WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Tuesday evening at 8:00 p.m. ET, the 15th annual Values Voter Summit will kick off. Instead of attending in person, this year values voters will join the all-virtual event from their own homes and churches.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a stunning incident of big tech censorship and religious discrimination, MobileCause's CEO Victor Limongelli terminated Family Research Council's contract one hour before the conservative religious organization's Pray Vote Stand broadcast. The termination, based upon Family Research Council's religious views, prevented the broadcast from reaching thousands of Christian voters with information about the 2020 election.
Washington, D.C. - Peter Sprigg, Senior Fellow for Policy Studies at Family Research Council, spent the last two nights testifying in opposition to a proposed municipal ordinance in Anchorage, Alaska, No. AO 202-65, which would make it unlawful for any professional counselor to engage in sexual orientation or gender identity change efforts (SOCE or GICE) with a patient who is a minor.
WASHINGTON, D.C.--Family Research Council released a new publication today titled "Biblical Principles for Human Sexuality: Survey of Culture, Scripture, and Church History." The publication comes on the heels of the Supreme Court's decision in Bostock v. Clayton County, which has accelerated the sexual revolution and empowered other activist judges to rule in ways that will have far-reaching effects throughout society.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today Family Research Council released the fourth in a series of interactive pro-life maps, tracking state funding of the abortion industry through three principal funding streams: Medicaid, Title X family planning funds, and state appropriations.
\rWashington, DC - The Nebraska State Legislature this afternoon approved by 33 to 8 the Dismemberment Abortion Ban, a bill that bans a late term abortion practice that involves pulling the arms and legs off of a living unborn baby. Family Research Council President Tony Perkins responded with the following comments.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council is pleased to announce that Joseph Backholm has joined the FRC team as Senior Fellow for Biblical Worldview and Strategic Engagement. Recent research has shown that only 6 percent of Americans have a biblical worldview. In his role, Joseph will help explain, equip, and engage the American public on a biblical worldview on matters of faith, family, and freedom.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council's Cathy Ruse received the Ruth Institute's "Activist of the Year" award for "exposing radical, anti-science sex ed and transgender mandates in public school systems, especially in Fairfax County, Virginia." The Ruth Institute seeks to inspire survivors of the sexual revolution. Cathy Ruse continues to trailblaze on this topic; she most recently authored FRC's publication, "Sex Education in Public Schools: Sexualization of Children and LGBT Indoctrination."
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council is pleased to announce that Bob Fu has joined FRC's Center for Religious Liberty as Senior Fellow for International Religious Freedom. As religious persecution continues to spread around the world, and as China in particular continues to play a troubling role, Bob will bring to FRC his specific expertise handling religious freedom issues in that country.
WASHINGTON, D.C. --Family Research Council released a new report today titled "The Crisis of Christian Persecution in Nigeria." It describes one of the worst human rights situations of our day-one which the mainstream media rarely discusses-a possible genocide of Christians emerging in Nigeria. Nigeria is Africa's economic frontrunner and most populous country. The country's population is about 53 percent Muslim and about 47 percent Christian. Just today, we learned that 1,202 Nigerian Christians were killed in the first six months of 2020.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins applauded the decision handed down today by the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Our Lady of Guadalupe School v. Morrissey-Berru, in which a teacher responsible for leading students in prayer and religious preparation sued a Catholic School that desired to discontinue working with her.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins applauded the U.S. Supreme Court's verdict in favor of the Little Sisters of the Poor, a religious charity who have been fighting a legal battle for survival for the past nine years. In 2011, President Obama's Department of Health and Human Services threatened fines reaching into the tens of millions of dollars unless the sisters violated their religious convictions by covering free abortion-causing drugs and services in their health insurance plan. Although they won after a 5-year battle, the Little Sisters were dragged back before the highest court in the land after multiple states tried again to force them to violate their religious convictions.\rFamily Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement:\r
FRC praises Supreme Court decision to protect school choice and religious liberty in Espinoza vs. Montana
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins was shocked and deeply disappointed in the decision handed down today by the U.S. Supreme Court in June Medical Services v. Russo, which allowed abortion providers and activists to once again successfully challenge a state pro-life law. With Chief Justice Roberts joining the Court's four liberals to deliver a 5-4 vote striking down the law as unconstitutional, the silver lining in this case is that President Trump's two Supreme Court appointments - Justices Gorsuch and Kavanaugh - dissented from the opinion.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council Executive Vice President Lt. Gen. (Ret.) William G. Boykin joined 46 retired flag-rank officers in signing an open letter published in today's Washington Times that supports President Trump's authority to stop the ongoing rioting and lawlessness in America's cities. The signatories include 42 Army officers, four Air Force officers, and one retired Navy officer.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Supreme Court ruled today that the federal prohibition of employment discrimination based on sex in the 1964 Civil Rights Act also prohibits discrimination on the basis of "sexual orientation" and "gender identity." The court's insistence that a Christian funeral home must retain a transgender employee threatens its freedom to operate according to its understanding of sexuality that is rooted in the facts of science and human history. The Harris Funeral Homes, a family operated business for more than a hundred years, was challenged by a male employee who said that he would no longer follow the company dress code of wearing sex-specific clothes for work. This led to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) suing the funeral home, and the case made its way to the Supreme Court.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Department of Health and Human Services finalized a rule today that revises 2016 provisions of the Obamacare section 1557 rule that had redefined discrimination "on the basis of sex" to include "gender identity" and "pregnancy termination."
