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NEWS RELEASE ARCHIVES 2007
Part I
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 28, 2007
CONTACT: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355
No More Proof is Needed – NEA Does Not Have the Best Interest of Children in Mind
(Philadelphia) – The annual meeting of the National Education Association from June 30 through July 5th in Philadelphia will be preceded by a new Issues Workshop, which according to the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) is further proof that the NEA is off course when it comes to the education of America’s children. On June 29th the NEA-GLBT Caucus will sponsor its first ever Issues Workshop. In a note of concern to NEA President Reg Weaver, the AFA of PA, a statewide traditional values organization, said in part:
“But probably one of the greatest errors the NEA has made in its recent history is its acceptance of the lie the people are born homosexual and that there is a large segment of the nation’s student population that identifies as homosexual. In all actuality only about 1 ˝ percent of the adult population in America identify as homosexual.
Consider the NEA’s path thus far:
n In the 1980’s the NEA Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Caucus formed
n In 1995 the NEA first officially recognized October as Gay, Lesbian History Month.
n In 2004 the NEA gave the Virginia Uribe Human Rights Award to Kevin Jennings, Executive Director of the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network
n In 2005 the NEA Malcolm Lazin, Executive Director of Philadelphia-based Equality Forum received the Virginia Uribe Award (Equality Forum holds a week-long event each year in Philadelphia in which they promote same-sex marriage, claim such historic figures as Abe Lincoln were homosexual and tell attendees how to go about changing local laws and ordinances. They also take good men like Father Mychal Judge and rewrite their history – suddenly after his death on 911 he is a homosexual priest! (This mischaracterization is destroying his family.)
n In 2006 the NEA published the 2nd edition of the ‘School Employees to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Issues”
n In 2007 first-ever NEA-GLBT Caucus sponsored workshop.
What will 2008 bring?
Will next year bring a change of direction and show that the NEA is being truthful about the dangers of the homosexual lifestyle?
n According to the Oxford University International Journal of Epidemiology, men who have sex with men shorten their lives by up to 20 years
n According to the CDC 2 out of 3 cases of HIV/AIDS are men who have sex with men
n HIV-positive men who have sex with men are up to 90 times more likely than the general population to develop anal cancer
n Lesbians have increased incidences of breast and uterine cancers
n Increased substance abuse, eating and psychological disorders, exposure to sexually transmitted diseases
n 1 in 4 homosexual men claim to be victims of domestic violence at the hands of their same-sex partners”
“The NEA has lost its way in the world of political correctness. They are placing the lives of students at risk because they have jumped on the bandwagon that says ‘gay if okay.’ The NEA supports abortion, universal pre-school and all day kindergarten – they want parents to give up their children at a younger and younger age apparently so they will have more time to indoctrinate them,” remarked Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.
Teachers who must pay NEA dues are helping subsidize the NEA homosexual agenda. Members who disagree are ostracized – ask Diane Lenning!
The NEA should take notice of the victory earlier this month in Ohio when a teacher opposing use of her NEA dues to promote abortion won her case against the teachers’ union.
“Parents who send their children to public school need to be aware that the nation’s largest teachers’ union does not have the best interest of their children in mind. The NEA has strayed from the course. The AFA of PA agrees with the NEA that students should be provided a safe learning environment, but what the NEA is promoting does the exact opposite and encourages children to engage in risky and inherently dangerous sexual activity,” further noted Gramley.
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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 18, 2007
CONTACT: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355
Rescinding Pro-Choice Resolution Does Not Make Philadelphia Pro-Life, Traditional Values Group Says
(Philadelphia) -- On Thursday the Philadelphia City Council voted 13 - 4 to rescind the pro-choice resolution they had just passed by a 9 – 8 margin the week before. That resolution proclaimed Philadelphia supported "women's reproductive rights and freedom." Rescinding this resolution does not make Philadelphia a pro-life city, the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide traditional values group said today. The AFA of PA faxed Mayor John Street a list of reasons why the May 31st resolution evicting the Boy Scouts from their headquarters was an anti-life resolution. – just as the June 7th resolution supporting abortion was.
“The City Council’s eviction of the Cradle of Liberty Scout Council shows their support of the homosexual lifestyle and lack of support for a group that brings hope to boys and girls throughout the city. The role of government should be to warn and protect its citizens of known dangers. The Philadelphia City Council is shirking its duty and instead affirming a dangerous lifestyle, all the while making the Boy Scouts to look like ‘the bad guys’ because they ban open homosexuals,” Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA stated today.
The list of reasons that was faxed to Mayor Street showing Philadelphia is not a pro-life city because of their eviction of the Boy Scouts included the following:
1.) According to the Oxford University International Journal of Epidemiology, men who have sex with men shorten their lives by up to 20 years.
2.) According to the Centers for Disease Control two out of three cases of AIDS are men who have sex with men.
3.) A February 2007 shows HIV-positive men who have sex with men are up to 90 times more likely than the general population to develop anal cancer
4.) Lesbians are at an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancers
5.) Cases of syphilis and gonorrhea are rising at an alarming rate among men who have sex with men.
6.) Those who engage in homosexual acts are at a greater risk for substance abuse, eating and psychological disorders.
7.) The Boy Scouts have made the right decision in banning homosexuals. Remember the Grand Jury Report on the sexual abuse of minors by clergy in the Philadelphia Diocese? It highlights the danger of having homosexuals serving in the ministry 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. Why would the City of Philadelphia want to place the Boy Scouts in danger of molestation by a homosexual Scout leader?
“The Philadelphia City Council is playing politics with the lives of those involved in Scouts in the Cradle of Liberty Scout Council. They are not showing compassion, but instead using children as political pawns to win the approval of homosexual activists in that City. A decision to support and validate this dangerous lifestyle at the risk of the safety of young men is unbelievable,” Gramley further commented.
Additionally, in 2004 Philadelphia’s pro-choice policies cost the lives of 12,828 little babies in that City (or 37.2% of the total 34,517 induced abortions in Pennsylvania).
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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 13, 2007
CONTACT: Diane Gramley 1.814.437.5355 or 1.814.271.9078
Introduction of ‘Anti-Discrimination’ Bill is Misleading, Pro-family Group Says
(Harrisburg) – Today’s introduction in the State House of a bill to add ‘actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity’ to Pennsylvania laws is misleading and based on an attempt to hijack the civil rights movement, the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide pro-family group stated.
“Homosexuals are once again pulling the victim card and trying to seek the normalization of their destructive lifestyle. They have never been required to sit in the back of the bus or drink from designated water fountains. Furthermore they’ve never been denied the right to vote or considered less than human as African Americans once were. Homosexuals want special rights simply because of the sexual activity in which they engage,” noted Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.
This tactic continues to follow the strategy laid out in the 1989 book After the Ball, by Marshall Kirk and Hunter Madsen. The authors called on those wanting to get Americans to readily accept the homosexual lifestyle to portray homosexuals as victims.
The introduction of bills which add ‘actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity’ do just that.
“There are no statistics in Pennsylvania or elsewhere that prove homosexuals are losing their jobs, being thrown out of their apartments or being denied credit simply because of their lifestyle choices. Today’s bill is another attempt to pressure the citizens of Pennsylvania of accept the homosexual lifestyle, A lifestyle which cuts the lives of the male participants by up to 20 year and sees increased substance abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, domestic violence, eating and psychological disorders. A lifestyle that should not be supported or normalized by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” Gramley further commented.
