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Thursday, 09 May 2013 13:02 |
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This News Update contains some of the key events from the past two weeks - and other relevant items.
If you're on Facebook, see our Facebook page - thanks for your 'Likes'! Peter has added some more photos with Bible verses, and the first of our 'Truth & Fiction' series.
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Australian News
1. ACT – Same-sex ‘marriage’ and ‘divorce’
ACT Attorney-General Simon Corbell says he is currently preparing a Bill to legalise same-sex ‘marriage’ in the ACT. But he acknowledges that a law passed by the ACT Legislative Assembly could be challenged by the federal government or in the High Court!
This reveals that it is all about politics – regardless of whether or not it will be ‘legal’, they are determined to push ahead anyway!
He noted that the Family Court could not rule on ‘divorces’ of any same-sex ‘marriage’ enacted in the ACT – homosexual couples would have to go to a normal ACT court if the ‘marriage’ failed.
Media report: Pressure on courts if gay ties fail, Canberra Times, 30/4/2013.
ACTION: If you live in the ACT, please contact your MPs to ask them to oppose this law – click here for contact details.
2. Marriage – letters needed…
During the week we sent out an E-News urging everyone to write a short letter to Tony Abbott and your MP (if they are in the Coalition) and Coalition Senators.
Thanks to those who have written – some have sent me a copy of their letter.
If you haven’t written yet, can I urge you to check out that email and write politely to them to encourage them to have a firm Coalition policy supporting marriage between a man and a woman – and to not have a ‘conscience vote’ on the issue.
PLEASE put the words 'Oppose same-sex marriage' in the subject line!
3. IREA to hold Islamic meeting at Melbourne Uni
Do you remember the ‘Peace Conference’ held in Melbourne a couple of months back? It was run by IREA – Islamic Research and Education Academy. We have photos of the banners that IREA displayed at the conference – calling for sharia law, supporting the amputation of hands for stealing, urging the wearing of the hijab to prevent rape and more!
Now IREA is planning a meeting at Melbourne Uni on Saturday 18 May – on ‘Jesus in the Bible and the Quran’. They promote it as an interfaith meeting – but the ONLY speaker is the man who runs IREA, Waseem Razvi! See promotion for meeting.
Why is Melbourne Uni hosting a meeting for a group that promotes sharia law and where the men and women are segregated (as they are at IREA meeting)?
4. Victoria - Abortion and conscience – Dr Mark Hobart
We heard Dr Mark Hobart speak at the recent Life Coalition Dinner. He spoke about how a couple had asked him for an abortion because they didn’t like the SEX of their child. He refused to refer them to another abortionist. At the end of April he went public and says he expects he may face sanctions under Victoria’s Abortion law. A second article outlined Dr Hobart’s views about abortion.
Media reports:
Melbourne doctor's abortion stance may be punished – Herald Sun, 28/4/2013.
Dr Mark Hobart, who refused couple abortion for wanting a boy, believes abortion is murder – Adelaide Now, 29/4/2013.
Our colleague, Murray McLeod-Boyle of Reformation Ministries has written an insightful response: Of Designer Babies and Murderous Acts!
5. Tasmania – Legislative Council elect-ees support traditional marriage
Last weekend there was an election for THREE Tasmanian legislative Council seats. Despite a huge campaign by the same-sex ‘marriage’ lobby, ALL three people elected support traditional marriage between a man and a woman!
Family Voice reported, “Independent MLC Jim Wilkinson held his seat in Nelson with 52 per cent of the first preference vote. Liberal Vanessa Goodwin was returned with 51 per cent in Pembroke. In the seat of Montgomery, new Liberal candidate Leonie Hiscutt won against the local mayor, 56 to 44 per cent on a two-party preferred basis.”
In recent Council elections in the UK, the Conservative Party lost a number of seats.
This is being seen as a backlash for the Conservative Party’s support for same-sex ‘marriage’.
It just shows that not all the people are persuaded by the same-sex ‘marriage’ lobby! The Coalition and the conservatives need to take note.
6. Gene Robinson visit promotes same-sex ‘marriage’
Last week we mentioned that Bishop Gene Robinson, the US Episcopalian bishop who is a homosexual with a male partner, is visiting Australia to promote same-sex ‘marriage’ later this month. Here are some details about the visit…
Gene Robinson will promote his 2012 book, “God Believes in Love: Straight Talk About Gay Marriage”.
In Sydney, he is speaking at Paddington Uniting Church, and holding two ecumenical worship services (at Pitt St Uniting Church and Paddington Uniting Church).
In Melbourne he is doing a ‘book signing’ at a homosexual bookshop, then holding an ecumenical form for clergy and church leaders, titled, “Diverse Sexuality and Gender in our Churches” at the UCA Centre for Theology and Ministry. Several Christians who support same sex ‘marriage’ are participating – Matt Glover, Bishop John McIntyre – as well as a minister from the (homosexual) Metropolitan Community Church. He then has a Public Forum, a Gala Dinner (with Rodney Croome) and another ecumenical church service!
