Family Research Council

FRC in the News: June 18, 2013

by Karah Kruger

June 18, 2013

Peter Sprigg Comments on California’s Proposed Bill to Allow Boys and Girls to Use the Opposite Gender’s Facilities  

Peter Sprigg, FRC’s Senior Fellow for Policy Studies, was quoted on FoxNews.com about California’s decision on allowing boys and girls to use the opposite sex bathroom and locker room in the state’s public schools. The specific legislation, Assembly Bill 1266, would mandate that all California public schools allow students to use the facility that reflects their gender identity. As a result, boys could use the girl’s bathroom and vice versa, just because they perceive themselves as the opposite gender. Peter Sprigg had this to say about the proposed bill: 

“It’s being demanded that we affirm that a man can become a woman and a woman can become a man,” he said. “Even though the chromosomes and every sing cell in their body will never change. This is an absurdity.”

Sprigg said it was especially troubling that advocates are using children to push an agenda, and the proposed law is trying to affirm a falsehood.

“It’s one thing for an adult to decide they want to be the opposite sex,” he said. ‘But for us to allow children to make these life-altering decisions – and even affirm and celebrate that – is particularly alarming.”

FRC in the News: June 17, 2013

by Karah Kruger

June 17, 2013

Anna Higgins Comments on the Obama Administrations’ Prioritization of Politics over Children

Anna Higgins, FRC’s Director for Human Dignity, was quoted in The Washington Times about the Obama administration abandoning a recent lawsuit that would have stopped the over-the-counter distribution of the abortifacient “Plan B” to girls of any age. Higgins stated:

It’s “a clear example of the administration’s willingness to put politics ahead of the health and safety of little girls. We’re disappointed that this administration has once again sided with its political allies and ignored the safety of girls and the rights of parents.”

The Obama Administration to Make Sure Same-Sex Couples Have Access to All Federal Benefits, Regardless of State Borders

Chris Gacek, FRC’s Senior Fellow of Regulatory Policy, was quoted in The New York Times about same-sex couples receiving benefits on the federal level, if DOMA is overturned, depends on if they reside in a state that currently does or does not allow same-sex marriage. Gacek said the following:

“We certainly wouldn’t go for imposing gay marriage on the country administratively,” Mr. Gacek said.

He continued, “Once you open up this can of worms, there are a lot of issues here.”

The Supreme Court Decides to Place a Ban on Patenting Human Genes

David Prentice, FRC’s Senior Fellow and Director of Life Science, was quoted in The Washington Times about the Supreme Court decision to ban the patenting of human genes. Family Research Council also determined the 9-0 ruling as an important legal decision. Prentice made the following statement:

“That the patent office approved patents on our genes is a profoundly disturbing idea, as is the idea that someone else can own parts of your body, especially your genetics.”

FRC in the News: May 30, 2013

by Krystle Gabele

May 30, 2013

With the IRS it’s now your money and your life

FRC President Tony Perkins recently wrote an op-ed that appeared on Fox News discussing the recent IRS scandal.  Perkins noted that it is not just the IRS investigating conservative groups, but the overreach into our personal lives as well. 

The vast powers of this agency are not limited to taxing us. They can demand and get a vast amount of information about our personal lives. Applicants seeking to register with IRS were required to divulge what they read, whom they hired, what they talk about, even what they pray about. One pro-life group was instructed to abstain from protesting the abortions performed by Planned Parenthood. In short, they had to agree to give up their constitutional right to petition for redress of grievances as a condition for exemption from taxes. As the editors of the Associated Press are learning, under this administration, First Amendment freedoms of religion, press, assembly, and petition are all at risk.

Preventing the suffering that abortion inflicts

Anna Higgins, Director of the Center for Human Dignity at FRC, wrote an op-ed that was featured in The Washington Times today regarding the pain that is inflicted on unborn children through late-term abortion.  Higgins mentioned, in the light of the Gosnell trial, we should be actively trying to stand for the sanctity of human life by eliminating the practice of late-term abortion.

For too long, we have accepted the violent and inhumane practice of late-term abortion as a “reproductive right” instead of condemning the practice for what it is — a violent assault on the most vulnerable among us. Late-term abortion places women at high risk and violently ends the life of an unborn child who is capable of experiencing pain. Studies have shown that unborn infants can experience pain by at least 20 weeks gestation. This is why fetal anesthesia is routinely administered to unborn children who undergo pre-natal surgery. Killing a child in the second or third trimester, and thereby inflicting excruciating pain on him, is unconscionable and disturbing. More compassion is bestowed on animals and convicted criminals.

