Public Policy Department

Federal Judge Rules in Favor of Same-Sex Couples

jpritchard — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 04:46:54 +0000

On Thursday, July 8th, U.S. District Judge Joseph L. Tauro ruled that the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional. President Clinton signed DOMA into law in 1996 after it passed the House by a vote 342-67 and the Senate by a vote of 85-14. Judge Tauro holds that through DOMA, the federal government violates the 10th Amendment by defining marriage as between one man and one woman, a right he believes belongs exclusively to the states.

The state had argued the law denied benefits such as Medicaid to gay married couples in Massachusetts, where same-sex unions have been legal since 2004.

Tauro agreed, and said the act forces Massachusetts to discriminate against its own citizens.

“The federal government, by enacting and enforcing DOMA, plainly encroaches upon the firmly entrenched province of the state, and in doing so, offends the Tenth Amendment. For that reason, the statute is invalid,” Tauro wrote in a ruling in a lawsuit filed by Attorney General Martha Coakley. (Associated Press)

There has been concern that Department of Justice has not defended DOMA wholeheartedly. This concern is supported by the fact that President Obama has publicly opposed DOMA, and has even referred to it as the “so called Defense of Marriage Act.” Click here to read more on this story.

U.S. Supreme Court Rules Against Christian Legal Society

jpritchard — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 03:53:32 +0000

The following is a press release from Pacific Justice Institute. Please visit their website at http://www.pacificjustice.org.

U.S. Supreme Court Says No to Christian Student Club at Prominent Law School

Washington, DC - In a 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against a law school chapter of the Christian Legal Society located at the University of California’s Hastings School of Law. The law school denied official recognition to the student chapter of the Christian Legal Society. While CLS welcomes anyone to attend meetings and events, it requires that the officers and voting members who provide direction for the Society agree with and abide by the group’s Statement of Faith. UC Hastings considers CLS’ faith requirement to be in conflict with the school’s non-discrimination policies.

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of UC Hastings, relying on one of the Ninth Circuit’s earlier rulings that had barred a Christian high school club from requiring that its leaders affirm a statement of faith. In his dissent, Justice Samuel Alito cited a brief from Agudath Israel of America, writing that the decision “point[s] a judicial dagger at the heart of the Orthodox Jewish community in the United States.”

Kevin Snider, chief counsel of Pacific Justice Institute, stated, “This case will likely have serious repercussions for Christian student clubs in schools throughout the country. Club officers should contact the Pacific Justice Institute’s Legal Department to discuss their options.” The PJI represents and advises Christian student clubs on the federal Equal Access Act as well as student speech rights a routine basis.

California’s Budget, or Lack Thereof

jpritchard — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 03:47:27 +0000

Session’s Out – Sort of

by Rebecca Burgoyne
CFC Research Analyst

July 7, 2010

Last week, just in time for the Independence Day holiday weekend, legislative leaders sent their members home – despite their failure to enact a budget prior to the July 1 start of the 2010-2011 fiscal year. Joint Rule 51 (b)(2) – principles formally adopted to govern the operation of both houses – says “The Legislature shall be in recess from July 2 until August 2. This recess may not commence until the Budget Bill is passed.” Yet, Friday, both Senate pro Tem Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) and Assembly Speaker John Pérez (D-Los Angeles) dismissed their respective bodies for summer recess – provided members can return to the Capitol within a 24-hour window should a budget deal be reached. Only legislative leaders and the 10-member joint budget conference committee will remain in Sacramento. [READ MORE]

Perry v. Schwarzenegger Closing Arguments

jpritchard — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 03:38:40 +0000

The following post is from ProtectMarriage.com. Please visit their blog at http://www.protectmarriage.com/blog.

ProtectMarriage.com Makes Strong Closing Argument to Protect Constitutionality of Traditional Marriage

by Andy Pugno - General Counsel on June 16th, 2010

The following statement was released to the press corps following the conclusion of the closing oral arguments:

“Today marked the end of the Perry v Schwarzenegger trial to protect and preserve the constitutionality of marriage between a man and a woman. Since the lawsuit was filed more than one year ago and the trial began in January, we now await Judge Vaughn Walker’s ruling, fully aware that we are still early in the process, as most legal experts expect that the issue will eventually land at the Unites States Supreme Court.