Read his schedule at http://www.generobinsonvisit.org.au/ (Click on ‘Events’).
7. Rev Fred Nile announces his engagement
Congratulations to Fred Nile, the leader of the Christian Democratic Party and the longest serving Member of the NSW Legislative Council, on his engagement to Silvana Nero, a 55 year old Italian teacher and mother of three.
Miranda Devine has an empathetic article where they share how they met…
Article: Second coming of love for Fred Nile, Daily Telegraph, 4/5/2013
8. Bestiality – what was that about a ‘slippery slope’?
When Senator Cory Bernardi even mentioned the word bestiality when opposing same-sex ‘marriage’ he lost his position in the Coalition.
But a new Foxtel program - Studio channel’s ‘Festival of WTF!’ - features a scene of a man having sex with a pig. Not only was it in the program but a BILLBOARD in Kings Cross in Sydney showed that scene. When the ACL complained, Foxtel removed the billboard. They said it was ‘intended to provoke’. Their statement said “Foxtel regrets any offence that has been caused.”
Then it appears Foxtel planned to promote the same program in The Age’s Saturday Life & Style section (perhaps with the same image?). Following the controversy, thousands of copies were pulped at the request of the Foxtel Studio channel – and at their expense!
Andrew Bolt reports: Barbarians of the media - Andrew Bolt – Friday, May, 03, 2013.
Meanwhile, in New Zealnad, just weeks after they legalised same-sex 'marriage' there are groups calling for legal recognition of polyamorous relationships! And a Christian group that opposed same-sex 'marriage' is facing losing their charity status. Read Bill Muehlenberg's report.
9. Australia’s first Muslim MP
A few weeks back, media reports trumpeted the news that Australia’s first Muslim MP will sit in the NSW Legislative Council later this year. Dr Mehreen Faruqi – an academic at UNSW - will replace Cate Faehrmann when she leaves to contest a seat in the Senate at the federal election.
Our question was, ‘How will she reconcile Islamic beliefs with the policies of the Greens?’
Keysar Trad, a prominent Muslim, asked the same question, pointing out the Greens policies on accepting homosexuality and supporting same-sex ‘marriage’!
Article: Muslim Green set for tough test, The Australian, 8/4/2013
10. Federal Government – MORE taxes – and NO tax cuts
In the lead up to the federal Budget, the federal Labor government continues to announce that the financial situation is increasingly dire.
For instance, the AFR reports, “Federal Treasury has told the Gillard government that weaker revenues will slice $12 billion from the budget bottom line this financial year, but the Prime Minister says the government must continue with plans for big increases in education and disability spending.”
The federal government has now announced that the Medicare levy will be increased to pay for PART of the new ‘Disability care’ program. No information about where the REST of the money is coming from!
This week the government announced that the promised 2015 tax cut, to compensate for the carbon tax, will NOT be given – unless the European carbon price ‘recovers’ to more than $25 a tonne. The government had previously announced that the carbon ‘trading scheme’ would be linked to the European scheme – but the carbon price there has now collapsed to under $5 a tonne! That leaves another huge ‘black hole’ in the federal budget.
Overseas News
1. USA: Rhode Island and Delaware legalise same-sex ‘marriage'
The state of Rhode Island became the tenth state in the USA to legalise same-sex ‘marriage’ last week. The House passed the Bill in January and the Senate passed it two weeks ago. The final wording was passed by the House on Thursday 2 May and was immediately signed into law by Governor Lincoln Chafee.
The state of Delaware also voted this week to legalise same-sex ‘marriage’ – the House voted to support the Bill two weeks ago – and the Senate voted on 7 May by 12 votes to 9 to support same-sex ‘marriage’.
Sources: Media report and media report. Delaware vote – click here.
2. USA: Kansas passes law that says ‘life begins at fertilization’
A great pro-life law passed in Kansas! The Kansas Governor, Sam Brownback, has signed a law, passed by both Houses of parliament, which supports life. The Bill will block tax breaks for abortion providers, ban sex-selection abortions and declare that life begins “at fertilization.” The Governor said, “All human life is sacred. It’s beautiful. With this, we continue to build this culture of life in our state.”
Media report: Kansas Gov. Brownback Signs Into Law Bill Declaring Life Begins ‘At Fertilization’, April 19, 2013.
3. Northern Ireland: NI Assembly rejects same-sex ‘marriage’ motion
The Northern Ireland Assembly has rejected a motion to call for gay marriage to be recognised in the Province by 53 votes to 42. A similar motion was defeated last October by 50 votes to 45. Read report at Lifesite.
