AMERICAN FAMILY ASSOCIATION OF PENNSYLVANIA

Contact Us

Resources

Home

Statement of Purpose

Current Action Alert ( sign up to receive AFA of PA Action Alerts

Education Issues

Homosexual Agenda

Pornography Fight

Pro-Life Issues

Archives

News Release Archives 2009 -- Part II

News Release
For Immediate Release: December 24, 2009
Contact: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078

Senators Specter and Casey’s Gag Gift to Pennsylvanians

(Harrisburg) – Today United States Senators Arlen Specter and Robert Casey, Jr. handed Pennsylvanians their Christmas gift. Unfortunately, it was simply a gag gift as that is the reaction of the majority of Pennsylvanians who saw their trust betrayed by these Senators. Senators Specter and Casey ignored the tens of thousands of e-mails and phone calls asking them to vote ‘no’ on this gigantic step towards socialized medicine in America. The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide traditional family values organization, noted that unlike a gift that isn’t wanted the so-called health care bill cannot be returned or exchanged to regain our freedom from further government intrusion in our lives.

“This morning 60 United States Senators who took an oath to uphold the Constitution voted to ignore the words written in that document and chose to turn ordinary Americans into criminals simply for not purchasing health insurance Our two Senators were a part of this disgraceful vote,” noted Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA. She was referring to Section 1501 “Requirement to Maintain Minimum Essential Coverage” which requires a $750 fine for not maintaining a government approved policy.

No where in the Constitution is anyone given the ‘right’ of health care. This Congress has taken the Constitution and twisted it into something unrecognizable. It’s a stretch beyond imagination to say the Commerce Clause allows this power grab. That was intended for the regulation of economic activity across state lines that involves production distribution or consumption of commodities. Going to the doctor has nothing to do with interstate commerce or consuming commodities.

Some are hiding behind the ‘General Welfare’ clause found in Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution which gives Congress the authority to raise taxes for the common defense and general welfare of the nation. If this clause permits Congress to mandate the purchase of health insurance for the general welfare of citizens, what’s next - mandating each American walk five miles or exercise one hour each day or will it be mandated membership at the local Y?

Blind eyes have been turned to the open bribery taking place to buy votes such as the $300 million “Louisiana Purchase” to get Mary Landrieu’s vote, $100 million for Chris Dodd’s vote and a reported $300 million for Ben Nelson 60^th vote for cloture. What additional vote buying took place that has not yet been exposed?

“The prisons will soon be full of ‘harden criminals’ who have chosen not to purchase health insurance mandated by Senators who have not even read the almost 3,000 page bill. We know this mandate is in the bill as well as taxpayer funded abortion and a section that forbids future Congresses from passing laws to change the provisions passed this morning. What else is lurking in the pages of this monstrosity? Haven’t we been down this road before with mandated retirement contributions to that government retirement program called Social Security, which is currently near bankruptcy?” further questioned Gramley.

It’s not just United States Senators ignoring the Constitution. So is the President. The words ‘health care’ do not appear in the Constitution, but the word "care" does appear in Article II, Section 3. It says the president of the United States "shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed." The laws are not being faithfully executed and the responsibility for this ‘dance around the Constitution’ falls directly at the feet of the President of the United States.

# # #

News Release
For Immediate Release: December 22, 2009
Contact: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355

Is This Part of the Payback for Pennsylvania Senators’ Yes Vote on Health Care or Is It Just Diversionary?

(Harrisburg) – At 1:08 a.m. Monday morning the United States Senate voted strictly along party lines to end debate on the so-called health reform bill which completely restructures our nation’s health care system putting in place the mechanism for American socialized medicine. The vote for cloture took place even though the majority of Pennsylvanians and an overall 61% of Americans don’t approve of this bill. Within hours of their votes to support taxpayer funded abortion, cut Medicare, and increase taxes on most Americans, Senator Arlen Specter and Bob Casey, Jr. announced over $100 million in money for Pennsylvania defense projects. The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide traditional values group, wonders at the timing of the defense projects announcement.

“For weeks Pennsylvanians have joined the rest of the country in closely watching the health care debate taking place in Washington, DC. Hundreds of thousands have tried to contact both Senator Casey’s and Senator Specter’s offices with little avail. Our main message to Senator Casey’s office has been prove your pro-life credentials by standing up to Harry Reid and the Democratic leadership and vote no on this monstrosity of a bill. So, was yesterday’s defense project announcement to draw attention from their 1:08 a.m. vote on health care to keep Pennsylvanians in the dark about their support of this federal health care takeover?” questioned Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

The AFA of PA also noted that there was no news release telling their Pennsylvania constituents of the early morning pro-abortion, pro-tax, anti-Medicare vote. The only news releases listed on either Senators’ website dealt with federal dollars pumped into Pennsylvania. These were as follows:

Lehigh Valley $12.4 million

Central PA $17.42 million

Senator Specter’s website notes his voting record and does acknowledge he voted ‘yea’ on cloture of HB 3590, the Service Members Home Ownership Tax Act of 2009. But unless someone knows this is the bill Senator Reid’s health care bill is attached to, they have no idea what Senator Specter actually voted on.

“Neither Senator Specter or Casey are listening to the concerns raised by their constituents over the more than 2,000 page health care bill that they apparently fully support – abortion and all. This massive expansion of federal power over Pennsylvanian’s health care decisions should be questioned, not supported by those elected to represent us. Just how proud are the Senators of the votes they cast at 1:08 a.m. Monday morning?” Gramley continued.

# # #

News Release
For Immediate Release: December 18, 2009
Contact: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355

Message to Senator Bob Casey, Jr.: A Vote for Cloture is a Vote for Abortion

(Harrisburg) – One week before Christmas and Pennsylvania’s so-called pro-life Senator is still in a quandary as to how to vote on a health care bill which contains abortion language. Today the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide pro-family organization, faxed Senator Bob Casey, Jr. to help him fully understood that the AFA of PA and other pro-lifers in Pennsylvania know that a vote for cloture is a vote for abortion.

