There is no question that comprehensive sexual education in public schools has become increasingly more graphic and political in recent years. Thankfully, parents have had enough, and they are getting involved and working together to defend their children.

One such example is Battle Ground, Washington, a suburb of the Portland-Vancouver Metro Area. Just as the 2016 school year was nearing its end, Washington State education officials released what was considered then to be the most radical comprehensive sex ed standards in the nation.

Parents were outraged, and understandably so. The new “sexual health education outcomes” ensured that kindergarteners would learn about crossdressing as a form of gender expression. By third grade, students would be taught that they could choose their own gender. Fourth graders would be expected to explain the differences between heterosexual, homosexual, and bisexual orientations.

Not only were the topics age-inappropriate, but the whole process seemed designed to exclude parents from the conversation surrounding sex and how it would be taught to their children in schools. Astonishingly, state education officials had drafted, approved, and implemented the state standards in secret without informing parents or any public comment period.

This was a step too far for many parents, even in relatively liberal Washington State. It became a cause célèbre of the local news cycle, even making national news for a time, causing a highly contentious showdown between parents, school districts, and state education officials.

Thousands of parents offered their disapproval by means of signing petitions and contacting the state department that oversees public education. Parents turned out en masse to school board meetings, only to be told that school districts believed they were legally responsible for implementing the state education standards.

Unfortunately, it soon became clear that the education bureaucracy had no intention of rescinding the standards. Many parents reluctantly resigned themselves to the latest diktat and moved on.

Not so in Battle Ground, Washington, where concerned community members and churches rallied to protect their children from the indoctrination being mandated from above. After learning that Washington law allows schools to avoid teaching the new standards if schools decide to no longer teach comprehensive sex ed altogether, parents began putting pressure on the school district to drop its comprehensive sex ed requirement.

Family Policy Institute of Washington (FPIW), a state ally of Family Policy Alliance®, worked with parents to develop the winning strategy. The school board ended up voting 3-2 to stop teaching comprehensive sex ed.

“Family Policy Institute of Washington has been privileged to be involved with the parents of Battle Ground for two years as they have stood firm for parental rights and not sexualizing children,” said Chris Platte, the policy director for FPIW.

The developments in Battle Ground, Washington, should give hope to other parents involved in related disputes in other parts of the country. This includes Austin, Texas, where distraught parents have found themselves in a similar battle.

Earlier this month, the Austin Independent School District (AISD)—the same school district that recently hosted a drag queen for “Pride Week Story Time” in one of its elementary schools—adopted a radical comprehensive sex ed curriculum, containing elements designed by  Canadian abortion providers.

According to Texas Values, a state ally of Family Policy Alliance, the curriculum includes lessons teaching students how to engage in anal sex ‘comfortably’ and how to procure birth control, abortions, and other ‘healthcare’ without the knowledge of their parents.

Like in Washington, AISD officials shut parents out of the process and ignored their concerns once the new curriculum came to light.  But hundreds of parents have shown up to AISD meetings and over 8,000 people have signed a Texas Values petition against the curriculum.

What does all this tell us? We need to be on notice that radical education bureaucrats want to socially engineer cultural perceptions of sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

Many in the educational establishment don’t think parents should be trusted to make decisions about when and how to introduce these tremendously sensitive and intimately personal topics to children. Instead, schools keep pushing the envelope, undermining the role of parents and introducing sexual topics at earlier and earlier ages.

But we should also take heart. As the events in Battle Ground, Washington, show us, when parents get involved to defend the values they hold dear, real change can happen.

It’s worth it, after all. Our children are worth fighting for. And Family Policy Alliance, along with our network for over 40 state-based allies, will be standing with you side-by-side.

Standing Strong,

Blaine Conzatti
Director of Advocacy – Idaho

Brothers and sisters in Christ,

Is it right for Christians to involve themselves in political things? Some Christians say no. They argue that believers should focus on “spiritual” things (like evangelism, prayer, Bible reading, and church) without getting “distracted” by the things of this world (which, of course, include politics).

I affirm that we should evangelize the lost, robustly pursue prayer and Bible reading, and actively involve ourselves in a local assembly of God’s people. But to say that doing these things precludes exercising our biblical responsibilities as citizens overlooks three important biblical truths.

First, God has created government as His “ministers to us for our good” (Romans 13:4). Therefore, government is something worthy of our time and efforts—it’s one of God’s gifts given to us to help promote the common good until His return!

Second, we are to “seek the welfare of the city where God has sent us” so that we may be left free to “live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity” (Jeremiah 29:7, 1 Timothy 2:2). For us to have the space to live our lives and raise our children according to God’s revealed will, government needs to respect its limited jurisdiction—it must refrain from interfering with the biblical exercise of our God-given rights.

Third, we have been given a cultural commission to transform the society around us. In the model prayer given to his disciples, Jesus instructs us to pray, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven” (Matthew 6:10). We are to work as God’s laborers until this goal is realized, “occupying until Jesus returns” and acting as “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” by promoting a godly vision for society (Luke 19:13, Matthew 5:13-16).