4. USA: Emergency contraception – VERY GOOD statement from medical group
In our Weekly Update on 26 April, we reported that a US Federal Court judge had ruled that the ‘morning after pill’ should be sold ‘over the counter by pharmacists to girls as young as 13.
The American College of Pediatricians, a pro-life group, has released a statement opposing the extended availability of ‘emergency contraception’ to adolescents. They warn of the potency of the drugs and the problem of parents not being informed.
The College explains these issues more fully in its newly updated position statement, "Emergency Contraception: Not Best for Adolescents."
Report from Lifesite News – click here.
Full statement from ACPEDS – click here.
The largest body for pediatricians in the USA, the American Academy of Pediatrics, has somewhat different views – they actually support ‘advance prescribing’ of emergency contraception for teenagers! (Policy statement) And they recently made a statement fully supporting same-sex ‘marriage’! Media report – Statement.
5. Anglican Church – GAFCON Anglican meeting
The Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans (GFCA) is holding a second meeting, called GAFCON (Global Anglican Future Conference) in Nairobi, Kenya from 21st-26th October 2013. The theme is ‘Making Disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.’ The first GAFCON meeting was held in Jerusalem in 2008.
GAFCON was set up to provide a forum for conservative Anglicans around the world who object to the increasing liberalism in the Anglican Church – in particular, the acceptance of homosexuality and the ordination of homosexual priests and bishops.
The General Secretary of the GFCA is Sydney Archbishop, Peter Jensen.
Read a report about the upcoming GAFCON meeting.
6. UK: Church of England affirms a transsexual
A Church of England has affirmed a man’s sex change. The man, now known has Susan Musgrove, has been married three times and has two children and two grandchildren – and first started attending a ‘gender clinic’ in 2009.
Article: ‘First ever’ C of E service to affirm transsexual, Christian Institute, 3/5/2013.
On the Issues
Abortion: Miranda Devine – ‘The reality of abortion is exposed’
Miranda Devine wrote an insightful article highlighting the realities of abortion – she mentions the Dr Mark Hobart case and includes an analysis of the trial of abortionist Kermit Gosnell which is currently underway in the USA. He is accused of murdering four babies who were born alive after abortions.
Article: The reality of abortion is exposed, Sunday Telegraph, 5/5/2013.
Coming Events
1. World Congress of Families – NEXT WEEK!
Sydney- May 15-18. Click here for the Sydney WCF website.
We look forward to seeing you at the Conference.
Homosexual activists have criticised the Congress – the head of WCF responded – click here.
2. National Day of Thanksgiving – Saturday 25 May, 2013
The NDOT website has information, events and resources.
Ongoing Campaigns
1. Federal anti-discrimination law – Inquiry - sexual orientation and gender identity
The Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee is now considering submissions – their Report is due to be tabled in the Senate by 17 June, 2013.
Click here for our Campaign page. Click here for the Senate Inquiry website.
2. SA: Prostitution Bill - please contact MPs
The ‘Prostitution Bill’ will be introduced on 16 May, 2013.
ACTION: If you live in SA, please contact your MPs in both Houses and ask them to oppose this Prostitution Bill. Click here for MP Contact details.
3. NSW: Same-sex ‘marriage’ – please contact MPs
If you live in NSW, please contact your MPs in both Houses (one in Legislative Assembly, ALL in Legislative Council) and ask them to vote AGAINST the proposed same-sex ‘marriage’ legislation’. Click here for MP contact details.
4. SA - Euthanasia Bill being debated in the SA Lower house
The euthanasia Bill proposed by Bob Such is in the House of Assembly.
ACTION: If you live in South Australia, please contact your MP in the House of Assembly and ask them to vote AGAINST this Bill. Then contact ALL members in the Legislative Council and ask them to vote against it.
Click here for SA MPs names and contact details. |
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Friday, 26 April 2013 09:12 |
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 Another eventful week.. .
Australian News
1. SA - Euthanasia Bill being debated in the SA Lower house
The euthanasia Bill proposed by Bob Such is still being considered in the House of Assembly.
The debate RESUMES NEXT WEEK - on 2 May, 2013.
A vote will be held soon after that.
Our sources tell us that the vote is VERY close – so it is really important that you contact your MP on this, to ask them to vote against the Bill!
ACTION: If you live in South Australia, please contact your MP in the House of Assembly and ask them to vote AGAINST this Bill. Then contact ALL members in the Legislative Council and ask them to vote against it.
Click here for SA MPs names and contact details.
2. ANZAC Day – remembering the sacrifice of others
A record crowd of 50,000 people attended the Dawn Service at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne on 25 April – to remember the sacrifice of men, and women, who served our nation to protect the freedoms we have today. Reports say 30,000 attended the Dawn service in Canberra – and thousands lined the streets in cities around Australia to support those participating in Anzac Day marches.
Watch News report/read article on the Melbourne Dawn Service.
The Defence Forces opened up combat roles to women in January 2013 – but less than 20 have taken up the roles so far according to the ADF (report).
