding for elective abortion and insurance coverage that includes elective abortion. It would also close abortion-funding loopholes created by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), prohibit tax-preferred status for abortion through health savings accounts (and other similar arrangements) and itemized deductions. Finally, H.R. 3 would make the Hyde-Weldon conscience clause permanent and adds additional remedies

Action Steps

1.)     Apparently we are getting under someone’s skin at the DOJ!  On Monday, the first day of our three day effort, we shut down three phone lines at DOJ, one in the AG’s office, one in the Deputy AG’s office and one in the Criminal Division.  Please call the DOJ TODAY and ask US Attorney General Eric Holder to enforce the federal obscenity laws.  Here’s the new number 1-877-354-2951. Call TODAY!

2.)    Contact your Congressman and ask him or her to vote ‘YES’ on HR 3 The No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act.  Click here for contact information.