“Regardless of the outcome of the trial held in San Francisco, we are very pleased with the fullness of the record we have created to support the longstanding policy favoring traditional marriage, and we think that record will serve us well on appeal.

“What is ultimately at stake in this case is the notion that legislative decisions on policy such as government’s recognition of marriage belong to the people and their elected representatives; it is not for the courts to legislate from the bench.

“Very simply put, the public has a strong interest in channeling natural procreation into stable and enduring relationships between men and women and increase the likelihood that those children will be raised by both a mother and a father, and those interests justify the unique and special status of traditional marriage.

“For our opponents to say, as they have repeatedly, that there is no rational reason for limiting marriage to a man and a woman except for animus and bigotry is to spurn 7 million Californian voters, 70 of 108 judges, the vast majority of state legislatures and electorate after electorate who support marriage between a man and woman.”

Andrew Pugno, general counsel for ProtectMarriage.com

Battle Continues in Atheist’s Challenge to Presidential Inaugural Prayer

jpritchard — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 03:28:35 +0000

The following is a press release from Pacific Justice Institute. Please visit their website at http://www.pacificjustice.org.

Battle Continues in Atheist’s Challenge to Presidential Inaugural Prayer

Washington, D.C. - Just last month a three judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit upheld a federal court’s dismissal of atheist Michael Newdow’s challenge to prohibit prayers at presidential inaugurations as well the use of “So help me God” in the presidential oath. Not to be deterred, Dr. Newdow has now filed a petition for rehearing by either the same panel or a larger eleven judge panel chosen at random. In his moving papers, Dr. Newdow states that if rehearing is denied, then “the executive branch is now armed to violate the basic liberties of every American with impunity.”

“Again and again the federal courts have rejected attempts to silence invocations at presidential inaugurations,” said Brad Dacus, president of PJI. “While we are pleased with the positive outcomes we have achieved in this case so far, we will continue to fully represent Drs. Warren and Lowery, and indeed all Americans who respect our nation’s religious heritage, until these atheist’s lawsuits are fully and finally laid to rest.”The Pacific Justice Institute represents Drs. Rick Warren and Joseph Lowery, who offered the invocation and benediction at President Obama’s inauguration and are named as defendants in the lawsuit. In addition to requesting that these ministers offer prayers during the ceremony, President Obama communicated his wish to have the Chief Justice, John Roberts, administer the oath of office and include the phrase “so help me God” to conclude the oath. PJI plans to vigorously contest Dr. Newdow’s latest legal maneuver.

Speak Out! Against Slavery

jpritchard — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 05:36:40 +0000

California Against Slavery is holding a rally on the West Steps of the Capitol on June 28th, from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm. The rally will feature CAS, State Representatives, C2BU and Special Ministry Guests. For more information, please visit www.californiaagainstslavery.org.

Free Concert & Awareness Night for C2BU

jpritchard — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 05:04:06 +0000

July 16th - 7pm - Valley Springs Presbyterian Church - Roseville, CA

Courage To Be You (C2BU) is a local organization that exists to bring hope, healing and purpose to victims of human trafficking. This benefit concert will raise funds for Courage House, “a home for children rescued out of sex trafficking in the Sacramento area & around the world.”

There will be a presentation by the FBI and a family personally affected by sex trafficking.

For more information, please visit www.c2bu.org, or email info@c2bu.org.

Gatekeepers College Council

jpritchard — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 06:18:40 +0000

On Saturday, July 3rd Gatekeepers College Council is hosting an evangelism training event at American River College that is open to any interested college-aged individual. The event takes place from 9 am to 12 pm and will consist of prayer, fellowship, and well-rounded evangelism training.

The Gatekeepers College Council is a collaboration of both college-aged individuals, as well as their leaders, wherein knowledge and ideas are shared among the group with the intent of reaching the colleges in the Sacramento region. GCC aims to act as a catalyst for believers to gain unity and strength from those around them who have the same mindset and the same ministry-focused heart. They wish to impact the local campuses by using the following 5-pointed mission:

1. Prayer:

- For the unsaved and the campus ministries.