3. Qantas faces a legal challenge over ‘imprisonment’
A group of aboriginal men is taking legal action against Qantas – claiming they were falsely imprisoned when Qantas removed them from a flight. Qantas says they responded to their behaviour, and acted to protect the safety of passengers. Qantas will defend the claim in court – they also deny any claims of ‘discrimination’ – saying ALL passengers are treated equally.
Media report: Qantas to fight 'false imprisonment' claim
4. Tax Office and Immigration co-operate to investigate ‘fraud and visa rorts’
“THE Department of Immigration will hand over the records of one million temporary visa holders to the Australian Tax Office to identify fraud and visa rorts, in a massive data-matching operation. The exercise will target the holders of 27 temporary visa types including skilled “457 visa” workers, students, backpackers and foreign sports people playing in Australian competitions…
Read report: Foreign workers in fraud crackdown, The Australian, 25/4/2013.
Overseas News
1. France legalises same-sex ‘marriage’
France has become the fourteenth nation to legalise same-sex ‘marriage’.
On April 9 the French Senate passed the same-sex ‘marriage’ Bill, which allows marriage between any two people and also allows adoption, by a vote of 179 to 157 (media report, Speigel). There were some amendments, so the Bill then returned to the House of Assembly – where the final vote was 331 to 225.
Politicians for the opposition parties have already lodged a constitutional legal challenge – the Constitutional Council has a month to make a ruling. Opponents are calling on French President Francois Hollande not to sign the Bill and are calling for a referendum.
Media report: France legalises gay marriage - From: AFP April 24, 2013.
2. Two Syrian bishops kidnapped – please pray
Two bishops – the Syriac Orthodox and Greek Orthodox Archbishops of Aleppo, Yohanna Ibrahim and Paul Yazigi - were kidnapped in Syria on Moday by armed rebels.
The two bishops had ‘warned of the threat to religious tolerance and diversity from the two-year conflict in their country’. They were carrying out humanitarian work in the village of Kfar Dael in Aleppo. A Syriac member of the opposition Syrian National Coalition, Abdulahad Steifo, said the men had been kidnapped on the road to Aleppo from the rebel-held Bab al Hawa crossing with Turkey.
Read Reuters media report - Syria says two bishops kidnapped by rebels
Please pray for the bishops and for their release.
3. USA: Morning after pill available to 13 year old girls
A US Federal Court judge, Edward Korman, has ruled that the ‘Morning After Pill’ must be sold over the counter to anyone who asks for it. This means any 13-year-old girl will be able to buy the morning after pill (Plan B). The drug is abortifacient, since the purpose is to kill the tiny embryo if the girl has become pregnant. Up until now there have been age restrictions in the USA on supplying the drug over the counter.
Stephen Mosher, of the Population Research Institute notes that, with this ruling, 13 year olds can obtain the drug and no one, including her parents, need ever know. He says, “If the FDA makes no appeal (and odds are the Obama administration won’t appeal), the ruling will stand.”
Read the PRI Media Release
4. Boston bombing – report sent by email
There are lots of stories about the Boston bombings. Our email this week looked at the connection between those accused of the bombings and a controversial Muslim cleric in Australia. If you missed that email, you can read it online here.
5. Earthquakes in China and Afghanistan
Please pray for those affected by the earthquakes in China and Afghanistan – and for the families of those who have died.
Read reports on China and Afghanistan.
On the Issues
1. Homosexuality – faith, sexual orientation and suicide
A recent article in The Age reported on the death of a young man by suicide. He was a homosexual, and some people quoted in the article attributed his death to the ‘non-acceptance’ of homosexuality by the church. The article quoted Anthony Venn-Brown and Matt Glover as supporting the man in his homosexuality.
The article criticised Mosaic Ministries, a support group for those wanting to deal with homosexual feelings. The man had sought help from them – but not seen them for more than 2½ years - in recent times he was being counselled by Matt Glover.
The article: When faith and sexuality collide - The Age – April 14, 2013.
Please pray for Mosaic Ministries, for Carol Hardy and for those who help people who want to deal with same-sex attraction.
2. Transsexuality – transsexual women 49 times more likely to have HIV
The Lancet Infectious Diseases, a medical Journal, has published a meta-analysis on HIV infection rates in transgender women. They analysed studies from around the world, found that they are 49 times more likely to have HIV infection compared to adults in the general population.
The meta-analysis also found that the ‘pooled HIV prevalence for transgender women was 19.1%’ – that is, almost 20% of transgender women have HIV.
Read the abstract of the study: Worldwide burden of HIV in transgender women: a systematic review and meta-analysis
The study was reported on the Parakelo website – operated by our friend Keith Tiller who runs a ministry that helps people with gender identity problems and concerns. Click here to visit Keith’s Parakeleo website.