FRC In the News: May 3, 2013

by Nicole Hudgens

May 3, 2013

Pentagon Defends Unconstitutional Policy Against Soldiers Sharing Faith

FRC’s Director of Religious Liberty, Ken Klukowski, wrote an article that was featured in Breitbart News about the recent actions of the Pentagon, specifically taking advice from Mikey Weinstein. Weinstein policies include court-martialing military members for sharing the Gospel. Klukowski also clearly defines the terms are that have been used in these recent developments such as “evangelizing,” “proselytizing,” and “court-martialing.” Klukowski states:

“Military officers take an oath to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.” There are honorable Christian service members who will not in good conscience be able to abide by this unconstitutional and unconscionable decree.”

Is Patriotism Christian?

Rob Schwarzwalder, FRC’s Senior Vice President, writes about the healthy understanding and actions of how Christians should be patriots. His article in Religion Today shows explains that relationship with God should positively impact our roles as citizens. Schwarzwalder states:

“Patriotism informed by a Christian view of God, life and the world is an honorable thing. It is about love, loyalty, and thankfulness. These are Christian virtues that, held in the context of devotion to Jesus Christ and recognition of the reality of personal and national sin, inspire good citizenship and engagement in public affairs, appreciation of home, community, and nation, and a prayerful (but not uncritical) regard for one’s political leaders.”

FRC in the News: May 2, 2013

by Nicole Hudgens

May 2, 2013

The Fight for Religious Freedom in the Military

FRC’s President Tony Perkins, Lt. General Jerry Boykin (Ret.-USA), Executive Vice President, and Ken Klukowski, Director for Religious Liberty, have been quoted and featured in Fox News, The New American, and Town Talk concerning the recent news that the Pentagon will court-martial military personnel for sharing the gospel. FRC has created a petition to tell Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel to protect the religious freedom of troops that you can sign here. Concerning the new policy, Perkins stated:

“It threatens to treat service members caught witnessing as enemies of the state…Non-compliance, the Pentagon suggests, even from ordained chaplains could result in court-martialing on a case-by-case basis.”

FDA Approves to Sell Plan B to 15 Year Old Girls

Anna Higgins, FRC’s Director for Human Dignity, has been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Catholic News Agency, and ABC-7 (DC affiliate) concerning the recent FDA approval to sell Plan B to 15 year old girls. The Justice Department is now appealing the case where a federal judge ordered to allow birth control, such as Plan B, to be purchased without a prescription and as long as the person is 15 or older. Higgins stated that the decision to sell Plan B to young girls:

“Undermines the right of parents to make important health decisions for their young daughters…teens and women will avoid necessary medical screenings” that could detect serious problems.”

FRC In the News: May 1, 2013

by Nicole Hudgens

May 1, 2013

Breaking News: Anna Higgins Speaks Out about FDA Approval to Sell Plan B to Minors

Anna Higgins, FRC’s Director of the Center for Human Dignity, was quoted in the New York Times and USA Today about the FDA’s approval to sell Plan B to minors. Higgins stated:

“Allowing this to young teens will be something that we will remain very concerned about” and “Making Plan B available for girls under the age of 17 without a prescription flies in the face of medical information and sound judgment.”

Pentagon Taps Anti-Christian Extremist for Religious Tolerance Policy

Ken Klukowski, Director of the Center for Religious Liberty at FRC, explains how a new consultant to the Pentagon, Mikey Weinstein, could have a detrimental impact on religious freedom in the military. In his article featured in Charisma News, Klukowski stated:

“Weinstein decries what he calls the “virulent religious oppression” perpetrated by conservative Christians, whom he refers to as “monstrosities” and “pitiable unconstitutional carpetbaggers,” comparing them to “bigots” in the Deep South during the civil rights era. He cites Dr. James Dobson-the famous Christian founder of Focus on the Family-as “illustrating the extremist, militant nature of these virulently homophobic organizations’ rhetorically-charged propaganda.” Regarding those who teach orthodox Christian beliefs from the Bible, Weinstein concludes, ‘Let’s call these ignoble actions what they are: the senseless and cowardly squallings of human monsters.’ Weinstein then endorses the ultra-left Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), who publishes a list of “hate groups.” Alongside truly deplorable organizations like the KKK, the SPLC’s list includes a host of traditional Christian organizations (for their support of traditional marriage) and Tea Party organizations (for supporting limited government). Weinstein says SPLC correctly labels them all as ‘hate groups.’”