We can’t afford to be apathetic. If we engage in politics, we can make large leaps forward in building a public square where God is honored, religious freedom flourishes, families thrive, and life is cherished. If we withdraw from politics, another ideology will fill the vacuum. Those who show up and speak out will achieve the victory. In many ways, the sorry state of our government today is the direct result of retreat and indifference on the part of Christians.

Family Policy Alliance of Idaho® exists to unleash biblical citizenship throughout this great state and nation. This is accomplished through educating and mobilizing voters, discipling statesmen, and promoting sound policy. We know that the reformation of the “political” will only happen when Christians exercise their biblical responsibility to inform themselves and get involved in “political” things.

The Bible tells us of faithful believers who “stood firm and took action” when faced with an out-of-control government (Daniel 11:32). Will you stand with us?

Standing for Truth,

Blaine Conzatti
Director of Advocacy

Dear Friends,

Your voice is needed to protect New Jersey children today!

Impressionable students – our children and grandchildren – are about to be forced to endure radical LGBT sexual indoctrination in the classroom. That’s after state lawmakers ignored the comments of their constituents and instead bowed to the pressure of powerful lobbying groups.

Beginning in the 2020-2021 school year, a new mandated curriculum will require textbook authors to speculate about the sexual preferences and gender identity of noteworthy historical figures – and then impose this false narrative on our children in public schools. The radical left’s endless obsession with sexuality should not be forced upon our children!

Nearly 2,200 New Jerseyans have already signed the petition. If you haven’t yet done so, your voice is needed to speak out for parental rights amid these changes.

If you already have, thank you! But there is one more thing that can make a huge difference. Please take a moment to share it with friends, family and other New Jersey residents who share your values.

The sexual indoctrination of our children must end.

Parents should know that the scope of these changes affects every subject in school, and it takes away their right to opt their children out of the questionable instruction. In many ways, this instruction will directly challenge Biblical teaching on homosexuality and what parents choose to teach children at home.

Facts About New Jersey’s LGBT Curriculum Mandate

Please take a moment to sign the New Jersey LGBT Curriculum Opt-Out Petition to Governor Murphy and the Legislature. We have made it simple – just follow this petition link and join us today.  And please share the link with others. Thank you for spreading the word!

Sincerely,

Advocacy Director
Family Policy Alliance of New Jersey


Len Deo
Director of Alliances – Northeast Region, Family Policy Alliance
Founder and Past President, New Jersey Family Policy Council

In the little town of Anthem, Arizona north of Phoenix, a special memorial was erected in 2011. Its five white pillars represent the five branches of our military—yet it truly stands for all those who have put their lives at risk to serve our nation.

The memorial’s inspired design allows the sun’s rays to beam through slanted elliptical cylinders located at the top of each column so that on Veteran’s Day each year at approximately 11:11 AM, the Great Seal affixed on the ground is illuminated. The tribute to our Veterans relies upon the Almighty’s universal design to achieve its full effect.

Annually on Veteran’s Day, a special service takes place at this special site. The service culminates with the veneration of our service members and the recitation of the poem, The Missing Man Table shared with you below. I encourage you to read it.

As the son of a veteran and the father of three—the day holds special significance.

Thank you will never be sufficient for those who sacrifice and stand firm and take action (Dan. 11:32B) for the idea of America. An idea our Founders themselves—who I would say were inspired by the Divine—pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor to defend. It’s an idea wrapped in the pledge, One Nation Under God, that we must continue to stand for today.

In awe and respect for our Vets,

Paul Weber
President & CEO

 

 

The Missing Man Table

The table is round – to show our everlasting concern.

The cloth is white – symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to serve.

The single red rose reminds us of the lives of these Americans….and their loved ones and friends who keep the faith, while seeking answers.

The yellow ribbon symbolizes our continued uncertainty, hope for their return and determination to account for them.

A slice of lemon reminds us of their bitter fate, captured or missing in a foreign land.

A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears of our missing and their families.

The lighted candle reflects our hope for their return.

The Bible represents the strength gained through faith to sustain us and those lost from our country, founded as one nation under God.

The glass is inverted – to symbolize their inability to share a toast.

The chairs are empty – they are missing…

 And always remembered—Amen!

 

 

For more information on this race, click here.

 

Family Policy Alliance of New Jersey Endorses Sylvia Petillo for Sussex County Freeholder

Sylvia is an alumnus of the Statesman Academy, our sister organization’s program that trains and equips elected officials for effective public service to advance godly values in our nation. She is truly dedicated to seeing a New Jersey where God is honored, religious freedom flourishes, families thrive, and life is cherished. Sylvia is the incumbent Sussex County Freeholder and is seeking re-election on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Her previous experience includes serving as the mayor of Hopatcong for nine years, as a city councilwoman, and as a member of the Board of Education. I urge you to go to the polls and express your support of Sylvia Petillo and other godly leaders in New Jersey. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.


Shawn Hyland
Director of Advocacy
Family Policy Alliance of New Jersey


Len Deo
Director of Alliances Northeast Region, Family Policy Alliance
Founder & Past President, New Jersey Family Policy Council

 

Paid for by Family Policy Alliance of New Jersey
1977 N. Olden Ave. Ext., Ste. 241, Trenton, NJ 08618-2113.
This expenditure was not made with the cooperation or prior consent of, or in consultation with, or at the request or suggestion of, any candidate, or person or committee acting on behalf of the candidate.

