NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  May 24, 2006
CONTACT:  Diane Gramley  1.814..437.5355 or 1.814.271.9078

Another Municipality Ready to Buy Into the Lie as Carlisle Considers Adding ‘Sexual Orientation’ to Ordinance

(Harrisburg)  In a faxed statement to Carlisle Borough Mayor Kirk Wilson the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) expressed concern that the borough was considering adding ‘sexual orientation’ and ‘gender identity’ to their anti-discrimination ordinance.  Additionally, the AFA of PA expressed concern that they were contemplating joining the National League of Cities’ Partnership for Working Toward Inclusive Communities.

“The National League of Cities’ president Jim Hunt is tying economic development to passage of such diversity ordinances . . . . that is absurd.  Basically, he is saying that economic development is tied to the 3% homosexual population in the nation.  What about those who hold traditional values and would hesitate to move their family to a city which gives special rights to individuals because of the sexual activity in which they engage?” questioned Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

The National League of Cities showed its true colors when it had the president of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) president, Neil G. Giuliano, speak at the March 2006 Diversity Breakfast presided over by Hunt. 

“This ordinance would force landlords, even those with deeply held religious beliefs, to rent to homosexuals.  It would discriminate against the Boy Scouts and religious organizations like the Salvation Army and Catholic Charities.  And let’s not forget Allentown’s ordinance which forced a Carbon County prison to permit a male guard who thought he was a woman to come to work in a dress,” Gramley noted.

The first step in becoming a member of the National League of Cities’ Partnership is to pass a resolution.  Further investigation into the requirements reveal a very divisive agenda that will be at least partially funded by hard-earned taxpayer dollars.  These include displaying a welcome sign that ‘reflects all the major languages spoken in the community’ and starting a ‘language bank’ of volunteer interpreters of all languages.

“America became a melting pot of immigrants from around the world because they learned English and became part of the American culture.  This effort by Carlisle and other communities creates a divisive atmosphere not one of a melting pot especially now when the U.S. Senate is working to make English the official language in America,” remarked Gramley.

The fax to Carlisle Borough noted the following:

1.) In the February 4, 2004 issue of the Scranton Times News PA Human Relations Chair Steve Glassman agreed with Gramley’s  interpretation on how such ordinances could affect groups like the Boy Scouts.  This greatly concerns all those who believe the Scouts, as a private organization, have a right to choose who their leaders and members are.

2.) A quote in the November 15, 2005 Daily Local in Chester County confirms also that the addition of “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” will force landlords to rent to homosexuals. 

3.) In Illinois  and California the Salvation Army has lost contracts with cities because they do not have ‘sexual orientation’ and ‘gender identity’ language in their policies.

4.) More recently in Massachusetts Catholic Charities has been forced out of the adoption business because they will not place children into the homes of homosexual couples. 

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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  May 23, 2006
CONTACT:  Diane Gramley  1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355

Kentucky Students Exercise First Amendment Rights and Pray  -- Why Not Here in Pennsylvania?

(Harrisburg, PA ) – On Friday, May 19, 200 students in Russell Springs, Kentucky defied a judge’s court order banning their high school from including prayer as part of the graduation ceremony.   The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide traditional values group asks, ‘Why not here in Pennsylvania?”

“Last Friday 200 graduating seniors in Kentucky spontaneously stood and recited the Lord’s Prayer all to thunderous applause from the audience.  These students recognized the importance of prayer during this day which marked the end of one phase of their life and the beginning of another.  There are students here in Pennsylvania who also recognize the importance of God in their lives,” noted Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

The United States Supreme Court has not taken the position that all graduation prayer is unconstitutional. Indeed, the Court noted the following in Lee v. Weisman:
  “We recognize that, at graduation time and throughout the course of the educational process, there will be instances when religious values, religious practices, and religious persons will have some interaction with the public schools and their students.”

They also  recognized that “[a] relentless and all-pervasive attempt to exclude religion from every aspect of public life could itself become inconsistent with the Constitution.”

Here in the Third Circuit, graduation prayer is ruled by the ACLU v. Black Horse Pike Regional Board of Education decision which struck down a ‘prayer only’ policy in which the school gave the graduating class a choice to pray or not to pray during their graduation ceremony.  The school could in no way give the appearance that prayer was supported or endorsed by them thus they could not allow the students the option to pray or not.

“The ACLU goes into overdrive each year about this time trying to make sure no graduating class is permitted to pray.  Each year school officials and students are caught in a quandary.   This year will be no different . . .  but the students in Kentucky stepped up to the plate and hit a home run.  Will there be any students here in Pennsylvania who’ll be willing to do the same?” wondered Gramley.  “Our Founding Fathers never intended for the First Amendment to be used to prohibit prayer at graduation or anytime during the school day.”

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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  May 15, 2006
CONTACT:  Diane Gramley   1.814.437.5355 or 1.814.271.9078

Marriage Amendment Should Be A Campaign Issue, Pro-Family Group Says

(Harrisburg) --  The campaign advice given by President Bush’s wife Laura on Fox News Sunday was not sound advice, a statewide pro-family group said today.   The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a supporter of both the Federal Marriage Protection Amendment and the Pennsylvania Marriage Protection Amendment, noted that the need for a Constitutional amendment defining marriage as only between one man and one woman was one of the reasons the value voters turned out to vote for President Bush in 2004.  http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/05/14/D8HJOVV82.html

“It is tragic that Mrs. Bush doesn’t see the importance of making the marriage amendment a campaign issue.  Americans want marriage between one man and one woman protected through a constitutional amendment.  Marriage is the foundation of any society and the voters recognize the need to protect its foundation,” stated Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

Homosexuals have a right to live their lives as they want, but they do no have a right to force our society to redefine marriage and family.   Same-sex marriage is not a civil rights issue.  Even the Rev. Jesse Jackson is on record as stating that same-sex marriage has nothing to do with civil rights.  Those involved in the homosexual lifestyle have never been forced to sit at the back of the bus nor are there water fountains labeled ‘Gay Only.’  The thousands of ex-gays in this country show that people are not born ‘gay.’