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council and 21 partnering state family policy councils released a publication today titled "Biblical Principles for Political Engagement: Worldview, Issues, and Voting." It aims to provide pastors and Christians with Biblical wisdom to help them navigate a stormy political landscape in an election year. Family Research Council plans to start by distributing 15,000 copies of the brochure, and hundreds of thousands more will be distributed digitally.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement praising President Trump's announcement that he is identifying houses of worship as "essential places that provide essential services":
WASHINGTON, D.C. -Family Research Council released a new publication today titled "Sex Education in Public Schools: Sexualization of Children and LGBT Indoctrination." It outlines the radical changes that have occurred in the way sex education is taught in America's public schools, and why parents should be concerned:
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council religious freedom experts reacted to today's release of the 2020 Annual Report from the U.S. Commission for International Religious Freedom, which documents the worst religious freedom violators worldwide and makes recommendations to the administration regarding what should be done about them.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a newly released issue brief, "Restrictions on Religious Freedom During the Coronavirus Crisis," Family Research Council documents the extent to which government social distancing mandates to slow the spread of the virus have also restricted the free exercise of religion. Some of the key findings include:
Central City, LA.-Family Research Council President Tony Perkins will, along with the Central Area Pastors Association (CAPA), host a special Sun Rise service Easter Sunday at the Central football stadium parking lot, located at the corner of Hooper Road and Sullivan Road in Central. The community worship service begins at 7 am and will conclude by 8:00 am. The special drive-in service will be broadcast on FM 89.7 Sound Radio. Everyone is invited to attend and participate from the comfort and convenience of their cars.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Several state legislatures are considering stronger "born-alive" protections, after Family Research Council released a set of online, interactive maps last fall showing the status of pro-life laws in the states, including those that protect infants born alive after surviving botched abortions. West Virginia recently passed a bill into law that took the state from the category of "no protections" to "strong protections" on FRC's map, with all Republicans and 49 out of 55 Democrats in the West Virginia legislature voting for the bill. Currently, bills to strengthen protections for born-alive abortion survivors are pending in Kentucky, Ohio, and Wyoming. Yet, due to almost exclusively Democrat opposition, repeated attempts to pass legislation to protect born alive abortion survivors have failed in the U.S. House and Senate during this Congress.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins attended this morning's oral arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of June Medical Services v. Russo, in which an abortion center is challenging a state law that requires abortionists to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital. When he was a state legislator in Louisiana, Tony Perkins authored the first version of this law. Family Research Council filed an amicus brief in the case.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins will be attending the Supreme Court oral arguments for June Medical Services v. Russo, a case about whether abortionists in Louisiana must have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital. During his time as a state representative in Louisiana, Tony Perkins authored the state's first abortion clinic regulation act, which was among the first measures of its kind in the nation. Tony Perkins now serves as President of Family Research Council, which filed an amicus brief in this case.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the U.S. Senate rejected the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act and Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, despite the best efforts of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and other pro-life leaders. On the same day the Senate voted on these bills, Family Research Council released a newly-updated version of its publication, "Born-Alive Abortion Survivors: Just the Facts." Based on data from the only eight states that require reporting on babies born alive after an attempted abortion, FRC has identified at least 170 additional born-alive abortion survivors, beyond the 143 abortion survivors reported in the CDC's death statistics. Earlier this month, FRC's Director of Life, Culture, and Women's Advocacy, Patrina Mosley, testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee about the need for stronger protections for babies born alive after botched abortions.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Katherine Johnson, FRC's Research Fellow for Legal and Policy Studies, will emcee the Virginia March for Life on February 13, 2020. The March for Life is hosting the event in partnership with the Family Foundation, the Virginia Society for Human Life, and the Virginia Catholic Conference.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Family Research Council's Patrina Mosley, Director of Life, Culture, and Women's Advocacy, testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. She offered testimony on "The Infant Patient: Ensuring Appropriate Medical Care for Children Born Alive."
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Wednesday, February 5, Family Research Council will host an event titled, "Stories from Iran: Religious Freedom and the Secret Growth of the Underground Church." The event will feature two Christian women, Maryam Rostampour and Marziyeh Amirizadeh, who were imprisoned for their faith in Iran. Dabrina Bet Tamraz, daughter of Assyrian Christian pastor Victor Bet Tamraz, who is appealing his sentence, will also be speaking.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement in response to President Donald Trump's State of the Union Address:
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Hours before President Donald Trump made history as the first president to appear in person at the March for Life, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar announced at Family Research Council's ProLifeCon that the agency is taking more pro-life actions. The Office of Civil Rights (OCR) at HHS has enforced the Weldon amendment by issuing a notice of violation against California for their mandate forcing every health insurance carrier to cover elective abortion. The Weldon Amendment, which has passed in every federal HHS appropriations bill since 2005, prohibits federal funds from going to states that discriminate against any health care entity which does not pay for or provide coverage for abortions.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Patrina Mosley, FRC's Director of Life, Culture, and Women's Advocacy will speak at the National Pro-Life Summit on January 25, 2020. Mosley will participate in a panel titled, "How Defunding Planned Parenthood Impacts the Black Community," alongside fellow pro-life advocates Christina Bennett from the Family Institute of Connecticut, Ryan Bomberger from the Radiance Foundation, and Elizabeth Parker from Students for Life of America.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On January 24, Family Research Council will host the 15th annual ProLifeCon Digital Action Summit, the largest annual gathering of digital pro-life activists. This year's event will focus on the plight of Born Alive Abortion Survivors, babies who are left to die after surviving an attempted abortion.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On National Sanctity of Human Life Day, Family Research Council released a new pro-life map showing the strength of state laws protecting the human dignity of unborn children. These "fetal dignity laws" recognize the inherent dignity of the unborn by reaffirming their basic humanity. The new map tracks five different types of fetal dignity laws.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council applauds President Trump's announcement today that his administration will protect religious organizations and reinforce the freedom of public school students across the country to pray and express their religious beliefs. Local education agencies receiving federal education funding under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) must certify in writing to its state educational agency that "it has no policy that prevents, or otherwise denies participation in, constitutionally protected prayer in public schools as detailed in this updated guidance." The administration also issued nine proposed rules that protect religious organizations from being discriminated against by the federal government.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Thursday, January 16, Family Research Council will host an event that will highlight China's ongoing repression of the Uyghurs, a Turkic mostly-Muslim minority. The event will feature Jewher Ilham, daughter of Ilham Tohti, a Uyghur scholar promoting ethnic reconciliation, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2014. Besides Tohti, 1-3 million Uyghurs are currently detained in China without a judicial process for nothing but maintaining a distinct cultural and religious identity.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) responded Monday to Planned Parenthood's annual report for fiscal year 2018. Planned Parenthood released the report in early January, and FRC staff devoted several days to reviewing and analyzing its statistics. Some of FRC's key findings include:
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council strongly opposes the coercive and deceptively-named "Fairness for All Act" that was introduced today in the House of Representatives. Intended as a compromise between religious liberty and those advocating for unrestrained sexual liberty, this bill is in reality an "Equality Act-lite" that would impose a sweeping, anti-Christian ideological mandate on our entire country.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Family Research Council (FRC) and the Charlotte Lozier Institute (CLI) announced the results of their sixth annual review of elective abortion coverage in individual health insurance plans offered on state exchanges under Obamacare. Since open enrollment began on November 1, FRC and CLI research staff have diligently examined healthcare.gov and state-based exchanges for information on abortion coverage in health insurance plans.
WASHINGTON, DC -- Townhall.com has uncovered an IRS 990 form showing that the Chick-fil-A Foundation contributed $ 2,500 in 2017 to the anti-Christian Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). On August 15, 2012, a terrorist shooter stormed Family Research Council's (FRC) headquarters armed with a loaded semi-automatic pistol, 100 rounds of ammunition, and 15 Chick-fil-A sandwiches.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council applauds the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for announcing a proposed regulatory change to ensure that the government may not punish adoption providers who operate according to their faith, including their belief that children do best in a home with a mom and dad, which empirical evidence supports.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - This evening, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 330 stations across the country. On the show, Secretary Carson explained the reasoning behind a recent exchange with Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA-10). In the exchange, Carson declined to apologize for acknowledging that males who try to infiltrate women's shelters are still men.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 330 stations across the country. On the show, Secretary Pompeo shared about the Trump administration's creation of the Commission on Unalienable Rights, which "will provide fresh thinking about human rights discourse where such discourse has departed from our nation's founding principles of natural law and natural rights." The Commission held its first public hearing today and announced plans to draft a document on unalienable rights that can be used by people all around the world.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Patrina Mosley, Director of Life, Culture, and Women's Advocacy at Family Research Council, prepared testimony in opposition to District of Columbia Bill 23-0318 for a hearing yesterday. The bill would fully decriminalize the sex trafficking industry within the federal district. Some activities that would be allowed by the poorly-named "Community Safety and Health Amendment Act of 2019" include brothel owning, prostitution and pandering. Over 100 groups and individuals across the political spectrum are scheduled to testify against the bill in a hearing today. Laura Grossberndt of FRC's Department of Policy and Government Affairs delivered the remarks on Mosley's behalf.
