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News Release Archives 2008 -- Part I

 

 

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  May 30, 2008

CONTACT:  Diane Gramley   1.814.437.5355 or 1.814.271.9078

 

Homosexual Activists Will Not Stop at Kicking Out the Philadelphia Boy Scouts

 

(Philadelphia) – The goal of homosexual activists in Philadelphia is to make an example of the Cradle of Liberty Scout Council, ignoring the harm they will do to 69,000 boys in 1,000 units and 50,000 K-12 youth involved in Learning for Life programs in 135 area schools.  But is eviction of the Scouts their only goal? 

The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide traditional values organization, notes that it is being underreported that the original reason the 1928 Philadelphia City Council gave the Boy Scouts free use in perpetuity of the half acre piece of property in downtown Philadelphia was as a reward for the good works the Scouts were doing in the City.  Apparently, in the eyes of the City, the Scouts are no longer doing good works since the City Council is willing to bow to pressure from a very small special interest group seeking to force their lifestyle on southeastern Pennsylvania. .  The AFA of PA is calling on Pennsylvania’s nineteen Congressmen to defend the largest Scout Council in the state and the third largest in the nation. 

 

“In August 2006 former Congressman Michael Fitzpatrick wrote then-Mayor John Street asking the City of Philadelphia to end their dispute with the Cradle of Liberty Scout Council.  The Congressman is an Eagle Scout and the former President of the Bucks County Council of the Boy Scouts.   Are there no other Pennsylvania Congressmen who see how the boys in Montgomery, Philadelphia and Delaware counties benefit from the Cradle of Liberty Scout Council programs and are willing to come to their defense against the discriminatory actions of the City of Philadelphia?” questioned Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

 

In 2006 and 2007 the Learning for Life Explorer program involved many Philadelphia area businesses – radio stations, hospitals, Temple University, Phillies baseball and the U.S. Coast Guard name a few.  How many 14 – 20 year olds involved in this career exploring program will be negatively impacted if the Cradle of Liberty Scout Council is forced to pay $200,000 in rent for the headquarters they built and have maintained since 1929?  

 

“Will this program be the next target of homosexual activists as it is in Los Angeles where the fire department has been told to end its Learning for Life program?” Gramley further questioned. 

 

“These incidences are further evidence that homosexual activists are not interested in the current or future well-being of young men.  They simply have an agenda to normalize their dangerous lifestyle and the Boy Scouts are a highly visible target to demonize,” remarked Gramley. 

 

Some statistics to consider as to why the Boy Scouts ban open homosexual leaders:

 

"Homosexualities," a Simon and Schuster book by Alan Bell, reports that 25 percent of homosexual men admit to having had sex with boys who are 16 or under.

 

 A survey of readers was conducted by "The Advocate," a homosexual newsmagazine. Of the 2,500 respondents, 21 percent admitted that an adult man committed a sexual act with them by the age they were 15.

 

Research scientist and professor of psychiatry Gene G. Abel, M.D., has conducted a study of non-incarcerated child sex offenders and has found that homosexuals "sexually molest young boys with an incidence that is occurring five times greater than the molestation of girls."  More specifically, the report shows that, on average, 150.2 boys are molested per homosexual offender, whereas only 19.8 girls are molested per heterosexual offender. Homosexual offenders admitted between 23.4 and 281.7 acts of molesting boys.

 

Since men who are "exclusively homosexual" - only 2 percent of the total male population - are responsible for 21 percent of child molestation cases
involving little boys, this finding by one of the nation's leading experts on pedophilia indicates that exclusively homosexual men are ten times more likely per capita to molest little boys than are other men.  (The long discredited claim by homosexual activists that homosexual men comprise 10 percent of the population would still indicate that such men were twice as likely per capita to molest little boys.)

 

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NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  May 16, 2008

CONTACT:  Diane Gramley  1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355

 

PA Governor Ed Rendell Continues Promotion of Dangerous Lifestyle

 

(Philadelphia) – Governor Rendell’s planned participation by leading the gay pride parade in New Hope’s Pride Weekend is further evidence of his lack of understanding of the dangerous lifestyle he is promoting, the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide pro-family organization said today.

 

“Reports out of New Hope are that this is an event to celebrate the borough’s diversity, but in reality it is an event to celebrate and promote the normalization of homosexuality.  The Governor obviously does not know that 71% of all new AIDS cases among males are men who have sex with men or that the City of Philadelphia, where he used to be mayor, is eighth in the nation for the number of reported AIDS cases,” stated Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA. 

 

Additionally, there are other medical concerns involved for those who engage in the homosexual lifestyle:    

 

q     In an April 2007 issue of International Journal of Eating Disorders, a study conducted at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health was published which found that homosexual and bisexual men have higher rates of eating disorders -- more than 15 percent of homosexual or bisexual men had at some time suffered anorexia, bulimia or binge-eating disorder, or at least certain symptoms of those disorders.

q     The Center for Disease Control warns that men who have sex with men "have 
large numbers of anonymous partners, which can result in rapid, extensive
transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. 
q     The Journal of the American Medical Association reports that "people with 
same-sex sexual behavior are at greater risk for psychiatric disorders" -
including bipolar, obsessive-compulsive, and anxiety disorders, major depression, 
and substance abuse.
q     The Oxford University International Journal of Epidemiology has noted that men who 
have sex with men shorten their lives by up to 20 years.   
q     A study which appears in the February,  2007  issue of the International Journal of 
STD & AIDS, has found that "HIV-positive men who have 
sex with men are up to 90 times more likely than the general population to develop anal cancer."
q     Matt Foreman, the Executive Director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force delivered 
a speech to the National Conference on Lesbian-Gay-
Bisexual-Transgender Equality in Detroit on February 8th.  During his delivery he admitted HIV 
is a 'gay disease.'   See Foreman's formal remarks, 
last paragraph, page 3. 

“If Governor Rendell was truly concerned about all Pennsylvanians, he would not be promoting a lifestyle which negatively impacts so many in this commonwealth – either through direct physical ailments or through tax dollars being used for health care of those suffering from those ailments.  This is further evidence that he is aligning himself to a very small segment of the population and ignoring the majority of Pennsylvania,” further noted Gramley.    

 

The AFA of PA calls on Governor Rendell to represent all of Pennsylvanians not just a very small special interest group.

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NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  May 15, 2008

CONTACT:  Diane Gramley   1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355

 

California Supreme Court Decision Shows How Important Passage of Pennsylvania’s Marriage Protection Amendment Is

 

(Harrisburg) – The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide pro-family organization, responded to today’s 4-3 decision of the California Supreme Court by stating the decision is an outright example of judicial activism.  These activist judges have overturned the will of 60% of California voters who in 2000 defined marriage as only between one man and one woman by passing Proposition 22.   Where does that leave Pennsylvania?

 

“Four California judges have told 60% of that state’s voters that their vote for marriage in 2000 was a discriminatory act.  Four California judges have trounced on the will of the people.  Pennsylvania legislators need to stop saying we don’t need a Marriage Protection Amendment and act to protect marriage now.  We need only look to California to see what judicial activists can do.  We do not need to wait for such activism in Pennsylvania before we act,” stated Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

 

The judges found there is a ‘fundamental right to form a family,’ where does such a statement end?  How is family defined?  Are families formed by incest between a father and his daughter, an uncle and niece, or by group marriages, one man three women, one women ten men – how is a family formed under such a ludicrous court decision?  

 

These California judges have created chaos of marriage in that state and it will have ramifications across the country.  There is no residency requirement in California nor do they have a Massachusetts-type law that says if your marriage is not legal in your state, you cannot marry here.  The door has been opened for Pennsylvania’s and all other state’s Defense of Marriage Acts to be challenged.  Same-sex commitment ceremonies in Philadelphia in November and State College in March have laid the groundwork for just such a challenge.   

