As every parent knows, children are exposed to sexual messages, images, and themes at increasingly younger ages. This certainly happens through media and culture, but social media, school curriculum and controversial medical interventions are also leading drivers of child sexualization.

But thankfully, many diverse individuals and groups are joining together, recognizing the need to protect our children from becoming targets for early sexualization.

Family Policy Alliance is committed to partnering with our friends at The Heritage Foundation, our state family policy council allies, feminists with Women’s Liberation Front, medical professionals, policy experts, concerned parents, lawyers, lawmakers, faith leaders, and more to develop solutions that protect children from sexualization in culture, education, and healthcare. Each of us brings our own strengths that we hope to leverage, working together to protect the most vulnerable.

We would like to invite you to join this group committed to protecting children from sexualization. One way to get involved is by attending an upcoming event called the Summit on Protecting Children from Sexualization.

The event will be held at the Heritage Foundation on October 9th in Washington, D.C. But, for those who don’t live in that area, the event will be livestreamed here.

Here is your invitation with all the details:

Who’s Invited:
You! And anyone who cares about how children are being sexualized, but especially parents.

When:
Wednesday, October 9th, from 9:00AM – 12:00PM Eastern Time

Where:
In person: The Heritage Foundation, Washington D.C.
Live online: Click Here

RSVP:
RSVP to attend in person OR online HERE

 The panelists will discuss the problems faced by parents and children, educators, and medical professionals and highlight why it’s critical to preserve parental rights, freedom of conscience, and free speech in order to protect children from unwanted sexualization. Please join us for these important conversations!

We hope to see you there or join us for the livestream!

 

The Family Policy Alliance Team

As students return to the classroom this week, the battle for the minds of the emerging generation is escalating. The sexual agenda of activist groups and leftist educators must be exposed and restrained. Their attempt to indoctrinate children to reject God’s objective creative order and replace it with subjective undefined identities is a serious social overreach that has parents, pastors and teachers troubled. The moral revolutionaries’ endless obsession with sexuality is unhealthy and unnecessary.

New Jersey Family Policy Council, in partnership with engaged parents and local elected officials, is on the frontlines advocating for parental rights and conscience protections for your children and grandchildren.

This month our team has, or will:

This is what you can do:

Know your rights! Download this Parental Rights Resource Guide specifically developed for the state of NJ by our national legal team at Family Policy Alliance.

Get involved! Consider joining our parental rights coalition. We are looking for clergy, parents, grandparents, and current or former educators to communicate with local school boards. Email: newjersey@familypolicyalliance.com for more information. Please include your county and school district in your inquiry email.

Give Today! Summer is normally a slow season of giving as families are on vacation and enjoying weather friendly activities. We have been busy all summer meeting key legislators regarding upcoming legislative priorities possibly voted on this fall. We are serving your family and protecting your church across the state. Would you please consider a gift this month to strengthen our ability to works towards a state where God is honored, religious liberty flourishes, families thrive, and life is cherished.

Let’s make NJ better,

Len
Len Deo
Founder and President
New Jersey Family Policy Council

Shawn
Shawn Hyland
Director of Advocacy – New Jersey
Family Policy Alliance

P.S. Make plans to join us for our 2019 Guardian of the Family Gala on November 13th at the Venetian in Garfield, NJ.

Our special guest will be Abby Johnson – author of the best-selling book and recent hit movie Unplanned which chronicles her experiences with Planned Parenthood and her dramatic exit. Come hear her inspiring story of standing firm for the pre-born.

Find out how to get tickets or to help sponsor our gala.

Dear Friends,

Last December, you received an email introducing me as interim head of Family Policy Alliance of Idaho®. For these past six months, it has been my immense privilege to serve you at the capitol and throughout Idaho, even as we searched for the permanent director.

Thankfully, these six months have been a time of progress. With your help, we have won important issue battles, and we have laid the groundwork for even more success to come.

To build on this foundation, I couldn’t be more excited to tell you about Blaine Conzatti, who will be taking over as Director of Advocacy for Family Policy Alliance of Idaho.

Blaine has a proven track record of success in the family policy movement. Before joining Family Policy Alliance of Idaho, Blaine previously worked for Family Policy Institute of Washington, one of our partner organizations. He is eager to represent our shared values in the Gem State. With Blaine helming the ship in Boise, I will be able to give full attention to my role as Manager of Mobilization with Family Policy Alliance in Colorado Springs.