Ongoing Campaigns
1. Federal anti-discrimination law – Inquiry - sexual orientation and gender identity Bill – SUBMISSIONS CLOSE 26 APRIL…
Submissions for this Inquiry CLOSE TODAY - FRIDAY 26 APRIL 2013.
If you haven’t already done so, please make a submission/write a letter to the Senate Inquiry on this Bill, which would add ‘sexual orientation’ and ‘gender identity’ as ‘protected grounds’ to anti-discrimination law.
Send your submission/letter to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Click here for the Inquiry website.
Click here for our Campaign page – we’ve added a few KEY POINTS that you can include in your short letter/submission.
2. SA: Prostitution Bill - please contact MPs
The ‘Prostitution Bill’ will be introduced on 16 May, 2013.
ACTION: If you live in SA, please contact your MPs in both Houses and ask them to oppose this Prostitution Bill.
Click here for MP Contact details.
3. NSW: Same-sex ‘marriage’ – please contact MPs
If you live in NSW, please contact your MPs in both Houses (one in Legislative Assembly, ALL in Legislative Council) and ask them to vote AGAINST the proposed same-sex ‘marriage’ legislation’.
Click here for MP contact details. |
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Friday, 19 April 2013 13:39 |
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 Below are some of the highlights of the week. Perhaps we should say the ‘low-lights’ because the Tasmanian lower House passed the ‘abortion up to birth’ Bill that criminalises anyone who protests within 150 metres of an abortion clinic (with 1 year jail terms) as well as huge fines for counsellors who refuse to refer a patient to a PRO-abortion counsellor!
Then the New Zealand parliament voted to legalise same-sex ‘marriage’! With the tragic bombing in Boston it has been an eventful week. This week we have fewer items but more details...
Australian News
1. Tasmania – Abortion law PASSED by House of Assembly
The revised abortion law, euphemistically called the Reproductive Health Bill, was rushed into parliament, debated and voted on this week. The lower house, the House of Assembly, voted in favour of the Bill by 13 votes to 9 votes.
ALL 10 Liberal MPs voted against the Bill – along with ONE Labor MP, Michael Polley, the brother of Tasmanian pro-life Senator Helen Polley. All Greens MPs voted FOR the Bill.
The vote hinged on three Labor MPs – Attorney General Brian Wightman, Brenton Best and Graeme Sturges. Unfortunately, all three eventually voted for the Bill.
Some changes were made to the original draft Bill to try and gain more support – including dropping the time for a woman to choose for herself to have an abortion from 24 weeks to 16 weeks – abortions are allowed after 16 weeks if two doctors say it is medically, psychologically or socio-economically justified. The fine for counsellors who don’t refer to a pro-abortion counsellor has been halved – but is still huge - $32,500!
The current Tasmanian law already allows abortion so long as two doctors (including one ob/gyn) decide that the risk of continuing the pregnancy is greater than the risk of having an abortion – the law said that the woman has to be given counselling and must give informed consent. This Bill is all about allowing abortions for ANY reason – it removes the notions of counselling and ‘informed’ consent. It is all about crushing pro-life counselling services and stopping objections to abortion.
The NEXT step - The Bill will not be debated in the Legislative Council until after the May election. Our sources tell us the debate is likely to occur in June.
ACTION: If you live in Tasmania, please contact your Member in the Legislative Council. Click here for contact details.
Media reports: Mercury - Examiner – Advocate on Legislative Council vote
2. Tasmania – same-sex adoption law passed by lower House
Whilst everyone in Tasmania was preoccupied with lobbying against the proposed draconian abortion law, the Tasmanian House of Assembly has passed a law to allow homosexual couples to adopt children.
Since 2003 (at the same time the Relationship Register was legalised) same-sex couples have been able to adopt KNOWN children. This NEW law would allow them to adopt ANY children, if they are in a registered relationship.
Only FOUR MPs voted against the Bill – congratulations to Liberals Rene Hidding, Jacquie Petrusma, Michael Ferguson and Mark Shelton. Unfortunately Liberal Leader Will Hodgman voted for the Bill. ALL Labor and Greens MPs voted for the Bill.
ACTION: The Bill now goes to the Legislative Council. If you live in Tasmania, please contact your Member and ask them to vote AGAINST this Bill to protect the rights of children to have a mother and a father.
Click here for Tasmanian MP details.
Media reports – click here and here.
Overseas News
1. New Zealand votes FOR same-sex ‘marriage’
New Zealand has become the thirteenth nation to legalise same-sex ‘marriage’. The vote, on Wednesday night, was 77 to 44. The Bill was sponsored by Labour MP Louisa Wall – who is a lesbian.