 

The 2000 Proposition 22 amended the California statute, an effort is underway to get a Marriage Protection Amendment before the people to define marriage in that state’s Constitution.  California supporters of traditional marriage had to get 700,000 names on a petition to get the Marriage Protection Amendment on the November ballot.  They collected well over 1 million signatures.  Traditional marriage is important to California voters and when these signatures are certified by the middle of June, they will be given an opportunity to vote on the definition of marriage by way of a Constitutional amendment. 

 

Where does this decision leave Pennsylvania?

 

“The AFA of PA calls on the State Senate to get S.B. 1250 – the Marriage Protection Amendment off the table and before the full Senate for a vote, then onto a quick vote before the full House.  This California decision to overturn the will of the people is extremely dangerous and how Pennsylvania legislators respond to it will expose those who do not want to protect one man one woman marriage and who want legalized same-sex marriage or civil unions in this state.  Now is the time for them to act, later may be too late,” concluded Gramley.

 

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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  May 14, 2008
CONTACT:  Diane Gramley   1.814.437.5355 or 1.814.271.9078

Too Many PA Legislators Bow to Pressure from 2.9% of the Population

(Harrisburg)  On April 30th  the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), a Washington, D. C. homosexual lobby group,  released a study entitled, “Findings from the Hunter College Poll of Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals,” which was commissioned by the HRC Foundation.  The findings of 2.9% of the adult population identifying as gay, lesbian or bisexual once again expose the lie that homosexuals make up 10% of the U.S. population.  The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide pro-family organization, is providing this information as well as additional information to each Pennsylvania legislator. 

The additional information includes the bogus claim that a ban on same-sex marriage is the same as the laws against interracial marriage, the need to retain the ‘functional equivalent’ language in S.B. 1250 to prevent the legalization of civil unions, clarification of Oklahoma State Representative Sally Kern’s remarks and the negative impact of homosexual marriage.

“As the stalemate on the Marriage Protection Amendment continues in the PA Senate, all the legislators who oppose this amendment need to realize that they are representing a very small percentage of people who want to redefine marriage and family.  The majority of Pennsylvanians believe marriage should be between one man and one woman and expect their legislators to take steps to protect traditional marriage,” noted Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

The Hunter College poll found that 2.9% of the adult population in the United States identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual (LGB).  It also found that these individuals were more highly educated than the average American and were more likely to consider themselves Democrats and liberal than the general population.   These recent findings were from a poll in which seven hundred sixty-eight responded, but in a 2002 Centers for Disease Control National Survey of Family Growth 12,571 interviews with men and women ages 15-44 years of age took place.  That study revealed that only 2.3% of the population considered themselves homosexual.

“Interesting that even though the 10 percent myth has been debunked years ago, the myth continues to be perpetuated by many.  Homosexual activist groups have long known this figure was not accurate and even included that information filed in a legal brief in the Lawrence v Texas sodomy case,” further noted Gramley.

The March 26, 2003 Friend of the Court brief filed before the U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of 31 homosexual and pro-homosexual groups stated in footnote 42 on page 16 of this legal brief the following: “The most widely accepted study of sexual practices in the United States is the National Health and Social Life Survey (NHSLS). The NHSLS found that 2.8% of the male, and 1.4% of the female, population identify themselves as gay, lesbian, or bisexual. See Laumann, et al, The Social Organization of Sex: Sexual Practices in the United States (1994). This amounts to nearly 4 million openly gay men and 2 million women who identify as lesbian.”

“Legislators need to decide whether they are representing the small ‘squeaky wheel’ segment of their constituents or the majority which support traditional marriage.  Will it be the desires of a small special interest group which wants to redefine marriage and family or will it be those who know marriage is between one man and one woman?  Who will Pennsylvania legislators represent?  What will they do with the truth?” further questioned Gramley.

 

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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  May 5, 2008
CONTACT:  Diane Gramley   1.814.437.5355 or 1.814.271.9078

Pennsylvania Marriage Protection Amendment Headed to a Full Vote in the Senate

(Harrisburg) – Today’s 18-8 vote in the Senate Appropriations Committee shows these Senators get it and recognize the importance of giving Pennsylvania voters the opportunity to vote on the definition of marriage, said the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a member of the PA 4 Marriage Coalition. 

“After three sometimes contentious hearings, the chance for voters to be presented with this amendment is inching forward.  Eighteen Senators have given S.B. 1250 a big boost and shown the importance of this issue.  Marriage is the foundation of society and if it is further attacked and crumbles, society will crumble also,” commented Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

These comments pointed to the present situation in the Scandinavian countries where some form of same-sex marriage has been legal for over a decade.  Out of wedlock birthrates have continually shot up since 1997 when registered partnerships were legalized.  No other western European country matches this rapid rise in out- of-wedlock births. 

 When marriage can be whatever you want it to be, why bother, appears to be the response for many young people in the countries where same-sex marriage is legal.

Commentator Thomas Sowell said in an August 15, 2006 column entitled, “Gay ‘Marriage,’

“They (homosexual activists) argue against a "ban on gay marriage" but marriage has for centuries meant a union of a man and a woman. There is no gay marriage to ban.

Analogies with bans against interracial marriage are bogus. Race is not part of the definition of marriage. A ban on interracial marriage is a ban on the same actions otherwise permitted because of the race of the particular people involved. It is a discrimination against people, not actions.”

The Pennsylvania Marriage Protection Amendment now goes before the full Senate for a scheduled vote tomorrow.

“Passages of this amendment is what is best for today’s Pennsylvanians and future generations.  We call on the Senators who are truly concerned about all Pennsylvanians to not bow to the pressure from a small, but vocal minority who are seeking to redefine marriage and family.   We are calling on them to support one man one woman marriage and vote ‘yes’ on S.B. 1250,” Gramley urged.

 

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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  May 1, 2008
CONTACT:  Diane Gramley  1.814.437.5355 or 1.814.271.9078

Senator Fumo Should Resign Now – Traditional Values Group Says

(Harrisburg) – During Tuesday’s Senate Appropriations Committee hearing,  Senator Vince Fumo verbally attacked each of those who testified in support of the Pennsylvania Marriage Protection Amendment.  Today the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) calls on Senator Vince Fumo to resign due to his lack of professionalism and the lack of respect shown to Chairman Gibson Armstrong and those testifying in support of one man one woman marriage.

“It appears that Senator Fumo went to the Appropriations Committee hearing on Tuesday with one purpose – to attack anyone that stood for traditional marriage.  He did not go to listen to the arguments in support of the amendment, but to verbally assault anyone and everyone with whom he did not agree,” commented Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

Senator Fumo additionally accused his fellow Senators of racism and said they would vote to reinstate slavery if given the opportunity through a secret ballot.  Fumo, a white man, told this to a black pastor from his own district in Philadelphia. 

“Even though Senator Fumo has backed away from the slavery remarks his entire conduct during the hearing was unbecoming a Pennsylvania Senator and reflects poorly on that legislative body.  One must wonder whether his conduct reflects on other legislators who oppose a constitutional amendment to protect one man one woman marriage,” Gramley remarked.

Viewing the assaults on the character, motives and religious beliefs of those who Senator Fumo disagreed with would make anyone hesitate to testify before a legislative body during any future public hearing.  Pennsylvania deserves better than what Senator Fumo delivered on April 29th.

After 30 years in office, this is Senator Fumo’s last term as he faces federal corruption charges.  He is accused of defrauding the state Senate, a museum and a nonprofit organization through using staff and assets to do his political and personal bidding.  His early resignation would be an asset to Pennsylvania politics.

 

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NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  April 30, 2008

CONTACT: Diane Gramley  1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355

 

How Many Taxpayer Dollars This Year? – Pro-family Group Asks

 

(Philadelphia) – As the week-long Equality Forum is currently underway, a statewide pro-family organization which has exposed the taxpayer dollars being used to promote the homosexual lifestyle, again asks “How much?”   The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) notes that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is listed once again as a sponsor of this year’s event.

