NOM BLOG

Monthly Archives: May 2012

Isabelle Sawhill: Dan Quayle Was Right!

Isabelle Sawhill is a senior fellow in economic studies at the Brookings Institute, where she co-directs the Center on Children and Families. In The Washington Post, she writes that "20 years later, it turns out Dan Quayle was right about Murphy Brown and unmarried moms":

"...Twenty years later, Quayle’s words seem less controversial than prophetic. The number of single parents in America has increased dramatically: The proportion of children born outside marriage has risen from roughly 30 percent in 1992 to 41 percent in 2009. For women under age 30, more than half of babies are born out of wedlock. A lifestyle once associated with poverty has become mainstream. The only group of parents for whom marriage continues to be the norm is the college-educated.

Some argue that these changes are benign. Many children who in the past would have had two married parents could have two cohabiting parents instead. Why should the lack of a legal or religious tie affect anyone’s well-being?

There are three reasons to be concerned about this dramatic shift in family life.

... in the end, Dan Quayle was right. Unless the media, parents and other influential leaders celebrate marriage as the best environment for raising children, the new trend — bringing up baby alone — may be irreversible."

Maryland Marriage Alliance Turns in Twice the Signatures Needed for Referendum!

Great news from the state of Maryland!

Activists working to repeal Maryland's same-sex marriage law have collected more than twice the signatures needed for a referendum — likely ensuring that the measure will be on the ballot for voters to decide in November.

The law's opponents submitted 122,481 signatures in favor of a referendum; 55,736 are required. If enough are verified as legitimate, as expected, Maryland will be in the center of a national debate on same-sex marriage, with groups on both sides preparing to spend millions.

The Rev. Derek McCoy, who heads the leading group opposed to the law, called the effort "absolutely exhilarating."

"Marylanders have a right to vote on this issue," said McCoy, executive director of the Maryland Marriage Alliance, after the group dropped off boxes of petitions outside the Maryland secretary of state's office.

The state board of elections has 20 days to review the signatures. -- The Baltimore Sun

There is still time to participate at www.MarylandMarriageAllance.com.

ADF Video: Christian T-Shirt Company Under Fire

A film crew with the Alliance Defense Foundation went to interview the owners of a Christian T-Shirt Company under fire for refusing to create t-shirts for a gay pride event:

The owner says at one point: “There’s always, probably every two months, where I have to call the customer about it and a lot of times they’ll be frustrated, but I feel like it’s the right thing to do, because at the end of the day, what I print…I’m accountable to God based on what I decide to do.”

This Only Took Me 98 Seconds-Please Take 2 Minutes To Help!

Dump Starbucks

Dear Marriage Supporter:

This morning, I launched this $50,000 campaign to expand the scope and impact of DumpStarbucks.com. And your response has been nothing short of remarkable!

Already, we've gone from 40,000 to over 42,000 petitions signed and raised thousands!

But we can't stop now!

Please make one donation RIGHT NOW to the NOM Education Fund to help us
double the number of signers of our Dump Starbucks petition!

Support Dump Starbucks!

More good news: Dump Starbucks just got picked up by Tim Drake at the National Catholic Register when he read this morning's email, creating even MORE buzz about the campaign, driving even more people to our site and focusing even MORE pressure on Starbucks for their entry into the Culture War on the side of same-sex marriage. As he so succinctly says, "Marriage between one man and one woman is worth preserving. As consumers, we can choose where to spend our hard-earned dollars."

It's working! Please help us keep up the momentum!

If you have recently supported NOM's work, thank you so much. But, if God has given you the means to do so, would you please consider making another tax-deductible gift to support this extraordinary effort of the NOM Education Fund today?

And if you haven't, please consider making a generous gift right now to help hold Starbucks accountable for their advancing a radical gay-marriage agenda.

We MUST send a message to Corporate America. We CANNOT let companies throw their resources and money behind the same-sex marriage movement. They have to be told, in no uncertain terms, that they do so at the risk of losing a LOT of business.

That's why we need these emergency funds to reach 100,000 signatures.

Won't you please make a generous gift of $25, $50, $100, $500 or even $1,000 if you have the means right away to support our Dump Starbucks efforts?

Video: On Obama's Same-Sex "Evolution", Words Matter

WordsMatter2012.com put out this video asking if Obama's "evolution" on marriage was sincere:

Video: Do Marriage Laws Have a Rational Basis?