WASHINGTON - Yesterday, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Senate Bill 24. SB 24 would require student health centers on all 34 state universities in California to dispense without charge the drugs used in a chemical abortion. California is now the first state to dispense abortion pills on public college campuses.\r\r
WASHINGTON - On Friday, Family Research Council presented the 2019 Sam Adams Award for State Policymaker of the Year to Virginia House of Delegates Majority Leader Todd Gilbert (R-15).
WASHINGTON -- On October 12, President Donald Trump will address the 14th annual Values Voter Summit taking place at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. This will be Donald Trump's fourth trip to the Summit, including in 2017 when he became the first sitting president to attend.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Earlier today, FRC's Sarah Perry spoke outside the U.S. Supreme Court at a news conference held jointly by the Women's Liberation Front (WoLF) and Concerned Women for America (CWA). WoLF is a radical feminist organization, and CWA is a conservative advocacy group, but both oppose the erasure of women's protections threatened by the transgender movement. The news conference coincided with the Supreme Court hearing oral arguments in the case of a Christian funeral home sued for basing its understanding of sexuality on biology and the Bible-Harris Funeral Homes v. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council will present Pastor Andrew Brunson with the Cost of Discipleship Award during the Faith, Family, and Freedom Gala at the 14th annual Values Voters Summit. The gala will take place on the one-year anniversary of Pastor Brunson's release from wrongful detainment in Turkey, on Saturday, October 12, 2019.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council today released a first-of-its-kind set of maps showing the strength of born-alive abortion survivor protection laws and the legal status of late term abortion in every state. Protections for born-alive abortion survivors became a national conversation when New York and Illinois walked back their protections earlier this year, removing existing protections for infants born alive during failed abortion attempts.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - New York Times #1 bestselling author and speaker Eric Metaxas will address the 14th annual Values Voters Summit - an event that draws thousands of grassroots activists to the nation's capital each year. U.S. Congressmen, grassroots activists, conservative thought leaders, and others will speak at this event to discuss the fundamental issues for social conservative voters today.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council praised President Trump's speech today promoting religious freedom around the world. The president outlined specific actions that the administration will take, including committing $25 million in funds to protect religious freedom, religious sites, and relics. Protecting houses of worship was one of the top recommendations by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom's (USCIRF) 2019 annual report. Family Research Council President Tony Perkins attended the speech in his capacity as chair of USCIRF.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Tomorrow, Peter Sprigg, Senior Fellow for Policy Studies at Family Research Council, will be a keynote speaker this weekend at "Hope Gathering 2019"-the 9th annual conference of Help4Families. The conference, co-sponsored by Living Stones Ministries, will be held in Fort Worth, Texas on Friday and Saturday, September 20 and 21.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council filed a comment today in support of a proposed rule by the Trump Administration's Department of Labor's (DOL) Office of Federal Contract Compliance (OFCCP) which will protect religious liberty. The rule is titled "Implementing Legal Requirements Regarding the Equal Opportunity Clause's Religious Exemption" and will require federal agencies to allow faith adherents to compete for federal contracts on an equal footing with anyone else.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council applauds the Republican Minority in the U.S. House of Representatives for scheduling a hearing on the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House leadership have blocked a vote on the bill more than 80 times and have refused to schedule a hearing or sign the discharge petition for the bill.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Tomorrow, Patrina Mosley, Director of Life, Culture, and Women's Advocacy at Family Research Council, will speak in Richmond, VA at the National Day of Mourning event to commemorate the millions of black lives lost to abortion. Pro-life advocates from all across the country will gather in protest of Planned Parenthood opening three new mega-abortion centers in historically black neighborhoods. Other speakers include: Alveda King of Civil Rights for Unborn, Catherine Davis of the Restoration Project, and Dean Nelson of The Douglass Institute. The processional will continue on with stops in other heavily African-American cities, including Raleigh, Charlotte, Atlanta, and Birmingham.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council applauded the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) for issuing a Notice of Violation against the University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMMC) for unlawfully forcing a nurse to assist in an abortion. The OCR found UVMMC's policy required employees to assist in abortion procedures even after recording religious or moral objections. OCR also determined the UVMMC has repeatedly forced staff who have registered religious or moral objections to participate in abortion procedures in violation of the Church Amendments and has refused to cooperate with the investigation or conform its policies to federal nondiscrimination law.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Lt. Gen. (Ret.) William G. Boykin, Family Research Council's Executive Vice President, made the following comments in response to former Senator Jon Kyl's interim report on bias concerns on Facebook's platform:
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council released today the comment filed in support of a proposed rule by the Trump Administration's Department of Health and Human Services regarding "Nondiscrimination in Health and Health Education Programs or Activities." The new rule interprets Section 1557 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare") in a manner consistent with the clear meaning of the text passed by Congress, reversing parts of a previous rule adopted under the Obama Administration.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Mary Beth Waddell, Family Research Council's Senior Legislative Assistant released the following statement in response to a proposed rule by the Department of Labor that protects religious employers from government discrimination: \r
WASHINGTON, D.C. - An en banc panel in U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that the Trump administration's regulations governing the Title X family planning program can go into effect while court proceedings play out. On Monday, July 15, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), announced they will begin implementing the Protect Life Rule which ensures the integrity of the Title X program by preventing the "co-location" of federally funded family planning clinics with abortion facilities.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- An interview with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will air this evening on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which broadcasts on more than 240 stations across the country. Secretary Pompeo gave a preview of the second annual "Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom," which the State Department is hosting this week from July 16-18, bringing together government officials, representatives of international organizations, religious leaders, human rights advocates, and members of civil society organizations from around the world.
WASHINGTON, DC -- On Tuesday evening, July 16, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, who was recently elected as Chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, will host an event that will highlight the blossoming religious freedom for people of all faiths in the northeastern autonomous region of what used to be Syria, the constant threat Turkish and Iranian forces pose to this religious freedom, and the implications for American and Israeli security interests in the region.
WASHINGTON, DC - A new video released by Family Research Council is calling out big entertainment companies Disney, Amazon, and Netflix for their virtue signaling and hypocrisy. All three companies-Disney, Amazon, and Netflix-do business in China - where serial human rights abuses occur, while claiming they cannot do business in U.S. states that pass pro-life laws. Family Research Council pointed out this hypocrisy in a social media ad, titled "It's All an Act."