 

“As Pennsylvanians spend more at the gas pump and grocery store, Governor Rendell and the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) apparently have no qualms using our hard-earned dollars to promote a lifestyle that the majority of Pennsylvanians view as wrong,” stated Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

 

In recent years the DCED has given Equality Forum $275,000 in grant money to promote transgenderism, same-sex marriage, revisionist history and other attempts to normalize the homosexual lifestyle.  An additional burden falls on the residents of Philadelphia as their city tax dollars also go to promote a dangerous lifestyle which adversely affects black males in Pennsylvania which make up 48% of all reported AIDS cases in the state.

 

“Why should we be forced to subsidize a week-long homosexual event which undermines one man one woman marriage, traditional families and increases the state’s health care costs?” questioned Gramley.

 

Gramley continued, “Equality Forum is pulling the ‘civil rights card’ saying it’s all about advancing so-called GLBT civil rights.  At what time have homosexuals been forced to sit at the back of the bus, drink at separate water fountains or been deemed less than human in U.S. laws?” 

 

Apparently Governor Rendell is 100 percent in favor of Equality Forum’s agenda.  He is listed as the honorary dinner chair of the International Equality Dinner.   Additionally, Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-PA-8) and Congressman Joe Sestak (D-PA-7) are honored guests at a May 3rd reception for Pennsylvania GLBT political activists. 

 

How dangerous is the homosexual lifestyle?

 

Since 1983 the FDA has banned blood donations from men who have had sex with men anytime since 1977.  

 

Dr. John Diggs’ has authored “The Health Risks of Gay Sex.” 

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 71% of all HIV infections among males are men who have sex with men.  

 

Through 2006 39% of all reported AIDS cases in Pennsylvania were men who have sex with men.

 

In 2005 Pennsylvania was eighth in the nation for the number of AIDS cases and seventh in the nation for the cumulative number of AIDS cases through 2005.

 

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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  April 24, 2008
CONTACT:  Diane Gramley  1.814.437.5355 or 1.814.271.9078

Over 100 Pennsylvania Schools to Participate in Day Promoting Homosexual Lifestyle

List of PA public schools listed as participants. 

List of PA private schools listed as participants.

(Harrisburg) – April 25th is the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network’s (GLSEN) ‘Day of Silence.’  The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide pro-family organization, has joined a large coalition of groups asking parents to keep their children home from school on the 25th, if their child’s school is promoting or participating in the ‘Day of Silence.’  This is an effective way for parents to tell schools that they don’t want their children involved in homosexual indoctrination since most school districts lose money for each student absence.   

“GLSEN is using the safe schools mantra as a foot in the door to promote the homosexual lifestyle.  The AFA of PA and all members of the coalition believe all students should be provided a safe learning environment.  But how safe is it for the well-being of students if schools promote a lifestyle that leads to increased sexually transmitted diseases, cancers, eating and psychological disorders?” questioned Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA. 

In February Matt Foreman, Executive Director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, called HIV/AIDS a 'gay disease.'   Again, why should schools promote this dangerous lifestyle?

Gramley further said medical studies and other evidence indicates that individuals
who engage in homosexual behavior experience dramatically higher risks of domestic 
violence, mental illness, substance abuse, life-threatening disease, and premature death
 by up to 20 years.  She cited the following documentation:
 
* College-aged men who engage in homosexual behavior are at risk of dying up
to 20 years younger than other men, according to Oxford University's
International Journal of Epidemiology, which reported:  "Life expectancy at
age 20 years for gay and bisexual men is 8 to 20 years less than for all
men. nearly half of gay and bisexual men currently aged 20 years will not
reach their 65th birthday."
 
* The Journal of the American Medical Association reports that "people with
same-sex sexual behavior are at greater risk for psychiatric disorders" -
including bipolar, obsessive-compulsive, and anxiety disorders, major
depression, and substance abuse.
 
·        A Detroit homosexual newsmagazine columnist recently wrote regarding his
partner: “This is his first relationship, so he has not yet been ruined by all the heartache, 
lies, deceit, and game-playing that are the hallmark of gay relationships...A study I once 
read suggested that nine out of 
10 gay men cheat on their lovers.”
 
·        The Centers for Disease Control warns that men who have sex with men “have
large numbers of anonymous partners, which can result in rapid, extensive transmission 
of sexually 
transmitted diseases.”

Some school administrators do not know that their school’s name is on the list of participating schools.  Apparently this is because GLSEN opens the registration process to anyone to allow them to register any school and tell students that they do not have to get the school’s approval in order to participate. 

But in other cases schools are actively participating with the approval of school administrators. 

In one school which expects around one-third of all the students to observe the Day of Silence, the school will tie it to the Holocaust.

This manipulation of young minds is unacceptable. Homosexual sex and religious freedom of conscience are apples and oranges. These are not the same thing! Homosexuality is also not like race relations, another common but erroneous comparison.

“If a school is actively promoting the ‘Day of Silence’ or even passively allowing the ‘Day of Silence’ by allowing students to remain silent during classroom time without academic repercussions, then we have asked parents to keep their kids home that day,” noted Gramley.

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Note:  as of the morning of April 3, 2008, the link http://pittsburghdish.typepad.com/pittsburgh_dish/2008/03/shields-demands.html%20 to the original letter sent by City Council President Doug Shields no longer works.  The page now says: 

Not Found

The requested URL /pittsburgh_dish/2008/03/shields-demands.html was not found on this server

But we just happen to have a copy of the letter and it can now be accessed through our website.  The link is corrected in the news release below.

 

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  April 2, 2008

CONTACT:  Diane Gramley  1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355

 

Pittsburgh City Council President vs. Rally for Sally – Representative Kern a Resounding Winner

 

(Pittsburgh, PA) – On March 14th Pittsburgh City Council President Doug Shields sent a very hateful letter to Oklahoma State Representative Sally Kern in response to her mention of Pittsburgh during a recent speech she gave.  The letter called Representative Kern unfit for office, hateful, bigoted and demanded an apology and her resignation.  Today the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide pro-family organization, sent a letter to Mr. Shields outlining some of their concerns with his response to Representative Kern.

 

“In our opinion Mr. Shields’ letter is much more offensive than Mrs. Kern’s remarks.  To say that her words are worse than former New York Governor Elliot Spitzer involvement in a prostitution ring is outrageous.  To say that her words will incite others to cause harm and death toward the LGBT community is also outrageous; it is Representative Kern who has received death threats from the ones crying for tolerance the loudest,” noted Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

 

The letter to Mr. Shields asked whether he had read Mrs. Kerns entire speech or just the 2 minute 52 second segment that the homosexual group Victory Fund extracted.  They took small portions of her speech and pasted them together to make her appear as if she was specifically targeting homosexuals. 

 

Mr. Shields was also was told of those who are working to further the homosexual agenda in Pittsburgh.  The letter says in part, “Do you question that there is a homosexual agenda in Pittsburgh?  Did you know that last fall the Pittsburgh office of the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network worked to try to get all schools in Allegheny County to start homosexual clubs?  On April 25th several schools in Pittsburgh will be observing the Gay Day of Silence.  And of course, Visit Pittsburgh is purposely seeking the dollars of homosexual tourists by promoting the city through the homosexual-friendly NaviGaytor travel guide.  They are attempting to sell the soul of Pittsburgh for a few extra dollars.”

 

Today nearly 3,000 supporters went to Oklahoma City for a “Rally for Sally” to support Representative Kern.  Most Americans recognize Mrs. Kerns First Amendment right to speak her mind even though to homosexual activists her words are not politically correct. 

 

“Mrs. Kern has faced a firestorm over the past few weeks and she refuses to back down from her words speaking the truth that engaging in homosexual acts is sin.  Her bravery and determination to stand on God’s word is very commendable and very rarely seen in politicians today.  They would rather be politically correct and show no backbone in the face of controversy.  Today’s ‘Rally for Sally’ shows that Doug Shields and those who hold his views are wrong and the majority of Americans recognize it,” Gramley further remarked.