Kalley Yanta at the Minnesota Marriage Minute explains that no judge except Judge Walker in California has ever reached the radical conclusion that marriage laws fail a rational basis test.

"In fact," she says, "The U.S. Supreme Court has specifically rejected the idea that there is a federal right to same-sex marriage, and that was in a case arising out of a lawsuit in Minnesota."

Catholic Blogger Writes About Her "Evolution Against Gay Marriage"

A catholic blogger writes about her evolution against gay marriage:

Like Obama, I have also evolved on the marriage debate. I suspect a lot of people journeyed a similar path, and even more so, I suspect a lot more people are evolving now. Here’s how I went from not really caring to wide-eyed activism.

“Let’s Be Diverse” Stage

“Ambivalent” Stage

“Leave Me Alone” Stage

“Imposing?” Stage

“I Must Stand” Stage: It is worth noting that even then, I still knew same-sex couples whom I considered friendly acquaintances. They respected my faith and my family, and they knew where I stood; there was trust. However, the hostility and tyrannical behavior of the “gay rights” activists was remarkably disturbing. Not only do they want to silence anyone who doesn’t approve, they want to harm them too. I grew resentful until I realized that anger wasn’t helpful, so I grew attentive and dedicated. I saw the slow creep of social change they pushed for – to make marriage meaningless – and I saw that it was not healthy for society, not good for the future of our children because it isn’t about the children. I saw the lies that a Godless society tells young people in greater clarity than ever before, and I saw how that message is destructive. Then I posted my frustration, and hell broke loose. I realized that I owe it to my children to defend the truth without compromise in my country and my world. Even more, I owe it to God who gave me those children.

Read all about her evolution here.

Spanish City Council Bans Bishop For Speaking About Homosexuality

Catholic News Agency/EWTN World News:

Priests in Spain voiced support for a local bishop after a city council adopted a motion banning him from official city events over his remarks criticizing dangerous behaviors within the gay community.

On May 15 the Alaca city council passed the motion, which also called for Bishop Juan Antonio Reig Pla to be moved to another diocese.

“In response to these very grave acts, we express our adherence to the Catholic doctrine taught by our father and pastor, Bishop Reig, as well as our support for him and his apostolic ministry, and we invite all to pray for religious freedom, for our Bishop and for those who persecute the Catholic Church,” the priests said in a statement Tuesday.

... Bishop Reig Pla has faced intense criticism after remarks given in a Good Friday sermon in which he condemned sexual practices he believes to be harmful.

... The International Federation of Associations of Catholic Doctors has also voiced support for Bishop Reig Pla as well as more than 20 locals struggling with same-sex attraction who personally wrote the bishop to thank him for his remarks.

Same-Sex Marriage Separates Candidates in Nevada

The Las Vegas Review-Journal Capital Bureau:

President Barack Obama's support for gay marriage was bound to become a campaign issue for Nevada legislative races in November's general election.

That's where Republicans, who generally don't like the idea, and Democrats, who mostly back it, will duke it out.

But just two weeks after the presidential announcement, the idea already is stirring up a Democratic primary race for state Senate.

The race for Senate District 1 in North Las Vegas between incumbent John Lee and newcomer Patricia Spearman provides the first test of the election season to determine whether Nevada residents support gay marriage.

In one corner sits Lee: Mormon, white, politically moderate and a legislator who voted against domestic partnerships and who opposes gay marriage.

Lee also has served the past 15 years in the Legislature and holds the Senate Democratic Caucus endorsement.

In the other chair is Spearman: evangelical minister, black, gay and a liberal who favors same-sex marriage. She never has held political office in Nevada.

Building Momentum: Dump Starbucks Phase II!

Dump Starbucks

Dear Marriage Supporter:

Yesterday I wrote to you asking you to join our Dump Starbucks campaign. If you have recently signed our petition—THANK YOU! If you haven't, please consider signing our petition—it only takes around 30 seconds.

I also wrote to give you a heads up about our newest initiative to send a strong message to Starbucks and the rest of corporate America: flaunt the values and defy the beliefs of your customers at your own risk!

This morning, I am launching an ambitious new campaign: to raise $50,000 by midnight tonight to support and expand our DumpStarbucks.com campaign.