“It is absolutely amazing that a man who claims to be pro-life is poised to vote for a bill to force taxpayers to fund abortions through so-called health care reform. Especially this time of year when we celebrate the birth of that baby in a manger,” noted Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

Additionally, Senator Casey’s attempt at a ‘pro-life’ amendment to win Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson’s vote for cloture was laughable. Senator Casey needs to stop trying to corrupt Senator Nelson’s strong pro-life stand. Senator Nelson soundly rejected the so-called abortion compromise which simply presented an ‘opt-out’ for pro-life Americans without stopping the federal funding of abortion.

“Senator Casey seems to be more than willing to throw the unborn babies under the bus and obey the will of Democrat party masters. The AFA of PA is working to help the Senator understand that a vote for cloture is a vote for all of the images we’ve seen of aborted babies. This truth will be gotten out to every voter in PA. Now is the time for Senator Casey to take a strong stand against the Democrat Party, even as his dad did, and truly stand for life,” further commented Gramley.

The AFA of PA commends Senator Nelson for following in the footsteps of Bob Casey, Sr. and standing for life in the face of intense pressure from Democrat party leadership. If Senator Bob Casey, Jr. wants to regain any respect in the pro-life community, now is the time to act.

# # #

News Release
For Immediate Release: December 16, 2009
Contact: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355

Lesbian Kills Female Classmate Who Refuses Sexual Advances, Is This a Hate Crime?

(Harrisburg) – In October President Obama signed a new federal hate crimes law with language adding ‘actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity.’ How that will impact the nation is yet to be seen; however a situation in Florida raises an interesting dilemma for homosexual activists and their allies who pushed for passage of this bill, noted the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide traditional values group.

“It is quite obvious that the recently convicted 16 year old lesbian who shot and killed her female classmate for refusing her sexual advances did so because the victim was heterosexual. Is this a hate crime?” questioned Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

In similar situations in the future will the homosexual perpetrator be charged with a hate crime for targeting a heterosexual?

In Philadelphia would Bill Smithton be charged with a hate crime for murdering Jason Shephard because he resisted his sexual advances?
In Prairie Grove, Arkansas would Joshua Brown and David Carpenter be charged with a hate crime for tying up 13-year old Jesse Dirkhising and repeatedly sodomizing him. He died in his own vomit as Brown and Carpenter took a lunch break.
In Chicago would Nicholas Gutierrez be charged with a hate crime for raping, battering, stabbing and strangling 51-year old Mary Stachowicz? Authorities found her body days after the murder, stuffed under the floorboards of Gutierrez’ apartment. He told authorities he attacked Stachowicz when she urged him to leave the homosexual lifestyle.

“Who in America recognizes their names or now the name of Amanda Collette? Just the fact that the hate crime bill signed by the President in October is named after homosexual Matthew Shepherd reveals the true intent of its advocates – give special protections to homosexuals, bisexuals and transgender individuals. I predict the murders of heterosexuals by homosexuals will continue to be ignored,” commented Gramley.

Jesse Dirkhising’s murder happened less than a year after homosexual Matthew Shepherd’s murder. Over 3,000 stories were generated by the media the month after Shepherd’s murder, while the month after Dirkhising’s murder only 46 stories were generated. The media bias continues today as they ignore stories such as the one out of Florida.

# # #

News Release
For Immediate Release: December 1, 2009
Contact: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355

World AIDS Day – Will the Truth Ever be Told?

(Harrisburg) – Today is World AIDS Day, but the truth about HIV/AIDS continues to be suppressed. Is it because it is politically incorrect to point to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) statistics that reveal that men who have sex with men (MSM) is the largest population which contracts the virus, asked the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide pro-family group.

“As homosexual groups cry louder for more funding on AIDS research, millions of children around the world die – not from AIDS, but from more common Third World Country childhood diseases – pneumonia and diarrhea. Donors have responded to those with the louder voices – homosexual activists and their allies – and ignored the plight of children with curable disease,” noted Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

As donors concentrate on sending funds to fight “glamorous diseases” such as AIDS, they have ignored children who die of treatable diseases. In 2007 Africa’s two most populous countries, Nigeria and Ethiopia, saw the deaths of 540,000 children under the age of 5 from pneumonia and diarrhea. That same year 237,000 people died of AIDS. Yet AIDS received the most funding. This year the U.S. is spending $750,000 in Nigeria and Ethiopia for HIV/AIDS, while only spending $35,000 for child and maternal health.

“We can’t forget what Matt Foreman, former Executive Director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, said during his February 8, 2008 speech at the Creating Change Conference in Detroit. He acknowledged that with the large number of people in the country living with HIV being homosexual that HIV is a gay disease. With his statement why is it still politically incorrect to mention that,” questioned Gramley.

The CDC states, “MSM made up more than two thirds (68%) of all men living with HIV in 2005, even though only about 5% to 7% of men in the United States reported having sex with other men. Additionally, the CDC acknowledges that MSM is the only group in the US where new HIV infections have increased steadily since the early 1990’s.

“Why is it that the children in Third World Countries whose deaths could be prevented for pennies a day are being ignored while millions are spent on a disease that is so politically correct that no one wants to talk about the causes?” again questioned Gramley.more than two thirds

# # #

News Release
For Immediate Release: November 30, 2009
Contact: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355

Third Circuit Court of Appeals Needs a History Lesson

(Philadelphia) – Last Tuesday’s decision by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold South Orange–Maplewood School District's ban of all traditional Christmas songs shows the Court, as well as the administrators in the school district, need a history lesson, noted the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide traditional values group. Apparently they’ve been studying too many revised history books and do not know what our Founding Fathers intended by the First Amendment or where they stood on the issue of religion in schools.