According to an analysis by Witeck-Combs Communications and Packaged Facts, the total buying power of the U.S. gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender adult population in 2006 was projected to be $641 billion. Money-hungry cities such as Philadelphia continue catering to the homosexual tourist and consumer as evidenced by the rainbow street signs and flags and their decision to kick the Boy Scouts out of their headquarters. If homosexuals were losing their jobs at an epidemic proportion because of their lifestyle choices, how did they get such buying power?
“The sole purpose of this House bill and S.B. 761 which adds ‘actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity’ to the PA Human Relations Act is to normalize a destructive lifestyle . . . period,” concluded Gramley
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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 1, 2007
CONTACT: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355
Philadelphia Reneges on 1928 Promise to Boy Scouts and Throws the Scouts Out of Headquarters – Confirming Danger of Adding ‘Sexual Orientation’ to Ordinances
(Philadelphia) – ‘A Scout is Trustworthy’ – unlike the City of Philadelphia, a statewide pro-family group said today. Yesterday the Philadelphia City Council voted to break a promise they made to the Boy Scouts in 1928 and force them to pay fair market rent on a building located on city property or get out. The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) expressed outrage that the city is giving into pressure from homosexual activists and ignoring the good that the Cradle of Liberty Scout Council continues to do for the children of Philadelphia.
“With an alarming number of children facing violent deaths on the streets of Philadelphia, the city’s answer is to target one of the few organizations that offer purpose and meaning to these children. Of the 64,000 members the Cradle of Liberty Scout Council serves, 40,000 are in Philadelphia alone. The Scouts’ policy banning open homosexual leaders is the right policy. Would the parents of Girl Scouts want a man to be their daughter’s Scout leader? No and neither do parents want a man who is sexually attracted to other males to be Boy Scout leaders. Common sense should prevail here, but it’s not,” noted Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.
From the Cradle of Liberty website: “In addition to the traditional Scouting disciplines, the council is also presenting Learning for Life programs to over 44,000 school youth in grades K-12. These programs are classroom based and feature age appropriate and grade specific lesson plans to enhance and support the core curricula of each school.
They encourage positive behavior, assist in building self-esteem and reward positive work ethics. The teachers in over 135 schools throughout the three county area enthusiastically support the programs which are particularly effective in Chester, Norristown, and Philadelphia where large numbers of youth are enrolled.”
In 1982 Philadelphia amended their Fair Practices Ordinance to include 'sexual orientation. It took over 20 years before the city ‘discovered’ that the Boy Scouts were not in compliance with the ordinance and they’ve been in a pitched battle trying to evict the Scouts ever since. In 2002 'gender identity’ was added. What will that mean to the Boy Scouts, cross-dressing leaders?
In an attempt to pacify City Council and homosexual activists, the Cradle of Liberty approved the following policy in 2004 and it remains in effect today:
“Prejudice, intolerance and unlawful discrimination in any form are unacceptable within the ranks of Cradle of Liberty Council.
“Efforts to appease never work. Homosexual activists want a pro-gay policy expressly stating that the Cradle of Liberty Scout Council will accept open homosexuals. They are not concerned with the well-being of the children of Philadelphia and surrounding counties, but instead choose to use them in an effort to make an example out of the Boy Scouts,” Gramley continued.
If the city gets its way, the programs offered by the Boy Scouts would be adversely affected because funds needed for them would be diverted to pay the rental fees on the building and property. But this decision by the city could also cost Philadelphia about $65 million annually in federal assistance if the Scouts are evicted. The Support Our Scouts Act permits the discontinuation of housing and community development funds if a municipality discriminates against the Scouts.
"The U.S. Supreme Court has found that as a private organization the Scouts have a right to prohibit open homosexuals from being leaders. Homosexual activists cannot accept this and continue trying to mold the Boy Scouts in their image. This should be a further warning to all municipalities across the country that adding ‘sexual orientation’ to policies will adversely affect the Boy Scouts. As Philadelphia continues down this pro-homosexual road, they are distancing themselves even more so from the rest of Pennsylvania,” further noted Gramley.
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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 24, 2007
CONTACT: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355
Department of Community and Economic Development Grants Would be a Good Place to Start Cutting State Budget, Group Says
(Harrisburg) – State legislators are currently debating Governor Rendell’s $27.3 billion budget. Today the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide traditional values group, contacted all State House members and State Senators with one suggestion in cutting the budget – further decreasing money for the Department of Community and Economic Development – DCED.
Using the Right to Know Law the AFA of PA has found that the DCED has given Equality Forum grants for Tourist Product Development, Employment & Community Conservation and Community Revitalization Assistance.
“Since July 2003 the DCED has given the Philadelphia-based homosexual group Equality Forum $275,000 in grant money – our tax dollars -- to put on their week-long event in Philadelphia. This is an event which the majority of taxpayers would be appalled to know they are helping fund. To add insult to injury those taxpayers living in Philadelphia are hit twice as the City of Philadelphia is also a sponsor” noted Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.
Equality Forum activities included panel discussions on transgenderism, LGBT networking in Hollywood, same-sex unions, and homosexual parenting.
If this budget increase is passed, taxpayers will face an increased sales tax, an increase in driver’s license and motor vehicle fees to fund the $1.7 billion gap in transportation needs, greater taxes on tobacco and employers who do not offer workers health insurance will be forced to pay a 3 percent payroll tax.
“Pennsylvanians are increasingly asked to fork over more of their money for taxes . . . where will it end? From the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission hiring lobbyists to influence legislators in Harrisburg, now Pennsylvania’s taxpayers are being asked to support the pro-homosexual Equality Forum. Its very existence is to undermine the traditional values of the majority of Pennsylvanians. It’s time for this to stop,” Gramley stated.
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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 3, 2007
CONTACT: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355
Click here to see how your
Congressman voted
Thirteen of Nineteen PA Congressmen Get it Wrong on Hate Crimes Bill, Pro-family Group Says
(Harrisburg) – Today’s passage of H.R. 1592 shows how little understanding Pennsylvania’s Congressmen have of the ramifications such a bill will have on the First Amendment rights of Pennsylvanians – especially those with deeply held religious beliefs that homosexual acts are sinful, noted the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide pro-family organization.
“Hiding behind civil rights is a lie and the ones pushing this bill know it. Black clergy members have met with Congressional leaders and spoken out against passage of thought crime bills like H.R. 1592. They know that homosexual activists are attempting to hijack the civil rights movement. Homosexuality is not like skin color – those with same-sex attractions can change, unlike the color of one’s skin. We call on President Bush to veto this unnecessary and unconstitutional bill if it reaches his desk,” stated Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.
Today’s statement of Administration Policy said in part, “The Administration favors strong criminal penalties for violent crime, including crime based on personal characteristics, such as race, color, religion, or national origin. However, the Administration believes that H.R. 1592 is unnecessary and constitutionally questionable. If H.R. 1592 were presented to the President, his senior advisors would recommend that he veto the bill.”
H.R. 1592 would establish a new federal offense for “hate crimes” and add “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” as protected classes in the U.S. criminal code (Title 18), thereby equating them with race, color, religion and national origin. H.R. 1592 mandates a separate federal criminal prosecution for state offenses – with the possibility of life imprisonment – for crimes motivated by “the actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability of any person.”