Immediately, Australian Marriage Equality, the main advocates for same-sex ‘marriage’ in Australia, called on Australia to follow suit (media release). They claimed that Australian homosexuals would go to New Zealand to ‘marry’ and Australia would miss out on the money they would spend on ‘weddings’. They also called on Tony Abbott to allow a conscience vote for Coalition MPs (this is one of their ongoing campaigns!). Homosexual journalists are writing profusely (see Steve Dow at The Age) and the media are running online polls.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard said she still supported marriage remaining only between a man and a woman (but she supports a conscience vote). Tony Abbott said the matter was ‘decisively defeated’ last year. Unfortunately NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell has said TODAY that he now supports same-sex ‘marriage’ and is calling for Tony Abbott to give a conscience vote!
Media reports:
Same-sex marriage law passed, NZ Herald, 17/4/2013.
Gillard, Abbott unmoved by NZ gay marriage vote, The Age, 18/4/2013.
O'Farrell comes out for same-sex marriage, SMH, 19/4/2013.
If you didn’t read our post earlier this week on other countries passing similar laws, read it here.
2. USA: Florist SUED for NOT providing flowers for homosexual ‘wedding’
A florist in Washington state, in the USA, is being sued because she refused to provide flowers for a homosexual wedding. Apparently a long-time customer asked her to provide flowers for his same-sex ‘wedding’ – she declined, saying her Christian faith and ‘relationship with Jesus’ meant she could not do so.
Of particular concern in this case is the fact that the STATE of Washington is suing her (not the man himself). She faces fines of thousands of dollars for ‘allegedly violating the state's Consumer Protection Act. According to the state’s Attorney- General, Bob Ferguson, "If a business provides a product or service to opposite-sex couples for their weddings, then it must provide same-sex couples the same product or service."
Read Christian Post media report.
They’re not the only ones - back in February 2013, a baker in Oregon, USA, refused to provide a cake for a same-sex ‘marriage’ – and the owners are now subject to a complaint – which could result in a $50, 000 fine!
Media report: Oregon baker refuses wedding cake to gay couple
In Canada, these sorts of complaints are now commonplace – in June 2012, Michael Coren reported that, in the five years since same-sex marriage was legalised in Canada there had been between 200 and 300 LEGAL proceedings against people who objected in various ways – read his article.
3. UK - Equality Commission’s Guidelines on rights for children and homosexuals
The UK’s Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) enforces equality law, and has the power to haul individuals and organisations off to court. It has produced new guidelines for how to deal with employees’ beliefs in the workplace.
The UK’s Christian Institute concludes, “Gay rights are more important than the belief that children need both a mum and a dad, the equality regulator has suggested….” Read the Christian Institute report.
4. USA: Ben Carson on same-sex ‘marriage’
Ben Carson, a neurosurgeon at Johns Hopkins Hospital in the USA, has stepped down as the ‘commencement speaker’ for the Johns Hopkins University.
Ben is a Christian – I read his compelling autobiography about his work some years back. He gained national US media attention in February 2013, when he was the Speaker at the National Prayer Breakfast in the USA. He openly criticized President Barack Obama’s ‘approach to health care and his overall management of the nation’s economy’ – and the President was in the audience!
In late March, in an interview on Hannity, he was asked about his position on same-sex ‘marriage’. Ben Carson said he didn’t support same-sex ‘marriage’ – and went further… He said, "My thoughts are that marriage is between a man and a woman. It's a well-established, fundamental pillar of society and no group, be they gays, be they NAMBLA, be they people who believe in bestiality – it doesn't matter what they are – they don't get to change the definition.”
Since then he has been criticised by liberals, and some at his university, and accused of ‘equating’ homosexuals with pedophiles and those who engage in bestiality. In the end, he apologised for his comments. Now he has decided to not give the commencement address, saying he didn’t want to “distract from the celebratory nature of the day. Commencement is about the students and their successes, and it is not about me.”
The comments reminded us of those made by Australian Senator Cory Bernardi, who mentioned that other groups might also want ‘marriage’ rights – the polyamory community and maybe those who engage in bestiality. Within a few months, a new polyamory lobby was formed in Australia to lobby for ‘marriage’!
Sources:
Ben Carson Steps Down as Johns Hopkins Commencement Speaker, Christian Post, 11/4/2013.
Ben Carson endures predictable liberal assault, Standard, 14/4/2013.
5. UK – Teacher loses in High Court for statements on homosexuality
Christian Concern reports, “A Science teacher who was barred from teaching after expressing his beliefs on sexual ethics in the classroom has lost his case in the High Court. Robert Haye (43) was dismissed from Deptford Green School after he commented that homosexual practice was a “sin” when responding to questions posed by his Year 11 pupils…”
Read their report.
On the Issues
Bullying – ‘gays trump Christians, Muslims trump gays’
Interesting article, by free speech advocate Ezra Levant, on whose rights will prevail… If you saw the recent Q& A on religious issues, you’ll have an idea of what he means! The Muslim on the panel said things a Christian would have been castigated for saying…
Religious bullying: In today’s politically correct pecking order, gays trump Christians and Muslims trump gays - Toronto Sun, Canada. 13/4/2013.