 

Homosexual groups and activists readily attack Christians like Representative Sally Kern, yet they remain silent when Christianity is attacked.  The AFA of PA is waiting for homosexual organizations like the Victory Fund and the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network, as well as the elected officials who support them to denounce the ‘Hunky Jesus Contest’  (Warning: highly offensive) held on Easter Sunday in San Francisco.   It’s been almost two weeks now and no denunciation from any homosexual activist or their ally has been voiced.  Warning this YouTube video holds very offensive material.

 

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NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  April 1, 2008

CONTACT:  Diane Gramley  1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355

 

Mercyhurst Wrong – Bishop Trautman Right in Clinton’s Visit to Catholic College

 

(Erie, PA) – Today a statewide pro-life group commended Erie Diocese Bishop Donald Trautman’s decision to not attend the commencement ceremony of Mercyhurst College because of the Catholic school’s decision to host a forum with presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton.  The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) noted that Clinton is unashamedly anti-life which is directly against Catholic teaching. 

 

“It is refreshing to see a church leader take a solid stand for the sanctity of human life and not back down in the face of political correctness,” stated Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

 

Catholic teaching is very clear on the issue of abortion and those who support it.   Article 5 of the Catechism says in part, “Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception. From the first moment of his existence, a human being must be recognized as having the rights of a person - among which is the inviolable right of every innocent being to life.”

 

Mercyhurst statement concerning the Clinton visit included the sentence “Rather, the College believes it is within its mission academically, socially and spiritually to allow its students and the general community the opportunity to hear from the presidential candidates and reflect upon and consider the issues.”  

 

The AFA of PA believes Mercyhurst would have served the community and her students better by taking a strong and public pro-life stand thus sending a clear message about the need to protect life in a society that increasingly is willing to compromise on the issue.

 

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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  March 31, 2008
CONTACT:  Diane Gramley   1.814.437.5355 or 1.814.271.9078

Will Penn State’s Same-sex Commitment Ceremony = A Challenge to PA’s Marriage Law?

(Harrisburg) – Saturday’s same-sex commitment ceremony on the Main Campus of Penn State was an in-your-face attempt to force the normalization of same-sex marriage on Pennsylvania, a traditional values group said today.   The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), one of the organizations which participated in The Pennsylvania Family Values Rally which took place one hour after the commitment ceremony, recognizes the potential danger of the local mayor officiating over the homosexual event.

“Shortly after Mayor Welch announced he was going to take part in this ceremony on the 29th, we contacted him.  We noted that even though he may not view his actions as a political statement, homosexual activists would.  Our assertion has proven true,” commented Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA and a speaker at the Family Values Rally.

In a March 22nd Centre Daily Times article, one of the lesbian couples said, “Once it’s legal, we’re going to do it again.  It’ll be fantastic.”   Is this setting the stage for a challenge to Pennsylvania’s Defense of Marriage Act? 

In November, then Philadelphia Mayor John Street also officiated at the same-sex commitment ceremony of a city employee and his same-sex partner.   Steven Goldstein of Garden State Equality commented then that each time a public official participates in a same-sex commitment ceremony that is one step closer to ‘marriage equality’ or the legalization of same-sex marriage. 

Gramley noted during her presentation at Saturday’s Family Values Rally that it is the children who suffer when groups and eventually society redefines marriage and family.   No society has a right to deliberately create motherless or fatherless families and that is exactly what the legalization of same-sex marriage would do.  Children do best in a family with their married biological mother and father.

The activities at Penn State further show the need for a Marriage Protection Amendment to the PA Constitution.  Increasingly we see attacks on marriage and the effort to desensitize us to ‘alternative’ marriages and families.

“This overt attack on marriage has nothing to do with civil rights, but everything to do with a small group of people who want their dangerous lifestyle viewed as normal.  Pennsylvania is behind the rest of the nation in protecting marriage and we call on all Pennsylvania State Representatives and State Senators to support the Marriage Protection Amendment,” further stated Gramley.

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NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   March 28, 2008

CONTACT:  Diane Gramley   1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355

 

Abstinence Works 100 Percent of the Time, Pro-Family Group Says

 

(Pittsburgh) – The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) has contacted the Pittsburgh Public School board directors asking that they not change the district’s sex ed program  from one based on abstinence to a comprehensive program. 

 

Also, being overlooked is the effort to change the definition of family in the sex ed curriculum to include homosexual families.  The overall effort apparently is to not only tell students it is okay to engage in so-called ‘safe sex,’ but it is also okay to engage in homosexual sex.

 

Noting that abstinence does work 100% of the time, the statewide pro-family organization presented some of the following points in the letter to board directors:

 

q     A June 12, 2007 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services study showed that comprehensive sex-education classes taught in public schools across the nation contain medical inaccuracies, present information in an amoral way, and do not delay the onset of sexual activity among youth. 

q     The HHS study reviewed nine popular comprehensive sex-education programs and found that hardly any emphasis is placed on true abstinence from sexual activity. The focus, rather, is on contraception and ways to lessen the risks associated with sexual behavior.

q     Of the curricula reviewed, the curriculum with the most balanced discussion of abstinence and safer-sex still discussed condoms and contraception nearly seven times more than abstinence.

q     Some comprehensive sex ed programs are being rebranded ‘abstinence plus.’  This is a misnomer.  What these programs do teach are overstated, exaggerated claims of condom usage rates and effectiveness; understated benefits of abstinence, including inaccurate suggestions that abstinence and "safe sex" are equally safe and healthy choices; and promotion of provocative alternatives to intercourse often described as "outercourse."

 

“It’s sad to see this effort to change the sex ed program being led by parents.  I’m sure they are well-meaning, but they are misguided.  Students – the children of these parents included – should not be given a mixed message about such an important issue.  About 75 percent of schools in the nation use comprehensive sex ed.  These programs obviously do not work,” noted Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA. 

 

She was referring to the March 11th Centers for Disease Control study showing that 1 in 4 teens have a sexually transmitted disease thus proving the ineffectiveness of comprehensive or ‘abstinence plus’ programs.  

 

The parents who are apparently leading this effort are in a minority nationwide.  A 2007 Zogby poll found that parents prefer abstinence education over comprehensive education by a 2 to 1 margin.  The overwhelming majority of parents surveyed said they want their teens to be sexually abstinent until they are married.

 

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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 20, 2008
CONTACT:  Diane Gramley  1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355

Geno’s Philly Cheese Steaks and the Cradle of Liberty Scout Council – one win, one loss

(Philadelphia) --  The Philadelphia Human Relations Commission decision to allow Joey Vento to keep his "This is AMERICA: WHEN ORDERING 'PLEASE SPEAK ENGLISH.' " sign was the right decision, the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a traditional values group, said today.   The signs had been in place since October 2005 and no complaints had been filed until the chairman of the Philadelphia Human Relations Commission filed one in June 2006. 

“The charges against Mr. Vento were brought under the City’s Fair Practices ordinance – the very one the City of Philadelphia is using to evict the Cradle of Liberty Scout Council.   A business owner’s right to make a political statement was upheld by the Commission’s decision.  The English language won a victory today,” commented Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

According to the commission Mr. Vento’s signs discriminated against those who could not speak English, even though Geno’s had never refused service to anyone.   The signs were likened to Jim Crow era “Whites Only” signs because they targeted a specific group and might make members of that group feel discriminated against or unwelcome. 

“Mr. Vento, as the grandson of Italian immigrants, knows the importance of learning English to succeed in this country – that was the message he was trying to deliver to his foreign immigrant customers.  One must ask if his grandparents had never learned English would Mr. Vento be the successful businessman that he is today,” Gramley questioned. 

The Cradle of Liberty Scout Council continues to be discriminated against by the City of Philadelphia because of their ban on homosexuals in their ranks.  Who will uphold the Boy Scouts’ right to make decisions that have in mind the safety of the boys in their charge?  Who will step in to prevent the City's Fair Practices ordinance from being used in the May 31st eviction of the Cradle of Liberty Scout Council from the headquarters they built and have maintained since 1929?