“This decision reeks of political correctness. The three judge panel said public schools are required to remain strictly secular environments. Obviously they don’t know that when Thomas Jefferson was President he required the Washington, DC schools to use the Bible as their primary textbook,” remarked Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

The Third Circuit, which covers Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the Virgin Islands, would have declared Benjamin Franklin’s 1749 plan of education for public schools in Pennsylvania unconstitutional! He insisted that schools teach “the necessity of a public religion . . . and the excellency of the Christian religion above all others, ancient or modern.”

In a speech on May 12, 1779, George Washington claimed that what children needed to learn “above all” was the “religion of Jesus Christ,” and that to learn this would make them “greater and happier than they already are.”

“America’s school children are once again being used as guinea pigs in the grand social experiment called ‘political correctness.’ In this case they are being denied the ability to celebrate Christmas either through traditional Christmas carols, the mention of Santa Claus or Christmas trees. This interpretation of the First Amendment is not what the Founding Fathers intended,” further commented Gramley.

# # #

News Release
For Immediate Release: October 22, 2009
Contact: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355

Senate Passage of Hate Crimes Bill Will Lead to the Arrest of Christians for Taking a Biblical Stand; Senator Arlen Specter and Senator Bob Casey, Jr. – ‘yes’ votes – no surprise here

(Harrisburg) – Silencing their critics is the real goal of homosexual activists and others who have pushed for expansion of the federal hate crimes law. This expansion creates a new category of victims which is based on the sexual activity in which one engages and is not based on immutable characteristics such as race and ethnicity which past hate crimes legislation has been based upon. As the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide traditional values group, notes Americans do not have to look at foreign lands to see the impact of hate crimes laws which include the words ‘sexual orientation and gender identity,’ one needs only look at Philadelphia on October 10, 2004.

“Harrisburg legislators pushing for passage of a state hate crimes law argued in 2002 that this had nothing to do with the words ministers or Sunday School teachers said, but everything to do with thugs and hooligans and blood on the streets. At that time the AFA of PA and others warned legislators of the impending arrests of Christians . . . less than two years after passage of PA’s hate crimes law eleven Christians were arrested in Philadelphia and charged with a hate crime for reading Scripture and singing choruses at a homosexual event,” Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA noted.

The homosexual lobby has only one institution standing in their way before obtaining full acceptance in society and that’s the church. Even as we see some denominations fall to the lies that homosexuals are born that way and that Scripture does not condemn their sexual practices, others still proclaim the truth of Scripture. Those individuals and organizations are the targets homosexual activists are hoping to silence through the passage of this hate crimes law. Homosexual activists are determined to take away the First Amendment rights of Christians as the organizer of Philadelphia’s Outfest acknowledged earlier this month.

“Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland has assured us that passage of this bill ‘targets acts, not speech.’ Sorry, we here in Pennsylvania heard those very same lines in 2002 and we know what happened. Increasingly we hear homosexual activists saying that hate speech leads to hate crimes. Their goal is to silence those who do not agree with their lifestyle choices or see them in jail. How long before we see a Christian charged with a federal hate crime for sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with a homosexual? How long before we see a parent charged with a federal hate crime for vocally opposing the homosexual indoctrination of their children in the public schools?” questioned Gramley.

Last month, equating ‘hate speech’ with ‘hate crimes’ went to a whole new level. On the September 15^th’s ABCNews.com’s “Top Line”, Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA 9^th), the chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, said in response to the 912 March, “It’s hard to say what’s in the hearts and minds of individuals who promote these kinds of posters that we saw over the weekend. You know, hate speech can turn into hate crimes.

Gramley concluded, “In Pennsylvania it took less than two years from the passage of the state hate crime law until eleven Christians were arrested. In America, the clock is ticking.”

Astonishingly, Democrats were holding our service members hostage to get special protections extended to less than 3% of the population. It is a disservice to our military to include the 17 page Matthew Shepherd Hate Crimes Prevention Act as part of the must-pass Defense Authorization Act. The lie continues to be perpetuated that homosexual student Matthew Shepherd was targeted because of his sexual orientation. A November 2004 ABC 20/20 interview of the killers, police reports and testimony refute that notion, but the media chooses to ignore the facts. Wyoming, where Shepherd was killed, did not and still does not have a hate crimes law, yet his two murderers are serving two consecutive life sentences. Justice was served without a federal hate crimes law in place.

# # #

News Release
For Immediate Release: October 22, 2009, 2009
Contact: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355

Ties Between Kevin Jennings and Stephen Glassman Should Be Concern to All Pennsylvanians

(Harrisburg) – Several months ago homosexual activist and founder of the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network, Kevin Jennings was rewarded for campaigning for Barack Obama’s presidential bid. He was named as Deputy Director of the Drug Free and Safe Schools Department of the US Department of Education. He became President Obama’s ‘safe schools czar.’ But his ties to Stephen Glassman, Chairman of the PA Human Relations Commission, should be of great concern to all Pennsylvania residents. The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide traditional values organization, has contacted Governor Ed Rendell and each State Senator, who was recently responsible for reconfirming Glassman for another five year term, with a list of concerns about the Jennings/Glassman connection. Additionally, the AFA of PA has asked for the immediate removal of Glassman as Chairman/Member of the PA Human Relations Commission.

“In the late ‘90’s homosexual activist Stephen Glassman co-founded the Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition, a network that pushes for homosexual special rights in Pennsylvania. During this time period, he also served as a board member of GLSEN. In October 1997 Glassman attended a GLSEN conference, and during a workshop said, ‘I don’t want to be tolerated. I don’t want to be put up with. I want to be…celebrated.’ Those words from the man who is currently chairman of the commission which is charged with administering and enforcing the PA Fair Educational Opportunities Act,” stated Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

During the October 1997 GLSEN conference that Glassman attended, Jennings admitted that organization’s goal was the promotion of homosexuality in public schools. “I can envision a day when straight people say, ‘So what if you’re promoting homosexuality.”