“Protecting traditional marriage from activist judges is not discriminatory.  Our elected officials on both the federal and state level need to pass the amendments that are before them and give the people a chance to vote on how they want to define marriage,” continued Gramley.

The value voters spoke in 2004 and, in many cases, are still waiting for confirmation that their concerns are being addressed by the people they placed in office.  Marriage was an important issue in 2004 and will continue being an important issue until one man, one woman marriage is fully protected from activist judges and others who want to redefine it to include same-sex marriage or any other configuration.

“The federal Marriage Protection Amendment is not discriminatory.  Our proposed Pennsylvania Marriage Protection Amendment is not discriminatory.  People want to protect traditional marriage and any individual running for public office would be well-advised to make marriage amendments a campaign issue,” Gramley concluded.

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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  May 3, 2006
CONTACT:  Diane Gramley   1.814.437.5355 or 1.814.271.9078

Last Week Cedar Crest High School Warned Students of Danger, This Week They Give Nod of Approval to More Dangerous Lifestyle

(Harrisburg) –   One week after the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network (GLSEN) claims 4,000 schools participated in the Day of Silence, Cedar Crest High School is participating today.  Last week the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) expressed concern that 46 schools in Pennsylvania participated in the Day of Silence – this according to the Day of Silence website. 

“Last Wednesday Cedar Crest had the right idea – in preparation for prom they created a mock crash to demonstrate the danger of drinking and driving, but this week they are giving their students a very dangerous message.  That message is that ‘gay is okay,’” Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA said today.

The purpose of the Day of Silence is to reveal the supposed silence that students who identify as homosexual are subjected to each day.   But the real purpose is another attempt to normalize a very deadly lifestyle – which includes increased substance abuse, eating disorders, shortening the lives of male participants by up to 20 years, increased HIV/AIDS and other STDs.   The AFA of PA does not advocate violence against any student – including those who identify as homosexual.  All students should be safe during the school day, but to give special attention to one very small segment of the population is wrong.  Additionally, groups that encourage students to experiment with same-sex relationships are guiltier of doing violence against them than their fellow classmates

“Increasingly it is becoming evident that the purpose of the Day of Silence is not just to send a silent message, but to change the structure of schools.  For a supposed ‘student-led’ day, GLSEN is increasingly trying to create homosexual activists in the public schools of the nation through their Day of Silence,” commented Gramley.  

This year GLSEN asked participants to

q     deliver signed postcards to their school library asking them to ensure that books and materials dealing with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and students with LGBT parents and families. 

q     Deliver signed postcards to their principal asking that the school provide diversity training on LGBT issues

Gramley did have one encouraging note, “According to GLSEN’s website there were 46 schools that participated in Pennsylvania last Wednesday.  That total was after we eliminated the duplicates.   GLSEN is saying that over 90 schools participated in 2004 and more than 100 participated in 2005.  So over a 50% cut in participants is always good news for the well-being of students.  Additionally, we know of schools that were on the list of participants that apparently never participated beyond having their name on a list.”

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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  April 30, 2006
CONTACT:  Diane Gramley   1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355

Judge Who Condemns Disabled to Starvation/Dehydration Death Does Not Know What ‘Bioethics’ Means, a Traditional Value Group Says

(Philadelphia)  -- Judge George Greer’s appearance at the University of Pennsylvania’s (U Penn) bioethics conference "The Legacy of the Terri Schiavo Case: Why is it so hard to die in America?" is a disgrace to the medical profession, a statewide traditional values group said today.  The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) has contacted U Penn President Amy Gutmann to express outrage that the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Bioethics has invited Judge Greer to act as the Lead Speaker during Monday’s symposium.   Just as outrageous is Sunday’s Lead Speaker, Michael Schiavo, who refused to allow his disabled wife’s family to care for her but sought to have her legally murdered by Judge Greer’s court decision.

“It is a disgrace that the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Bioethics would invite such speakers to address their Center for Bioethics Symposium – unfortunately it is all too easy to die in the United States when those who want to rid the world of the disabled and those who cannot speak for themselves are in charge,” noted Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA in the correspondence with President Gutmann.

According to U Penn’s website, the Center for Bioethics is a world leader in bioethics – “in bioethics research and its deployment in the ethical, efficient, and compassionate practice of the life sciences and medicine.” 

“The fact that the U Penn Center for Bioethics has invited Judge George Greer and Michael Schiavo to speak is proof that they do not know what the terms ethical and compassionate mean,” Gramley continued. 

Terri Schiavo’s death by government-ordered dehydration is a warning signal to America that those who are not deemed worthy of care and medical attention by some can be killed with the blessing of a judge.  This is one of the best examples of a judicial branch that has gone awry; of a government that no longer cares for the well-being of its most vulnerable citizens.  Euthanasia is a natural outgrowth of legalized abortion and the culture of death.  If life is no longer viewed as sacred, there is no need to protect those who cannot protect themselves. 

“Bioethics apparently means nothing to the U Penn Center for Bioethics – they do not know the meaning of the word.  Perhaps one should check where their physician graduated from before submitting to treatment by someone who views the decisions and actions by Judge George Greer and Michael Schiavo as ethical.  You may not live to get a second opinion,” concluded Gramley.