Lincoln, Obama, and Us

Ken Blackwell and Bob Morrison, Senior Fellows at FRC, wrote an article featured in American Thinker that explains the differences between President Lincoln and President Obama. Blackwell and Morrison stated:

“Lincoln faced a crisis greater than Washington’s because millions of Americans then believed that for one man to enslave another was a “sacred right of self-government.” Lincoln’s Democratic opponent, Stephen A. Douglas, described this right to choose whether another human being would be property as the essence of ‘popular sovereignty.’ Barack Obama agrees with Stephen A. Douglas that some humans are the property of others. That’s why he led the successful effort in Springfield to prevent Illinois from protecting infants who survive abortions. He has not stated that he believes the right to choose abortion implies a right to choose an effective abortion, that is, the right to a dead child. But all his actions have proceeded from that unstated premise, all confirm his rigid adherence to that doctrine.”

Lt. Gen. Jerry Boykin (Ret.-USA) on Fox and Friends

Lt. Gen. Jerry Boykin (Ret.-USA), FRC’s Executive Vice President, appeared on Fox News’ “Fox and Friends” to discuss a new military policy that calls for the court martial of any service member caught “proselytizing” and our petition to Secretary Hagel which has gathered almost 30,000 signatures.

Click here to watch

FRC In the News: April 29, 2013

by Nicole Hudgens

April 29, 2013

Pentagon Taps Anti-Christian Extremist For Religious Tolerance Policy

Ken Klukowski, FRC’s Director for Center for Religious Liberty, explains how the Pentagon is being advised on religious “tolerance” in his recent article on Breitbart.com. Klukowski informs readers about Mikey Weinstein’s policies on “religious tolerance.” One of those policies is “court-martialing military chaplains who share the Christian Gospel during spiritual counseling of American troops.” Klukowski states:

“Regarding those who teach orthodox Christian beliefs from the Bible, Weinstein concludes, ‘Let’s call these ignoble actions what they are: the senseless and cowardly squallings of human monsters. ‘Weinstein then endorses the ultra-left Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), who publishes a list of ‘hate groups.’ Alongside truly deplorable organizations like the KKK, the SPLC’s list includes a host of traditional Christian organizations (for their support of traditional marriage) and Tea Party organizations (for supporting limited government). Weinstein says SPLC correctly labels them all as “hate groups.”’

Anna Higgins Quoted in USA Today

Anna Higgins, FRC’s Director for Center for Human Dignity, was quoted in a recent USA Today article regarding the Gosnell trial and combats those who argue that the Gosnell case is “unusual.” Higgins states:

“How can he be sure? …We don’t have regular inspections in most states.”

FRC In the News: April 26, 2013

by Nicole Hudgens

April 26, 2013

CNS News and Newsbusters Report on FRC Shooting

CNS News has given some of the best coverage so far concerning the release of the video of the shooting at Family Research Council that took place on August 15, 2012. Their recent article shows the video release and gives accurate information about the shooting incident, interrogation, and trial.

Newsbusters’ Matthew Balan wrote an article detailing how CBS News “This Morning” had a special 18-second news brief on the security video, while the morning shows on both ABC News and NBC News ignored the footage.

General Boykin Quoted About Pentagon Blocking Access to SBC Website

FRC’s Executive Vice President, Lt. Gen. Jerry Boykin (Ret.-USA), was quoted in a recent Fox News article about the Pentagon blocking access to the Southern Baptist Convention website.  According to the article, “Southern Baptist chaplains reported that SBC.net had been blocked at military installations around the nation.”

General Boykin, who served in the Army for 36 years stated:

“This is another example of the growing hostility toward evangelical Christians in the armed forces…Ironically, the very people who are sworn to support and defend the rights provided in the U.S. Constitution are being denied the right to exercise those rights individually.”

Obama Admin Asks SCOTUS to Take NLRB Recess Appointment Case

Ken Klukowski, FRC’s Director for Centerof Religious Liberty, wrote an article featured on Breitbart.com about a recent ruling in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.  The ruling stated that the President violated the Constitution when he “declared the U.S. Senate to be in recess….and that therefore he could fill top-level execute-branch positions without Senate confirmation.” This was considered unconstitutional, because the Senate was really in session “and was holding periodic sessions to meet constitutional requirements.” The U.S. Solicitor General filed a petition with the Supreme Court asking if they would reverse the unanimous ruling given by the U.S. Court of Appeals ruling. Klukowski states:

“A win would send the issue back to the D.C. Circuit, for them to decide whether a president has the power to declare the Senate to be in recess anytime there are not enough senators on the Senate floor to conduct business. (Which, taken to its logical conclusion, means that any time the Senate breaks for lunch or goes home at night that the president could appoint Cabinet secretaries or even Supreme Court justices, though all such recess appointments are for less than two years.) It is very likely the High Court will grant Verrilli’s petition in this major separation-of-powers case, and so this matter can be expected to be argued at the Court late this year, with a decision before July 2014.”

