FamilyFoundationBlog.com

Late Wednesday afternoon, amidst growing tensions on college campuses, Governor Bob McDonnell issued a “Governor’s Directive,” ordering those in the executive branch not to discriminate in their hiring practices (see here). His directive specifically referenced “sexual orientation.”

Governor McDonnell issued his directive in an apparent effort to ease the hostile atmosphere on our campuses and in the General Assembly. Four years ago, then-Attorney General McDonnell challenged Governor Tim Kaine’s executive order that added sexual orientation to the anti-discrimination policy, saying he didn’t have the authority to do so. It is still unclear exactly what legal weight, if any, a directive has, but media reports indicate that it does not have the same force of law of an executive order.

Much of the anger among college students has been generated by those who are supposed to be in authority at those schools — college presidents and administrators — who have criticized the advisory letter Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli sent them last week. The letter stated that public colleges and universities with anti-discrimination policies that include sexual orientation are in conflict with state law. Instead of providing leadership, the college presidents and administrators have provoked anger and outrage with inflamed rhetoric.

A media backlash also was fed by heated and often mean-spirited rhetoric by a handful of General Assembly members, including Senator Donald McEachin (D-9, Henrico) who, in a floor speech earlier this week, referenced Governor McDonnell’s graduate school thesis, yelling on the Senate floor, “We are being governed by the thesis!” Joining in the daily diatribes were Delegate David Englin (D-45, Alexandria) and Delegate Joe Morrissey (D-74, Henrico). It was often insinuated that anyone who disagrees with adding sexual orientation to the non-discrimination policy is hateful and bigoted. But truth has been difficult to find in this debate.

In addition, some legislators made the outrageous claim that, without a non-discrimination policy that included sexual orientation, Virginia is not “business friendly” and would not be able to attract new jobs. But several publications and organizations currently recognize Virginia as the best state in America to do business without having this policy.

Nonetheless, yesterday morning, Senator Tommy Norment (R-3, Williamsburg), in a clear conflict of interest as an employee of the College of William and Mary, one of the colleges expressing outrage over the AG’s letter, amended an economic development bill introduced by the Governor with: “The Commonwealth of Virginia maintains an ecumenical atmosphere in its sexual orientation hiring policies in the private and public workforce.”

Besides being a bizarre statement, it is a frightening overreach into the private workplace, which would include religious-based ministries and churches. Fortunately, on the floor of the Senate — because of the Governor’s directive — Senator Norment removed his amendment from the bill.

The Family Foundation has and continues to maintain that there is no need for special protections for homosexuals. As the issue was thoroughly debated and voted on multiple times throughout this year’s General Assembly, no evidence of discrimination was presented.

We absolutely agree with one statement in Governor McDonnell’s directive — that state employment should be based on “qualifications, merit and performance,” regardless of one’s immutable or unimmutable characteristics.

Over the next several days, we will consult with experts to determine the legal ramifications of this directive, but we are concerned when the Governor’s action is being heralded as a step forward by the ACLU and the state’s largest homosexual lobby, Equality Virginia (Pilot on Politics).

In a statement, Kent Willis of the ACLU said, “We hope this is only the beginning, and that the Governor’s example will inspire legislators to finally pass a law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in both private and public sector employment.”

Any thought that the groups and organizations behind this effort will stop at public employment is naive. It is very clear that they want to force private businesses — including churches — to abide by their morality.

Late last week, Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli sent a letter to the state’s taxpayer funded colleges and universities informing them that, without General Assembly approval, they do not have the authority to issue non-discrimination policies that include sexual orientation (see Washington Post). Apparently, the state’s public colleges and universities had issued such policies without the approval to do so (see Richmond Times-Dispatch).

His opinion, initiated at the request of several interested parties, started a media firestorm. Essentially, the Attorney General, the office designated to instruct state entities on the law, told them to actually follow the law — Virginia law does not carve out discrimination protections for homosexuals, as it does for race, color, creed and national origin. But Democrat leaders and homosexual activists immediately pounced, calling Cuccinelli’s advice “hate,” and vowed to revive legislation that died last week which would add sexual orientation to the Commonwealth’s anti-discrimination policy.

Today, several legislators literally screamed about the issue on the floor of the House of Delegates, all but accusing Attorney General Cuccinelli of hatred. They urged the House General Laws Committee to act on SB 66, which was defeated in sub-committee last week. However,  committee chairman Delegate Chris Jones (R-76, Suffolk) cancelled the committee’s last meeting. As today was the last day for committees to act on legislation in order for them to get to the floor before session ends, the issue is dead, again, for this year.