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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  April 26, 2006
CONTACT:  Diane Gramley  1.814.437.5355 or 1.814.271.9078

ACLU Promoting Religion in the Upper St. Clair Decision on International Baccalaureate

(Pittsburgh) – Monday’s 7-2 decision by the Upper St. Clair School Board to reinstate the International Baccalaureate Program (IB) through the 2007-2008 school year will be detrimental to the students and financially draining to the school district. The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide organization which monitors education trends, made that observation today.

The ACLU representing parents sued the school district last month in order to force the reinstatement of the IB Program.  According to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, “At the heart of the lawsuit were comments made by Dr. Iracki, head of the board's curriculum committee, that the program went against "Judeo-Christian" values.”

“Apparently the ACLU is concerned about the ‘Judeo-Christian’ comments by this board member because of the so-called separation of church and state.  The ACLU is ignoring the fact that the IBO website acknowledges that the Diploma Program and Middle Years Program grew from a western humanist tradition.  Additionally, the U.S. Supreme Court recognized Humanism as a religion in 1961 in Torasco v. Watkins.  So, is the ACLU promoting the religion of humanism,” questioned Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

“The board’s reversal of their February decision to end the IB program is a mistake which will be paid for by the students and taxpayers alike.  Even though the concept of such a program may seem like a good idea, one does not have to look very far to find a myriad of problems with the IB program,” further noted Gramley.

Over 600 students participate in the program which costs the school district between $85,000 and $200,000.  Governor Rendell has promised to funnel $85,000 additional tax dollars into the school district to fund the IB Program.  Thus forcing all Pennsylvania taxpayers to help subsidize a program which undermines America and what she represents.

Some facts that have not been included in the news coverage include:

q    The IB program was started in the mid-60’s by diplomats who wanted their children to have a common undergraduate program.  In 1996 the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization or UNESCO formed a “partnership” with IBO to form what it called a universal “curriculum framework for peace education.”   A January 2004 Washington Times article reported that IB is now a pilot program of UNESCO developed for the purpose of creating what UNESCO calls an “international education system.” The purpose of IB, said UNESCO, is to “… be a school of values, attitudes, [and] above all of practical action …

q    The IB program is not based on academics.  According to the January 18, 2004 Washington Times, because of the non-academic nature of IB, many colleges and universities will not accept IB courses as fulfilling undergraduate requirements for admission.

q    The IB website states that the IB curriculum is based on six themes. These six themes are as follows

q    According to “A Continuum of International Education” found on the IB Organization website, “In developing an awareness of the diverse values of different cultures, it is, however, fundamental that students in each IBO programme are exposed to those human values which are recognized as universal; these are embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted and proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1948.”

** The UN Declaration of Human Rights ends with the words: “These rights and freedoms may in no case be exercised contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.”

That is, the UN Declaration of Human Rights takes the same form as the constitutions of all Communist countries which say that governmental policies have higher standing than individual human rights. The U.S. Declaration of Independence, in contrast, states that human rights have a higher priority than government decisions.

q    Ian Hill, the Director General of the IB Organization is on the Advisory Committee of the Earth Charter.  According to its website, “The Earth Charter Advisory Committee was formed to advise and guide the Earth Charter Initiative regarding the development and implementation of the Earth Charter education program. 

According to the December 20, 2004 Orange County Register, a concerned parent sent an e-mail to the Deputy Director General asking about the potential use of the Earth Charter.  Here’s the response she received, “We did an analysis of existing topics ... with the content of the Earth Charter and found that we already covered much of it if schools took up our suggestions for content: human rights, ecology, rights of the child - in fact sustainable development in both human and environmental dimensions."

The Earth Charter  ignores the idea of property rights, promotes the United Nations as the instrument of world peace, denounces the ‘dominant patterns of production and consumption,’ and promotes universal health care and the ‘equitable distribution of wealth.’

* The Earth Charter is a broadly defined religious and political document that promotes the following positions:

1.  Earth worship (pantheism)
2.  Socialized medicine
3.  World government
4.  Abortion on-demand
5.  Education for sustainability including spiritual education in New Age/pantheism
6.  Adoption of the gay rights agenda
7.  Elimination of the right to bear arms

“The entire purpose of the IB Program is to promote the United Nations, the UN Declaration of Human Rights and The Earth Charter, in so doing the rights of Americans are undermined.  The U.S. Constitution and our own PA Constitution recognizes that individuals  have certain inherent or inalienable rights, but the UN Declaration of Human Rights states that rights and privileges cannot be contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.  Do we really want our children taught that our rights come from the United Nations?” commented Gramley.

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April 24, 2006 -- Pro-Family Groups Unveil Homosexuality School Risk Audit
as Response to 'Day of Silence'
 

Diane Gramley, president of AFA of PA, said, "This Risk Audit will be an excellent tool for parents to use to discover if their school is promoting the homosexual lifestyle and to what extent it is being promoted. Those who promote this deadly lifestyle in our nation's public schools have advanced their agenda unimpeded for too many years and too many children are paying the price. I encourage all parents with children in public and private schools to use this Risk Audit to discover just what their children are being exposed to behind the schoolhouse door."

In the wake of the SBC's passage of Education Resolution at its 2005 Annual Meeting, American Family Association, Concerned Women for America, Family Research Council and a pro-family coalition encourage investigation of local school districts

COLUMBIA, SC, April 24 /Christian Newswire/ -- Last June the Annual Meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention approved a version of a resolution submitted by Dr. Voddie Baucham and Bruce Shortt that, among other things, warned parents of collaboration by public school districts with homosexual activists and urged parents and churches to investigate their local school districts. The Baucham-Shortt resolution was endorsed by over 60 conservative grassroots organizations, including many state chapters of the American Family Association, Concerned Women for America, Eagle Forum, and Focus on the Family.