"Hate crime" laws pose a danger to civil liberties in three ways:
They pave the way for suppression of the freedoms of speech, association and religion.
They violate the concept of equal protection under the law.
They introduce the un-American concept of "thought crime," in which someone's actions are "more" illegal based on their thoughts or beliefs.
“If this bill is signed into law then a grandmother walking down the street will not be as protected as someone who is leaving a "gay" bar. This thought crimes bill means that the attacker of this grandmother will not be punished as severely as the attacker of someone perceived as homosexual. Under ‘hate crime’ laws the rapist of a seven-year-old girl would not be punished as harshly as someone who attacks an adult male homosexual. Is this what we want for America? These thirteen Congressmen need to answer that question,” remarked Gramley.
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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 3, 2007
CONTACT: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355
Hate Crimes Bill in the U.S. House is Dangerous, Pro-family Groups and Pastors Say
(Harrisburg) – In response to the pending vote today on H.R. 1592, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007, the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide pro-family organization, faxed a letter last night to all 19 Congressmen representing Pennsylvania asking them to vote ‘No’ on H.R. 1592. The letter was signed by other pro-family leaders and pastors from around the state.
“The hate crimes bill that was reported to the U.S. House for consideration is unnecessary and constitutionally questionable. There is no evidence that an epidemic of hate crimes against homosexuals exists . . . in fact the number of hate crimes is decreasing,” stated Diane Gramley, president of the American Family Association of Pennsylvania.
In 1990 the federal government began collecting statistics on so-called ‘hate crimes’ from state and local governments. These statistics show that there is no epidemic of hate crimes against homosexuals. There is no evidence that victims of "hate crimes" are receiving any less protection than victims of other crimes. According to FBI statistics, there were a total of 7,163 criminal incidents based on bias in 2005 down from 7,489 bias-motivated incidents in 2003. So-called hate crimes against homosexuals have declined between 2003 to 2005 – from 16.6 % to 14.2% in 2005-- bias crimes because of race continue to be the number one reported to the FBI followed closely by bias crimes against religion!
“There are already laws against physical assault and the damage of property. The purpose of H.R. 1592 is to silence those who oppose the homosexual lifestyle. Pastors who preach and teach what Scripture says about the sin of homosexual acts would face incitement charges if someone listening physically assaults a homosexual. We deplore all acts of violence, but this has nothing to do with violence and everything to do with chilling the First Amendment rights of those who oppose the normalization of homosexuality” Gramley further explained.
The following conversation between two members of the House Committee on the Judiciary on Apr. 25, 2007 says it all:
Congressman Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) asked, “If a
minister preaches that sexual relations outside of marriage of a man and
woman is wrong, and somebody within that congregation goes out and does an
act of violence, and that person says that that minister counseled or
induced him through the sermon to commit that act, are you saying under
your amendment that in no way could that ever be introduced against the
minister?
Congressman Artur Davis (D-Alabama) replied, “No.”
(page 206 of transcript)
In other words, Gohmert was asking whether Davis' amendment allegedly safeguarding free speech would prevent a pastor from being held legally liable if a parishioner who committed a violent act against a homosexual person misconstrued the pastor's sermon as an inducement to violence. Davis's answer was "no," such a pastor might be held legally liable in such circumstances.
Democrats turned back an amendment proposed by Congressman Mike Pence (R-Indiana) to the effect that nothing in the bill should be construed as to "limit the religious freedom of any person or group under the Constitution."
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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 26, 2007
CONTACT: Diane Gramley 1.814.437.5355 or 1.814.271.9078
City of Philadelphia and its Mayor are Off Base with Rainbow Street Signs, Do Homosexuals Want Segregation, Traditional Values Group Asks
(Philadelphia) – The unveiling of 36 permanent rainbow street signs encompassing the area between Pine and Chestnut Streets and Broad and 11th Streets – the Gayborhood – is an affront to Pennsylvanians who view homosexual acts as immoral. Mayor John Street and some City Council members were present at the unveiling. Homosexual activists want to be included and accepted in society, but this action actually segregates them and, in essence, proclaims ‘This is our ‘territory;’ stay out!” Today in a faxed statement to Mayor Street, the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide traditional values group said,
“Your presence confirmed what our February 5th fax assumed – that the action taken by the Gay Tourism Caucus was taken with your blessing and that of City Council. It is truly a shame when a great city like Philadelphia – the home of historic sites such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall – falls prey to homosexual propaganda and feels the need to cater to homosexuals in order to get their tourism dollars. Where does that leave those who told traditional values and view homosexual acts as immoral?”
“The City of Philadelphia and its leadership have turned their backs on the average Pennsylvanian, the average American. The traditional family can no longer trust Philadelphia to be a family-friendly vacation spot. The City is more interested in money from homosexuals, than money from those who hold traditional values . . . or are they simply hoping that no one will make the connection between the rainbow street signs and the homosexual lifestyle?” questioned Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.
Also, repeated in today’s fax was information contained in the February 5th fax: “As a reminder, in 2002 and 2005 the second floor men’s restroom in the Strawbridge Department store in Center City was not safe for children. In 2005 sixteen men who had gathered for sex in the public restroom in the Strawbridge Department Store were arrested. Additionally, more than twelve men were arrested in the same store in 2002 and faced similar charges including indecent exposure and open lewdness. Unfortunately, in the 2002 case one of the witnesses to the sexual activity was a ten-year-old boy.
Are such incidences to be the legacy of the City of Philadelphia – where parents are afraid to send their sons to the restroom for fear of what they may witness or for fear of their son being propositioned or assaulted?”
“The rainbow has been hijacked by the homosexual movement – just like the word ‘gay.’ The rainbow is a Christian symbol representing God’s promise after the Flood that He would not destroy the world in such a manner again. Additionally, our Founding Fathers would be appalled that this city, where independence from English tyranny began, is being touted as a homosexual ‘mecca’ and targeting homosexual tourists,” further noted Gramley.
It was quite evident where our Founding Fathers stood on the issue of homosexual acts -- it was viewed as repugnant. Thomas Jefferson authored a bill penalizing sodomy by castration. Pennsylvania's law stated: That if any person or persons shall commit sodomy . . . he or they so offending or committing any of the said crimes within this province, their counsellors, aiders, comforters, and abettors, being convicted thereof as above said, shall suffer as felons. [And] shall forfeit to the Commonwealth all and singular the lands and tenements, goods and chattels, whereof he or she was seized or possessed at the time . . . at the discretion of the court passing the sentence, not exceeding ten years, in the public gaol or house of correction of the county or city in which the offence shall have been committed and be kept at such labor.
As noted in the fax to Mayor Street, the AFA of PA feels obligated to warn our supporters of the path down which Philadelphia is headed. The AFA of PA will also encourage them to spread the word to their families and friends. Philadelphia has proven itself to no longer be a family-friendly stop for traditional families.
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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 19, 2007
CONTACT: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355
It’s a Matter of Redefining Marriage, Not ‘Marriage Equality,’ Pro-Family Group Says
(Pittsburgh) – Evan Wolfson’s presentation this evening in Pittsburgh is about redefining the foundation of society – marriage, the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) noted. Throughout the history of mankind marriage has been between the opposite sexes . . . and no amount of talking will change that fact.
“Mr. Wolfson and other proponents of same-sex marriage deliberately want to deprive a child of a mother or a father. A child raised in a same-sex household can never have the benefits of being raised with a mom and a dad. This attitude is placing the wants of an adult before the needs of a child,” Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA stated.