It is quite interesting to listen to proponents of this major change in Virginia’s public policy. In three separate presentations before committees and subcommittees, advocates for making sexual orientation a protected class have admitted that 90 percent of Virginians don’t think there should be discrimination. They have admitted that the last three governors have had policies, either written or verbal, that they will not allow such discrimination. At no point has any actual evidence of discrimination been presented. Late last year the Washington Post editorialized that there are “thousands of homosexuals” working in state government.

Usually, the General Assembly passes legislation to remedy a problem. They often defeat legislation that, as is said, is a “solution in search of a problem.” That is exactly the problem with this legislation.

So what is the goal? It really is not about discrimination. It is about government recognition — acceptance — of the homosexual lifestyle. Make no mistake, this debate is a serious one and it will have long term consequences, not just for state government, but private businesses and, ultimately, our Marriage Amendment. The goal is not anti-discrimination — it is forced acceptance of a lifestyle that many Virginians find antithetical to their faith.

The rhetoric in the capitol today was heated and not very tolerant. It seems that those who oppose creating a special class for homosexuals are hateful and bigoted, which is an easy accusation to make when you have no other argument and no ability to make your case.

Our old friend Barry Lynn at Americans United for Separation of Truth from Reality Church and State has sent yet another letter to the IRS, this time asking for an investigation of Liberty University and, in doing so, takes a shot at none other than The Family Foundation. One thing is for sure, with Mr. Lynn in business, the U.S. Postal Service has no worries — letters will keep flying!

In his diatribe letter, Mr. Lynn states that The Family Foundation’s voter guide from the House of Delegates 23rd District race between former Delegate Shannon Valentine and current Delegate Scott Garrett, M.D., “was crafted to promote the candidacy of Garrett.”

Interesting. Let me see if I understand Mr. Lynn. Under his analysis, by pointing out that, as a delegate, Ms. Valentine voted in favor of funding Planned Parenthood and low income abortion, and in favor of censoring state police chaplains, somehow we stacked the deck against her. Of course, that must mean that Ms. Valentine’s position on those particular issues were not in line with the voters.

I always find it humorous when someone makes the claim that a voter guide “promotes” any candidate over another. After all, if a citizen of the 23rd House district who believes that taxpayers should fund Planned Parenthood and low income abortions, and that state police chaplains should be censored, got a copy of our voter guide, would it not have “promoted” Ms. Valentine?

Mr. Lynn apparently still lives under the delusion that his intimidation tactics are effective. I just want to let them know — they aren’t.

But keep sending those letters Barry! You might just get the U.S. Post Office out of the red.

That’s a loaded question. But it’s one The Truth Project wants you to be able to answer. So, you’re invited to experience this dynamic, inspiring and transformational event — not a random description, by the way, but one used repeatedly to convey what The Truth Project is.

Focus on the Family’s The Truth Project® is a DVD-based small group study that practically and personally introduces viewers to the truth claims of God. Now, The Family Foundation, in association with Focus on the Family, is pleased to offer another The Truth Project® group leader training. 

This dynamic training event will prepare you to lead this innovative small group curriculum, imparting a Biblical worldview into the lives of others. The event is open to everyone, especially small group ministers and leaders. We invite you to sign up today:

Saturday, March 20, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Hosted by RENEWANATION at Parkway House of Prayer

3230 King Street, Roanoke

Registration is $99.00 per individual or couple; only $50 for students (present a valid student id at door). The cost includes entire 8-disc DVD curriculum with Leader Training DVD.

Walk-up registration opens at 8:00 a.m. Even if it’s last minute, you are welcome to just come!

You can only get The Truth Project® DVDs by attending a training event or by completing the 13-week study. So, don’t miss this great opportunity. It may very well be the most transformational four hours of your life.

Click here to register online using our secure form.

Share this exciting event with a friend. Click here for a print-ready flyer.

For more information about The Truth Project®, click here to visit its Web site.

This past Wednesday marked the beginning of an amazing opportunity to impact our society for the glory of God and the protection of His children. From February 17 through March 28, a coalition of citizens across the nation will unite for a single cause — the abolition of abortion.

The 40 Days for Life campaign strives to open the eyes and hearts of neighborhoods and communities in order to transform individual lives, and thereby reverse our nation’s approach to the killing of innocents. The mission of this movement is “to bring together the body of Christ in a spirit of unity” in order to fulfill Christ’s promise in Matthew 18:20:

For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.

The means to achieve this goal are threefold:

» Prayer and Fasting: Inviting people of faith to join together for 40 days of fervent prayer and fasting for an end to abortion.

» Peaceful Constant Vigil: Standing for life through a 40-day peaceful public witness outside a local abortion center.

» Community Outreach: Taking a positive, upbeat pro-life message to every corner, through media efforts, church presentations, petition drives and public visibility.