Following the adoption of the resolution by the SBC, Linda Harvey of Mission America developed a survey instrument known as the "Risk Audit" to assist Christian organizations, churches and parents in determining whether their local school districts are placing children at risk by having clubs, programs, policies, or curricula that could influence children to regard homosexual behavior as an acceptable lifestyle.

Today, the American Family Association, Concerned Women for America, the Family Research Council and state chapters of pro-family groups such as Eagle Forum have announced that they are following up on their effort with respect to the 2005 SBC Education Resolution by encouraging their state and local affiliates to undertake risk audits in local school districts, especially in the wake of homosexual activist events involving students, such as the "Day of Silence" scheduled for Wednesday, April 26.

According to Concerned Women for America's Robert Knight, "Far too few pastors and parents are aware of the extent to which many school districts are collaborating with homosexual activists and the risks that poses for our children and our culture. As the recent incidents involving the sex education curriculum in Montgomery County, Maryland, and the 'Little Black Book' in Massachusetts clearly demonstrate, homosexual activists are becoming much more aggressive. CWA strongly recommends that concerned citizens consider undertaking a risk audit project."

Tony Perkins of Family Research Council said, "The insidious alliance between some school administrations and homosexual activists has been hidden from parents for far too long. Recent events in Lexington, Massachusetts and similar instances across the country demonstrate the next phase in the campaign to normalize homosexual behavior - the capturing of America's youth. American families need to know about the homosexual indoctrination being forced upon young impressionable minds. Conducting a risk audit in local school districts will help do just that."

Steve Crampton of AFA Center for Law and Policy said, "Promotion of the homosexual agenda to our children may be the single greatest threat to public schools in America today, but most parents don't even know it is happening. This risk audit is the right response at the right time."

Linda Harvey, founder of Mission America notes, "Based on my ten years of tracking and researching the growth of homosexual activism in public schools, I know that very few parents are aware that the majority of public school districts are selling our children the dangerous and false notion that homosexuality is a normal and acceptable lifestyle."

Eunie Smith, president of Eagle Forum of Alabama, said: "For too long, parents have endured substandard education in our schools, with social engineering dominating the curriculum in many districts. This Risk Audit puts a valuable tool in the hands of communities, enabling them to hold schools accountable for politically-correct agendas."

Dr. Bruce N. Shortt of Exodus Mandate, and author of The Harsh Truth About Public Schools, applauds the American Family Association, Concerned Women For America, and the Family Research Council for their effort to protect children and better inform parents: "The leadership shown by these organizations in connection with the passage of the education resolution by the SBC's 2005 Annual Meeting was courageous and timely. Today, by encouraging their affiliates and other organizations to undertake risk audits of local school districts, these pro-family groups are taking an important step to protect our children from a lifestyle that is profoundly dangerous and that far too many school districts are promoting as acceptable."

Diane Gramley, president of AFA of PA, said, "This Risk Audit will be an excellent tool for parents to use to discover if their school is promoting the homosexual lifestyle and to what extent it is being promoted. Those who promote this deadly lifestyle in our nation's public schools have advanced their agenda unimpeded for too many years and too many children are paying the price. I encourage all parents with children in public and private schools to use this Risk Audit to discover just what their children are being exposed to behind the schoolhouse door."

Dr. Voddie Baucham, Bible teacher and author of The Ever-Loving Truth, "I have believed all along that if parents knew just how bad things were, we wouldn't have to ask them to find other educational alternatives; they would come asking us. However, until now, parents have lacked either the will or the tools to discover the truth. This risk audit is the right tool at the right time. I just pray that the results bring about the right response."

Gary Glenn of AFA Michigan, says, "Many parents have no idea that homosexual activists are allowed to use our public schools as a propaganda forum to indoctrinate and recruit young children and adolescents. Here in Michigan, the homosexual Triangle Foundation boasts that it has been allowed to use public school classrooms as early as first grade to promote their high-risk agenda. Parents need to be informed that the behavior and lifestyle homosexual activists are promoting leads to dramatically higher risk of domestic violence, mental illness, substance abuse, eating disorders, serious life-threatening disease, and even premature death."

Cathie Adams of Texas Eagle Forum said, "Parents are responsible for the education and upbringing of their children. That is why it is imperative that parents have full knowledge of what their children are taught in public school classrooms, especially concerning lifestyles that are contrary to societal norms. It is most unfortunate that homosexuality, bisexuality and transsexuality are embraced by America's largest teachers' unions forcing even unwilling teachers to become conduits for the union's radical agenda in classrooms. Parents do not want their children held captive to that radical agenda, which is why I am grateful that Mission America has designed a Risk Audit to protect parents and their children."

Phil Burress of Citizens for Community Values said, "Most parents do not want their children to be taught that homosexuality is a beneficial and positive option, nor that homosexual marriage is a civil right. We need to find out which schools are promoting these ideas, and the Risk Audit provides grass roots citizens with a valuable tool for doing this."

Additional information, including the Risk Audit, can be found at www.missionamerica.com, and www.exodus mandate.org.

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  March 28, 2006
CONTACT:  Diane Gramley   1.814.437.5355 or 1.814.271.9078

Traditional Values Group Asks Governor Rendell to Rein in PA Human Relations Commission

(Harrisburg) –   Today the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a traditional values group, called upon Governor Rendell to rein in the far-reaching efforts of the PA Human Relations Commission (PA HRC) to overstep its stated goals and purpose.  Specifically, recent activities by Chairman Stephen Glassman reveal a startling agenda to redefine Pennsylvania using his position with the PA HRC.