Stephen Glassman’s connection to Kevin Jennings cannot be ignored. He served as a board member of GLSEN even as Jennings

1.) admired Harry Hay by saying that one, "of the people that's always inspired me is Harry Hay, who started the first ongoing gay rights groups in America." Harry Hay's remarks at events associated with or run by NAMBLA, the North American Man/Boy Love Association, included the approval of the statutory rape of young boys by older homosexual men. NAMBLA opposes age-of-consent laws so that pedophilia would become accepted and legal.

2.) promotes teaching children as young as kindergarten that ‘gay is okay.’ The promotion of homosexual behavior among children is so important to him that he even penned the foreword to a book entitled “Queering Elementary Education.”

Glassman still has close ties to the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network as he spoke at the first Pennsylvania statewide GLSEN conference held in mid-July this year in Pittsburgh. Apparently, targeting youth is Glassman’s name of the game too.

“It is time for the Governor and Senators to stop ignoring the activism of Stephen Glassman as he uses his chairmanship on the PA Human Relations Commission as a bully pulpit to promote the normalization of homosexuality. His ties to Kevin Jennings show to what extent he will go to meet his goals,” further noted Gramley.

# # #

News Release
For Immediate Release: October 7, 2009
Contact: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355

The Documentary, the Curriculum, All Point to Pushing a Dangerous Lifestyle – But they leave those facts out

(Pittsburgh) – With the campaign of Joe Wilson and Dean Hamer to promote the homosexual lifestyle in Pennsylvania and the nation in full swing through the showing of their recently completed documentary “Out in the Silence,” they are leaving out a major component of the storytelling. The film talks about bullying of students who identify as homosexual, but the filmmakers fail to talk about the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) statistics which point to much more danger involved in the sexual activity they are promoting than in bullying, noted the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide pro-family organization.

“I find it interesting that these two homosexual men arrived locally with the intention of promoting “same-sex marriage” through the printing of their ‘marriage’ announcement in the paper and used the uproar they created to highlight so-called ‘homophobia’ in small town USA. These Washington, DC residents do not understand that the majority of Americans do not support the lifestyle they are advocating,” noted Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

The AFA of PA believes all students should be provided a safe learning environment, but for the filmmakers to single out students who identity as homosexual as the only targets of bullying is wrong. Students who wear glasses, hearing aids, or braces are also targets as well as those who are considered too smart or not smart enough. Wilson and Hamer have taken the plight of two teenage boys and used their situations to promote their agenda.

Additionally, the filmmakers failed to mention the Christian students in Boyd County, Kentucky who were forced to attend diversity training that claimed people are born homosexual. They also failed to talk about the second grade students in Massachusetts whose teacher read the “same-sex marriage” story of King and King to them over the objections of their parents. These students and parents were bullied and harassed for their objections to the ‘gay is okay’ theme.

“The most troubling aspect of this documentary is the facts that are being left out. “Out in the Silence” promotes the unproven idea that people are born homosexual and if one is confused about his or her sexuality, they must be homosexual. But the real tragedy of this homosexual promotional film is ignoring the dangers outlined in CDC statistics. In 2005 men who have sex with men accounted for 71% of all HIV infections among male adults and adolescents, even though only about 5 to 7% of that age group identity as homosexual. I also doubt that they have a clip of Matt Foreman, former Executive Director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force admitting in a February 8, 2008 speech that HIV is a ‘gay disease’ included in their documentary. Did they include the fact that 3% of the residents in their hometown of Washington, DC have AIDS and the group greatest affected are homosexual men? Somehow I doubt Joe and Dean have included those statistics revealing a lifestyle more hazardous than bullying in school. The real losers are those teens and young adults who view this film and buy into the lie that engaging in homosexual activity is simply a ‘safe, alternative lifestyle,’” Gramley concluded.

# # #

News Release
For Immediate Release: September 24, 2009
Contact: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078

Last Week AFL-CIO, This Week G-20 – What Will Come Out of Pittsburgh This Time?

(Harrisburg) – Today the G20 Summit begins in Pittsburgh . . . has it recovered from last week’s AFL-CIO conference? As the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County hosts the 19 nations and the European Union that make up the G20, they will also play host to hundreds, if not thousands, of protesters – those protesting environmental and economic policies, world hunger, homelessness, and the lack of a cure for AIDS. A statewide traditional values group, the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), has expressed concern over the additional global impact of this summit.

“This week the world looks on Pittsburgh as the G20 meets, how far will the ripple affects be felt? Last week the AFL-CIO met for their annual conference. The ripple affects created by the diversity resolution they walked away from at the end of their meetings will be felt around the world,” noted Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

The resolution says in part, “We must include LGBT brothers and sisters in all our efforts to achieve diversity within the union movement. LGBT workers must have every opportunity for full participation and representation at every level of the labor movement, including leadership. The rights of LGBT workers must be protected and the issues and concerns of LGBT workers must be addressed. The AFL-CIO supports the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) and will do all in our power to see that it passes.”

The resolution concludes urging all national and international unions to appoint liaisons who will work with the AFL-CIO to focus on diversity.

“Basically an American union – the AFL-CIO- is going into other countries and forcing their plants and factories with unions to hire homosexuals and transgenders and requiring these union companies to permit men who think they are women to use the women’s restroom. However, it doesn’t take looking beyond the U.S. borders to see that the AFL-CIO leadership is out of step with their rank and file members,” concluded Gramley.

# # #

News Release
For Immediate Release: September 15, 2009
Contact: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355

Senator Bob Casey Votes to Continue Funding ACORN – an outrage pro-family group says

(Harrisburg) – Shortly after 5:30 p.m. yesterday Senator Bob Casey, Jr. joined six other Senators in voting to continue funding the corrupt ACORN. The vote was on an amendment introduced by Senator Mike Johanns (R-Neb) to the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act of 2010. It will prevent ACORN from obtaining housing and community grant funding. The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide traditional values group, is appalled that Senator Casey has chosen to ignore the corruption associated with the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now.