How can any city question the right of the Boy Scouts to take steps to protect their Scouts:  Contrary to the homosexual assertion that heterosexual molestations outnumber those committed by homosexuals, Yale and Harvard-connected psychiatrist Jeffrey Satinover states that "careful studies show that pedophilia is far more common among homosexuals than heterosexuals." Satinover adds, "The greater absolute number of heterosexual cases reflects the fact that heterosexual males outnumber homosexual males by approximately 36 to 1. Heterosexual child molestation cases outnumber homosexual cases by only 11 to 1, implying that pedophilia is more than three times more common among homosexuals." 

 

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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  March 18, 2008
CONTACT:  Diane Gramley  1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355

PA Marriage Protection Amendment Voted Out of Senate Judiciary Committee by Overwhelming Bi-partisan Support

(Harrisburg)  Today protecting one man one woman marriage in Pennsylvania moved a step closer to reality, a statewide pro-family organization said in response to the passage of S.B. 1250 out of the Senate Judiciary Committee.   The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a member of the PA4Marriage Coalition, noted that the 10-4 bi-partisan vote should send a clear message to the entire Senate that protecting marriage in Pennsylvania is a very important issue.

“No other issue is more important than protecting the foundation of a society.  Health care, property tax relief or graduation tests are not important, if society does not have a stable foundation.  Protect one man one woman marriage, then move forward with the other issues,” commented Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

The bill was voted out of committee with provisions to prohibit civil unions intact.  This step is necessary because legalizing civil unions would be used as a stepping stone to same-sex marriage even as is being done in Connecticut, Vermont and New Jersey.

“As traditional marriage and the natural family are under attack across the country, legislators must take the steps necessary to protect both.  Pennsylvania’s Senate Judiciary Committee took an important first step today.  Now it needs to be quickly brought before the full Senate for a vote and on to the State House,” Gramley further stated.

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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  March 12, 2008
CONTACT:  Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355

Pittsburgh’s Pro-Homosexual City Council is Mentioned in Oklahoma Legislator’s Comments

(Pittsburgh) – Last week Oklahoma State Representative Sally Kern made comments about the dangers of the homosexual lifestyle and the efforts by homosexual activist to infiltrate the school system with the message that ‘gay is okay.’ Additionally, the recent pro-homosexual decision of the Pittsburgh City Council got her attention. The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) applauds Representative Kern’s courageous statements. 

 “Too many politicians are afraid to speak the truth about the dangers of the homosexual lifestyle because it is not ‘politically correct.’  Mrs. Kern, unlike the recent decision by the Pittsburgh City Council  to pass a resolution encouraging all members of the Pittsburgh delegation to Harrisburg to vote in support of H.B. 1400 and S.B. 761, chose to expose the homosexual agenda,” noted Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA. 

H.B. 1400 and S.B. 761 would add ‘sexual orientation and gender identity or expression’ to the PA Human Relations Act.

Mrs. Kern was unafraid to talk about the shortened lifespan and the disease that is very much a part of the homosexual lifestyle.   As a former public school teacher she also recognized the efforts and the danger of homosexual activists getting into the schools with the message that ‘gay is okay. 

Representative Kern has been accused of hate towards homosexuals and even received death threats because of her comments.  Her presentation gave no indication of hate, but was simply an effort to present the facts and issue a warning.  Too many times homosexuals respond with accusations of hate speech when they don’t like the dangers of their lifestyle exposed.

“Word is getting out about Pittsburgh City Council and its hand in the attempt to extend statewide special rights to homosexuals.  Instead of working toward putting the Commonwealth’s stamp of approval upon a lifestyle that shortens the lives of the male participants by up to 20 years, leads to increased substance abuse, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases as well as cancers and eating and psychological disorders, the City Council should be working toward educating on the dangers of the homosexual lifestyle,” further commented Gramley.

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NEWS RELEASE: 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  March 4, 2008
CONTACT:  Diane Gramley   1.814.437.5355 or 1.814.271.9078

Action of State College Mayor is Another Step Towards Same-sex Marriage and Even More Reason for a Marriage Protection Amendment

(Harrisburg) – Mayor Bill Welch’s plans to participate in the same-sex commitment ceremony of six homosexual couples on March 29th will be viewed by homosexual activists as a step forward in their effort to get same-sex marriage legalized in Pennsylvania.  Today in a faxed statement the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) asked the Mayor to reconsider his decision to participate in the March 29th activities on Penn State’s Main Campus.

“In November homosexuals viewed the participation of Philadelphia Mayor John Street in a same-sex ceremony as a positive move.   The same will be true in State College – especially affirming the strong pro-homosexual influence of Penn State in the area. As in this case, students are involved in activism to promote the normalization of the homosexual lifestyle,” commented Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA, a statewide pro-family group.

Mayor Welch’s plans to perform same-sex commitment ceremonies for six homosexual couples are even further evidence that Pennsylvania needs a Marriage Protection Amendment.  In neighboring New Jersey, Steven Goldstein, chairman of Garden State Equality says that every single time a public official performs a ceremony, it strengthens the case for marriage equality.  Strike two for Pennsylvania!

The fax to Mayor Welch said in part:

q     Your comments included language about ‘stable’ and ‘established relationships.’  But here are the facts:  From gay.com:  “For most long-term gay couples, reality involves at least the occasional ménage ŕ trois or "fourgy." Open relationships are common in our community.”  Less than seven months after Massachusetts legalized homosexual marriage, many of these couples started lining up to get a divorce. 

q     Marriage is more than just a legal commitment between two persons in love, David Blankenhorn writes in his new book, The Future of Marriage. It is an ancient, universal social institution, rooted in biology and supported by religion, which guides men and women to bridge their differences, form exclusive unions, create families and kinship networks, and live in a way that best benefits themselves, their children and those around them.

q     If you do participate in the same-sex commitment ceremony on March 29th, your political statement will be ‘One man one woman marriage doesn’t’ count . . . bring on same-sex marriage.’ 

“The Coalition of LGBTA Graduate Students says this ‘ceremony’ will be the opening event of Penn State’s Pride Week.  The activities during that week at Penn State, like on other campuses, will involve efforts to ‘convince’ all students that homosexual acts are normal and a safe alternative lifestyle.  Who will tell them the truth . . .  that no one is born ‘gay’, that men who have sex with men make up over 70% of HIV cases, or that CDC research has found high rates of distress and depression, attempted suicide, childhood sexual abuse, substance use, and partner violence among homosexual.  Who will tell the students at Penn State the truth?  Obviously the Mayor of State College does not intend to take part in truth telling,” Gramley further stated.

 

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AFA of PA Joins National Coalition Urging Parents to Keep Kids Home on  “Day of Silence”

February 27, 2008

COLUMBUS,  OH -- A nationwide coalition of Christian and pro-family groups is calling for  parents to keep children out of schools on Friday, April 25, 2008 — the day  when thousands of middle schools, junior highs, and high schools will observe  the 12th annual “National Day of Silence.”  

Buddy Smith of  American Family Association asserts, “It’s outrageous that our neighborhood  schools would allow homosexual activism to intrude into the classroom.   ‘Day of Silence’ is about coercing students to repudiate traditional  morality.  It’s time for Christian parents to draw the line — if your  children will be exposed to this DOS propaganda in their school, then keep  them home for the day.”

“It amounts to educational malpractice for  school officials to engage in one-sided homosexual activism,” said Matt Barber  of Concerned Women for America. “Our schools are supposed to be places of  learning, not places of political indoctrination.  It is the height of  impropriety and cynicism for “gay” activists and school officials to use  children as pawns in their attempt to further a highly controversial and  polarizing political agenda.”