“Mr. Glassman is using his chairmanship of the Pennsylvania HRC as a bully pulpit to further his agenda to normalize homosexuality.  Among other things, his efforts are encouraging municipalities to go beyond what the law deems necessary – to extend special rights to individuals simply because of the sexual activity in which they engage. We are asking Governor Rendell, who give Glassman the chairmanship of the PA HRC, to intervene on the part of taxpaying Pennsylvanians, the majority of whom do not view homosexuality as normal,” Diane Gramley president of the AFA of PA said today. 

Stephen Glassman's recent involvement has included:

--February 28th meeting at Lebanon Valley College with 10 homosexual groups working to derail the Marriage Protection Amendment

-- March 14th and 16th -- with the assistance of Stephen Glassman, two Delaware County boroughs add 'sexual orientation' and 'gender identity' to their Human Relations ordinances.

The communication to Governor Rendell said in part, “Taxpayer dollars are being used to pay the salary of Mr. Glassman in his efforts to change the political landscape of Pennsylvania and his work to rewrite the mission statement of the PA HRC.  Governor, we are asking that you set the PA HRC back on the path of its stated purpose and not permit it to overstep its bounds.”

The HRC's website states, "When the Commission was established in 1955, Section 2, Findings and Declaration of Policy, was included in the PFEOA and has remained as the focal point of PHRC's mandate:

The practice or policy of discrimination against individuals or groups by reason of their race, color, familial status, religious creed, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, disability, use of guide or support animals because of the blindness, deafness or physical handicap of the user or because the use is a handler or trainer of support or guide animals, is a matter of concern of the Commonwealth.

Neither "sexual orientation" nor "gender identity' appear in the PA Human Relations Act, yet Mr. Glassman is working as though those terms do appear.  The PA HRC’s main purpose currently seems to be to further Chairman Glassman's political agenda.

“Municipalities are being encouraged to add ‘sexual orientation’ and ‘gender identity’ to their HRC ordinances without realizing the full ramifications of such a move.  How many municipalities know that such an ordinance would require churches and other religious organizations to hire homosexuals even though it was against their religious belief.  Are municipalities prepared to allow a man who thinks he is a woman to come to work in a dress and use the women’s restroom?  That is exactly what they have approved by adding ‘gender identity’ to their HRC ordinances,” commented Gramley.

Where is the proof that discrimination against homosexuals in employment, housing and public accommodations is taking place?  Or is the ‘victim card’ being pulled?

If the PA Human Relations Commission is permitted to overstep its own stated mission and PA state law to further the agenda of one individual, where does it stop?  What agency will be next?

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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 15, 2006
CONTACT: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355\

Pro-family Group Applauds House State Government Committee Vote on Marriage

(Harrisburg) — Today a statewide pro-family group applauded the vote in the House State Government Committee to move H.B. 2381 – the Marriage Protection Amendment – out of committee and to the floor for a vote before the full House. The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) recognizes the weaknesses of the existing Defense of Marriage Act and encourage the passage of the Marriage Protection Amendment to take the issue out of the hands of judges.

“Today’s Committee vote to allow Pennsylvanians to define marriage is a great step forward in protecting marriage and families. Apparently those who are afraid of a constitutional amendment to protect marriage don’t want the issue before the people because they know Pennsylvanians, when given an opportunity, will vote to define marriage as between one man and one woman,” remarked Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

 PA’s proposed Marriage Protection Amendment would not take away anyone’s rights. Currently homosexuals can marry – just not each other. The same as a brother cannot marry a sister or a father a daughter. Gays and lesbians have a right to live as they choose, but don’t have a right to redefine marriage and family for our entire society.
 Same-sex marriage intentionally and permanently creates fatherless or motherless families. At its core, same-sex marriage and parenting places adult desires above the best interest of children.
 The so-called ‘rights’ that homosexuals want such as hospital visitation, medical decisions and inheritance can be arranged with the help of an attorney, there is no need to redefine marriage.
 Not a civil rights issue — even the Rev. Jesse Jackson acknowledges that same-sex marriage is not a civil rights issue.

Nineteen other states where the voters have been given the opportunity to define marriage have overwhelmingly upheld marriage as between one man and one woman.

“There is no more important issue that legislators can deal with than preserving traditional marriage – the building block of society. Pennsylvanians want their marriages and families protected and do not want them redefined. Homosexuals have a right to live their lives as they please, but they do not have a right to redefine marriage and family. Pennsylvanians want an opportunity to vote on marriage and today’s vote brings us one step closer to that reality,” declared Gramley.

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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  March 1, 2006
CONTACT:  Diane Gramley   1.814.437.5355 or 1.814.271.9078

PA Human Relations Commission Chairman is Working Against the Majority of Pennsylvanians, Traditional Values Group Says

(Harrisburg) – The February 28^th  presence of Stephen Glassman, chairman of the PA Human Relations Commission, at a meeting with ten homosexual groups at Lebanon Valley College is a slap in the face to the majority of Pennsylvanians, a statewide pro-family group said today.

 In an e-mail message to Governor Rendell the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) stated, “Mr. Glassman does not speak for the majority of Pennsylvanians which know that the best thing for society and for children is marriage between one man and one woman.  I would hope that he will not use his position as Chairman of the Human Relations Commission to work against the amendment process.  Pennsylvanians want the opportunity to protect traditional marriage through a constitutional amendment and not leave it up to a judge to redefine marriage.  Pennsylvanians also do not want to pay the salary of someone who will use his position to work against what is best for the children and families of Pennsylvania -- protecting marriage as between one man and one woman.”