Won't you please make a confidential, tax-deductible contribution of
$25, $50, $100, $500 or even $1,000 if you have the means RIGHT NOW
to help NOM expand the reach and impact of our Dump Starbucks petition?

Support Dump Starbucks!

We already have over 40,000 signatures. That's 40,000 people who have pledged to stop buying Starbucks coffee. That's significant...But we need more!

We must hold Corporations that believe they can enter into the culture war, pushing a radical and unpopular same-sex marriage agenda, accountable for their actions.

The people of Washington State will vote this November on whether or not to repeal same-sex marriage legislation. And Starbucks Coffee has decided to throw its corporate support and resources behind the efforts to ensure that same-sex marriage becomes the law of the land.

They are ACTIVELY promoting same-sex marriage legislation...with their name...with their prestige...and with their money.

And, unless we stand up to them, this will become the norm.

Just last week Target announced that they were going to donate up to $120,000 to an organization working to defeat the proposed marriage amendment in Minnesota defining marriage as the union of a man and a woman.

You are a stalwart supporter of marriage, who has stood up for marriage so many times in the past. I am asking you to please rise to the occasion one more time in defense of marriage.

Please make a confidential and fully tax-deductible donation to the NOM Education Fund TODAY to help us promote our Dump Starbucks petition and gather over 100,000 signatures, sending a powerful, unmistakable message to Corporate America: Entering the Culture War to push a radical same-sex marriage agenda WILL have consequences!

Support Dump Starbucks!

I am blessed to lead a team of very talented, hardworking people here at NOM. And they will pour the money we raise today into online advertising to reach millions of new people and generate tens of thousands of new petition signers.

We appealed to Starbucks at their Shareholders Meeting that standing for same-sex marriage was just plain bad business. CEO Howard Schultz refused to be budged, saying that same-sex marriage was "core" to Starbucks as a company.

Help us send Mr. Schultz a message he can't ignore: Your radical agenda is costing your company customers!

Thank you for supporting NOM's Dump Starbucks campaign!

Brian Brown to Dan Savage: "Game On!"

Dan -- I accept and will look forward to debating you at your dining room table. As I said in my challenge to you, anytime, any place.

While I appreciate the invitation that you have extended to my wife, she will not be able to attend. She is a full-time mom with seven beautiful children and an eighth on the way.

I have no objection to Mark Oppenheimer from the New York Times covering the discussion, nor to you hiring your own video crew to film the event, provided that I am able to hire my own video crew to be sure there is no creative editing of the discussion.

Not that a New York Times reporter would slant the news, mind you! 🙂

This will be fun!

Does Starbucks Understand Diversity? DumpStarbucks.com News

Dump Starbucks Newsletter

Welcome to the DumpStarbucks.com News!

On your way to work, you roll into a local coffee shop to grab coffee for your co-workers. When you get to work, one of them notices that this week you didn't buy Starbucks coffee and asks why. You share with them about the DumpStarbucks.com campaign and that you believe that children have a right to a mother and a father and the co-worker responds, "Hey, all they are trying to do is support diversity."

Diversity is an unassailable corporate buzzword. What do you say?

What is Diversity?

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, diversity is, "the condition of having or being composed of differing elements," or, "an instance of being composed of differing elements or qualities."

Diversity, by definition, requires differences to be present. Within Starbucks there are at least two groups of employees. Those who support marriage as the union of one man and one woman, and those who support redefining marriage to include two people of the same sex. Supporting workplace diversity cannot be about choosing just one side.

Frank Turek said it best in his interview with the Marriage Anti-Defamation Alliance.

I am open to working with people of all sexual orientations or political views. In fact, that is what inclusion and diversity should be about. That, despite the fact that you inevitably might disagree with people over certain political, moral, or social issues, you will work together with them in a very cordial and professional manner. That's what inclusion and diversity should be. It's not that way anymore. You know what it is now? "If you do not agree with my narrow political view that same sex marriage must be put into law you are a bigot, you're a homophobe, and you need to be fired." That's where we are right now, and the reason for that is that Christians are silent.

So what do you say? Diversity requires that we accept that others will feel and believe differently and do not reject them for those differences. Instead we work toward our business goals together in a workplace appropriate fashion. Starbucks has failed to support diversity by choosing sides in the marriage debate.