“Day of Silence” is promoted by the Gay,  Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), a homosexual activist group  that targets schools.  The event is typically organized by a school’s  Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) and is designed to pressure students to regard  homosexual, bisexual, and transgender behavior as normal and worthy.   Students and even some teachers remain silent throughout the school day,  disrupting the teaching environment.  Protesters wear t-shirts and hand  out “speaking cards” protesting alleged injustice, harassment, prejudice, and  discrimination toward “LGBT” people and their “allies.”
 
“Social  activism does not belong in the classroom,” says Peter LaBarbera of Americans  for Truth. “Students would be far better served by reading a good book at home  — perhaps even the Bible — rather than being subjected to pro-'gay'  indoctrination.”

This year, GLSEN adds a special twist to “Day of  Silence”: shameless exploitation of the recent tragic school shooting death of  California 8th grade student Lawrence King.  Los Angeles media report  that although the boy had been entrusted to the care of Casa Pacifica, a  residential center for “abused, neglected, and severely emotionally disturbed  children,” he had been permitted for the last two weeks to attend school in  feminine makeup, nail polish, and high-heeled boots.  The adult  guardians, school administrators, and teachers responsible for guiding and  protecting this precious troubled child failed him miserably; GLSEN fails him  again now by employing his violent death to manipulate and deceive millions of  children.

What should parents do?             

 

  1. Call your local schools and ascertain whether they  officially or passively allow students to observe “Day of Silence.” For a  list of schools expected to participate, check  www.missionamerica.com/agenda.php?articlenum=78.  
  2. Be  sure to discover on what date the event is planned for your school. (The  national date is April 25, but some schools observe DOS on a different  date).  
  3. Inform the school of your intention to keep your  children home on that date and explain why.  (A sample letter is posted  along with the school listings.)  
  4. Explain to your children why you’re taking a stand:   Homosexual behavior is not an innate identity; it is sinful and  unnatural.  No school should advance a physically, emotionally, and  spiritually destructive sexual lifestyle to students.    
  5. Pray with your children for sexual purity and for  wisdom to lovingly counsel sexually confused teenagers in your own  community.  Grieve for Lawrence King.  
  6. Encourage your church leadership to follow the bold  example of Pastor Ken Hutcherson who is vocally opposing “Day of Silence” in  his community in Redmond, Washington.  
  7. Let  your light shine by spreading the word to your church and neighbors, and  explain that most school districts lose money for every  absence.

Linda  Harvey of Mission America urges parents to understand that “Homosexual  activism creates an explosive situation in schools. I encourage parents to  keep their children home on ‘Day of Silence.’ Let’s pray that in the future,  schools will offer hope to students who are sexually confused by first telling  them the truth.”

Gary Glenn of AFA Michigan, said:

"The director of the  National Gay and Lesbian Task Force broke homosexual activists' code of  silence on the threat homosexual behavior poses to young people's health when  he admitted this month that HIV 'is a gay disease.'  GLSEN should cancel  its celebration of that code of silence about the severe public health hazards  of homosexual behavior, and any school administrator who continues to stand  silent while enabling the promotion of such harmful behavior should be sued  for criminal negligence."

The coalition includes: Abiding Truth Ministries,  American Family Association, AFA of MI, AFA of PA, Americans for Truth,  Christian Information Service, Christian Civic League of Maine, Concerned  Women for America, Culture Campaign, Defend the Family International, Exodus  Mandate, Illinois Family Institute, Indiana Voice for the Family, Informing  Christians, Liberty Counsel, MassResistance, Mission America, New Generation  Christian Center, Parents' Rights' Coalition, Right March, Stephen Bennett Ministries, Values USA,  Watchmen on the Walls.


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NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  February 25, 2008

CONTACT:  Diane Gramley  1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355

 

Pittsburgh City Council Wrong to Support Special Rights Bills

 

(Pittsburgh) – On January 29th the Pittsburgh City Council passed a resolution (found on page 9 of the minutes) urging the ‘Pittsburgh delegation to the Pennsylvania General Assembly’ to support H.B.1400 and S.B. 761.  These bills would add ‘sexual orientation and gender identity or expression’ to the PA Human Relations Act.  In light of recent statements made by Matt Foreman, Executive Director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, today the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide traditional values group, faxed each of the Pittsburgh City Council Members a letter outlining the problems associated with passage of such laws. 

 

“It is outrageous that any City Council would urge its delegation to the State Capitol to support a homosexual special rights bill.  These bills promote a lifestyle which homosexual activist Matt Foreman says is the chief cause of HIV/AIDS.   H.B. 1400 and S.B. 761 seek to redefine who Pennsylvania is and how it does business.  These bills will force businesses to permit men who think they are women to use the women’s restroom and workplace dressing rooms and shower facilities.  Just ask the Philadelphia Boy Scouts how adding ‘sexual orientation’ to laws will affect the Scouts,” commented Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.  

 

The last statement was in reference to Philadelphia’s Cradle of Liberty Scout Council which faces a May 31st eviction from the headquarters they built and have maintained since 1929.  This action was taken because the Boy Scouts prohibit open homosexual leaders and members and the City’s Fair Practices Ordinance contains the words ‘sexual orientation.’  

 

The list of problems provided to Pittsburgh City Council members included:

 

q    Non-Discrimination laws have been used to legalize same-sex marriage or civil unions in a number of states including Massachusetts, Vermont and New Jersey.

q    Passage of H.B. 1400/S.B. 761 would force all PA businesses with four or more employees to permit men who think they are women to use the women’s restroom and workplace dressing rooms and shower facilities.

q    Passage of such a bill would give the Commonwealth’s stamp of approval upon a lifestyle which, in the words of Matt Foreman, Executive Director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, accounts for 70 percent of people with HIV. He even calls HIV a ‘gay disease.’  (His remarks can be found in the  last paragraph, page 3 at the above link.)

q    Passage of either H.B. 1400 or S.B. 761 would infringe upon religious freedoms.  One example is Catholic Charities of Boston who was forced to end its adoption services because of the passage of a similar bill in Massachusetts. 

q    Civil rights protections historically have been extended to groups based on immutable characteristics such as skin color or race, political powerlessness or the inability to make a livable wage.  None of these apply to homosexuals in their attempt to hijack the civil rights movement.

q    Civil rights protections should never be based on the sexual activity in which one chooses to engage. 

 

“The push to normalize the homosexual lifestyle poses a danger to the citizens of Pennsylvania.  HIV/AIDS is considered an epidemic, yet homosexual activists and now the City of Pittsburgh are pushing for passage of bills that would validate the very lifestyle that is the greatest cause of HIV/AIDS. Homosexuals have never been forced to sit at the back of the bus, yet continue in their efforts to hijack the civil rights movement.  The AFA of PA is asking the City Council of Pittsburgh to rescind the January 29th resolution,” Gramley remarked.

 

Shortly after Matt Foreman’s February 8th remarks, the AFA of PA contacted each sponsor of H.B. 1400 and each member of the House State Government Committee and asked them not to support the bill. 

 

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania should be taking steps to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic and not write special protections into law for the very lifestyle that is producing 70% of those with the disease.

 

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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  February 21, 2008
CONTACT:  Diane Gramley  1.814.437.5355 or 1.814.271.9078

Homosexuals Blast Principal for Being Scout Leader, While SE Pennsylvania United Way Caters to LGBT Groups

(Philadelphia) – The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of  PA), a statewide pro-family group, is appalled that homosexual activists are now targeting an elementary school principal simply because he is a Boy Scout leader.   Today the AFA of PA sent an e-mail to Robert Wheeler, principal at the Cleveland Elementary School in Allentown commending his work with the Scouts.  

The e-mail said in part, “Keep up the good work and continue proudly wearing your Scout uniform.  You are making a difference in the lives of America’s future leaders.”

Mr. Wheeler’s appearance on the PBS program “Tempo” was offensive to some homosexuals.  The program concentrated on the good works of the Scouts and Mr. Wheeler was dressed in his Scout uniform during the interview at the school.  This fact, as well as the boys who were in their Scout uniforms during the taping, apparently was the most offensive aspect of the program.