“It is very concerning that a high-ranking state employee is working against protecting one man, one woman marriage.  If anyone doubted that Mr. Glassman had an agenda, there is now no doubt in anyone’s mind,” said Diane Gramley, President of the AFA of PA.

According to the PHRC’s  website:   “The mission of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission is to administer and enforce the PHRAct (PA Human Relations Act) and the PFEOA (PA Fair Educational Opportunities Act) of the Commonwealth of the (sic) Pennsylvania for the identification and elimination of discrimination and the providing of equal opportunity for all persons.   

“Past efforts to add ‘sexual orientation’ and ‘gender identity’ to the PA Human Relations  Act and the PA Fair Educational Opportunities Act have been squelched.  Legislators know the adverse affects passage of such changes would have.  In other places where such changes have been made, the Salvation Army and Catholic Charities have been forced to hire homosexuals.  Perhaps Mr. Glassman needs to reread the Acts the PA Human Relations Commission is to administer and enforce,” continued Gramley.

The Marriage Protection Amendment will not take away the rights of anyone, as is claimed by some.  Homosexuals already have the right to marriage – just not each other.   Restrictions to marriage already exist such as a brother cannot marry a sister or a father cannot marry a daughter.  Historically marriage has always been between the opposite sexes.

“Stephen Glassman’s work against the Marriage Protection Amendment does not fall under the mission of the PA Human Relations Commission.  Working to protect the foundation of society is not discriminatory, but a move to preserve society.   As we’ve seen in case after case a Defense of Marriage Act is not enough.  A Maryland judge declared theirs unconstitutional just days before H.B. 2381 was introduced in Harrisburg..  Glassman is not working for Pennsylvanians when he works against the Marriage Protection Amendment,” Gramley concluded. 

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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  February 28, 2006
CONTACT:  Diane Gramley  1.814.437.5355 or 1.814.271.9078
                     President Alfred Bloom – 610. 328.8314
                    President Brian Mitchell – 570.577.2000

William Penn Would Not Approve of Sex Workers Art Show and “Gay” Symposium at Swarthmore College, Pro-Family Group Says

(Philadelphia) –  On March 1^st Swarthmore College will host the Sex Workers’ Art show.  This will be the first of two in Pennsylvania; the second being at Bucknell University on March 8^th.  The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) has contacted President Alfred Bloom of Swarthmore and President Brian Mitchell of Bucknell and expressed concern that their institutions of higher education would view this as appropriate fare for their students.

“The sex workers art show includes a ‘wide range of perspectives on sex work’ including a celebration of prostitution.  The last time I checked prostitution was illegal in every state in the union except Nevada – and the last time I checked this was not Nevada,” commented Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

Questions asked of both presidents included:  Will the ‘art show’ also include information about epidemic substance abuse among sex workers or the physical, sexual and verbal abuse that they must endure?    Will the participants be told of HPV (Human Papilloma Virus), the most common STD among sexually active young people and recognized as the major cause of cervical cancer? 

Furthermore, Swarthmore University’s ‘art show’ is a ‘pre-symposium event.’  Precluding the Sager Symposium 2006 scheduled for March 23-26.  This symposium will include such workshops as “Anal Pleasure 101,” as well as discussions on “Queering Love and Unqueering Sex,” and “Queer Sex Now!”

The AFA of PA specifically asked President Bloom:  Will the dangers of homosexual sex be discussed?  Will the participants be told of the increased substance abuse, eating and psychological disorders and same-sex domestic violence that occur in homosexual relationships?  Will they be told that college age men who have sex with men have a high probability of shortening their lives by up to 20 years?  Additionally,  will they be told that three out of four AIDS cases are men who have sex with men?

According to Swarthmore’s website, it was founded in 1864 by the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). 

“William Penn recognized the danger of ‘the unnatural sin of sodomy’ and set forth the sodomy laws in Pennsylvania which included whipping, forfeiture of property and six months hard labor for the first offense.  These punishments adopted by Pennsylvania were the most lenient of the Thirteen Colonies.  Yet it set forth a clear message that participation in this activity was not what was best for society.   If William Penn could see the direction Swarthmore is taking, he would be rolling over in his grave,” concluded Gramley.      

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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  February 20, 2006
CONTACT:  Diane Gramley  1.814.437.5355 or 1.814.271.9078
                     William Devlin  1.215.901.3202
                     Joseph Cella  1.734-433-1329

Bob Casey, Jr., Turns His Back on Pennsylvania Values Voters, Traditional Values Group Says

(Harrisburg) --  Bob Casey, Jr., Pennsylvania candidate for U.S. Senate,  carried out his plans to speak at the pro-homosexual Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Black Tie Gala on February 18 in Philadelphia.  His speaking engagement proves that he does not hold the values of the majority of Pennsylvanians and thus has turned his back on the values voter, stated the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide traditional values group.

“Bob Casey, Jr. is running as a pro-family candidate, but his actions in the past few days have proven just the opposite. The AFA of PA and citizens from across the Commonwealth contacted him expressing concern and dismay that he planned on speaking at the HRC event.  His actions have stated very clearly that he is not concerned with traditional values and thus has intentionally distanced himself from the majority of Pennsylvania voters,” remarked Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

Last fall the AFA of PA expressed concern when Casey was endorsed by the AFL-CIO, which has proven to be very anti-family.  On March 3, 2005 the Executive Committee unanimously passed a resolution condemning all efforts to protect one man one woman marriage through means of constitutional amendments.   