The effort to legalize same-sex marriage is not about obtaining tax breaks, getting inheritance and visiting someone in the hospital, it is about destroying marriage as we know it. It is about opening the door to polygamy, polyamory and whatever a small group of people may want to define marriage as.
In 2003 when the United States Supreme Court declared in Lawrence v. Texas that same-sex sodomy was a "right," Justice Scalia predicted in dissent that the court was paving the way for same-sex marriage to be declared a "right." The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court soon proved Scalia right by citing Lawrence when it did exactly that.
The lawyer arguing against Texas implied that the
majority in that state had no right to enact laws imposing their vision of
morality on the sexual practices of others.
Justice Antonin Scalia begged to differ. "But society always … makes these
moral judgments," Scalia said. "Why is this different from bigamy?"
“In fact what Mr. Wolfson is advocating – same-sex marriage – has been used to argue for polygamy and polyamory or group marriage. Additionally, in February 2006 Mr. Wolfson said ‘let us have what you have, now is not the time to discuss whether more than two people should be allowed to marry.’ Apparently, Mr. Wolfson is willing to take marriage the next step and let it be redefined by polyamorists also,” noted Gramley.
One must ask if homosexuals really want to marry. In the Netherlands, which was the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage in April 2001, a study estimates that between 2.6 per cent and 6.3 per cent of homosexuals have been married. In Belgium, where it has been legal since June 2003, the estimate is between 1.9 and 4.7 per cent.
”I don’t believe America is ready for the world that Evan Wolfson envisions and the passage of six more marriage protection amendments last November prove that Americans know that marriage is between a man and a woman,” Gramley further commented.
Mr. Wolfson said in a June 2004 Advocate article that by 2054 boys would be in school announcing plans to marry the boy in the seat next to him, lesbians would be leading battalions of openly ‘gay’ soldiers and the First Lady would be the first womyn. Additionally, where does the legalization of same-sex marriage leave those who identify as bisexual? Which half of their ‘bi-identity’ will they be forced to ignore?
If marriage is redefined one time a slippery slope will be created that will include all imaginable couplings.
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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 17, 2007
CONTACT: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355
Pro-family Group Warns Schools of Potential Legal Liability in Promoting Homosexual Lifestyle.
(Harrisburg) – The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide pro-family organization, has sent letters to all 501 school districts in the state warning them of the potential legal liability for the tort of negligence if they promote acceptance of the homosexual lifestyle.
“As tomorrow is the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network-promoted ‘Day of Silence,’ superintendents and principals need to be aware of the potential for harm to the students in their schools by allowing such organizations access to students in their care. Increasingly, we see schools allowing homosexual activist organizations such as GLSEN and Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) into their schools,” Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA noted.
The letter to superintendents said in part:
“Exposure to and experimentation with homosexual behavior carries serious risks that you and your staff should be aware of so that you can protect all students. We are concerned that by allowing access by homosexual activist organizations, and by establishing policies that have the effect of normalizing homosexual behavior, school districts may have become responsible for physical and emotional harm to the students in their care.
In addition, because homosexual behavior has been proven to contribute to many harmful consequences for those who engage in it, you, your staff, and school should be aware that it is possible that a legal liability exists for the tort of negligence if it is proven that homosexual activist organizations were granted access to students under your responsibility and that students subsequently suffered physical or mental harm.
Liability for the tort of negligence generally rests on four elements:
1.) A duty or obligation to protect another from unreasonable risk;
2.) A failure to observe that duty;
3.) A causal connection between the failure and the alleged injury; and
4.) Actual loss or damage that resulted.”
“No student should be harassed or bullied, but promoting ‘safety’ and ‘anti-bullying’ while encouraging or validating participation in a dangerous lifestyle is wrong and puts students at risk,” continued Gramley.
GLSEN’s 2006 Climate Survey supposedly showed that ‘more than 80 percent of the Pennsylvania students involved in the study reported that they had heard various homophobic remarks. And 93 percent said they had heard the expressions "that's so gay" or "you're so gay" from other students at school.’ Not emphasized in this report is the fact that only a total of 3,450 public and private school students nationwide and 218 from Pennsylvania were interviewed for the study. Do the math.
“Again the bullying and harassment of any student is unjustified, but most schools have policies already in place for students to report incidences. There is no need to change such policies to add ‘sexual orientation’ or ‘gender identity’ as GLSEN deems a necessary step to prevent bullying of students who identity as homosexual. All students should feel safe during the school day and not just students on a list in a policy,” Gramley stated.
The superintendents’ letter also brought up additional potential legal issues schools may face:
1.) Endangering the Physical Health of a Child
2.) Endangering the Mental Health of a Child
3.) Contributing to the Delinquency of a Child
4.) Unconstitutional Restraint of First Amendment Rights Through Restrictive Student Speech and/or Anti-Harassment Codes
The AFA of PA also advised the schools that the organization had the responsibility to the parents and students in the district:
“We have a responsibility to advise students that their First Amendment free speech rights may have been restricted by policies disguised as promoting ‘safety’ or ‘diversity.’”
“Are Christian students being restricted in exercising their First Amendment right of free speech? We are encouraging schools to take a close look at their policies and see just what they are promoting. Is there a child who will be forever negatively impacted because of his or her school’s efforts to normalize the homosexual lifestyle – a lifestyle that shortens the lives of the male participants by up to 20 years, lesbians face increases in cervical, uterine and breast cancer, those engaging in homosexual activity see increased eating and psychological disorders, same-sex domestic violence, and increased HIV/AIDS and other STDs. Would any school administrator who really cared for kids want to promote participation in such a lifestyle?” questioned Gramley.
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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 12, 2007
CONTACT: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355
President Kim Phipps
1.717.766-2511, ext. 2820
Patrick Henry College David Halbrook 1.540.338.8727
Messiah College Urged to Resist Message of Equality Riders and Stand Firm on Scripture
(Harrisburg) -- The April 13th scheduled stop at Messiah College in Grantham, PA by the homosexual activist group Equality Ride, although not initiated by Messiah, is apparently being readily accepted noted the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide traditional values group. Thirty-two Christian schools across the country have received notification from Equality Ride that they are inviting themselves onto their campuses. This ‘ready or not here we are coming’ approach is an attempt to get schools to change their policies which support the Biblical teaching that homosexual acts are sinful.
Last week the AFA of PA sent information to Messiah’s President Kim Phipps, including copies of articles highlighting how some of the other schools had handled the Equality Riders’ uninvited visit. The letter also included a warning that allowing the group on campus would be viewed as a victory to Equality Ride. It noted that Equality Ride is endorsed by many homosexual groups including: the Human Rights Campaign, PFLAG (Parents, Friends and Families of Lesbian and Gays), Service Members Legal Defense Network, Metropolitan Community Church, and Freedom to Marry. That list of supporters alone should cause any Christian school to pause when considering giving permission for a group to be on campu
“The list of Equality Ride endorses include organizations which advocate for same-sex marriage and allowing openly homosexual individuals into the armed forces. Soul Force’s Equality Riders are trying to get Christian colleges and universities to toss out Scripture and accept sinful behavior. No matter how much Mel White and the Equality Riders want to try to reinterpret the Bible and say ‘Scripture does not condemn homosexual acts or address sexual orientation as we know it today,’ they are incorrect,” noted Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.