Please keep Blaine in your prayers as he joins our team. I know he will steadfastly continue our mission of unleashing biblical citizenship by equipping citizens to understand the issues, mobilizing voters who share our values, building alliances with churches, and working with policymakers to promote sound policy rooted in eternal principles.

I look forward to introducing Blaine to many of you, and then – along with the rest of the Family Policy Alliance team – working to build an Idaho where God is honored, religious freedom flourishes, families thrive and life is cherished.

With your continued partnership, I can’t wait to see the great works of God in Idaho and our nation!

Sincerely,

John Paulton
Mobilization Manager

Sir William Jones, the renowned eighteenth-century English jurist and scholar, once remarked of his native England, “We live in the midst of blessings till we are utterly insensible of their greatness and the source from whence they flow.”

Sadly, the same could be said of the American people today. We are blessed to live in the most prosperous, secure, politically stable, and free nation in the history of the world. Yet too many turn their backs on our national foundations, indignantly sneer at the biblical morality we once shared, and speak with contempt of the founding fathers and other faithful men who have—by their vigilance and sacrifice—secured, maintained and preserved our republic for future generations.

What was, to paraphrase Sir William Jones, the source from whence our blessings of liberty, prosperity, and security flowed? What was the source of our national greatness?

In his first Thanksgiving Proclamation, President George Washington unequivocally answered: “It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor.”

That, indeed, was the unanimous opinion of the founding fathers who appended their names to the Declaration of Independence exactly 243 years ago. In fact, Independence Day in early America was celebrated as a day of national thanksgiving to God.

Our founders attested to God’s intervention on our behalf during the War for Independence and His goodness in guiding them as they created a nation rooted in the idea of liberty under God’s law and built upon His unchanging Word. They believed the American people should come together to extend gratitude and worship to God for His protection, favor, and blessing.

Writing to his wife Abigail immediately after joining with his fellow delegates in voting for independence, John Adams presciently foresaw both the importance of the event in which he had just taken part and the traditions that would be celebrated by successive generations of Americans:

“I am apt to believe that [Independence Day] will be celebrated, by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the Day of Deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations [fireworks] from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more.”

Yes, John Adams predicted that Independence Day would be celebrated with fireworks, parades, sports, and guns! How’s that for a prediction come true?

But also notice that John Adams says Independence Day ought to be celebrated by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. God, who is the source of all blessings, deserves our worship and thanksgiving today. He has given us our liberty, and He has allowed us to live in a nation that has done better than any other in offering opportunity to all and empowering everyone to exercise their rights freely.

As you celebrate Independence Day, take a few minutes to pray with your family, thanking God for all he has done for the United States of America. Join with me in following the wisdom of President Washington, who over two centuries ago encouraged his countrymen to acknowledge God’s providence and authority, obey His law, be grateful to Him for the blessings we have been given, and humbly ask him for his continued protection and favor.

Standing with you this Independence Day,

Blaine Conzatti
Director of Advocacy

“We, the people of the State of Idaho, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and promote our common welfare do establish this Constitution.”

 

Dear Friends,

Like many of you, I cherish our federal constitution. Remarkably, not only has it produced the most free and prosperous society in human history, but it has outlived every other constitution adopted by other nations. During the 230 years our constitution has been in effect, France has had 15 constitutions, Brazil has had seven, and South Korea has had four. There should be no doubt that the U.S. Constitution is indeed “exceptional.”

Much of the reason for its success can be found in the “self-evident truths” that informed those wise men who framed our founding documents. These first principles, deeply rooted in divine truth as revealed through God’s Word and right reason, provided our founding fathers with a framework that would enable them to create the most just and enduring government the world has ever seen.

Calvin Coolidge, our 30th president, recognized Christianity as the source of these first principles. He said, “The authority of law, the right to equality, liberty, and property under American institutions, have for their foundation reverence for God.”

But did you know these same transcendent truths also served as the foundation for the Constitution of the State of Idaho, which was ratified by the people in 1889?

The opening line of the Idaho Constitution begins with the unashamed declaration that the people of Idaho are “grateful to Almighty God for our freedom.” From the very beginning, Idahoans and their state government recognized God’s providential role as the Author of our freedom. They joyfully gave thanks for the ways He has blessed the people of this state with the ability to enjoy their inalienable rights. How great is that?

For what purpose was constitutional state government instituted in Idaho? The Preamble answers that question: the people of Idaho have framed a constitution that will empower them to “secure [the] blessings” of our freedom and “promote our common welfare.”