In an interview with the Philadelphia Gay News, Bob Casey has expressed the same sentiment.  According to the article, he approves of civil unions and domestic partnerships, but not same-sex marriage.  But he also opposes all constitutional efforts to protect one man one woman marriage.    So one must question how opposed to same-sex marriage he really is.

William Devlin, Democratic committee member of Philadelphia, attended part of the HRC gala and confronted Bob Casey, Jr. before his speech.  Bob Casey’s response was that he was in the right place, doing the right thing.  After hearing Casey's speech, Devlin expressed concern that a purported ‘pro-life’ Democrat was sending such an anti-family message and seeking the backing of those who want to redefine the family.

The AFA of PA noted that there is no indication on his campaign website of where Bob Casey, Jr. stands on abortion or other pro-life issues. 

In addition to the AFA of PA and William Devlin being concerned with the involvement of Bob Casey, Jr. with the HRC, Fidelis, a ‘Catholic-based advocacy organization established to help elect pro-life, pro-family and pro-religious liberty candidates to public office, support the confirmation of judges, and promote and defend laws faithful to the Constitution in Congress and the Courts’ reports,   “In a letter sent to Casey this morning (February 17) , Fidelis President Joseph Cella stated: “We respectfully call on you to return the campaign contributions from these groups and individuals that are openly hostile to the teachings of the Catholic Church, and reject any future contributions that are made to your campaign.  We also ask that you respectfully decline speaking invitations from such organizations, publicly distance yourself from their endorsements and oppose the radical policy goals of these organizations and individuals.” 

“The AFA of PA is very concerned that Bob Casey, Jr. is seeking and obtaining support from some of the very organizations that blocked his Dad from speaking at the Democratic National Convention in 1992 because he was pro-life.  It seems apparent that Bob Casey, Jr. does not hold the values that his Dad did,” Gramley continued.

The AFA of PA is also concerned that Bob Casey, Jr. has fallen into the trap of equating ‘gay rights’ with civil rights.  As a reminder, there are no ‘Gay Only” water fountains and homosexuals are not required to sit in the back of the bus.  In fact according to the analysis reported in February 2005 by Witeck-Combs Communications, ‘a marketing firm specializing in the gay and lesbian consumer and Packaged Facts’ showed that the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual (LGBT) buying power would reach $610 billion in 2005.   According to a January 3, 2006 article fourteen percent of homosexuals plan on traveling overseas for the holidays.  “The survey, by Harris Interactive in conjunction with Witeck-Combs Communications shows fourteen percent of gay and lesbian adults are planning to holiday overseas.  For heterosexuals only about seven percent are planning on going abroad.”

“The facts repeatedly show that homosexuals are not economically depressed nor do they lack political power.  They are not subjected to the adverse discrimination that they claim and extending special rights to a group simply because of the sexual activity in which they engage is wrong.  Politicians who are truly pro-family should see the dangerous ramifications of validating the homosexual lifestyle," concluded Gramley.

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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  February 14, 2006
CONTACT:  Diane Gramley   1.814.437.5355 or 1.814.271.9078

  Bob Casey, Jr. Speaking at Radical Homosexual Event is an Outrage, Pro-Family Group Says

(Harrisburg) – State Treasurer Bob Casey, Jr. is scheduled to be the keynote speaker at the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Philadelphia Region Steering Committee’s annual gala on February 18th.  In addition to being the current State Treasurer, Mr. Casey is in the middle of a campaign to unseat U.S. Senator Rick Santorum.  The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide pro-family group, has contacted the Treasurer’s office expressing concern over his association with the HRC. According to their website, “The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality.”  Their efforts also include legalizing same-sex marriage.

“On January 24 a Marriage Protection Amendment was introduced in the State House and on February 6 the same language was introduced in the State Senate.  Bob Casey, Jr. told the Philadelphia Gay News last week that he supported civil unions and domestic partner benefits, but opposed same-sex marriage.  He also stated that he opposes efforts on both the federal and state level to define marriage as between one man and one woman.  So . . . will some of the money raised at the HRC Gala on February 18^th be used to fight the Marriage Protection Amendment effort here in Pennsylvania?”  Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA questioned.   

Casey is listed as an HRC Featured Power SLATE Candidate and it is “Paid for by the Human Rights Campaign PAC. Authorized by Bob Casey for Pennsylvania.”  Bob Casey, Jr. is not only the keynote speaker at the $175 a plate gala, but is actively seeking the support of homosexual activists.

The majority of Pennsylvanians believe that marriage is between one man and one woman and oppose special rights for homosexuals simply because of their sexual activity.  As the AFA of PA pointed out last fall when Bob Casey, Jr. was endorsed by the AFL-CIO that pro-life issues are not the only ones that are important to Pennsylvanians.  But Casey’s recent actions to support same-sex marriage highlight why the AFL-CIO endorsed him because last March their Executive Committee unanimously passed a resolution condemning all efforts to protect one man one woman marriage by way of constitutional amendments.   

“Bob Casey, Jr. has shown he does not speak for the majority of Pennsylvanians, his involvement with the Human Rights Campaign proves he is ill-informed about what is important to Pennsylvania and the people who he expects to vote for him,” remarked Gramley.

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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  February 8, 2006
CONTACT:  Diane Gramley   1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355

TWO OUT OF FOUR GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATES PUBLICLY SUPPORT MARRIAGE PROTECTION AMENDMENT – NOW ITS DOWN TO ONE

(Harrisburg) – A review by the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) earlier in the week revealed that only two of the candidates for governor of Pennsylvania have publicly stated support for the recently introduced Marriage Protection Amendment.  With the withdrawal of Bill Scranton from the race that leaves the number at one.