WASHINGTON, DC -- On Tuesday evening, July 16, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, who was recently elected as Chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, will offer opening remarks on the blossoming religious freedom for people of all faiths in the northeastern autonomous region of what used to be Syria, the constant threat Turkish and Iranian forces pose to this religious freedom, and the implications for American and Israeli security interests in the region.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -Family Research Council President Tony Perkins applauded the State Department for announcing today the formation of a Commission on Unalienable Rights. The Commission will advise Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on how to advocate for human rights in international diplomacy according to America's founding principles.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit just ruled that the Trump administration's regulations governing the Title X family planning program can go into effect while court proceedings play out. The Protect Life Rule at issue in this case ensures the integrity of the Title X program by preventing the "co-location" of federally funded family planning clinics with abortion clinics. The announcement comes a day after the Department of Health and Human Services strongly defended the new Title X regulations in front of a House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, House Freedom Caucus Chairman Mark Meadows (R-N.C) appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins to discuss the decision by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to end research contracts using fetal tissue through the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Congressman Meadows serves on the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, as well as the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
HHS Decision to End Fetal Tissue Research Contracts is Pro-life, Pro-Science says Family Research Council
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Travis Weber, Vice President for Policy and Director of the Center for Religious Liberty at Family Research Council, spoke in Taiwan at the Taiwan International Religious Freedom Forum (TIRFF) on the importance of promoting religious freedom around the world, particularly in China. The forum is a joint effort of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan, the Heritage Foundation, and Taiwan Association for China Human Rights. Other forum speakers include: U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback, USCIRF Commissioner Nadine Maenza, former U.S. Solicitor General Ken Starr, and Founder of ChinaAid Bob Fu.
WASHINGTON, D.C., - Yesterday, evangelist Franklin Graham appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 240 stations across the country. On the show, Graham explained why he has called for Sunday, June 2 to be a day of prayer for President Donald Trump.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Earlier today, the Department of Health and Human Services proposed a rule that would revise 2016 provisions of Obamacare Section 1557 rule that had redefined discrimination "on the basis of sex" to include gender identity and termination of pregnancy.\r
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Last night, the California Senate passed Senate Bill 24, which would require the state's 34 public universities to dispense the abortion pill from their student health centers. Patrina Mosley, Family Research Council's Director of Life, Culture, and Women's Advocacy, debunked the arguments for this bill in her latest publication, "California's Campus Abortion Mandate is Bad Model Legislation."
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins issued the following statement after passage of the Equality Act (H.R. 5) in the U.S. House of Representatives:
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Tony Perkins, President of Family Research Council spoke this morning at a press conference on Capitol Hill to oppose the Equality Act (H.R. 5). Other speakers at the press conference included Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-Miss.), Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio), Rep. Jody Hice (R-Ga.), Rep. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Rep. Carol Miller (R-W.Va.), Penny Nance, Kara Dansky, Michael Farris, and Marilyn Musgrave. The press conference was livestreamed.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Last night, twenty-one prominent Christian leaders delivered a letter to Republican and Democratic leadership in the U.S. House and U.S. Senate, opposing the poorly-named Equality Act (H.R. 5). H.R. 5 is scheduled for a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives on Friday, May 17. The pastors and other evangelical leaders who initially signed the letter include: Tony Perkins, Michele Bachmann, Paul Blair, Stephen Broden, Carter Conlon, James Dobson, Jim Garlow, Franklin Graham, Jack Graham, Jack Hibbs, Harry Jackson, Jr., Robert Jeffress, Guillermo Maldonado, Eric Metaxas, Robert Morris, Ramiro Pe\u00F1a, Everett Piper, Ralph Reed, James Robison, Todd Wager, and Tim Wildmon.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Tony Perkins, President of Family Research Council will speak tomorrow at the 70th commencement ceremony of Truett McConnell University (TMU) in Cleveland, Georgia. A Baptist institution in North Georgia, TMU is devoted to following the Bible and living out the Great Commission "From the very first verse to the very last tribe." The ceremony will be both open to the public and livestreamed.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Cathy Ruse, Senior Fellow for Legal Studies and Director of the Center for Human Dignity at the Family Research Council, will chair a U.N. Conference commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the Year of the Family on May 15 in New York City. The conference is sponsored by the Civil Society for the Family, a coalition of organizations that includes Family Research Council. Invited conference speakers include ambassadors from countries on four continents, academics, and NGO leaders.
?Washington, D.C. - President Trump announced today on this National Day of Prayer new regulations through the Department of Health and Human Services that will more effectively enforce existing federal laws that protect the conscience rights of healthcare providers.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council's Center for Religious Liberty today unveiled a new publication, "Apostasy, Blasphemy, and Anti-Conversion Laws," which documents these types of laws, their consequences, and the countries that still countenance these constraints on religious liberty. Travis Weber, Family Research Council's Vice President for Policy and Director of the Center for Religious Liberty, announced the new publication during a live-streamed event featuring a conversation on international religious freedom with Tony Perkins, President of Family Research Council and a Commissioner with the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF).
WASHINGTON, DC -- On Tuesday, April 30, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, who also serves on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, will host a discussion with Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) on his new role as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and what he is doing to promote religious liberty, both at home and abroad. As part of this discussion, we will also hear from Senator Graham on the judicial nominations process.
WASHINGTON, DC: Family Research Council went public today with a campaign in the Wall Street Journal exposing the "hypocrisy" of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and calling upon the media and tech companies that use the SPLC's tainted labeling of Christian groups to stop immediately. The ad, purchased in conjunction with the American Family Association and in cooperation with SPLCexposed.com, calls on Spotify, MSNBC, CNN, YouTube, Amazon, and PayPal to stop aligning with the SPLC after former SPLC employees exposed the wealthy "charity" as a "con," raising millions of dollars by expanding the definition of "hate" while operating an organization rife with racism and bigotry.
WASHINGTON, D.C., - Yesterday, Alice Lin appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 240 stations across the country. On the show, Lin spoke out publicly for the first time about her father, Pastor David Lin, who was imprisoned in China for his faith more than a decade ago.
WASHINGTON, DC -- Family Research Council (FRC) today joined a coalition of 67 conservative leaders and organizations in releasing an open letter to news organizations, calling on the media to stop using data from the discredited Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) which has been exposed from within as having a culture of long-standing, long-ignored racial discrimination and sexual harassment. The unraveling scandal has so far claimed the organization's founder, its president, and a top attorney.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council's Peter Sprigg, Senior Fellow for Policy Studies, will be in Verona, Italy March 29 - 31 to speak at the World Congress of Families XIII. The World Congress of Families XIII will gather advocates of pro-family policies and allied organizations from around the globe to discuss marriage, family, growth and demographic decline, women's dignity and health, defense of life and family, and policies promoting birth rates and families. On Friday, March 29, Peter will discuss the findings of his latest paper, "Evidence Shows Sexual Orientation Can Change: Debunking the Myth of 'Immutability.'"