“Even ten years ago who would have thought that being a Scout leader or wearing a Scout uniform would offend anyone.  The response by some, simply prove the intolerance of those who are clamoring the loudest for ‘tolerance,’ remarked Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

Scott Cozza, president of Scouting for All, said the school was wrong for even permitting the Boy Scouts inside the building while wearing their uniform.  He also falsely claimed that the Scout programs ‘encourages harassment and bullying of gay students’ and said teachers should never be Scout leaders.

While the Scouts and its leaders are under attack, the openly homosexual leaders of the Southeastern Pennsylvania United Way are revamping their funding selection process targeting those which show the strongest commitment to ‘promoting social change in underserved populations.’   David Fair, vice president for community impact, told the Philadelphia Gay News that he hopes the ‘redesigned process will allow for funding to go to organizations that are committed to achieving measurable results, like many that serve the local GLBT population.’

“The lunacy of this is that the Boy Scouts is one of the best organizations to instill responsibility, morals and values in America’s young men and boys.   But in 2003 the Southeastern Pennsylvania United Way withheld over $400,000 in grants from the Cradle of Liberty Scout Council because of their policy banning homosexual leaders.  We are still awaiting a response from the Southeastern PA United Way as to whether they are still withholding funds from the Scouts or do they believe the Scouts are now ‘worthy’ of their money,” Gramley said.

The Philadelphia the Cradle of Liberty Scout Council still faces a May 31st eviction and 60 miles to the north in Allentown kindergarten through fourth grade students are being used as political pawns in the Cleveland Elementary School.

 

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NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  February 15, 2008

CONTACT:  Diane Gramley   1.814.437.5355 or 1.814.271.9078

 

National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director Admits HIV is A ‘Gay Disease’

 

(Harrisburg)  -- For years conservative groups like the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) have looked at data from the Centers for Disease Control and concluded that the vast majority of those with HIV are men who have sex with men.  Such statements have been ridiculed by homosexual activists saying that we were ‘misinterpreting’ the information.  In an address Friday February 8th to the National Conference on Lesbian-Gay-Bisexual-Transgender Equality in Detroit – Matt Forman, Executive Director of the National Gay and Lesbian Taskforce, shocked attendees by calling HIV "a gay disease."

 

Foreman further shocked attendees by himself referring to CDC data, saying that "with 70 percent of the people in this country living with HIV being gay or bi(-sexual), we cannot deny that HIV is a gay disease. We have to own that and face up to that."

 Click here for Foreman's formal remarks, last paragraph, page 3. 

 

These were the very statistics that AFA of PA President Diane Gramley used in her October testimony before the House State Government Committee opposing H.B. 1400.  After that hearing openly homosexual PA Human Relations Chairman Stephen Glassman approached Gramley and told her that she had ‘misinterpreted’ the CDC statistics.  How does Mr. Glassman respond to Matt Foreman’s remarks?

 

“The AFA of PA welcomes Matt Foreman’s remarks and is calling on Pennsylvania legislative leaders to block pending legislation that would give special "protected class" status to individuals simply because of the dangerous sexual practices in which they engage.  Adding ‘sexual orientation and gender identity or expression’ to the PA Human Relations Act would give the state’s stamp of approval upon a lifestyle that creates a public health risk,” Gramley stated.

 

For years the AFA of PA and other traditional values groups have compassionately warned of the dangers of engaging in homosexual acts.  Such compassion has drawn stiff criticism from homosexual activists. 

 

“We are now calling on Matt Forman and other national and state homosexual leaders to publicly accept responsibility for professionally promoting a lifestyle that's medically associated with a dramatically higher risk of domestic violence, mental illness, substance abuse, eating disorders, life-threatening diseases such as AIDS, cancer, and hepatitis, and premature death by up to twenty years,” further commented Gramley.

Gramley said that in light of homosexual activists' typical response to such medical findings, Foreman's "startling new party line of admitting rather than denying medical fact about the health hazards of homosexual behavior -- at least regarding HIV -- has apparently left some homosexual activists in a quandary, and in shock."

She pointed to comments by Todd Heywood, a Lansing homosexual activist who writes for Between the Lines, a homosexual advocacy newsmagazine published in metro Detroit, who told the Lansing State Journal:

"This story is likely to gain political traction in the coming days, weeks and months. When leaders of the right wing claim HIV AIDS as a gay disease, we all balk at that claim. But what happens when a national gay leader says it?" 

Foreman's comment "rocked the American gay community," Heywood wrote in an article for the Michigan Messenger, an alternative online news site.

“The push to get homosexual ‘special rights bills – H.B. 1400 and S. B 761 – passed in Harrisburg is simply another effort to normalize a lifestyle that kills many who engage in it.  Legislators like Senator Patrick Browne, State Representatives Dan Frankel and Babette Josephs need to take a hard look at the ramifications of passing such special rights bills – civil rights protections should n ever be based on the sexual activity in which one engages,” Gramley noted.

 

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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  January 25, 2008
CONTACT:  Diane Gramley   1.814.437.5355 or 1.814.271.9078

Senator Brubaker’s Introduction of PA Marriage Protection Amendment is Needed

(Harrisburg) –  Today in Maryland, legislation to allow homosexuals to marry will be introduced.   Homosexuals in New Jersey want to take the next step from civil unions to legalized same-sex marriage.  New York pro-family legislators are being targeted for removal by homosexual groups.  In response to the efforts just across the northern, eastern and southern borders of Pennsylvania, the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide traditional values group said, NOW is the time to protect marriage in Pennsylvania.

“Senator Brubaker’s introduction of Pennsylvania’s Marriage Protection Amendment could not have been better timed.  One man one woman marriage is being assaulted on three sides of Pennsylvania – only in Ohio which has a Marriage Protection Amendment is marriage safe.  Now is the time to act,” Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA remarked.

The introduction of SB 1250 which includes to prohibition of civil unions is essential.  A one sentence amendment is not adequate to protect marriage and families.  Civil unions have been legalized in Vermont, Connecticut, New Jersey and, as of January 1st, New Hampshire.  In three of those four states homosexual activists are actively seeking to have same-sex marriage legalized.  If a state is really serious about protecting traditional marriage and the natural family, its legislative body will provide their constituents the opportunity to vote on a Marriage Protection Amendment.

Such an amendment does not write discrimination into the Constitution, as critics of this amendment claim.  Homosexuals can marry and can continue to marry if a Marriage Protection Amendment is passed . . . they simply cannot marry each other.  There are already marriage guidelines such as a father cannot marry his daughter, a mother her son, a brother his sister, etc. 

“The preservation of natural marriage is an important issue.  It is essential for the common good of Pennsylvania to take every step necessary to protect traditional marriage.  Without strong marriages any society will suffer, even as ours is now.  To legalize same-sex marriage will further undermine marriage even as it has in the Scandinavian countries,” Gramley remarked further.  

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NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  January 21, 2008

CONTACT:  Diane Gramley    1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355

 

Outrageous – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Used to Launch School Pro-Homosexual Event

 

(Harrisburg) --  Further evidence of homosexual activists’ efforts to hijack the civil rights movement is found this week as the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network (GLSEN) -sponsored ‘No Name Calling Week’ begins today. The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) has been working to educate Pennsylvania schools on the dangers of promoting the homosexual lifestyle to their students.