“Whether the candidates running for governor want to acknowledge it or not, marriage between one man and one woman is an important issue to Pennsylvanians.   How these candidates support or don’t support the Marriage Protection Amendment may well determine how people will vote in the primaries,” Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA said today.

Governor Rendell has publicly stated that he does not see the necessity of a Marriage Protection Amendment.  In July the Governor’s spokesman, Chuck Ardo, indicated that Governor Rendell believes the courts should decide the definition of marriage. 

Candidate Bill Scranton issued a statement which “reiterated strong support for an amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution to protect traditional marriage.”

Likewise, on January 24 gubernatorial candidate Jim Panyard issued a statement which “endorsed the proposal to be unveiled at the State Capitol today for a state constitutional amendment to assure marriage in Pennsylvania will remain between one man and one woman.”   

As of today candidate Lynn Swann does not include any mention of marriage on his “Values” webpage.   He states,  “I believe I have those core conservative values; spend less, tax less, protect the most innocent among us, govern in a compassionate way, and provide opportunity for all Pennsylvanians." 

“Marriage Protection is an important issue to Pennsylvanians and we call on the gubernatorial candidates who have not indicated where they stand on marriage to do so.  In that way the voters will get a clearer picture of what the candidates view as important,’ stated Gramley.

H.B. 2381 was introduced on January 24 with almost 90 co-sponsors.  On February 6 S.B. 1084 was introduced in the Senate.  Nineteen other states have already passed amendments defining marriage as between one man and one woman.  These amendments are necessary because of the challenges to states’ Defense of Marriage Acts (DOMAs).  On January 20 a Baltimore judge declared Maryland’s DOMA unconstitutional.   A challenge to New York’s DOMA is before that state’s highest court right now.  The question is can we trust the judges in Pennsylvania to make the right decision on marriage – answer ‘no.’

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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  February 2, 2006
CONTACT:  Diane Gramley  1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355

NBC JUST DOESN’T GET IT, ‘CRUCI-FIXINS’ IS A MOCKERY, PRO-FAMILY GROUP SAYS

(Harrisburg)  NBC seemed not to have learned any lessons from its recent cancellation of the “Book of Daniel,” the portrayal of a so-called typical ‘Christian’ family which was involved in drug and alcohol addictions and promiscuity.  The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide pro-family group, has contacted all the NBC stations in Pennsylvania urging them not to air the April 13 episode of ‘Will and Grace.’

“There is no doubt that this is a mockery of our Lord’s crucifixion.  The timing itself is offensive – the night before Good Friday, the day observed by Christians around the world as the day Jesus was crucified,” commented Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

According to an AP story Britney Spears will be the program’s guest star, “The pop star will appear as a Christian conservative sidekick to Sean Hayes' character, Jack, who hosts his own talk show, on the April 13 episode, the network said. Jack's fictional network, Out TV, is bought by a Christian TV network, leading to Spears contributing a cooking segment called "Cruci-fixin's.

“NBC received 678,394 e-mails in reaction to the offensive story in the ‘Book of Daniel.’  In addition they were down to two paid sponsors – Kia and Hyundai – during their last program.  Apparently they still don’t get it and view offending Christians as a sport,” Gramley continued.

NBC affiliates are not obligated to air programs sent to them from NBC.  Stations around the nation – not just the Bible Belt – agreed that the Book of Daniel was offensive and refused to air the program. 

“Our hope is that the NBC stations in Pennsylvania will understand the very offensive nature of the April 13 episode of Will and Grace and refuse to air it,” said Gramley.

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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  January 31, 2006
CONTACT:  Diane Gramley   1.814.437.5355 or 1.814.271.9078

Senate Did the Right Thing in Voting to Confirm Judge Alito, Pro-family Group Says; Urges President Bush to Name Another Strict Constitutionalist to Replace Him on the Third Circuit

(Harrisburg) --  Today’s Senate vote of 58 to 42 confirming Judge Samuel Alito as the 110^th Justice of the United States Supreme Court ends one of the most contentious confirmation hearings in recent history.  The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide pro-family group, noted that Democrats' repeated attempts to block and degrade Judge Alito has failed, but expressed concern. 

“Americans should be concerned about losing our most qualified candidates if we don't reform the process.   How many conservative nominees, as these seem to be the only ones who are the targets, want to subject themselves and their families to the personal attacks and character assassination that Judge Alito had to withstand during his 18 hours of testimony?   Still fresh in our memory is the picture of Mrs. Alito leaving the hearing room in tears,” remarked Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

ACLU attorneys such as Ruth Bader Ginsburg were rubber stamped by the Republican Party.  Why?  Because she was President Bill Clinton’s choice for Supreme Court Justice.  It is the President’s job to name judicial nominees and the Senate’s constitutional role to offer advice and consent, not tear the nominee apart limb by limb.  Fifteen years ago Judge Alito was unanimously confirmed to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.  What has he done wrong in those years to warrant such attacks?

“The confirmation of Judge Samuel Alito is a step in the right direction to reign in a Supreme Court that has increasingly swayed from the original intent of the Constitution.  Justice Alito has testified that he will hear each case in a fair and unbiased way and we believe he will keep his word.  His record and those who know him better than any member of the Senate Judiciary Committee have confirmed that he is a fair man,” Gramley commented. 

There should be no political standard for nominees. Judges are not politicians.  It is evident that the Democrat members of the Senate Judiciary Committee has a litmus test for any judicial nominee – uphold Roe v. Wade.  Justice Alito is committed to the Rule of Law and Judicial Restraint. 

“We need another Samuel Alito on the Third Circuit Court of Appeals and urge President Bush to quickly name a strict constitutionalist to replace Justice Alito,” Gramley concluded.

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NEWS RELEASE