A conversation with the school administration earlier this week indicated that the Equality Riders would only be permitted in those areas deemed ‘public’ and not permitted in classrooms or dormitories. But that apparently does not seem to be the case, as an alumni-initiated website indicates. They will be given open access to the students and attending class. Will they be permitted to distribute unbiblical literature during that time period?
The Equality Riders want unbridled access to the campus and students as Patrick Henry College in Purcellville, VA found out. Equality Ride’s schedule placed them at this location the day before their ‘visit’ to Messiah College. Patrick Henry offered to send students to a neutral location to debate the Equality Riders on the merits of the Federal Marriage Amendment. Their offer was declined. Why?
Patrick Henry College’s news release indicates why they have taken the stand they have, “In choosing not to welcome the Soulforce activists, the College takes its lead from Scripture. Throughout the New Testament (Acts 20; 1 Cor. 5; 2 Tim. 3, for example), believers are instructed to have nothing to do with self-described Christians (note: not ordinary unbelievers) who willfully reject the truth. The leadership at PHC takes this charge seriously.”
The AFA of PA urges Messiah College to also take those Scriptures very seriously and not bow to the pressures that Soul Force and the Equality Riders will place upon them. Their students deserve to know what Scripture really says about homosexual acts and other sinful activity. Who will speak the truth?
“As the panel discussion at 3:00 p.m. is supposed to address ‘What does it mean to love as Jesus does,’ Messiah College needs to seriously ask that question of themselves. Jesus’ love would not overlook the sin, but offer the chance for redemption and a turning away from any sin the individual is engaged in. Jesus would not sway from what Scripture says,” Gramley concluded.
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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 12, 2007
CONTACT: Diane Gramley 1.81.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355
Governor Rendell Wrong in Signing Embryonic Stem Cell Letter to U.S. Senate, Pro-Family Group Says
(Harrisburg) -- Not one success can be claimed by embryonic stem cell researchers, yet Governor Ed Rendell was one of nine governors to sign a letter sent to the United States Senate urging them to pass S 5 expanding the federal expenditure of taxpayer dollars for the unethical destruction of human embryos. The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide pro-family group, blasted the Governor for his stand on the issue of using human embryos for research.
The e-mailed statement said in part, “Thankfully S 5 did not pass with a veto proof majority. Even though S 5 purported to only allow the usage of 'leftover' IVF embryos, there are not enough "leftover" frozen embryos to meet scientists' already-stated demands for huge number of embryos for experiments. Creating embryos simply for experimentation would exploit women's bodies through the high demand for women's eggs. Ads for egg 'donations' already run that target college age and low income women.”
“Governor Rendell and the Governors from Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, New Mexico, New York, Michigan, Ohio, and Oregon are all off base. They claim that President Bush is out of touch because he is concerned about the ethics involved and additionally accuse him of preventing families from having access to research. These governors are the ones who are out of touch and can’t or won’t acknowledge that ethical adult stem cell research has successfully treated over 70 diseases,” stated Diane Gramley, President of the AFA of PA.
The governors’ letter falsely claimed that “"Embryonic stem cell research holds the potential to cure some of the oldest and deadliest diseases -- from Parkinson's to Alzheimer's to multiple sclerosis."
The AFA of PA e-mail further noted, “According to the Washington Post, the very day that debate began on S 5 in the Senate, "A pilot study of people newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes found that stem cell therapy eliminated the need for insulin therapy for varying periods of time."
Additionally, on October 10, 2006 an MIT professor, Professor James Sherley, said that embryonic stem cell research is nowhere close to helping patients. He said that's because scientists haven't yet figured out how to stop embryonic stem cells from causing tumors when injected into patients.
“Governor Rendell and the other eight governors who signed onto this letter need to do their homework and support stem cell research that has been successful – those ethically gleaned from fatty tissue, bone marrow, umbilical cord blood and amniotic fluid. The score for adult vs. embryonic stem cell successes is 70 to 0. I would hope Governor Rendell and the others would want to be on the winning team,” Gramley concluded.
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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 29, 2007
CONTACT: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355
Dr. Richard Cook 1.814.332-5380
Methodist School – Allegheny College – is Headed Down the Wrong Path, Asserts Traditional Values Group
(Pittsburgh) – Today in a faxed statement the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide traditional values group, asked Dr. Richard Cook, President of the United Methodist Church-related school, Allegheny College, to intervene and not promote the homosexual lifestyle through the upcoming LGBT colloquium on March 30 and 31.
“Institutions of higher education that claim to have Christian ties need to get back to what Scripture says about homosexual acts – they are sin. This day and a half promotion of the homosexual lifestyle is something we would expect from a state run school, not a school with church ties,” noted Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.
The statement said in part:
“ . . . the United Methodist Church’s official position is that “homosexual persons no less than heterosexual persons are individuals of sacred worth, but the practice of homosexuality is ‘incompatible with Christian teaching.’ Self-avowed practicing homosexuals are barred from the ordained ministry, and clergy are prohibited from performing homosexual union ceremonies.” It sounds like Allegheny College may have misread or misinterpreted the official position of the church to which it has ties.
The official position is self-explanatory – homosexual practice is incompatible with Christian teaching. Does Allegheny College still claim to have ties with the United Methodist Church or has it forsaken them?
In addition to allowing on campus a series of meetings that ignore Christian teaching about sin, the school is promoting a very dangerous lifestyle. . . . one that shortens the lives of the male participants by up to 20 years, and one in which the female participants are more prone to breast, uterine and ovarian cancers. Not to mention increased eating and psychological disorders and substance abuse among those engage in this lifestyle.
Allegheny College needs to provide the truth about this dangerous lifestyle – not only the physical dangers but the eternal dangers – rather than take part in the perpetuation of the lie that homosexual activity is a safe, alternative lifestyle. The AFA of PA is calling on you to take a stand for Biblical truth.” – end statement
“Our hope is that Dr. Cook will do the right thing . . . not what would be viewed as politically correct. The parents who send their children to Allegheny College expect them to get an education, not help fund indoctrination about a lifestyle the majority of them do not agree with,” Gramley concluded.
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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 27, 2007
CONTACT: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355
Nationwide Pro-Family Coalition Warns Parents to Keep their Children
Home
from School on 'Gay' Day of Silence, April 18
WASHINGTON, March 27 / -- The American Family Association of Pennsylvania
(AFA of PA) has joined a national pro-family coalition,
www.NotOurKids.com, in calling upon parents to keep their children
home from school on April 18 -- to avoid GLSEN's homosexual "Day of
Silence," in which students and some supportive faculty intentionally
remain silent throughout the school day to protest alleged oppression of
homosexuals.
"Day of Silence" (DOS) is an annual event promoted by GLSEN, the Gay,
Lesbian & Straight Education Network, and is scheduled for Wednesday,
April 18 this year. (Some schools observe DOS a few days earlier or later
than the official date.) In 2006, over 4,000 junior highs, high schools,
and colleges participated in DOS, according to GLSEN.
Many school district superintendents, principals, and faculty members also
endorse, promote or allow DOS -- subjecting traditional students to
pro-"gay" activism that violates their religious beliefs and right to a
non-politicized education. To find out which Pennsylvania schools have
taken part in the Day of Silence in the past and are likely participants
this year click here.