The campaign in Virginia will focus on Alexandria, Fairfax, Richmond, Roanoke, and Virginia Beach. Click on each locality to get more information about the activities and how to participate in those areas — and to think when 40 Days For Life started two years ago, it was only in Richmond! 

I strongly encourage you to get involved in this movement. Time and time again, God has used the faithful few to contrive a beneficial change in their nations. However, not only must we ourselves become active — we must also tell others about this campaign. We must gather together as many people as possible in order to peaceably show abortion advocates and society in general that abortion is most certainly not an accepted practice in America. I urge you to inform your churches of this tremendous opportunity to serve the Lord and show His love to the world.

Although participating in the 40 Days for Life movement will incur a commitment of time and energy, The Family Foundation of Virginia believes that in light of the importance of the cause, the effort will be well worth it. I hope and pray that you will join us in supporting the value of human life, and in affirming the continued power of our great God in this nation!

Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council issued the letter below yesterday inviting conservatives to sign the Mount Vernon Statement, a proclamation in which the conservative movement reaffirms itself to America’s founding principles (see FRCBlog). A host of conservative leaders signed it in a ceremony yesterday (see FRC news release). Many are saying conservatives have tied themselves too closely with the Republican Party. Which may be true, but was that statement possible before the Tea Party movement? Now, there are options. Conservative movement stalwart Richard Viguerie offers his thoughts on his Conservative HQ Blog (here) while OneNewsNow covers the story here.

More than 100 conservative leaders joined together today to celebrate the release of the Mount Vernon Statement — a document in which the conservative movement has reaffirmed its commitment to Constitutional Conservatism and the principles of the Declaration of Independence: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This is a significant moment as social, fiscal, and national security conservatives joined together to declare the importance of working in partnership to defend our nation’s founding principles.

You can become part of history as well by signing the Mount Vernon Statement today.

Sign the Mount Vernon Statement today to stand with us on the historic principles of Constitutional Conservatism

Sincerely,

Tony Perkins

President

Monday, the Senate Courts of Justice Committee killed SB 56, legislation that would have restored the right of citizens invited to pray according to the dictates of their faith at government meetings. The legislation, patroned by Senator Steve Martin (R-11, Chesterfield), was defeated 9-6 on a near party line vote (see committee vote).

Last year, similar legislation was debated at length — in fact over two days, in the same committee. The proposal did not receive similar scrutiny this year as it was the final bill on the committee’s docket and was debated for only about 10 minutes as the meeting drew to a close. Despite evidence presented by The Family Foundation that no federal court case anywhere requires so-called “non-sectarian” prayers at government meetings, the majority of the committee chose to listen to the ACLU and other organizations that oppose the right of citizens to pray according to their conscience at public meetings. Similar legislation introduced this year in the House of Delegates was never debated in committee.

While we battle here at the General Assembly to ensure that our commonwealth’s public policy reflects the eternal values our forefathers enshrined in the constitution, a Richmond church will host a conference to remind folks of exactly that history. This Saturday, February 13, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., you have the opportunity to attend the In God We Trust Conference at Grove Avenue Baptist Church.

The conference’s speakers include:

» David Barton, Founder and President of Wallbuilders

» Richard Land, President of the Southern Baptist’s Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission

» Steven McDowell, co-founder of the Providence Foundation and President of its Biblical Worldview University

» Craig Parshall, the Senior Vice President and General Counsel for National Religious Broadcasters

Rarely are all of these great leaders in one place and this conference is not simply to remind you of the Biblical worldview of our Founding Fathers, but also to address the issues facing the church today. To help with this goal, we invite attendees to learn more about The Family Foundation and how to put their worldview to work for their family and their faith. Join us Saturday by purchasing your ticket, then stop by our table and say hello.

We recently announced our support for legislation that would create “In God We Trust License Plates.” In fact, it is one of our legislative priorities for this year’s General Assembly. The legislation will allow Virginians to publicly show their support for our nation’s motto on their licenses plate for the first time.

However, in order for the legislation to move ahead, we need to get 350 paid registrations for these specialty license plates. At this time we are well short of that number. We need your action today!

It is critical that you sign up and register for these plates as soon as possible, as debate over this legislation is fast approaching. The bills are patroned by, in the House, Delegate Dickie Bell (R-20, Staunton), (HB 75); and, in the Senate, by Senator Mark Obenshain (R-26, Harrisonburg), (SB 136). The application is linked below. Please forward this link to your friends, church members and others you think might be interested, or even print out the application and make it available at your church this Sunday. Just make sure they are returned as quickly as possible with a $10 check!

Click here to download your application and instructions.