2. Equipping:

- Gaining understanding about how to defend what we believe and effectively present our truth statements in a convincing and coherent fashion.

3. Outreach:

- Includes witnessing to those who have never heard the gospel, and actively dealing with specific cultural issues.

4. Representation:

- Using the resources of the school to make vocal that which we believe and desire to share. Such resources include Student Newspaper, Student Clubs, and the Student Government.

5. Justice:

- GCC aims to resist anti-Christian teachings while at the same time coming together to support any Christians who are suffering in any way for their witness.

For more information please contact Craig Garbe:

Phone: (916)-783-3225

Email: CCSBuilder@Surewest.net

California 2010 - Notable Races

jpritchard — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 06:06:21 +0000

(Photos: top to bottom, left to right) Governor: Jerry Brown (D), Meg Whitman (R), Lt. Governor: Gavin Newsom (D), Abel Maldonado (R), Secretary of State: Debra Bowen (D), Damon Dunn (R), Attorney General: Kamala Harris (D), Steve Cooley (R), Insurance Commissioner: Dave Jones (D), Brian Fitzgerald (R), U.S. Senate: Barbara Boxer (D), Carly Fiorina (R)

The primaries are over and the race to November has begun.

California has a $19 billion budget deficit and its citizens are desire new leadership. Arnold Schwarzenegger campaigned as a fiscal conservative in 2003, but after 7 years as Governor, he has left the Golden State in worse shape than when he came into office. Without a doubt, the two biggest races for California this November will be the race for Governor and U.S. Senate.

Jerry Brown, California’s current Attorney General, was governor from 1975 - 1983. At age 72, he has decided to run again. With no viable opponent in the primary, he did not have to put too much time or money into campaigning. In the general, he will have the muscle and money of the unions behind him, and he’s going to need it. Meg Whitman, former eBay CEO and billionaire, will be tough competition. The approximate $80 million she spent in the primary is evidence of her desire to win and her platform rings true with many Californians. Whitman states that she is running to fix the economy, create jobs, eliminate government waste, and repair California’s broken education system. Her success in the business world will be one of her biggest assets; however, her lack of previous, personal, political involvement may prove be a handicap; although, it didn’t do her too much damage in the primary (she was not registered to vote until 2002).

Barbara Boxer has held her seat as California’s U.S. Senator for 17 years, and she served as a U.S. Representative for 20 years before that. Boxer has been a strong opponent of the Iraq war, big on environmental issues and a long-time supporter of universal healthcare. Carly Fiorina, like Whitman, is a fresh face, successful businesswoman, and she just might give Boxer the fight of her life. She began running an ad attacking Boxer’s position on global warming and national defense during the primary. Senator Boxer has already expressed interest in debating her new opponent; a move that’s rare for incumbents. This truly will be a race to watch.

California Against Slavery - 2010 Ballot Initiative

jpritchard — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:48:26 +0000

California Against Slavery is a volunteer organization on a justice mission. It was formed by a group of concerned citizens who want to see modern-day slavery abolished. They are in the process of gathering signatures to get an initiative on the November 2010, California ballot, which would strengthen California’s human trafficking laws. The following excerpt from their website describes what the initiative would do:

This ballot initiative would strengthen California’s human trafficking laws by:

Increasing deterrent against traffickers

· Increased penalties and fines, and potential additional fine (Sec. 4 and 7).

Making it easier for District Attorneys to prosecute human trafficking offenses

· Lower standard of proof for sex trafficking of minors (Sec. 4).

· Clearer definition of human trafficking offense through inclusion of psychological coercion into potential elements of offense (Sec. 7).

Providing more protection and provisions for human trafficking victims

· Greater evidentiary protections for human trafficking victims in criminal justice system (Sec. 2).

· Longer timeframe for human trafficking victims to bring civil suit against trafficker (Sec. 1).

· Greater allocation of certain seized assets and fines to organizations that serve human trafficking victims (Sec. 3 and 7).

Requiring that law enforcement officers be trained about human trafficking.

· Mandatory two-hour human trafficking training for law enforcement officers (Sec. 8).

Time is of the essence! 600,000 signatures are needed by March, 31, in order to get it on the ballot. If you would like to sign it and/or collect signatures for this initiative, you may download it here.