”GLSEN no longer makes their list of participating schools available and
this should raise red flags for any concerned taxpayer and parent. In the
past GLSEN has listed schools without the administration’s knowledge or
approval and had to respond to administrator’s outrage that their school
was listed,” commented Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.
According to GLSEN, on last year's
Day of Silence, over 500,000 students nationwide were confronted with mute
homosexual peers and "allies" wearing stickers and passing out cards,
which stated (in part):
"... My deliberate silence echoes that silence, which is caused by
harassment, prejudice, and discrimination. I believe that ending the
silence
is the first step toward fighting these injustices. Think about the voices
you are not hearing today. What are you going to do to end the silence?"
www.NotOurKids.com is a coalition of pro-family groups who object to
the disruptive political hijacking of America's classrooms by
pro-homosexual advocates.
www.NotOurKids.com educates parents, teachers and America about the
deceptive agenda behind GLSEN's Day of Silence. The coalition seeks to
protect America's youth from being pressured to approve of homosexual,
bisexual, or "transgender" behavior.
"Teenagers deserve an opportunity to study English, history, math, and
science -- without being subjected to pro-homosexual proselytizing
sanctioned by school authorities. Students shouldn't be forced to
self-censor or adopt beliefs contrary to those of their parents and places
of worship," said Linda Harvey of Mission America, a coalition member.
"Even the strongest of our junior high and high school children are not
equipped to serve as frontline soldiers in this culture war."
“Parents need to check with their
children’s middle and high schools to see if they are participating in the
Day of Silence on April 18. Taxpayers need to call the schools they help
fund through their tax dollars and see if that day will be spent in
silence or in academics,” Gramley concluded.
For a complete list of the coalition's sponsoring groups
click here.
# # #
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 15, 2007
CONTACT: Diane Gramley 1.184.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355
Domestic Partner Benefits for Same-Sex Partners of PA State System of Higher Education Employees Are Not a Good Idea, Pro-Family Group Says
(Harrisburg) – Last Friday Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr., President of California University of Pennsylvania stated that the denial of domestic partner benefits was a real problem for the schools that are part of the PA State System of Higher Education (PASSHE).
Today the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide pro-family group sent documentation to Dr. Armenti, Chancellor Judy Hample and Chairman of the Board of Governors Kenneth Jarin. This included the Corporate Resource Council’s “Do Domestic Partner Benefits Make Good Business Sense?”
“As contract negotiations near, the PASSHE needs to resist any pressure that will be placed on them to extend domestic partner benefits to same-sex couples. This would not be a wise financial decision on the part of the System and it would be another step in undermining the traditional family,” noted Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.
It is only within recent years that efforts have been made to get domestic partner benefits extended to live-in partners. This is a direct result of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered rights organizations holding annual “Out and Equal” conferences since 1992. These are designed to train employees on how to lobby for these benefits. Those efforts have now extended into the world of higher education.
When the last contract was approved in April 2004, it not only included a wage freeze for 2004 and a requirement that members contribute toward their health benefits, but also family leave and sick leave for members to care for domestic partners. At that point other same-sex benefits were not extended. Tom Gluck, a PASSHE spokesman, stated that it wasn’t feasible to offer same-sex benefits because of budget constraints. In 2004 such benefits would have cost an additional $600,000 to $1.2 million a year.
In the documentation provided Dr. Armenti, Dr. Hample, and Mr. Jarin a March 1, 2002 e-mail from Mark Weinberg, Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer of WellPoint, Inc. (the owner of Blue Cross of California) was highlighted. In that e-mail to his distribution list, he stated, “The loss ratio (health care costs as a percent of premiums paid) for same-sex domestic partners was 17.1% higher than for the remaining two-party members.”
“Pennsylvania cannot afford to extend domestic partner benefits to same-sex couples. To address the $1.7 billion gap in transportation alone, Governor Rendell has already proposed raising the state sales tax to 7%, placing an additional 12.5 cent per gallon tax on gasoline, raising vehicle registration and licensing fees and wants to lease the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Extending domestic partner benefits to same-sex partners would be a very unwise move and we can’t afford it – financially or morally.” Gramley concluded.
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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 5, 2007
CONTACT: Diane Gramley 1.814.437.5355 or 1.814.271.9078
Is Stephen Glassman Representing the PA Human Relations Commission?
(Harrisburg) – With Stephen Glassman’s involvement with a homosexual rights ‘Get Busy, Get Equal Conference’ on Saturday, the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) once again questions his authority to speak in his official capacity as the Chairman of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC). The AFA of PA asks Governor Rendell to review Mr. Glassman’s involvement in not only this conference, but his meeting with those who opposed last year’s Marriage Protection Amendment and his efforts to get municipalities to add ‘sexual orientation’ and ‘gender identity’ to their human relations ordinances.
The PHRC has the responsibility of administering and enforcing the PA Human Relations Act (PHRA) and the PA Fair Educational Opportunities Act (PFEOA). These acts prohibit discrimination because of race, color, religion, ancestry, age (40 and above), sex, national origin, non-job related disability, known association with a disabled individual, possession of a diploma based on passing a general education development test and familial status.
“Stephen Glassman has a personal agenda and he has become more aggressive in recent years. He is continually pushing for the addition of ‘sexual orientation’ and ‘gender identity’ to human relations ordinances on the local level and beyond. Those terms are not part of the mission of the PHRC,” noted Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA, a statewide traditional values group.
Some of Mr. Glassman’s disturbing statements from Saturday’s conference and clearly not representing the majority of Pennsylvanians include:
1.) "Marriage is the only real protection" for same-sex partners that would be legally recognized in all states.
2.) The priority for the movement now should be amending Pennsylvania's Human Relations Act to include protections against discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations because of sexual orientation and gender identity. "We do believe we have this unique opportunity to get it passed."
Adding ‘sexual orientation’ and ‘gender identity’ to ordinances give special protection to a group of people simply because of their lifestyle choices. Homosexuality and transgenderism are not inherent traits such as skin color which have historically been part of the civil rights movement. Homosexual activists are trying to hijack this movement and increasingly black leaders are objecting.
“If the changes Glassman wants are made to the PA Human Relations Act, the Boy Scouts would be discriminated against because of their prohibition of homosexual leaders, churches would be forced to hire homosexuals and transsexuals even though this would be against their deeply held religious beliefs,” further stated Gramley.
In the February 4, 2004 issue of the Scranton Times News Gramley stated, "The ordinance would force organizations like the Boy Scouts to admit gays contrary to their policies if the groups used city buildings or received city funding."
Glassman said in the same issue that Gramley's interpretation is correct on how the ordinance could affect groups like the Boy Scouts.
“Additionally, it was very disturbing that Mr. Glassman would call the hate crimes law passed in the Republican-controlled legislature in 2002 and signed by Republican Governor Mark Schweiker a ‘national model.’ Apparently, Glassman did not hear of the eleven Christians who were arrested in Philadelphia in 2004 and charged with a hate crime for reading Scripture and singing choruses at a homosexual event. A very pressing question is whether this is Glassman’s vision for Pennsylvania and for those with deeply held religious beliefs that homosexual acts are sinful,” Gramley concluded.
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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 22, 2007
CONTACT: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355
PA Pro-family Group Asks State Legislators to Quickly Move to Protect Marriage – New Jersey’s Civil Union Law Threatens Pennsylvania Marriages
(Harrisburg) – In an e-mailed statement to Pennsylvania’s 50 State Senators and 203 State Representatives, the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide pro-family group, asked Pennsylvania’s legislative body to move quickly to protect marriage in Pennsylvania.