WASHINGTON, D.C., - Yesterday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 240 stations across the country. On the show, Secretary Pompeo shared about the Trump administration's decision to expand the Mexico City Policy, which prohibits foreign aid dollars from funding abortions, by applying it to subcontractors as well.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council is urging Members of the U.S. House of Representatives to sign onto a discharge petition set to be active on April 2.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Trump administration's State Department today issued an expanded layer of protection in the Mexico City Policy preventing subcontractors from using American taxpayer dollars to perform or promote abortions overseas.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement praising President Trump's announcement that the U.S. will recognize Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Patrina Mosley, Director of Life, Culture, and Women's Advocacy at Family Research Council, testified today before the Health and Government Operations Committee in the Maryland House of Delegates in support of House Bill 975, which would protect unborn children who can feel pain during an abortion.
WASHINGTON, DC -- On Wednesday, February 27, Alexandra McPhee, FRC's Director of Religious Freedom Advocacy, and an author of our amicus brief in the case, will give her reaction to the oral arguments in American Legion v. American Humanist Association. She will be available for comment on the steps of the Supreme Court immediately following the arguments in the case, which concerns the future of a historic cross-shaped veterans memorial in Bladensburg, Maryland.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Patrina Mosley, Director of Life, Culture, and Women's Advocacy at Family Research Council, testified today before the Health and Government Operations Committee in the Maryland House of Delegates in support of House Joint Resolution 4, which would declare exposure to pornography is a public health hazard.
Washington, D.C. - In response to the U.S. Senate's rejection today of the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Act, Family Research Council is launching a campaign to deliver thousands of baby hats to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. Each hat will be accompanied by a message urging the House of Representatives to end birthday abortions and take decisive action to protect all babies born alive from being killed outside the womb.\r
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, U.S. Senator Ben Sasse (R-Nebr.) appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 240 stations across the country to discuss the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. Family Research Council is urging Members of the U.S. Senate to vote to close debate on the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, introduced by Sen. Sasse.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Department of Health and Human Services announced today finalized regulations for the Title X family planning program that reinstates President Ronald Reagan's "Protect Life Rule" which protects the integrity of the program by preventing the "co-location" of federally funded family planning clinics with abortion clinics.
Richmond, VA -- Strengthening the Black Family is a forum that will be held this Saturday in Richmond, Virginia to celebrate the importance of family in the black community while highlighting the challenges facing many children due to single-parent households, divorce, and poverty. Coming from the political and policy world, this leadership training is transforming the lives of participants as they work in the business and political world.
Family Research Council released a new publication today that documents ten incidents in the past two years where U.S. senators have interrogated nominees concerning their personal religious beliefs.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council is urging Members of the U.S. House of Representatives to sign onto a discharge petition introduced yesterday by House Minority Whip Steve Scalise \r(R-La.) and Rep. Ann Wagner (R-Mo.) that is intended to force a vote on the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act (H.R. 962).\r
WASHINGTON, DC -- Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement in response to President Donald Trump's State of the Union Address:
Senator Patty Murray Blocks Vote on Infanticide as Democratic Party Goes Extreme on Abortion Until Birth Laws
WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Supreme Court announced today that it will allow the Trump administration's transgender military policy to go into effect while litigation continues.
Washington, D.C. - Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell filed a motion today to proceed to the "No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act" (S. 109). sponsored by Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS), and Senator James Lankford (R-OK). \r\r
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) has submitted an amicus brief in the case of June Medical Services v. Gee, which is currently before the U.S. Supreme Court. At issue is a Louisiana law (Act 620) that protects women's health by requiring persons who perform abortion procedures to also maintain admitting privileges at a nearby hospital. Abortion facilities in Louisiana sued to block the law from taking effect.
CAIRO, EGYPT - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, also a Commissioner on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, joined fellow commissioners Nadine Maenza and Johnnie Moore as a part of a delegation of evangelical leaders at last night's inauguration of the Cathedral of Nativity outside of Cairo. At the invitation of the Egyptian government and the Coptic Church, the delegation attended the opening of both the Cathedral, which is the largest in the Middle East, and the Al-Fattah Al- Aleem mosque, both in the new administrative capital east of Cairo.
WASHINGTON, DC - Lt. Gen. (Ret.) William Boykin, Family Research Council's Executive Vice President, released the following statement in response to a U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit decision vacating a temporary injunction against the Trump administration's transgender military policy:
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) has submitted an amicus brief in the case of American Legion v. American Humanist Association, which is currently before the U.S. Supreme Court. This case arose when the American Humanist Association (AHA) sued for the removal of a 93-year-old cross standing in Bladensburg, Maryland, that memorializes 49 Prince George's County sons and comrades who died in WWI. The AHA claimed that the cross-shaped memorial is an unconstitutional endorsement of religion in violation of the Establishment Clause of the Constitution.
Washington, D.C. -- Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement after the House of Representatives gave approval to the Retirement, Savings, And Other Tax Relief Act of 2018 (H.R. 88) along party lines:
Washington, D.C. -- Today, President Donald Trump indicated that he would veto a short-term deal to fund the federal government unless the bill adequately addresses border security. Congress and the president have already funded agencies like the Department of Defense and Health and Human Services to ensure both our nation's military is funded as well as key programs like those which fund our nation's social safety net.
WASHINGTON, DC -- In a recent interview with Science Magazine, National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Francis Collins said that fetal tissue research "will continue to be a mainstay" and claimed those who are pro-life can support funding research involving tissue from aborted babies.
WASHINGTON, DC - Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins joined other international religious freedom advocates and Members of Congress at the White House today to witness President Trump's signing of the "Iraq and Syria Genocide Relief and Accountability Act of 2018." The new law will, among other things, fund organizations, including faith-based groups, that provide humanitarian aid to genocide survivors from religious and ethnic minorities.
WASHINGTON, DC -- Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement on President Trump's nomination of Heather Nauert as the next U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations:
WASHINGTON, DC - Today Family Research Council (FRC) and Charlotte Lozier Institute (CLI), the research arm of Susan B. Anthony List, announced the results of their fifth annual comprehensive review of elective abortion coverage in Individual and Family health insurance plans offered on healthcare.gov and state-based exchanges under the Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare"). Open enrollment began on November 1 and continues until December 15.
WASHINGTON, DC - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement reacting to the resignation of United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions:
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 30, 2018 -- This week, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins was a member of a delegation of U.S. evangelical leaders that traveled to Abu Dhabi for meetings with the UAE's leadership including a two hour meeting with his Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. The delegation learned about the country's efforts to promote regional peace, freedom of worship, tolerance, inclusion and moderation. Also discussed were the threats posed by Iran and the Muslim Brotherhood.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, who is traveling in the Middle East, released the following statement calling for a national day of prayer and reconciliation:
ISTANBUL, TURKEY - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, in his capacity as a Commissioner on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, attended this morning's hearing near Izmir, Turkey where Pastor Andrew Brunson was released to return to the United States. The pastor spent nearly two years in prison before being transferred in July to house arrest. The Trump administration had imposed sanctions on two Turkish officials who were linked to the arrest and detention of the pastor along with other economic actions against the Turkish government.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 240 stations across the country. Sen. Grassley shared his perspective from the front lines of the Kavanaugh hearings and his uniquely positive outlook on the direction of the court.