Coming Events
1. World Congress of Families – BOOK NOW!
Sydney- May 15-18. Click here for the Sydney WCF website.
Don’t forget to use the promotional codes to get a 20% discount.
2. National Day of Thanksgiving – Saturday 25 May, 2013
The NDOT website has information, events and resources.
Ongoing Campaigns
1. Federal anti-discrimination law – Inquiry - sexual orientation and gender identity Bill
Please make a submission/write a letter to the Senate Inquiry on this Bill, which would add ‘sexual orientation’ and ‘gender identity’ as ‘protected grounds’ to anti-discrimination law.
Submissions close on FRIDAY 26 April, 2013.
Click here for the Inquiry website.
Click here for our Campaign page with ideas for your submission.
2. Medicare for sex-selection abortion – Submissions close 24 April
Submissions for this Inquiry close on 24 April – click here for our Campaign page which has full details and links to the Inquiry website.
3. SA: Prostitution Bill - please contact MPs
The ‘Prostitution Bill’ will be introduced on 16 May, 2013.
ACTION: If you live in SA, please contact your MPs in both Houses and ask them to oppose this Prostitution Bill.
Click here for MP Contact details.
4. NSW: Same-sex ‘marriage’ – please contact MPs
If you live in NSW, please contact your MPs in both Houses (one in Legislative Assembly, ALL in Legislative Council) and ask them to vote AGAINST the proposed same-sex ‘marriage’ legislation’.
Click here for MP contact details. |
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Friday, 12 April 2013 17:47 |
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This week - a major development in the Tasmanian abortion legislation...
Australian News
1. Tasmania – REVISED abortion Bill NOW in the parliament – EVEN WORSE!
Tasmanian’s Health Minister Michelle O’Byrne has tabled a revised abortion Bill in Tasmania’s House of Assembly yesterday. The original draft was the subject of a ‘Consultation’ by a government department – but no submissions were published or report tabled.
Now a NEW, REVISED Bill is in the House of Assembly and could be debated as EARLY AS NEXT TUESDAY!
FamilyVoice has analysed the new Bill – in particular, they say that, as well as the previously proposed penalising of people who go within 150 metres of an abortion clinic with fines of $65,000 and a year in jail, the revised Bill ADDS the power for “police to demand that people they “reasonably believe are protesting” state their name and address, and if they don’t they may be arrested without warrant.
If you live in Tasmania, please contact your FIVE MPs in the House of Assembly AND your one MP in the Legislative Council NOW!
Click here for Tasmanian MP contact details.
Three more things to DO…
* A NEW petition has been started in response to the revised bill. Even if you have signed the first petition, please sign the new online petition as well. BY MONDAY!
* There is a vigil in Hobart (gather at Parliament Gardens) and Launceston (outside Michelle O’Byrne’s office) on Tuesday from 12.30 to 1.30 pm!
* Spread the word to friends in Tasmania.
2. Qantas bans pork in airline meals to ‘appease’ Islam
In another example of appeasement, Qantas has banned pork from its in flight menu on flights to Europe. Apparently they have an agreement with Emirates, and they have a stop-over in Dubai. The agreement requires them to serve meals that do not contain pork or alcohol. In addition, in-flight announcements will be followed by a translation in Arabic.
Apparently Qantas already has a ‘no pork or alcohol’ policy for meals on flights to Jakarta in Indonesia.
And they’re not the only airline that bans pork on flights stopping in the Middle East: Virgin’s flights to and from Abu Dhabi don’t serve pork – and the meals are also ‘halal accredited’!
Article: Pigs can't fly - Qantas bans pork on in-flight menu to respect Islam
3. Halal – Baw Baw Shire facilitates the promotion of ‘halal’ products
The Baw Baw Shire (Vic) wants to expand the halal food market – their website has a special page promoting halal food in their region – in fact, they’ve been doing it since 2005! The Baw Baw Shire website says, “Baw Baw Shire Council has an on-going commitment to the promotion of halal opportunities to its businesses and facilitation of access to domestic and export markets.”
So now rate-payers are paying for the facilitation of Islamic halal certification and promotion!
4. Australian governments commit to counter ‘FGM’ – female circumcision
A national Summit to address and counter the use of female genital mutilation (FGM) was held on 9 April with “representatives of State and Territory governments as well as non-government organisations, community groups and professional bodies.”
We applaud the strong statement that was made to oppose FGM – which is often practiced in some Islamic communities and some African communities.
The Statement from the Summit says, in part, “Discussion focused on actions that can be taken to ensure that FGM is not practiced in Australia, to support women and girls arriving and settling in Australia, and to bring about elimination of the practice globally. All participants agreed to build on efforts to best support women and girls in Australia affected by FGM, and prevent it from occurring to a new generation.