Security footage: Hero thwarts terrorist shooter at Family Research Council

by FRC Media Office

April 25, 2013

In an age when it seems heroes are hard to come by, it’s stirring to see a genuine hero in action. Last August, FRC building manager Leo Johnson was temporarily manning the front desk at our Washington headquarters when a now-confessed terrorist intent on killing everyone in the building entered with a handgun and 100 rounds of ammunition.  As he drew his gun, Leo courageously charged the attacker into oncoming gunfire.  Even after sustaining a direct hit to his forearm, he subdued the attacker and wrestled the gun away from him.

Leo Johnson’s heroism saved countless lives that day. Now you can see the never-before released security footage that shows just how quickly tragedy was averted.  Please share this video with friends, and help pay tribute to a true hero.

FRC In the News: April 26, 2013

by Nicole Hudgens

April 25, 2013

Preventing Future Gosnells

Anna Higgins, Director, Center for Human Dignity at FRC, wrote an article on Townhall.com about the current Gosnell case and other incidents where “choice” has cost precious lives. Higgins also points out the need for more media coverage and awareness. She states:

“Perhaps we have become so accustomed to accepting abortion as a “choice” rather than the death of a unique human being that infanticide has become simply a natural and acceptable extension of the “abortion right.” This Pennsylvania abortion facility is not the first, nor will it be the last, to be revealed as unsafe and unsanitary. In fact, many facilities around the country have been found to be in violation of basic health and safety standards. Just last week a Planned Parenthood in Wilmington, Delaware closed its doors when two employees released statements that the facility was performing abortions in an unsafe and unsanitary manner. The local TV station covered this story extensively, to their credit. However, these violations continue to go largely unreported in the media. Every American should be incensed that he cannot trust the media to cover, in a neutral manner, serious events affecting human rights without heavy pressure from the public and from Congress. We are constantly bombarded with stories of celebrities and athletes, yet this important story – the perpetration of violence against children – was largely ignored. We must remain vigilant and demand that all stories affecting our families and our values be given fair coverage.”

The Loss of Right and Wrong: What’s Worse Than Being Mean?

Rob Schwarzwalder, Senior Vice President at FRC, wrote an article featured in Religion Today about the current decrease of morality in the culture. Schwarzwalder challenges his readers stating:

“Moral incoherence is growing. Adultery is not wrong, merely unwise (or liberating, depending on one’s personal point of view, which to challenge is arrogant, not to mention mean). Confiscation of property and wealth, aka theft, is not wrong if performed by government entities, but good luck if you get caught stealing a car. Murder is a capital offense unless its victim is a 9-month-old unborn child, her life ended in an antiseptic “clinic.” Christians must continue to appeal to the conscience, to make reasoned arguments, to tell stories that subtly explain moral truth. Persuasion is a multi-pronged endeavor. And we must wed grace with truth as we make our case. We just need to be prepared for looks of uncertainty, amazement and even hostility from our peers and not to assume that our basic moral assumptions are theirs. There has never been a time when being a Christian in America has been, for so many, so very peculiar.”

Does Reason Still Matter?

Rob Schwarzwalder’s article featured in First Things addresses the need for truth, which is Christ and His teachings. Schwarzwalder shows how this truth impacts policies such as marriage. Schwarzwalder says:

“The sticking point in all of this is that when it comes to contested issues of moral value, one side wins and the other loses…such socio-moral issues as abortion on demand, the nature of marriage, and the rights of conscience and religious liberty offer us no intermediate policy outcome. Christians, then, should make their arguments carefully, winsomely, graciously, and firmly, in the hope that “the law written on the heart” will overcome emotional prejudice, intellectual laziness, and moral compromise. When we lose, we have no choice but to keep making our arguments. We are called not to political success but faithfulness to God. If we are attacked because we’ve spoken or acted like jerks, then we need to repent, seek forgiveness, and better wed truth with love. But if we suffer for Jesus’ sake, for the faith once delivered and the truth revealed with finality, we are blessed, not cursed.”