WASHINGTON, DC -- Today United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley announced her resignation. Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement:
WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. Senate today voted to confirm Judge Brett Kavanaugh to serve as an associate justice on the U.S. Supreme Court:
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement after the U.S. Senate voted for cloture on the Supreme Court nomination of Brett Kavanaugh:
WASHINGTON, D.C., - Today, Vice President Mike Pence warned of the grave threat China poses to the United States and, indeed, to the freedom of the entire world. Speaking at the Hudson Institute, the Vice President focused his remarks on China's efforts to interfere in the domestic affairs of the United States among other matters. Vice President Pence observed:
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 240 stations across the country. Sen. Cotton shared why he called for Sen. Dianne Feinstein's office to be investigated in regard to Dr. Christine Ford's confidential letter being leaked to the media.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement after the Senate Judiciary Committee's vote to approve the Supreme Court nomination of Brett Kavanaugh:
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Family Research Council praised the House passage of the Family Savings Act of 2018 (H.R. 6757). The legislation expands 529 education savings plans to recognize unborn children for the first time in the tax code by allowing parents, grandparents, or other relatives to open a 529 plan for an unborn child and begin to save for that child's education.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 240 stations across the country. As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Graham gave an update on the allegations against Judge Brett Kavanaugh and the proceedings to confirm him to the U.S. Supreme Court.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Saturday, September 22, Vice President Mike Pence will address the 13th annual Values Voter Summit taking place at the Omni Shoreham Hotel. Pence will be the first sitting Vice President to address the Summit taking place September 21-23. Last year, President Donald Trump was the first sitting president to address attendees at the Values Voter Summit.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Friday, September 21, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) will address the 13th annual Values Voter Summit. This will be the first time Sen. McConnell has spoken at the Summit as Senate Majority Leader. The Values Voter Summit will be held September 21-23 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council gathered 92 petition signatures from Missouri pastors in support of Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley who came under leftwing criticism for a recent address to pastors in which he said the government shouldn't be telling pastors what they can and can't say from their pulpit. AG Hawley made the remarks last month at a pastors conference hosted by the Family Research Council. On August 31, the Missouri attorney general joined Tony Perkins on the radio to explain why he will continue to call for repealing the Johnson Amendment and its attempt to silence pastors.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Friday evening, September 21, actor Dean Cain will address the 13th annual Values Voter Summit before a special screening of his new movie, Gosnell: The Trial of America's Biggest Serial Killer. Cain and fellow cast member Alonzo Rachel will participate in a panel discussion about the film, which is based on real-life abortionist Kermit Gosnell. The Values Voter Summit will be held September 21-23 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 240 stations across the country. As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Graham offered remarks during the opening day of the confirmation hearing for Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. He joined the show with highlights from the hearing.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement in response to this morning's U.S. Supreme Court nomination hearing for Judge Brett Kavanaugh:
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council today welcomed the news that the California state legislature will not take final action on AB 2943, a bill which would have declared all forms of sexual orientation change efforts, or SOCE (sometimes referred to as "conversion therapy") to be a form of "consumer fraud" if performed for a fee. Such counseling or therapy is designed to assist people who experience unwanted same-sex attractions to achieve their own self-chosen goal of overcoming those attractions or abstaining from same-sex conduct.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 240 stations across the country. On the show, AG Hawley discussed the backlash he's received from the Left for remarks he recently made at a pastors event hosted by Family Research Council. In his address he discussed his opposition to the Johnson Amendment and how it violates pastors' religious liberty and freedom of speech.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Former U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf will be honored at next month's Values Voter Summit for his tireless fight for international religious freedom. Wolf is the author of the International Religious Freedom Act and a longtime advocate for international religious freedom and human rights. Wolf will receive Family Research Council's Vision and Leadership Award on Saturday, September 22th at 7:30 pm eastern at the Summit's Faith, Family and Freedom Gala. The Values Voter Summit will be held September 21-23 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the U.S. Army announced it would be rejecting the conclusions of an investigation into U.S. Army Chaplain Scott Squires, a career soldier with a 25-year history who served multiple tours in Afghanistan, Africa, and the Middle East. The original investigation accused Squires and Chaplain's Assistant, Staff Sergeant Kacie Griffin, of "dereliction of duty" stemming from Squires' decision to step down from leadership of a marriage retreat that included a same-sex couple. Despite having followed DOD regulations that require a chaplain to follow their endorsing agency's religious tenets, and despite having found another chaplain to lead the retreat, an Equal Opportunity complaint was filed.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 240 stations across the country. On the show, Ambassador Brownback gave an update on the case of Pastor Andrew Brunson who continues to be held hostage by the Turkish government.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - President Trump announced this morning a doubling of steel and aluminum tariffs on Turkey and also tweeted, "Our relations with Turkey are not good at this time!" Earlier this month, the Trump administration sanctioned two Turkish officials who were both involved in the arrest and detention of American Pastor Andrew Brunson.
WASHINGTON, DC - This afternoon it was reported that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) "signed a new contract on July 25 to acquire 'fresh' human fetal tissue to transplant into 'humanized mice' so that the mice will have a functioning 'human immune system.'"
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 240 stations across the country. On the show, Sen. Graham weighed in on the Trump administration's sanctions imposed on Turkish officials who were involved in the arrest and imprisonment of American Pastor Andrew Brunson. After nearly two years in prison, the pastor was released last week to house arrest.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Trump administration today sanctioned two Turkish officials who were both involved in the arrest and detention of American Pastor Andrew Brunson.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, Attorney General Jeff Sessions appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 240 stations across the country. On the show, Attorney General Sessions highlighted the formation of a Religious Liberty Task Force. The task force, which will be chaired by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, "will continue the Department's ongoing work to implement the Religious Liberty Memorandum and the implementation memorandum. The Task Force will also consider new initiatives that will further the Department's work to protect and promote religious liberty."
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Department of Justice (DOJ) today announced the formation of a Religious Liberty Task Force. The Task Force, which will be chaired by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, "will continue the Department's ongoing work to implement the Religious Liberty Memorandum and the implementation memorandum. The Task Force will also consider new initiatives that will further the Department's work to protect and promote religious liberty."
WASHINGTON, D.C. - President Donald Trump tweeted this morning that the "United States will impose large sanctions on Turkey for their long time detainment of Pastor Andrew Brunson, a great Christian family man, and wonderful human being. He is suffering greatly. This innocent man of faith should be released immediately!" Vice President Pence echoed the president in an address this morning before the State Department's first-ever "Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom."
WASHINGTON, D.C., - Yesterday, Cynthia Dunbar, an RNC National Committeewoman from the Commonwealth of Virginia appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 240 stations across the country. On the show, Committeewoman Dunbar highlighted last weekend's unanimous adoption of a Republican National Committee resolution calling on public schools to obtain written consent from parents before exposing children to sex education.
