By John Paulton, Mobilization Manager

On Tuesday, Texans went to the polls for the state’s Primary Election. By the time the votes were counted early Wednesday morning, it was evident that voters had sent a strong message in support of religious freedom and protecting student privacy.

Perhaps the most notable race on these issues was Lisa Luby Ryan’s defeat of incumbent Rep. Jason Villalba in the Dallas area. Villalba was one of the most vocal opponents of the Texas Privacy Act, which would have ensured that students use the bathrooms and showers of their biological sex.

In addition, Villalba was one of two House Republicans to vote against a religious freedom bill that protects the conscience rights of faith-based adoption agencies, a bill that was signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott in 2017. Outgoing Texas House Speaker Joe Straus (a moderate Republican who killed the Texas Privacy Act) donated money to Villalba’s campaign.

Ryan took a strong stand in support of student privacy and religious freedom, and voters rewarded her with a victory over Villalba.

Family Policy Alliance was pleased to work with our ally Texas Values Action to spread the word about where the candidates stood – even providing a substantial grant that was used for tens of thousands of mailers, phone calls and digital ads.

“Last night proves that, by and large, candidates and voters who stand by Texas values win,” said Jonathan Saenz, President of Texas Values Action. “Congratulations to all of our endorsed candidates on some hard-fought races – all of which show the importance of faith and family in Texas.”

Jonathan added:  “Every Texas Values Action-endorsed candidate in the Texas House that supported the Texas Privacy Act won their election.” This should send a powerful message to Texas legislators and lawmakers in other states—families want leaders who will stand strong for their values, especially protecting their children’s privacy in schools.

Other notable victories, among many, included pro-family Sen. Bob Hall fending off a strong challenge from state Rep. Cindy Burkett.  And in East Texas, Thomas McNutt will go to a runoff after a strong showing in a seat vacated by another state representative who played a key role in defeating last year’s Texas Privacy Act.

Even some pro-family challengers who faced very long odds against entrenched incumbents did surprisingly well.

Paul Weber, President of Family Policy Alliance, expressed thanks to supporters who made this week’s victories possible.  “This wouldn’t have happened without the good people who give, work and pray to support Family Policy Alliance and our allied state groups like Texas Values Action.”

by John Paulton

In this era of 24-hour headlines, the term “big news” is way overused. But President Trump’s announcement yesterday – that he was rolling back the Obama policy of opening the military to people who identify as transgender – was huge indeed.

Here are four reasons why the POTUS tweet was momentous, both for what it did and what it signaled.

First, it signals that, under a new Commander in Chief, the military is getting back to its purpose: winning wars.  Americans reside in an increasingly dangerous world, and we should appreciate a military that prioritizes readiness and effectiveness, not social experimentation.

Second, President Trump’s decision values the men and women who put their lives on the line for us.  Military facilities are, by nature, bereft of much privacy.  As the father of a cadet at one of our nation’s military academies, this issue hits home in a very real way.  But my child is just one of more than two million sons and daughters in the armed forces and reserves, each of whom deserves the basic right and common courtesy to not have to share showers and intimate facilities with persons of the opposite gender.

Third, as taxpayers, we should all appreciate the enormous savings of not having to pay for sex-reassignment surgeries and ongoing hormone therapy.  And all the more at a time when military budgets have been squeezed and vast numbers of ships, planes and other equipment are in need of replacement.

Finally, this decision also shows a beleaguered culture that the transgender agenda – which has run roughshod through America for the last couple of years – can be stopped where there is a will and where the truth is spoken clearly and respectfully.  In places like Texas, where a privacy bill hangs in the balance in a special legislative session, President Trump’s announcement is a breath of fresh air that gives renewed hope for passing common-sense privacy protections.

Please thank President Trump as well as Vice President Pence, who was reportedly very involved in this decision.  And please share with others so they can do the same and help to counter the enormous pressure that the Left is putting on the White House.  Click here to send a thank you email in just seconds from our Action Center.

John Paulton is Manager of Mobilization for Family Policy Alliance.

The battle for student privacy in locker rooms and bathrooms continues in Texas. Today was the first day of a special legislative session called by Gov. Greg Abbott to deal specifically with several key issues, including legislation to keep men out of girls’ bathrooms, locker rooms and other intimate facilities.

Earlier this year, the Texas Senate passed the Texas Privacy Act that guarded Texans’ privacy in areas such as showers, locker rooms and restrooms. But Speaker Joe Straus blocked the bill from even receiving a vote in the Texas House. With Texas only holding legislative sessions in odd-numbered years, it’s paramount that this commonsense legislation is passed now.

Of course, the usual opponents – from the LGBT lobby to the ACLU to big business – are out in force with warnings of grave financial losses if Texas chooses to protect its children.

That’s why it’s critical that Texans – the vast majority of whom support privacy – raise their voices in great numbers this week. Family Policy Alliance has made it easy. Send a message to your state senator and representative – urging them to support privacy for all Texans in this special session.

And whether you live inside or outside of Texas, please share this message with Texas friends and family and encourage them to take one minute to stand up for privacy and protect Texas children.

Thanks for making your voice heard!