 

“Supposedly this is a week to teach tolerance and acceptance.  But in most cases these ‘tolerance’ messages are actually ones of intolerance towards those who disapprove of homosexuals’ insistence that homosexuality is simply a ‘safe, alternative’ lifestyle.  Telling the truth about the dangers of these unnatural sex acts is considered bigoted by those who promote this lifestyle choice. A very disturbing aspect of No Name Calling Week is that GLSEN does not publicize the schools participating.  Why does GLSEN not want parents to know that this dangerous lifestyle is being promoted in their child’s school?” questioned Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

 

The AFA of PA has warned many schools of the legal liability associated with the promotion of the homosexual lifestyle.  Schools ban smoking and have health classes warning of sexually transmitted diseases, but do they warn of the homosexual lifestyle which is more dangerous than smoking and has many other health risks such as increased STDs, substance abuse, cancers, eating and psychological disorders.  Too many times school children are used as pawns in the politically correct promotion of a lifestyle that shortens the lives of the male participants by up to 20 years. 

 

GLSEN and its allies have produced resources/lesson plans, etc. for use during No Name Calling Week activities.  This includes a list of suggested books  -- books geared towards kids Pre-K through 8th grade.  Included in the list are books with profanity (Judy Blume’s Blubber), different type families (Todd Parr’s It’s Okay to be Different and Name Calling by Itah Sadu) and homosexual youth (James Howe’s Misfits).

 

“In their quest to turn people’s attention away from the unnatural sex acts involved in homosexuality, homosexual activists are attempting to make homosexual practices a civil right by hijacking the civil rights movement advanced by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  One fact they continually ignore, though, is that homosexuality is changeable, while skin color is not.  And it has never been illegal for homosexuals to vote, there have never been ‘homosexual only’ water fountains nor have homosexuals been forced to sit at the back of the bus or declared only three-fifths of a person as black slaves were in 1787,” further noted Gramley.

 

A quick look at GLSEN’s recommended book list on their website reveals a lot about their agenda.  Some of these books explain in graphic detail teenage boys homosexual encounters with older men.

 

“This GLSEN-recommended book list is especially disturbing in light of the fact photos of young male water polo players from California schools have shown up on gay porn websites.   Why would GLSEN recommend books detailing graphic sex acts between teenage boys and older men?” Gramley questioned.

 

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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  January 7, 2008
CONTACT:  Diane Gramley   1.814.437.5355 or 1.814.271.9078

Anti-violence Group Sends Letter Supporting the Boy Scouts to Philadelphia Mayor-elect Michael Nutter

(Philadelphia) – Today Philadelphia swears in a new mayor . . .  one who faces escalating murder and street violence rates.  The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide anti-violence group, faxed a letter to mayor-elect Michael Nutter asking him to support the Cradle of Liberty Scout Council (COLBSA). 

“The Boy Scouts help keep possible trouble makers off the street.  Participation in the Scouts gives these boys a purpose, provides them with activities to funnel their energies, yet this is all being overlooked in the fight that pits homosexual activists’ demands against the well-being of Philadelphia's youth.  Additionally, our letter informed incoming Mayor Nutter that over 1,200 people had signed a petition supporting the Scouts and outgoing Mayor Street, City Council President Anna Verna and City Council Member Darrell Clarke each had received copies of those names and addresses.  These individuals are still awaiting a response,” noted Diane Gramley, President of the AFA of PA.

The Scouts face a May 31st eviction from the headquarters they built in 1929 on property the 1928 Philadelphia City Council gave them free use of ‘in perpetuity.’  The alternative to eviction is a $200,000 annual rental fee.  What will this cost the youth of Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties?  It will come out of money for programs aimed at the youth in those three counties --  30 new Cub Scout packs, or 800 needy kids going to summer camp.

The letter to Michael Nutter says in part:

‘As you well know, COLBSA faces an eviction notice from the City of Philadelphia if they do not begin paying $200,000 in annual rent.  What is the problem?  Have they placed the youth in their charge in danger?  Have they strayed from their mission of teaching good character, responsibility to their family and community, a good work ethic?  No, they have not.  What they have done is adopt a non-discrimination policy that says they will not accept ‘prejudice, intolerance or unlawful discrimination in any form’ within the ranks of the Cradle of Liberty Scout Council.  But this is not good enough for homosexual activists, apparently because it does not specifically include ‘sexual orientation.’  They say this is against the city’s Fair Practices Ordinance which made this change in 1983. 

One must ask:  Why are the Boy Scouts’ good works being ignored and the demands of a very small percentage of individuals with an agenda to normalize homosexual acts allowed to override what is best for the youth of Philadelphia?’ 
--end portion of letter

“Again the youth of Philadelphia are being held hostage by a handful of homosexual activists who are seeking to have their dangerous lifestyle normalized even if it means penalizing the efforts of the Boy Scouts in teaching boys to be honorable, responsible and trustworthy.  If Philadelphia carries out its eviction or $200,000 rental plans for the Boy Scouts, this will be an additional disgrace to the entire state of Pennsylvania,” Gramley concluded.

 

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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  January 2, 2008
CONTACT:  Diane Gramley  1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355

Over 1200 Petition Signers Are Still Waiting for Philadelphia Mayor John Street’s Response – will it come before he leaves office?

(Philadelphia) –  On December 13th The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) delivered 52 pages – over 1,200 names –  to Mayor John Street, City Council President Anna Verna and City Council Member Darrell Clark.  These were individuals from Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties and all support the Cradle of Liberty Scout Council’s free-use of city-owned property in downtown Philadelphia.  Questions still remaining on the minds of all who signed the petition –

q     why pick on the Scouts

q     who’s really behind this outrageous effort to evict them

q     will Mayor Street leave office with this as his legacy or will he do the right thing and take a stand for the Scouts?

“This petition was put together very quickly and the response was great.  Many more would have signed, if given the chance. The vast majority of people support the Scouts and shake their head in disbelief when they hear of the City of Philadelphia’s plans to evict the Cradle of Liberty from the headquarters they built,” noted Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA. 

The disagreement continues as the City of Philadelphia shows true discrimination against the Boy Scouts by trying to force them to go against their policies protecting the boys in their charge.  Scout leaders know that having homosexual leaders does not set a good example for the boys and the Diocese of Philadelphia is a perfect example of whether it is safe to have homosexuals in close contact with teens.

When the priest sex abuse grand jury report on the Philadelphia Diocese was release in September 2005, the AFA of PA reviewed the over 400-page report and found that of the 28 'Selected Case Studies" listed in the report the victims of 23 priests were males ranging in age from 11-18 and the victims of two priests were both male and female.  This review also reveals the efforts by media to downplay the overall presence of male victims and concentrate on the three priests whose victims were strictly female and the two that victimized both male and female teens.  The idea of male on male sexual abuse of teens by homosexual priests was further supported by a 2004 survey by John Jay College of Criminal Justice which found that, of 10,667 individuals abused by priests between 1950 and 2002, 81 percent were male.

“The overall question has always been whether Mayor John Street and the members of the Philadelphia City Council care more about the protection of young men in the Boy Scouts or the efforts of homosexual activists to normalize their dangerous lifestyle,” further remarked Gramley.

The Cradle of Liberty’s anti-discrimination policy includes the statement, “Prejudice, intolerance and unlawful discrimination in any form are unacceptable within the ranks of Cradle of Liberty Council.”  But that’s not good enough for homosexual activists!  

The statewide traditional values group also noted that on November 15th Mayor John Street again gave into the homosexual lobby when he signed an ordinance that gave same-sex couples a break in their realty transfer taxes. 

Previously only family members such as husband and wife, parent and child, brother and sister and grandparent and grandchild could avoid paying this 4-percent realty transfer tax.  The new Philadelphia ordinance will eliminate 3 of the 4 percentage points that would have been paid by unmarried same-sex and heterosexual couples during land transfers.

“Homosexual activists have been pushing for this break in realty transfer taxes for a long time.  I find it odd that the City extended this break to homosexuals – the ones pushing the hardest for the Boy Scouts eviction – just two weeks before the City-imposed December 1st deadline for the Cradle of Liberty to sign a one year $200,000 lease.  With each passing day it becomes more clear who Philadelphia’s City Council and Mayor are listening to, apparently it is not those who support the Scouts and their policy banning homosexual leaders,” concluded Gramley.

 

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Copyright 2002-2008 American Family Association of PA