Additionally, the framers of the Idaho Constitution recognized the equality of all people and sought to ensure that inalienable rights would be recognized and protected. “All men are by nature free and equal, and have certain inalienable rights, among which are enjoying and defending life and liberty; acquiring, possessing and protecting property; pursuing happiness and securing safety.”

One of the most fundamental of these inalienable rights is religious freedom. Idahoans are constitutionally guaranteed religious liberty: “The exercise and enjoyment of religious faith and worship shall forever be guaranteed; and no person shall be denied any civil or political right, privilege, or capacity on account of his religious opinions.”

If our state government stays true to the eternal truths exemplified in the Idaho Constitution, we will remain a happy and prosperous people. Idaho families will flourish, and our children will enjoy the blessings of freedom.

Family Policy Alliance of Idaho works on your behalf to advocate faithful adherence to these proven principles. We are on a mission to unleash biblical citizenship in the Gem State by equipping citizens to understand the issues, mobilizing voters who share our values, building alliances with churches, and working with policymakers to promote sound policy.

Our vision is an Idaho where God is honored, religious freedom flourishes, families thrive, and life is cherished.

Will you join with us in making this a reality for generations to come? We invite you to partner with us by making a gift of $25, $75, or $250 today.

Standing with the family of believers in Idaho,

Blaine Conzatti
Director of Advocacy

Friends,

Boise State University’s “diversity, equality, and inclusion” initiatives have generated lots of news recently. One such initiative, “Rainbow Graduation,” offered a special graduation event and ceremony just for LGBT students. The ceremony was emceed by a “transqueen” who had previously competed in Boise’s Next Drag Superstar. Rainbow honor cords and “ally” pins were distributed to students who attended.

As Idahoans, we desire to see all people treated with dignity. As taxpayers, we want all students at Boise State University to receive a quality education.

Diversity and inclusion events at BSU are a distraction from these goals. These initiatives are offensive to our shared values and a waste of limited school resources.

Sadly, the problem isn’t limited to just one graduation event. Other diversity and inclusion programs include interactive workshops and movie screenings that foster an environment of prejudice toward students holding Christians beliefs.

Let Boise State University President Marlene Tromp know you think their radical social agenda is divisive and a distraction from providing a quality education to all students.

You can send a message to President Tromp in our Action Center – it only takes a few seconds. And please pass this along to others so they can make their voices heard, too!

Sincerely,

Blaine Conzatti
Director of Advocacy

With much fanfare, the Idaho Lottery observed its 30th anniversary last month, but is the occasion really worth celebrating?

Proponents of the Idaho Lottery trumpet the dividends it pays to Idaho K-12 public schools, which totaled $18.6 million in 2018. Yet that accounts for only 1.1 percent of the total state spending for K-12 public schools for the same year. Not exactly the windfall gain for public schools that supporters of the lottery make it out to be.

In truth, the Idaho Lottery creates victims and drains our economy. Gambling is accompanied by a host of social problems often exceeding any alleged benefits.

Most lottery tickets are purchased by the poorest Idahoans who can least afford it. A study conducted by Duke University researchers found that households making less than $25,000 annually spend more than double as much on lottery tickets as households with an annual income of more than $100,000. Researchers have also “found that the poorest third of households bought more than half of all weekly lottery tickets sold.”

Low-income lottery participants often redirect their spending from essential items (housing, food, education, and transportation) to purchasing lottery tickets. Despite the near impossible odds of winning it big, many of them see gaming as a ticket out of their financial difficulties, and the consequences of their gambling place an inordinate strain on their marriages and children.

While the state lottery brings in a negligible amount of funding for public schools and other government programs, it functions as a regressive tax on the poorest people in our state and discourages economically productive and socially beneficial behavior. As with most government schemes to wrest more dollars from the public, the problems caused by the lottery far outweigh any overstated benefits.

Through its lottery, the State of Idaho encourages poor financial decisions and behaviors that negatively affect families and communities. Certainly we shouldn’t be celebrating that.

Standing with you for families, life, and religious freedom,
Blaine Conzatti
Director of Advocacy

We want to let you know about an upcoming opportunity for you to become involved in the process of determining what children are taught in public schools.

In 2011, Idaho adopted the Idaho Core Standards. These standards are tied to the controversial Common Core Standards.

Many parents have contacted us, asking what they can do to make their voices heard.