 

“If we don’t have a proper fundamental moral background, we will finally end up with a totalitarian government, which does not believe in rights for anyone except the state.”
President Harry Truman
Attorney General’s Conference, 1950

This Tuesday, Nov 5, the contentious LGBT curriculum, the legalization of recreational marijuana, the assault against parental rights, the safety and dignity of preborn life, and the violation of religious liberty will be at stake. This off-year election will either prevent or hasten the moral collapse of our state. The New Jersey Assembly, serving two-year terms, is up for grabs once again.

In the current legislative session, our state Assembly:

The candidates who win on Nov 5 will commence a new two-year legislative session in January 2020. These elected officials will make decisions that have extraordinary consequences on families and people of faith. The results of voting will start the trajectory towards a state where God is honored, religious freedom flourishes, families thrive and life is cherished; or the dreaded opposite – the unhindered promulgation of anti-family values in education, the reckless and destructive impact of neighborhoods saturated with pot-shops, and the calloused insistence to violate human rights by allowing late term abortions in NJ that are banned in 96% of nations.

If you believe in the dignity of human life, the rights of parents to raise their children according to their beliefs, and the beauty of the traditional family, then November 5th is your greatest moment of advocacy. Historically, voter turnout is low in years when neither the President nor Governor is on the ballot. Therefore, your vote carries significant weight!

Do not approach elections with despair or hopelessness despite your district. Even if your preferred candidate does not win, a closer than expected outcome sends a clear message to incumbent leftist politicians.  I urge you not to allow radical ideologies to set the agenda in Trenton in 2020. Turn out and vote on November 5 for pro-life, pro-family candidates.


Shawn Hyland
Director of Advocacy
Family Policy Alliance of new Jersey


Len Deo
Director of Alliances Northeast Region, Family Policy Alliance
Founder & Past President, New Jersey Family Policy Council

Friends,

My jaw dropped when I read that 27 percent of California adolescents report that others view them as gender nonconforming, according to a study by the UCLA School of Law.

While I doubt that the number is really that high (I have significant problems with the study’s methodology), it does shed light on a growing problem.

More and more of our youths are identifying as transgender or another alternative gender identity. Naturally, this trend creates complications for many areas of life, including at home and at school, and parents and grandparents are left wondering how to respond.

To help parents navigate this topic with their children, Family Policy Alliance has joined with other national organizations to create The Parent Resource Guide: Understanding the Transgender Issue. Endorsed by medical professionals, policy experts, and faith leaders, this resource is designed to:

The transgender trend harms individuals and threatens parental rights, religious freedom, and liberty of conscience. Even here in Idaho, biological boys can play in girls’ high school sports, public libraries encourage transgender lifestyles, and children receive dangerous hormone therapies and endure irreversible gender reassignment surgeries.

Knowing this, we’re excited to help parents stand for truth in love, equipping them with the tools to protect their children and influence their communities for the better.

We pray this free resource will be helpful for you and your family. Please download it today, and feel free to forward this email to others!

 Standing with your family,

Blaine Conzatti
Director of Advocacy

Our allies at Family Action Council of Tennessee have just launched a new initiative that could reshape the marriage debate in Tennessee and eventually the nation.

God-Given Marriage informs Tennesseans on the true nature of marriage and gives citizens practical steps toward restoring that understanding of marriage.

With the backing of leading constitutional attorneys, this initiative clarifies what marriage really is – and the legal limits on courts that try to re-define it.

 Please visit God-Given Marriage today to learn more and find out how you can reshape the marriage debate right now in the Volunteer State!

The Family Policy Alliance Team

Dear Friends,

Your voice is needed to protect New Jersey children today!

Impressionable students – our children and grandchildren – are about to be forced to endure radical LGBT sexual indoctrination in the classroom. That’s after state lawmakers ignored the comments of their constituents and instead bowed to the pressure of powerful lobbying groups.

Beginning in the 2020-2021 school year, a new mandated curriculum will require textbook authors to speculate about the sexual preferences and gender identity of noteworthy historical figures – and then impose this false narrative on our children in public schools. The radical left’s endless obsession with sexuality should not be forced upon our children!

Your voice is needed to speak out for parental rights amid these changes.

The sexual indoctrination of our children must end.

Parents should know that the scope of these changes affects every subject in school, and it takes away their right to opt their children out of the questionable instruction. In many ways, this instruction will directly challenge Biblical teaching on homosexuality and what parents choose to teach children at home.

Facts About New Jersey’s LGBT Curriculum Mandate

Please take a moment to sign the New Jersey LGBT Curriculum Opt-Out Petition to Governor Murphy and the Legislature. We have made it simple – just follow this petition link and join us today.

Sincerely,


Shaen Hyland
Advocacy Director
Family Policy Alliance of New Jersey


Len Deo
Director of Alliances – Northeast Region, Family Policy Alliance
Fo0under and Past President, New Jersey Family Policy Council