“Corruption, including voter fraud, that has been exposed right here in Pennsylvania is being totally ignored by Senator Casey. Any good this organization may have done is overshadowed by its corrupt ways,” noted Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

Additionally, in January, the splinter group, ACORN 8, released a 24-page document that asks federal investigators to consider fraud, embezzlement and conspiracy charges, and criminal civil rights violations relating to the embezzlement of nearly $1 million from the ACORN's accounts and an alleged cover-up of the theft for almost a decade. Pennsylvania is one of eight states where embezzlement and voter fraud accusations have been leveled at ACORN.

According to Senator Johanns, ACORN has received up to $53 million in taxpayer dollars. Due to ACORN’s voter registration efforts last year, Dick Tracy, Jive Turkey, Mickey Mouse and other famous imaginary celebrities are now registered to vote in some states.

“Apparently Senator Casey is not concerned about giving our tax dollars to a corrupt group that has a nice sounding mission statement. Americans are fed up with their hard earned money being wasted on organizations which use highly questionable and quite possibly illegal means to obtain their goal. Senator Casey needs to begin listening to his constituents,” further remarked Gramley.

# # #

News Release
For Immediate Release: September 11, 2009
Contact: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355

Thousands of Pennsylvanians Join Fellow Americans in Sending Message to the President and Congress

(Harrisburg) – Tomorrow September 12 is an exercise of our First Amendment rights of freedom of speech, to peaceably assemble and our right to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Dozens of buses and cars will leave Pennsylvania from all parts of the Commonwealth to make the trip south to Washington, D.C. to take part in the 912 March on Washington. The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide traditional values group, will be represented by many of its members who will be participating.

“This is not about being a Republican or Democrat. Members of both parties are equally fed up with what is taking place in the two dominant political parties in the nation. There will be Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, Independents and many other party labels attend tomorrow’s historic event,” noted Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

Many issues of concern have caused the average American, many of who have never protested anything in their lives, to wake up and take a stand to stop the remolding of America into something they do not recognize. Last fall, under a Republican President, the first economic bailout was passed. This provided a foot in the door for a more radical, all-encompassing, so-called stimulus packet in February of this year that resulted in a government takeover of the car industry, banking and mortgage industries and much more. Citizens’ concerns also center around an attempt by government to take over the health care industry, 6% of the nation’s economy, and force them into a system of which they want no part. All this is an attempt to undermine or destroy capitalism, the economic system that has sustained and set America apart since its inception.

“Tomorrow patriotic Americans will deliver a message to Washington – to the President and Congress – that, as the Constitution says, WE THE PEOPLE are the ones who ordained and established that Founding Document. The government is answerable to We the People and We the People voted those politicians into office and we can replace them during the next election cycle. They are answerable to us . . . that’s the American Way. We want our country back,” Gramley further stated.

In addition, there will be other TEA Parties held in various parts of the Commonwealth as those on the home front take their stand to take back America.

# # #

News Release
For Immediate Release: September 8, 2009
Contact: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355

Traditional Values Group Commends Schools Which Chose Not to Air President’s Speech

(Harrisburg) – Today’s speech to America’s school children by President Barack Obama created controversy. Many schools refused to air the speech or taped it for review by the school board and superintendents before seeking parental permission to show it to their children. The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide traditional values group, commends the schools that chose not to air the President’s speech.

“Many schools throughout Pennsylvania have chosen not to air the President’s speech. In some cases, the schools made this decision after parents’ complaints, but in other cases the schools took the initiative after realizing the public relations nightmare the US Department of Education and the President had placed them in and they opted out. The AFA of PA commends those schools which have chosen to do what is best for their students and keep academics in the forefront of their mission,” commented Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

Many parents have become aware of the social engineering that takes place in their children’s schools and are becoming increasing wary of President Obama and his association with questionable characters. President Obama and Weather Underground terrorist Bill Ayes worked together on the Chicago Annenberg Challenge education initiative. This work included overseeing grants to Michael Klonsky, an avowed communist and a member of the militant Students for a Democratic Society.

Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, a CEO with no formal training in the education field, and President Obama chose to undermine local control through bypassing school boards. August 25^th e-mails were sent directly to principals of the nation’s schools. These contained information about classroom activities which encouraged students to support the President and think of ways they could help him achieve his goals. Last week, when news first broke of the planned speech, parents immediately became defensive of their children. As a result, the White House and Department of Education were forced to change their plans.

“To fully understand the danger our nation’s children are in, one need only remember that Barack Obama and Arne Duncan are responsible for choosing homosexual activist Kevin Jennings as the new Assistant Deputy Secretary, Office of Safe & Drug Free Schools. Yes, parents, school boards and administrators have every reason to be very wary of anything that comes out of the federal Department of Education and the White House,” further noted Gramley.

In October 1991 when President George H.W. Bush addressed the nation’s children, the Democrats called for an investigation and held public hearings. The Democratic-controlled Congress and the National Education Association called it a mismanagement of taxpayer dollars to spend $26,000 on the staged event at Alice Deal Junior High School in Washington, D.C. However, nothing was heard from either the Congress or the NEA about the President’s speech today. How much did today’s Virginia event cost taxpayers? Where is the outrage?

# # #

News Release
For Immediate Release: August 18, 2009
Contact: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355

Obama Continues to Payback Homosexual Activists Who Voted For Him

(Harrisburg) President Barack Obama continues his move away from the American people as his administration has filed to repeal the federal Defense of Marriage Act saying it discriminates against homosexuals. Too many listened to his campaign rhetoric and not enough questions were asked as Obama promised America he supported civil unions but not same-sex marriage. Many organizations, including the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), encouraged Americans to look beyond the words of the candidate and look at his actions.

“Senator Barack Obama of Illinois stated that he supported complete repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act. President Barack Obama has asked his Justice Department to take the steps to see that this repeal takes place. This is really no surprise as Obama issued a proclamation designating June as ‘gay pride’ month, gave the Presidential Medal of Freedom to homosexual activist Harvey Milk and arranged numerous audiences with homosexual activist groups in recent weeks,” noted Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

A new brief filed yesterday by Justice Department lawyer Scott Simpson declares that the Obama administration "does not support DOMA as a matter of policy," and "believes that the Act is discriminatory and should be repealed by Congress." In a written statement, President Obama states that he has "long held that DOMA prevents LGBT [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered] couples from being granted equal rights and benefits."