They’re concerned the Common Core Standards reduce local and state control over curriculum choices, making it harder for parents, teachers, administrators, and school boards to choose the best curricula for their local communities.

When the national Common Core Standards were implemented here in Idaho, the power to craft education standards was taken out of the hands of the state legislature and local school boards. These standards were developed by national organizations and educational companies unaccountable to parents and school boards and unresponsive to their concerns.

Over the past few months, hundreds of people have signed petitions and sent emails requesting public hearings on Idaho Common Core Standards.

In response, the Idaho State Board of Education scheduled four public hearings. These hearings offer parents and community members with a forum to share their perspective on this important topic and potentially influence education policy.

Public hearings will be held at:

Standing with you,


Blaine Conzatti
Director of Advocacy

Dear Friends,

In many ways, you could say Family Policy Alliance of Idaho® is wrapping up its biggest year yet.

Last year, Family Policy Alliance of Idaho achieved many victories on behalf of Idaho families.

Most importantly, perhaps, was the effort led by Family Policy Alliance of Idaho to ward off an LGBT “Add the Words” compromise that would have undermined religious freedom. Forward progress also was made in the areas of preserving the sanctity of life and protecting parental rights.

We believe God has even more victories in store for Idaho families next year—and Family Policy Alliance of Idaho will be in the vanguard, promoting policies that make Idaho a place where God is honored, religious freedom flourishes, families thrive, and life is cherished.

Family Policy Alliance of Idaho will be concluding its fiscal year on September 30th, and I would like to finish strong so that we can have an even greater impact next year. We have $42,000 to raise before this current fiscal year closes. If we bridge this gap, we can begin next year in the best position possible.

Will you help me raise the remaining $42,000 so we can ensure that biblical values are upheld in Idaho now and for generations to come? Your support today will help us reach our goal so that we can continue standing firmly to defend life and freedom in the Gem State.

Standing for you and your family,

Blaine Conzatti
Director of Advocacy

Yet again, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has proven it cares more about its agenda of social engineering than carrying out its role as an impartial arbiter of justice according to the rule of law.

With all the media coverage, there’s little chance you’ve missed the story: Mason “Adree” Edmo must be provided sex reassignment surgery by Idaho Department of Corrections, a three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit ruled last week.

The panel agreed with a district judge who had previously ruled that the state’s refusal to provide the surgery amounts to “cruel and unusual punishment” under the Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Edmo was sentenced to ten years in state prison for sexually assaulting a child under 16 years old.

Thankfully, Governor Brad Little has publicized his intention to appeal the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. He argues that hardworking Idaho taxpayers shouldn’t be forced to pay for a convicted child molester’s sex-change operation.

But one overlooked part of this story is even more troubling than the surgery’s price tag: If Edmo undergoes sex reassignment surgery, he will be transferred to a state women’s prison.

This move would echo the disturbing trend of other attempts to allow – or, some might argue, force – biological men into spaces created to keep women safe.

Take, for instance, the Hope Center, a Christian shelter in Anchorage that provides, among other services, overnight accommodations to women victimized by rape, domestic violence, and sex trafficking.

When a drunk and injured biological man identifying as a woman attempted to obtain overnight shelter with the women, the Hope Center paid for the man’s taxi ride to a local hospital. As the lawyer for Hope Center later pointed out, abused women “shouldn’t be forced to sleep or disrobe in the same room as a man.”

Shortly thereafter, the Anchorage Equal Rights Commission filed complaints against the Hope Center. They allege the shelter discriminated against the man based on his gender identity, thereby violating the local SOGI (sexual orientation/gender identity) nondiscrimination ordinance.

Although the final decision for the discrimination complaints will not come until next year, a federal judge ruled earlier this month that the Hope Center could continue offering overnight shelter services to women as the lawsuit moves forward.

Sadly, sex-segregated spaces designed for the benefit, protection, and privacy of women are under attack. Whether it’s dressing rooms at retail stores, public restrooms, high school locker rooms, state prisons, or women’s shelters, radical activists are demanding that biological men be granted access to women’s facilities.

It’s an easily observable truth that there are only two genders, determined by biology. This conception of sex and gender serves as the only factual and just basis for public policy. Moreover, we must protect the rights of women and girls to be safe and secure in spaces designed for their protection and comfort.

As the Idaho corrections case shows, these truths must be defended, even in Idaho. And Family Policy Alliance of Idaho® will keep standing strong, doing just that.

Standing with you,

Blaine Conzatti
Director of Advocacy