"Civil unions have been legal in New Jersey since Monday, the first applicant’s 72 hour wait is over today and New Jersey has seen its first civil unions. This will be used as a stepping stone for the legalization of same-sex marriage. Pennsylvania marriages face threats from three out of four neighboring states," commented Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.
Additionally, on Monday New Jersey’s new civil union law immediately recognized civil unions performed in Vermont and Connecticut and same-sex marriages performed in Massachusetts and Canada. Newly elected New York governor Eliot Spitzer has said he would sign a bill to legalize same-sex marriage if it reaches his desk and Maryland’s marriage law was declared discriminatory by a Baltimore judge in January 2006.
Last year’s attempt to get a Marriage Protection Amendment (MPA) before the voters overwhelmingly passed in the House, but fell short in the Senate Judiciary Committee when Senator Jane Earll of Erie offered an amendment to strip the ban on civil unions. With the help of ex-officio member Senator Robert Jubelier of Altoona, the amendment passed. The two versions could not be reconciled in the remaining days of the legislative session. The earliest a constitutional amendment could be placed on the ballot is November 2009.
Gramley continued, "The legislators must recognize the importance of a ban on civil unions. Vermont and Connecticut are perfect examples of homosexual activists using civil unions as an open door on the path to same-sex marriage. New Jersey homosexuals have also said civil unions are not good enough and will continue pushing for same-sex marriage."
The e-mail statement said in part, "It also must be recognized that any such Pennsylvania MPA must ban civil unions. As those supporting a Pennsylvania MPA last year warned -- civil unions will be used as a stepping stone by homosexual activists to force same-sex marriage upon the populace. As predicted, homosexual activists are using civil unions in Vermont and Connecticut as a stepping stone for same-sex marriage. Both states have been sued because these laws supposedly make homosexuals feel like second class citizens and legislators have introduced bills in their respective state capitols to legalize same-sex marriage."
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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 22, 2007
CONTACT: Diane Gramley 1.814.437.5355 or 1.814.271.9078
Dr. Amy Guthmann – 1.215-898-7221
Provost Ronald Daniels – 1.215.898.7227
University of Pennsylvania Should Change Policies, Pro-family Group Says
(Philadelphia) – Today the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) contacted Dr. Amy Gutmann, president of the University of Pennsylvania, and Provost Ronald Daniels asking them to change their hiring policies. This request was made in light of retired Professor L. Scott Ward’s guilty plea for producing child porn Additionally, the AFA of PA asked the University of Pennsylvania to make special note that Ward’s victims were young boys and that in recent years three prominent Penn professors have faced sex charges.
The letter in part stated: “Unfortunately, the University retained Professor Ward even after his 1999 conviction of propositioning a male state trooper who was posing as a 15-year-old. In 1995 a Kensington teenager accused the professor of molesting him, the charges were later dropped. In August 2006 the University was lauded by the Advocate, a homosexual magazine, as one of the top 20 ‘gay’ friendly Ivy League schools. At that time, in a released statement you (Daniels) said, “Penn is proud to be a campus where all our students and staff are valued for their contributions.” Considering Professor Ward’s ‘contribution,’ this is a very disturbing statement.”
“Benjamin Franklin, the University of Pennsylvania’s founder, would be appalled at what has become of his Pennsylvania academy. I believe Franklin, who was president of Penn for the first five years of its existence beginning in 1751, would not have permitted his professors to molest young boys and remain in the school’s employ,” noted Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA, a statewide anti-pornography and pro-family organization.
Dr. Guthmann and Provost Daniels were asked to consider:
q "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.
q A survey of readers was conducted by the Advocate. Of the 2,500 respondents, 21 percent admitted that an adult man committed a sexual act with them by the age they were 15.
q Research scientist and professor of psychiatry Gene G. Abel, M.D., conducted a study of non-incarcerated child sex offenders and found that homosexuals "sexually molest young boys with an incidence that is occurring five times greater than the molestation of girls." Specifically, on average, 150.2 boys are molested per homosexual offender, whereas only 19.8 girls are molested per heterosexual offender.
The letter to Dr. Guthmann and Provost Daniels concluded, “On February 21, Lori Doyle, a spokesperson for Penn, stated that no criminal background check is required for faculty candidates. I would hope the recent arrests of three prominent Penn professors on sex charges (McIntosh, Mosher, Ward) would cause a thorough re-examination of hiring policies and policies concerning the convictions of sitting professors. The parents who send their sons and daughters to Penn expect them to be safe from the ones they are paying to educate their children.”
“Our hope is that Penn will take quick and decisive steps to rethink its hiring practices and its policies concerning sitting professors. To allow convicted sexual molesters to remain in teaching positions or even on campus places all their students in danger,” Gramley further stated.
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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 5, 2007
CONTACT: Diane Gramley 1.814.437.5355 or 1.814.271.9078
Philadelphia Homosexuals Not Satisfied with ‘Gay’ Historic Marker, Now They Want Flags
(Philadelphia) – On July 1, 2005 the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission unveiled an historic marker commemorating so-called ‘gay’ rights marches in the late 60’s. At the time the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) called the move an outrage to our Founding Fathers and our nation’s history. Now the marker which stands across the street from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center at 6th and Chestnut Streets will be accompanied by rainbow flag strips under existing street signs. The AFA of PA has contacted Mayor John Street and members of the Philadelphia City Council expressing outrage, noting that such a move continues the desecration of the city that produced the Declaration of Independence and our United States Constitution.
“The big push for homosexual tourism in Philadelphia began in 2003 with the $300,000 ‘Get Your History Straight and Your Night Life Gay’ campaign. Now the Gay Tourism Caucus wants to work in conjunction with the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation to place rainbow strips under existing street signs. As a city that increasingly caters to the homosexual tourist, Philadelphia is clouding its own history as a national treasure,” commented Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.
The fax to Mayor Street and the City Council members said in part, “It is our hope that the City of Philadelphia will become the treasure city of America that it used to be and one way to do that would be to stop catering to the homosexual tourist. A good first step would be to not permit the ‘flagging’ of the streets of Philadelphia with rainbow flags.”
The faxed statement also reminded the public officials of the arrests of 16 men who had gathered for sex in the public restroom in the Strawbridge Department Store at 8th and Market Streets in 2005. Additionally, more than twelve men were arrested in the same store in 2002 and faced similar charges including indecent exposure and open lewdness. Unfortunately, in the 2002 case one of the witnesses to the sexual activity was a ten-year-old boy.
“As we reminded the Mayor and City Council members, Philadelphia’s effort to seek out the homosexual tourists will force other tourists to find a safer and family-friendlier environment to bring their families and children to visit. Parents don’t want their children to witness homosexual sex or be propositioned or assaulted by the men participating in such activity,” Gramley remarked.
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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 30, 2007
CONTACT: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355
There’s No Doubt That Homosexual Activists are Targeting Our Children, Quote From New Jersey Proves it, Pro-Family Group Says
(Philadelphia) – Last week was the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network’s No Name Calling Week – supposedly to address bullying issues in middle schools. The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide pro-family group, has in the past and continues to warn of the dangers to school children who participate in the week’s activities – activities which include literature portraying middle schoolers who identify as homosexual and redefining families to include same-sex couples. Homosexual activists have said they are not targeting schools with the message that ‘gay is okay,’ but a recent quote in the Philadelphia Inquirer says differently.