State Department's Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom Could be a Turning Point for Millions of Persecuted People, says Family Research Council
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 19, 2018 - Today, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 240 stations across the country. On the show, Secretary Pompeo shared about the State Department hosting the first-ever "Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom" next week. The event will be held July 24 - 26, bringing together government officials, representatives of international organizations, religious leaders, rights advocates, and members of civil society organizations from around the world.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council applauded the House Appropriations Committee for approving the Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act (HR 1881), as an amendment to the Labor, Health and Human Services appropriations bill. Rep. Robert Aderholt's (R-Ala.) amendment was approved by a vote of 29-23. Members speaking in support of the bill included U.S. Reps. Tom Cole (R-Okla.), Evan Jenkins (R-W. Va.), Andy Harris (R-Md.), John Carter (R-Texas), Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.) and Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-Wash.).
WASHINGTON, D.C. - President Donald Trump today announced Judge Brett Kavanaugh as his nominee to the nation's highest court.
WASHINGTON, June 28, 2018 - Yesterday, Jack Graham, pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 240 stations across the country. On the show, Pastor Graham highlighted "Call2Fall" set for Sunday, July 1st - a day where across America thousands of Christians will join in kneeling to pray for our nation.
WASHINGTON, DC -- Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement on the retirement of Justice Kennedy:
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today the U.S. Supreme Court issued its 5-4 decision in National Institute of Family and Life Advocates v. Becerra, ruling in favor of pro-life pregnancy care centers and their First Amendment right to free speech.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today the U.S. Supreme Court granted the petition for a writ of certiorari in the case of Arlene's Flowers, Inc. v. Washington. The lower court's judgment was vacated, and the case was remanded to the Washington state supreme court for further consideration in light of the U.S. Supreme Court's recent decision in the case of Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement after President Trump signed an executive order that will allow children to stay with parents who are arrested for entering the United States illegally:
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) today joined a coalition of 47 other conservative leaders and organizations in releasing an open letter to government agencies, news organizations, corporations and social media platforms to "dissociate themselves from the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and its ongoing effort to defame and vilify mainstream conservative organizations."\r\r
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today the Supreme Court handed down a victory for the Bladensburg, Maryland World War I Veterans Memorial in the case of American Legion v. American Humanist Association. While the ruling protected the Peace Cross memorial and similar historic, religiously-themed public monuments, it stopped short of overhauling our confused Establishment Clause jurisprudence - a step which is long overdue. Travis Weber, Vice President for Policy and Director of the Center for Religious Liberty at Family Research Council, who co-authored and filed an amicus brief in favor of the Bladensburg Peace Cross, responded today in a statement:
WASHINGTON, June 19, 2018 - Today, Attorney General Jeff Sessions appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 240 stations across the country. On the show, Atty. Gen. Sessions highlighted a discussion he had with Tony and other evangelical leaders earlier today on reforming immigration policy.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins released the following statement in response to the Southern Poverty Law Center's announcement that the organization had settled a defamation lawsuit for nearly $3.4 million:
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, the Department of Justice announced the "Place to Worship Initiative," which will "focus on protecting the ability of houses of worship and other religious institutions to build, expand, buy, or rent facilities-as provided by the land use provisions of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA)."
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Earlier today, the Department of Justice announced the "Place to Worship Initiative," which will "focus on protecting the ability of houses of worship and other religious institutions to build, expand, buy, or rent facilities-as provided by the land use provisions of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA)."
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council praised thousands of Delaware parents for putting pressure on Delaware Gov. John Carney and the Department of Education to reverse portions of a proposed policy that was in violation of parental rights. The policy, titled "Regulation 225 Prohibition of Discrimination," would have allowed students to make determinations on their gender and race without informing or gaining the permission of their parents.
WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. Supreme Court today ruled 7-2 in favor of Jack Phillips, a baker who declined to create a wedding cake to celebrate a same-sex ceremony because doing so would violate his religious belief that marriage is the union of a man and a woman.
WASHINGTON, May 24, 2018 - Last night, Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins was pleased to honor Pastor Jeremy Schossau, Senior Pastor of Metro City Church in Riverview, Michigan, with the "Watchman Award." The award was presented during the Watchmen on the Wall briefing, an annual pastors conference sponsored by Family Research Council that draws over 500 participants from across the country to the nation's capital.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Representative Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) will address the 15th annual Watchmen on the Wall briefing, an annual conference sponsored by Family Research Council that draws hundreds of pastors to the nation's capital.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week, Texas pastors Garrett Booth, Todd Wagner and Dr. Hernan Castano will address the 15th annual Watchmen on the Wall briefing, an annual conference sponsored by Family Research Council that draws hundreds of pastors to the nation's capital.\rThe mission of FRC's Watchmen on the Wall is to "champion pastors to transform America." The goal is to raise up spiritual leaders who will become "Watchmen" along the lines of Isaiah 62:6-7 - pastors who will watch what is going on in the culture, pray for the wisdom to engage biblically, courageously and winsomely, sound the alarm from the pulpit at the threats to faith, family and freedom, and lock arms in partnership with like-minded pastors in their communities to make a positive salt and light difference.\rOn the second day of the briefing Todd Wagner, Senior Pastor of Watermark Church, will join a panel to highlight the topic of "repentance," Garrett Booth, Pastor of Grace Church, will join fellow pastors to discuss serving the community in times of crisis, and Dr. Hernan Castano, Director of Hispanic Church Development at Houston Area Pastors' Council, will join a panel on the importance of uniting where we have common ground. This year's Watchman on the Wall Briefing will feature Members of Congress and other faith leaders who will address pastors who exercise substantial influence in their churches and discuss how they can be difference makers.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week, Representative Jody Hice (R-Ga.) will address the 15th annual Watchmen on the Wall briefing, an annual conference sponsored by Family Research Council that draws hundreds of pastors to the nation's capital.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week, California pastors Dr. Jim Garlow and Art Cena Jr. will address the 15th annual Watchmen on the Wall briefing, an annual conference sponsored by Family Research Council that draws hundreds of pastors to the nation's capital.
President Trump Taking Major Step Toward Ending Taxpayers' Forced Partnership with Abortion Industry, says Family Research Council
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Next week, House Freedom Caucus Chairman Mark Meadows and Republican Study Committee Chairman Mark Walker (R-N.C.) will address the 15th annual Watchmen on the Wall briefing, an annual conference sponsored by Family Research Council that draws hundreds of pastors to the nation's capital.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) today announced the appointment of Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) as its newest commissioner, for a two-year term. Mr. Perkins will remain FRC president during his time with USCIRF. Majority Leader McConnell appointed Perkins to the independent, bipartisan U.S. federal government commission which is tasked with reviewing "the facts and circumstances of religious freedom violations and makes policy recommendations to the president, the secretary of state, and Congress." USCIRF Commissioners are appointed by the president and the congressional leadership of both political parties.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) today announced the appointment of Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) as its newest commissioner, for a two-year term. Mr. Perkins will remain FRC president during his time with USCIRF. Majority Leader McConnell appointed Perkins to the independent, bipartisan U.S. federal government commission which is tasked with reviewing "the facts and circumstances of religious freedom violations and makes policy recommendations to the president, the secretary of state, and Congress." USCIRF Commissioners are appointed by the president and the congressional leadership of both political parties.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 240 stations across the country. On the show, Kellyanne shared her thoughts on the importance of recognizing a national day of prayer.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, Texas Senator Ted Cruz appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 240 stations across the country. On the show, Sen. Cruz discussed a myriad of topics including Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's recent presentation on Iran's nuclear program, NAFTA renegotiations, and media bias.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins attended today's White House National Day of Prayer event where President Trump signed an executive order creating a White House faith initiative. The event also commemorated the one year anniversary of President Trump's executive order protecting religious expression throughout the federal government. A Family Research Council analysis released yesterday finds that the order enabled charities and other entities to provide up to 13.7 million people with health care and other social services. The order has enabled at least 44 schools that provide an education for more than 148,000 students to continue operating.