The Justice Department seems to be divided against itself as at the same time the administration has filed papers challenging DOMA, attorneys with the Justice Department are seeking to dismiss a suit brought by a homosexual California couple who seek the same objective. Obama is trying to stay above the fray by saying one thing in public while asking his Justice Department to support a repeal of DOMA.

The first section of DOMA defines marriage for the purpose of federal law as one man and one woman. DOMA reaffirms that each state’s decision on marriage is protected: “No State, territory, or possession of the United States, or Indian tribe, shall be required to give effect to any public act, record, or judicial proceeding of any other State, territory, possession, or tribe respecting a relationship between persons of the same sex that is treated as a marriage under the laws of such other State, territory, possession, or tribe, or a right or claim arising from such relationship.”

“If the Defense of Marriage Act is repealed that will have ripple affects across the nation as states will no longer have protection from being forced to recognize same-sex ‘marriages’ from other states where it is legal. Even though the voters in 30 states have passed Marriage Protection Amendments banning same-sex marriage that will all be negated if the administration is successful in repealing DOMA. Each day it is becoming more apparent just how radical President Obama’s homosexual agenda is,” Gramley commented.

# # #

News Release
For Immediate Release: August 14, 2009
Contact: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355

Will Senator Specter Listen to Public Outcry at Town Hall Meetings?

(Pittsburgh) – On Thursday Senator Arlen Specter held the last town hall meeting listed on his website with much the same result as the others he had held across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania – his constituents are mad at what they see coming out of Washington, D.C. and the push for socialized health care was the last straw. The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide pro-family organization, has watched the town hall meetings with interest since Senator Specter and Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius held their joint town hall meeting in Philadelphia on August 2^nd.

“Citizens’ participation in town hall meetings around the country has been very encouraging. I believe a giant has been awakened – one that had been asleep for too long. Common everyday Americans are waking up to an America they don’t recognize and they want their America back,” noted Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

Gramley, as a private citizen, attended Senator Specter’s Kittanning Town Hall Meeting on August 13^th. Over 1,000 showed up for the 3:00 p.m. meeting. She like hundreds of others was left standing in the parking lot after 200 were permitted in the conference room in the Belmont Complex. Many wondered why Senator Specter did not change the venue to a location a short distance away that would have accommodated the crowd.

Bussed in ACORN and union members were there with their professionally made signs, community organizer and bullhorn. Emotions ran high for the ordinary citizen who was not paid to be there and had driven one or two hours to get to the meeting only to be turned away at the door as ACORN and union members were permitted entry. Senator Specter again had his staff hand out 30 cards with the intention of only allowing those 30 people to speak, but as with the other town hall meetings that idea did not quite work as planned.

“Even with the Senator’s apparent plan to limit his constituents an opportunity to speak their mind on health care, from all accounts he took another verbal beating. But we have to commend the Senator’s willingness to face angry constituents as most of Pennsylvania’s Congressmen are taking Nancy Pelosi’s advice and simply holding a ‘telephone’ town hall meeting. Also, we haven’t heard much from Senator Casey this month,” Gramley remarked.

Pennsylvanians, as most Americans, are becoming increasingly tea’d off at the assault on our values, our system of government, our Constitution, our families, our military, our businesses and we don’t like the change coming out of Washington, D.C. The AFA of PA joins the voices of the majority of Americans in saying, “We want our country back!”

# # #

News Release
For Immediate Release: July 29, 2009
Contact: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355

Congressman Patrick Murphy Must Have Missed the Memo on Don’t Ask Don’ Tell

(Harrisburg) -- On Monday Congressman Patrick Murphy (PA-8) made Philadelphia his first stop on a nationwide tour to drum up support for a bill repealing the 1993 statute regarding homosexuals in the military, Section 654, Title 10, U.S.C., which is frequently mislabeled “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” (DADT) Congressman Murphy has taken over as lead sponsor of HR 1283. The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide pro-family group, noted that apparently the Congressman had not received the 54 page memo containing an Open Letter and the signatures of over 1,000 Flag and General Officers who support the 1993 statute . Today the AFA of PA faxed him a reminder letter.

“Congressman Patrick Murphy’s pursuit of repealing this law is wrong. The 1993 law, affirmed, almost word-for-word, long-standing regulations stating that homosexuality is incompatible with military service. Apparently Congressman Murphy has already forgotten what military life is like,” commented Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

Earlier this year The Military Times, a liberal Gannett publication, which supports repealing the 1993 law, reported on a 2008 poll of active duty subscribers. It revealed that 58% of respondents opposed efforts to repeal the law. Asked how they would respond if the law was repealed, almost 10% said “I would not re-enlist or extend my service,” and 14% said “I would consider not re-enlisting or extending my service.”

The Flag and General Officers’ Open Letter delivered on March 31, 2009 to President Obama and Members of Congress notes, “We believe that imposing this burden (repeal of Section 654, Title 10 U.S.C.) on our men and women in uniform would undermine recruiting and retention, impact leadership at all levels, have adverse effects on the willingness of parents who lend their sons and daughters to military service, and eventually break the All-Volunteer Force.”

“Military life creates a unique environment; one which does not need to be further complicated by allowing those who are sexually attracted to the same sex to serve. Perhaps Congressman Patrick Murphy, rather than working to repeal a law which is good for unit cohesion and thus good for national security, should work to educate the nation on what the law actually says. Homosexuals are being misled and used when they are told they can serve in the military as long as they don’t tell that they are homosexual, this is not what the law says,” Gramley remarked.

The 1993 law states in part:

(13) The prohibition against homosexual conduct is a long-standing element of military law that continues to be necessary in the unique circumstances of military service.