Two things you can do this week:

As I write this we have just passed the 40,000 signature mark on the DumpStarbucks.com pledge! And as Brian mentioned this morning, we want to reach at least 50,000 signatures before we launch our next round of advertising to expand DumpStarbucks.com.

  1. Please forward this email on to five people who you believe support marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Just say, "Hey, I thought you might be interested in hearing about this. Check it out and let me know what you think." Help us reach 50,000 signatures!

  2. Help us keep up the pressure on Starbucks through their social media platforms. Log on to the Starbucks Facebook page and leave a message or give them a tweet @Starbucks and ask them,

    Why have you disrespected the views of millions of customers and thousands of employees by endorsing same-sex marriage and fighting to destroy the federal Defense of Marriage Act? Visit www.dumpstarbucks.com to make your voice heard.

With over 30 million Starbucks followers on Facebook and 2.5 million followers on Twitter your message can alert thousands of people to Starbucks' support for same-sex marriage.

What happens when "diversity" runs amok?

You get situations like this in Great Britain where a blogger was charged by the Advertising Standards Authority with "homophobic" and "offensive" advertising for publishing the ad below on his blog.

DumpStarbucks.com in the news!

CulturalPolluters.org has named Starbucks as a Cultural Polluter—highlighting their stance in support of same-sex marriage as one particular reason for the cultural polluter rating.

Have a great week!

For Greater Glory Opens Friday

Email Header Image

Dear Marriage Supporter,

As you know, I just returned from Europe speaking in both London and Madrid on the fight to protect marriage and religious liberty.

While at the World Congress of Families, I had the chance to view a private screening of a transformational motion picture called FOR GREATER GLORY.

All I can say is that the movie is must see for anyone concerned about the future of religious liberty. It is an epic true story about religious persecution which is as culturally relevant today as when the oppression occurred in 1920’s Mexico.

The film opens nationwide in the U.S. on June 1. I encourage you to see it, absorb it and talk about it. Get your fellow church members out to see it. This film has the potential to light a fire under those who have been sitting on the sidelines in the fight to protect religious liberty.

To watch the trailer and find out more about the film and where it is playing in your area, please go to the website:

Why Islam Opposes Same-Sex Marriage

Last week on Public Discourse, Rida Fozi presented an Islamic perspective of marriage:

While Islam opposes same-sex marriage, its opposition to it and to President Obama's stance is not a matter of hate or bigotry but a matter of principle.

God Almighty states in the Quran on the creation of Adam and Eve, "It is He Who created you from a single person, and made his mate of like nature, in order that he might dwell with her in love" (Chapter 7, Al-Araf: Verse 189). He further refers to them in the Quran saying, "We created you from a single pair, male and female" (Chapter 49, Al-Hujurat: Verse 13).

From the beginning of time marriage has been established as a bond between a man and a woman. Islam views this bond as a sacred institution, one that allows for procreation and ensures that communities will flourish and the next generation will be full of God-fearing men and women.

British Panel Strips Accreditation from Christian Counselor "Caught" Counseling Homosexuals

The UK Christian Concern:

The British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) has this week informed a Christian counsellor that, following her appeal, she will still lose her senior accredited status, after she was tricked into provided counselling to a fake client who was secretly an undercover journalist.

However, the Appeal Panel reversed much of the original decision against the counsellor, Lesley Pilkington, and has now lessened the original sanctions against her.

Mrs Pilkington, a counsellor with over 20 years of experience, was originally subject to a complaint made by homosexual journalist Patrick Strudwick, who approached Lesley while attending a Christian conference about sexuality and pretended to be a Christian in need of help over unwanted homosexual attraction. Lesley agreed to help him and they mutually agreed that the counselling would be based on Christian principles.

Throughout the two counselling sessions, Mr Strudwick repeatedly told Lesley that he wanted to leave his homosexual lifestyle, that it had become meaningless to him and that he wanted to change.

Following the sessions he lodged a complaint to the BACP to get her struck off. He also secretly recorded his two sessions with Lesley, and then sold his story to a national newspaper, maligning Lesley in the press.

The Appeal Panel found this week that Lesley should still lose her senior accredited status because she should not have assumed that Mr Strudwick wanted to proceed under the same therapeutic approach that she offered, despite the fact they both agreed to do so. It also found that she should not have taken his claim that he was depressed because of his homosexuality at face value.