Australia recognises the practice of FGM as a violation of the human rights of girls and women.”
Read the Summit’s statement – click here.
Overseas News
1. Netherlands: Court allows pro-pedophile group to continue operating
Last year a Dutch court ordered the ‘Martijn Foundation’ to disband because it was advocating for the legalisation of sex with children. According to media reports, the group’s website actually said the group provides “a platform for discussion of paedophilia”.
But an appeals court has now overturned the decision, saying the organisation was not actually breaking any laws – they were just ‘talking about’ promoting pedpophilia and the legalisation of sex with children.
Article: Ban lifted on pro-paedophilia group in The Netherlands, Independent, 3/4/2013.
2. USA: Connecticut stops euthanasia law
Some good news! Last week, Connecticut was considering a euthanasia, or ‘assisted suicide’ Bill. The Public Health Committee could have voted to allow the Bill to be debated by the legislature. But the Committee didn’t take a vote, meaning the Bill dies in Committee and won’t go to the legislature.
Peter Wolfgang, President of the Family Institute of Connecticut, explained that they had a very good public hearing presenting the dangers of the proposed law. He highlighted the importance of a press conference that included Prof. Stephen Mikochick, the national disability law expert who testified against Assisted Suicide – as well as the fact that voters contacted their politicians! Read Life News’ report.
3. UK: Bedford Council backs nil policy for sex clubs
Bedford Council has unanimously voted for a Borough-wide ‘nil’ policy in relation to sex establishments. The decision means that if applications for sex clubs are made in the future, the Council is in a much stronger position to refuse them.
Christian Concern (UK) is ‘greatly encouraged’ by the decision. They say, “The Council’s unanimous vote sends out a clear message about the unsuitability of such premises…” In recent years, applications for ‘sex establishments’ have been refused in Oxford, Maidstone and London. The objectors have all been supported by Christian Concern. Read their report.
4. Singapore – High Court and ‘criminalisation’ of homosexual sex
Singapore’s High Court has handed down a ruling on a petition brought by two homosexuals seeking the repeal of a law that makes homosexual acts between two men illegal. The law is not actively enforced, but activists see it as the ‘lightning rod’ for reform. The Court ruled that it is not their role to make such changes to the law – it is the role of the legislature. The Court is still considering another case about whether the law is constitutional.
Media report: Setback for gay rights in Singapore, AAP, 10/4/2013.
On the issues
1. Life in the womb – stunning new 3D ultrasound images
An amazing development in technology now allows amazingly clear views of life in the womb. The new software, developed by Dr Bernard Benoit, ‘takes a conventional 3D ultrasound scan and adds colour, skin texture, lighting and shadows.’ A 4D version allows parents to see the baby smiling and kicking in real time.
Click here to view the amazing photos and video at the Daily Mail. The story was then reported by Lifesite.
2. Pornography – protecting women, gaining freedom
In this compelling article, Jonathan Welton describes how, whilst he was a youth pastor, his youth group succeeded in closing down a strip club in Chicago that was illegally allowing in minors.. He goes on to talk about gaining freedom over pornography, and importantly, protecting those who are exploited by pornography. He says, “We are not predators, we are protectors.”
Read the article: She is Worth Protecting – posted on Rogue Theologian.
Coming Events
See our email earlier this week… BOOK NOW!
1. Life Dinner – Sat 20 April. North Fitzroy.
Cost: $80/ $60 concession
2. World Congress of Families
Sydney- May 15-18? Click here for the Sydney WCF website.
Don’t forget to use the promotional codes to get a 20% discount.
3. National Day of Thanksgiving – Saturday 25 May, 2013
The NDOT website has information, events and resources.
Ongoing Campaigns
1. Federal anti-discrimination law – Inquiry - sexual orientation and gender identity Bill
Please make a submission to the Senate Inquiry on this Bill, which would add ‘sexual orientation’ and ‘gender identity’ as ‘protected grounds’ to anti-discrimination law.
Submissions close on FRIDAY 26 April, 2013.
Click here for the Inquiry website.
Click here for our Campaign page.
2. Medicare for sex-selection abortion – Submissions close 24 April
Submissions for this Inquiry close on 24 April
– click here for our Campaign page which has full details and links to the Inquiry website.
We’ll be sending out some additional information next week to help you address the specific terms of reference.
3. SA: Prostitution Bill - please contact MPs
The ‘Prostitution Bill’ will be introduced on 16 May, 2013.
ACTION: If you live in SA, please contact your MPs in both Houses and ask them to oppose this Prostitution Bill.
Click here for MP Contact details.
4. NSW: Same-sex ‘marriage’ – please contact MPs
If you live in NSW, please contact your MPs in both Houses (one in Legislative Assembly, ALL in Legislative Council) and ask them to vote AGAINST the proposed same-sex ‘marriage’ legislation’.
Click here for MP contact details. |
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