(14) The armed forces must maintain personnel policies that exclude persons whose presence in the armed forces would create an unacceptable risk to the armed forces' high standards of morale, good order and discipline, and unit cohesion that are the essence of military capability.

(15) The presence in the armed forces of persons who demonstrate a propensity or intent to engage in homosexual acts would create an unacceptable risk to the high standards of morale, good order and discipline, and unit cohesion that are the essence of military capability.

# # #

News Release
For Immediate Release: July 28, 2009
Contact: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355

Pro-family Group Blasts Congressmen Who Signed “the letter,” but Refused to Vote

(Harrisburg) – Today a statewide pro-family group faxed each of Pennsylvania’s four Congressmen who signed a June 25^th letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi which asked that abortion not be mandated in the health care reform bill. The letter sent by the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) thanked the Congressmen for their signatures on the June letter, but asked why they chose not to put action behind their words last Friday when they voted against Congressman Mike Pence’s amendment to defund Planned Parenthood.

“Congressmen Mike Doyle, Tim Holden, Paul Kanjorski, and John Murtha signed onto the Pelosi letter which specifically notes that funding restrictions limit the number of abortions. Is a simple signature as deep as their pro-life convictions go?” asked Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA. “Pennsylvanians expect more.”

As Americans become more pro-life – a May Gallup poll showed 51% of Americans are pro-life -- those lawmakers who do not boldly defend life are not with the mainstream of America. What Americans want are elected officials who have the courage to not only sign letters, but carry those convictions to the floor of their respective chambers.

The letter faxed today said in part:

“Unfortunately, one month later your signature did not translate into a vote in support of Congressman Mike Pence’s amendment stripping Title X funding for Planned Parenthood from the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations bill. The first sentence in paragraph four of the June 25^th letter states, “Furthermore, funding restrictions save lives by reducing the number of abortions.” This sentence and your vote on July 24^th are the exact opposites! One must now wonder whether you read the June 25^th letter that bears your signature.

Support for Congressman Pence’s amendment would have been a perfect opportunity for you to show you were really serious about reducing the number of abortions. Defunding Planned Parenthood, the largest provider of abortions in the United States and the largest recipient of federal dollars under Title X, is a no-brainer if one is truly interested in saving lives.”

Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper was also a signer of the June 25^th letter to Speaker Pelosi, but she did not vote on the Pence amendment last Friday.

“The issue of life is basic . . . without life there is nothing else. If we cannot trust those elected to represent us to vote to protect the most innocent of Americans – babies in the womb – how can we trust them to vote right on anything? This issue goes beyond party affiliation – don’t sign onto a letter saying one thing and then turn around and vote the exact opposite,” further noted Gramley.

# # #

News Release
For Immediate Release: July 27, 2009
Contact: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355

PA Human Relations Chairman vs. the Boy Scouts

(Philadelphia) – The battle for the headquarters built and maintained by the Cradle of Liberty Scout Council (COLBSA) since 1929 continues. In May 2008, under continued threats of eviction or having to pay a $200,000 annual rental fee, the Scouts began to fight back and sued the City of Philadelphia in federal court. A recent request by both the Cradle of Liberty Scout Council and the City of Philadelphia to extend the July 6th discovery deadline to October 5 was denied. The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide pro-family group, noted that homosexual activists are increasingly showing their agitation towards both sides. The original eviction threat by the City was spurred on by homosexual activists lobbying for it.

Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA, also remarked, “Recent comments by Stephen Glassman, the openly homosexual chairman of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, again reveal his disdain for the Boy Scouts, first publicly revealed in 2004, and his desire for them to be required to allow homosexual leaders and members. Governor Rendell has ignored repeated requests that he replace Stephen Glassman with someone who will not use that position as a bully pulpit to redefine Pennsylvanian society.”

Since 2004 Glassman’s support for unsuccessful bills that would have added ‘sexual orientation and gender identity’ to the PA Human Relations Act show his continued work to undermine the Boy Scouts as a whole, not just the Cradle of Liberty Scout Council.

“As Glassman has lobbied across the state for municipalities to add ‘sexual orientation and gender identity’ to their ordinances, it is appalling that he always fails to mention his views on the Boy Scouts. As we’ve said in the past, these municipalities are being misled when they are not being told about the real ramifications of these law changes,” Gramley further noted.

One thing the AFA of PA agrees with Glassman on is that the reputation of the City of Philadelphia may be hurt by the Boy Scout case, but we don’t agree with how Glassman believes the City will be hurt.

“As this situation drags on, people are beginning to understand this attack by the City of Philadelphia and they are appalled that the City is trying to evict the Scouts from the headquarters they built on property the 1928 City Council gave them free use of in perpetuity or forever. It is truly a matter of fairness – the Scouts have not moved on their positions, but the City of Philadelphia has drifted out of the mainstream by passing ordinances giving homosexuals and transgenders special rights and now they are trying to force their new position changes onto the Scouts. This is outrageous,” commented Gramley.

Additionally, the AFA of PA believes Glassman (and Governor Rendell) should be just as concerned about the PA Human Relations Commission’s reputation being hurt under Glassman’s leadership and his homosexual activism.

# # #

News Release
For Immediate Release: July 23, 2009
Contact: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355

Statewide Pro-Family Group Signs Onto Letters: Requesting Meeting with AG Holder and Sotomayor Nomination

(Harrisburg) – In recent days the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide pro-family group, has signed onto letters of great importance. Last week the AFA of PA joined over 400 other national, state and local leaders requesting a meeting with US Attorney General Eric Holder concerning the issue of pornography. Additionally, today a letter signed by 156 leaders, including AFA of PA president Diane Gramley, was sent to each Senator regarding the Sonya Sotamoyor nomination to the United States Supreme Court.

“In our letter to Attorney General Holder, we reminded him of his June 10, 1998 memo to all US Attorneys sent while he was the Deputy Attorney General. In that letter he encouraged the prosecution of porn distributors at all levels. Our hopes are that he still views stopping the distribution of illegal pornography as important and will expand the new administration’s efforts to stop this scourge upon our nation,” commented Gramley, signatory of the letter to AG Holder.