Garden State Equality chairman Steve Goldstein was
quoted as saying, “For
us in the gay community, prejudice perpetuates into future generations
unless the current generation... is taught about diversity." This was in
response to parents who complained when their third graders were shown the
video “That’s a Family.”
“For homosexual activists ‘diversity’ means being taught that engaging in homosexual acts is normal. Not only are schools such as those in New Jersey which showed the controversial video “That’s a Family” to third graders giving the wrong message, but all schools do by using GLSEN’s material. All students should be provided a safe learning environment, but to claim that homosexuality is normal and a safe alternative places the students who believe this message in danger. Schools should not be perpetuating the lie that ‘gay is okay,” noted Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.
No Name Calling Week lesson plans were one to two 30-45 minute sessions per day. Should schools be more concerned about presenting this material or teaching the children academics and preparing them for the PSSA test since this test has become such an integral part of the life of a student?
Homosexual activists and organizations such as GLSEN know that the majority of parents will object to their children being taught that homosexuality and same-sex families are normal. Could this be why GLSEN does not make available the list of schools which participate in No Name Calling Week? Could this by why Garden State Equality hides behind the word ‘diversity’?
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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 22, 2007
CONTACT: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355
Senator Bob Casey 1.202.224-6324
One of Bob Casey’s First Official Votes in U.S. Senate is to Silence the Grassroots
(Harrisburg) – The U.S. Senate’s first act was to introduce Senate Bill 1 (S 1), the Legislative Transparency and Accountability Act of 2007. According to the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide pro-family grassroots organization, this bill contained a provision that would have hindered the grassroots from becoming educated on issues that are important to the family. Also, the AFA of PA has reported that one of Senator Bob Casey’s first official votes was against an amendment that would have stripped that language from S 1.
“The purpose of Section 220 in S 1 was to require burdensome reporting of grassroots organizations which would hinder their ability to contact the grassroots. Corporations that spend millions on lobbying such as MoveOn.org, the AFL-CIO, and the Human Rights Campaign would have been exempted from the provisions of Section 220. It’s interesting that these organizations endorsed and/or donated money to Senator Casey’s campaign. How are the grassroots in Pennsylvania supposed to interpret this vote against their ability to petition the government?” questioned Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.
Senator Robert Bennett (R-UT) sponsored amendment 20 to strip S 1 of Section 220 the Grassroots Lobbying Provisions. The amendment had 13 co-sponsors. It was voted on Thursday, January 18 and passed by a 55-43 vote with Senator Casey voting against and Senator Specter voting for the amendment to strip the grassroots lobbying language.
“S 1 was to clean up the lobbying efforts that take place in Washington, D.C. every day. Some politicians are apparently afraid of what their constituents – the grassroots -- have to say about certain issues and wanted to make it more difficult for them to get the facts on upcoming bills facing our elected officials. The Constitution gives us freedom of speech and the right to petition the government. It is very troubling that our new Senator voted to restrict those constitutional rights,” stated Gramley.
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NEWS RELEASE:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 5, 2007
CONTACT: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355
Judge Jones’ Plagiarism Means Dover Area School District Board Should Revisit Intelligent Design – Group Says
(Harrisburg) – Last month it was reported by the Discovery Institute that 90.9% (or 5,458 words) of Judge John Jones 6,004-word section Intelligent Design as science came from "Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law" submitted by the ACLU a month before his ruling. The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a group which monitors education issues in the state, expressed shock at the revelation.
“It is quite evident that Judge Jones did not do his homework on the case, but instead relied upon the ACLU for his understanding of Intelligent Design. This report exposes his bias, thus making his ruling even more unacceptable,” remarked Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.
In response to the findings and the blatant judicial activism on the part of Judge Jones, the AFA of PA has contacted all the Dover Area School District board members and asked them to revisit the Intelligent Design issue.
“Academic freedom remains at stake here. As the AFA of PA said back in December 2005 - this decision is outrageous – we reiterate that even louder now. Judge Jones’s decision was not unbiased and was directly influenced by the ACLU. He did not do his homework and now his ruling forbids biology students in the Dover Area School District to do their homework to discover for themselves the truth or falsity of Darwin’s Theory of Evolution. A theory is not a fact and the ACLU and Judge Jones are forgetting that,” further commented Gramley.
The AFA of PA believes that the students are the real losers here and the only fair thing for the school board to do is revisit the issue of Intelligent Design.
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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 4, 2007
CONTACT: Diane Gramley 1.814.437.5355 or 1.814.271.9078
Ambridge Area School District Partnership With GLSEN Is a Mistake, Traditional Values Group Says
(Pittsburgh) – The Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network (GLSEN) has invited Ambridge Area Senior High School principal Alan Fritz to attend diversity workshops they offer. The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) has expressed concern with this partnership in a letter to Mr. Fritz.
The AFA of PA, a statewide traditional values group, also provided Mr. Fritz with a copy of anti-bullying curriculum developed by Dr. Warren Throckmorton, Associate Professor of Psychology at Grove City College. GLSEN’s goal is to normalize the homosexual lifestyle and to demonize those who do not agree with that normalization.
In the letter sent to Mr. Fritz, the AFA of PA referred to a March 5, 1995 quote from Kevin Jennings, Executive Director of GLSEN, where he admits to using the ‘safety’ issue as a way of convincing the Massachusetts legislature to adopt a pro-homosexual agenda for their schools. Two years ago the father of a kindergarten student was arrested for objecting to homosexuality being discussed in his son’s class. Is Pennsylvania far behind?
“School boards and school administrators at Ambridge Area School District and beyond, need to be fully aware that it is in their best interest not to partner with homosexual organizations such as GLSEN. Pushing the acceptance of homosexuality ultimately will target the First Amendment rights of those with deeply held religious beliefs which believe that lifestyle is sinful,” Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA, noted.
Also mentioned in the letter were books that GLSEN encourages students to read: “Two Teenagers in Twenty which is a compilation of true first-person ‘coming out’ stories of teens. In the book one boy relates that he has a 23-year-old lover, a homosexual man he met at a subway stop. The boy telling the story is 15 (p. 81). Another In Your Face: Stories from the Lives of Queer Youth has been available for purchase on the GLSEN web site. In this book, a boy named Todd recalled having a 25-year-old male sex partner when he was 16. They met when the boy went to the Sonoma County "gay" youth group (pp.58-59). He shortly began a different relationship with a 27-year-old male, a friend of the first partner (p.141). A novel called Rainbow Boys is currently available for purchase on the GLSEN web site. In this book, three teen boys are featured as they explore homosexual relationships with each other and others. Besides numerous graphic scenes of masturbation, sex between homosexual teen boys, a 29-year-old "meets" a 17-year-old in an online chat room (p.112). They eventually go on a "date" and teen readers are treated to an explicit sex scene involving anal intercourse without a condom
“Any school which partners with GLSEN is agreeing with their efforts to normalize homosexuality. A lifestyle which shortens the lives of the male participants by up to 20 years, sees increased substance abuse and psychological and eating disorders. GLSEN’s goal is to make Pennsylvania and all states similar to Massachusetts in pushing homosexuality in the classroom. Schools should provide a safe learning environment for all students, but teaching that ‘gay is okay’ is not being truthful about the dangers and could pose potential danger to students,” remarked Gramley.
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