It appears the President’s claim to nominate judges that reflect his judicial philosophy was undermined during the confirmation hearings of Judge Sonya Sotomayor. In answering a question posed by Senator John Kyl, she responded that she did not approach the issue of judging the way the President does.

Other concerns also center around her decisions on the First and Second Amendments, private property rights, equal protection and race. The recent endorsement of Sotomayor by NOW and Pro-Choice America are also troubling The letter states that we believe Judge Sotomayor should remain on the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, where her decisions would be subject to the scrutiny of the US Supreme Court.

“Promoting Judge Sotomayor to the very Court that recently overturned her discriminatory Ricci decision would be a mistake. Do Americans want United States Supreme Court justices which discriminate against anyone because of race? I don’t think so. As Americans become increasingly pro-life, they also don’t want a judge that promotes the killing of babies in the womb,” further noted Gramley.

# # #

News Release
For Immediate Release: July 17, 2009
Contact: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355

Ignoring the Facts, Senators Specter and Casey Vote to Expand Hate Crimes and Protect Pedophiles

(Harrisburg) – Pennsylvania’s two Senators just don’t get it and continue bowing to pressure from a special interest group that represents less than three percent of the population of the United States. Apparently in their zeal to co-sponsor and vote for this hate crimes amendment to the Defense Authorization Act, they failed to notice that there are no definitions for ‘sexual orientation’ or ‘gender identity,’ observed the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide family values group.

“Our two Senators and the other ‘yea’ votes on this amendment just voted to give pedophiles and all others engaged in deviant sexual orientations special protections under the law. Additionally, until now these protections were only extended to those with unchangeable characteristics such as race and ethnicity. The Senators turned their backs on history and the fact that there are thousands of ex-gays, proof that homosexuals are not born that way,” stated Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

In a faxed letter to Senators Specter and Casey, the AFA of PA noted, “Here in Pennsylvania we know how these laws can ‘evolve.’ During State House floor debate on a hate crimes bill in 2002, we were assured that the bill had nothing to do with what was said and everything to do with blood on the streets. Within two years, 11 Christians were arrested in Philadelphia and charged with a hate crime. Their offense? They were singing choruses and reading Scripture at a homosexual event. This is the natural progression of hate crimes legislation.”

No matter what is being said now by homosexual organizations, the 2004 scenario in Philadelphia is what they want seen played out across the country. The true purpose of this hate crimes amendment is to silence, or at the least, chill the free speech rights of those with deeply held religious beliefs that homosexual acts are sinful. In recent years, we’ve heard homosexual activists’ rhetoric change to where a common line is ‘hateful words lead to violence against LGBT people.’ Also increasingly it has become apparent that they define ‘hateful words’ as anything said that disagrees with them. In coming years, their true intent will be exposed.

Overall Specter’s and Casey’s vote really came as no surprise. Last month Senator Specter attended his first ‘gay pride’ event in Philadelphia, something he never did as a Republican. And apparently Senator Casey is still in payback mode to the homosexuals who got him into office in 2006.

It’s a sad day in America’s history when United States Senators vote to extend special legal protections to those who sexually molest children and have sexual relations with animals. Without a definition of ‘sexual orientation,’ that is what they did the evening of July 16^th.

# # #

News Release
For Immediate Release: July 1, 2009
Contact: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355

Democratic -Controlled Allegheny County Council Votes to Forbid the Citizens’ Voices

(Pittsburgh) – Tonight during debate on the homosexual special rights Ordinance 4201-08, Councilman Chuck McCullough offered an amendment to put the ordinance before the people in the form of a referendum. Diane Gramley, president of the statewide group the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) and who was in attendance tonight, noted that it became quite evident that the Democratic members of Council and the homosexual activists in attendance did not want the people to be given an opportunity to vote on a referendum.

“Various Council Members remarked that the people had voted them in to make tough decisions and this issue is not something Allegheny County residents understand. How many residents, beyond the homosexual activists pushing this ordinance, even knew about the existence of Ordinance 4201-08 let alone that it was going to be voted on tonight? It’s not that the people don’t understand the issue, it’s that those pushing this ordinance know the people understand it full well and would vote it down if given the opportunity,” remarked Gramley.

It’s really the supporting Council Members that chose to ignore the facts. The AFA of PA presented them with evidence about the way such ordinances have played out in other areas. This included the man who thinks he is a woman demanding to use the women’s fitting room in a Philadelphia Kmart and the Cradle of Liberty Scout Council being evicted from the headquarters they built and have maintained since 1929. Additionally, the promises of an economic boom in Allegheny County with the passage of this ordinance will not play out as they have not in Erie County, Philadelphia or Pittsburgh.

Three of the four original sponsors of the ordinance – Matt Drozd (District 1), Michael Finnerty (District 4), Bob Macey (District 9), and James Ellenbogan (District 12), who had dropped sponsorship partially because of the December 16^th testimony of Gramley, stuck by their decision not to support the ordinance. Only Bob Macey backed away from that decision and voted in favor of the homosexual special rights ordinance. This even after admitting the vast majority of phone calls into his office were opposed to the ordinance.

Within the past few days, the AFA of PA placed an online petition opposing Ordinance 4201-08 on their website. During tonight’s meeting the names of more than 600 signatories were delivered to the Council.

“Allegheny County residents will wake up Thursday morning and realize that by a vote of 8 - 6 the County Council has placed businesses in the county in a situation where they must hire homosexuals, bisexuals and men who think they are women, county pools must allow men in the women’s locker and shower facilities, public restrooms must be open to anyone and religious schools must hire those whose lifestyle choices go against their moral teachings. Allegheny County will wake up to a world their County Council has chosen for them simply because the majority of their Council Members don’t believe they are intelligent enough to understand the issue. I believe the Council may be in for a surprise,” concluded Gramley.

# # #