WASHINGTON, DC - This week (May 4th) marks one year since President Trump signed an executive order protecting religious liberty - an order which has led to multiple federal agencies rolling out religious freedom protections. A Family Research Council analysis released today finds that the order enabled charities and other entities to provide up to 13.7 million people with health care and other social services. The order has enabled at least 44 schools that provide an education for more than 148,000 students to continue operating.
WASHINGTON, DC - This week (May 4th) marks one year since President Trump signed an executive order protecting religious liberty - an order which has led to multiple federal agencies rolling out religious freedom protections. The case of Col. Leland Bohannon, an Air Force Colonel suspended last year for seeking a religious accommodation to exempt him from having to sign a "certificate of spouse appreciation" for an airman in a same-sex marriage, is one case positively impacted by the order highlighted in Family Research Council's analysis released earlier today. The analysis finds the executive order enabled charities and other entities to provide up to 13.7 million people with health care and other social services. The order has enabled at least 44 schools that provide an education for more than 148,000 students to continue operating.
WASHINGTON, DC - This week (May 4th) marks one year since President Trump signed an executive order protecting religious liberty - an order which has led to multiple federal agencies rolling out religious freedom protections. The case of Donald Vander Boon, a small business owner in Michigan whose business was threatened to shut down by the USDA for displaying literature on biblical marriage, is one of the successful cases highlighted in Family Research Council's analysis released earlier today. The analysis finds the executive order enabled charities and other entities to provide up to 13.7 million people with health care and other social services. The order has enabled at least 44 schools that provide an education for more than 148,000 students to continue operating.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Wednesday, May 2, Family Research Council is hosting a panel discussion on the intersection of religious freedom and national security and the opporunities for newly confirmed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to address in his tenure. The panel will feature the President of the Religious Freedom Institute, Dr. Thomas Farr, and Prof. Robert Destro, Professor of Law and founding Director of the Interdisciplinary Program in Law & Religion at Catholic University of America's Columbus School of Law, and co-director of the Iraqi Kurdistan Religious Freedom Project. Family Research Council president Tony Perkins will deliver the opening remarks for this event.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today the Senate voted to invoke cloture on the nomination of current CIA Director Mike Pompeo to become the new Secretary of State. Pompeo was confirmed to become Secretary of State shortly thereafter. Family Research Council yesterday delivered 33,656 petitions to the U.S. Senate urging senators to reject Sen. Cory Booker's efforts to impose a religious test on the nominee.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - President Trump's nominee for the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, Kyle Duncan, was confirmed by the Senate today. Duncan's confirmation is another brick in President Trump's lasting judicial legacy. Family Research Council (FRC) scored in favor of the vote on the motion to proceed.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council hosted a panel discussion today on the question of: Losing our voices: who owns free speech on the internet? In an era when 69 percent of American adults use social media platforms to express themselves, the free market powers of digital giants like Facebook, Google, and Twitter have collided with the free speech rights of citizen internet users. In the wake of a consistent pattern of censorship by tech companies of lawful but politically incorrect viewpoints-particularly those of conservatives and Christians-what is the legal status of digital free expression? Is big tech entitled to the information of its platform users? Panelists sought to answer questions such as: in the wake of the Cambridge Analytica scandal, can the tech giants be trusted to regulate themselves? What are the benefits and pitfalls of government intervention? And will Silicon Valley be the final arbiter of opinions and information in the virtual sphere?
WASHINGTON, April 17, 2018 - Today, Republican Study Committee Chairman Rep. Mark Walker (R-N.C.) appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 240 stations across the country. On the show, Rep. Walker gave an update on the case of Andrew Brunson, a North Carolina native and American pastor imprisoned in Turkey. Pastor Brunson ran a Protestant church in the western city of Izmir and has been detained by Turkish authorities since October 2016. Following the pastor's hearing on Monday, he will be sent back to prison and if convicted, he risks up to 35 years in prison.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council, along with a coalition of 31 organizations and individuals, released a letter sent today to Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson thanking her for overturning a punishment that was imposed on Col. Leland Bohannon after he sought a religious accommodation exempting him from having to sign a "certificate of spouse appreciation" for an airman in a same-sex marriage.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, Michigan pastors delivered over 23,000 petition signatures to state legislators in support of Pastor Jeremy Schossau of Metro City Church and FORGE Ministries. The petitions were addressed to Rep. Camilleri and Rep. Zemke who called for an investigation into the church and ministry for hosting "The Unashamed Identity" Workshop - an event offered for teenage girls to learn what the Bible teaches about sexuality.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - A coalition of 50 international religious liberty leaders, including Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, sent a letter today to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) urging support for President Trump's Secretary of State nominee Mike Pompeo. Leaders joining the letter include Franklin Graham, President and CEO of Samaritan's Purse; Matias Perttula, Advocacy Director of International Christian Concern; Ann Buwalda, Esq., Executive Director of Jubilee Campaign USA; David Curry, President and CEO of Open Doors USA; Bob Fu, President and Founder, China Aid; and former Congressman Frank Wolf among others.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Yesterday, Elizabeth Johnston, also known as the "Activist Mommy," appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 240 stations across the country. On the show, Elizabeth Johnston discussed the outrage of parents across the nation in response to pornographic sex education curriculum being pushed on their children. She and other brave moms from North Carolina have rallied together in such a way that they have gathered the support of parents across the nation, Canada, and Australia to join them in their Sex Ed Sit Out on April 23rd to fight against the exposure of this sexually explicit material to their children.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On April 17th, Family Research Council is hosting a lecture on the question of: Losing our voices: who owns free speech on the internet? In an era when 69 percent of American adults use social media platforms to express themselves, the free market powers of digital giants like Facebook, Google, and Twitter have collided with the free speech rights of citizen internet users. In the wake of a consistent pattern of censorship by tech companies of lawful but politically incorrect viewpoints-particularly those of conservatives and Christians-what is the legal status of digital free expression? Is big tech entitled to the information of its platform users? And in the wake of the Cambridge Analytica scandal, can the tech giants be trusted to regulate themselves? What are the benefits and pitfalls of government intervention? And will Silicon Valley be the final arbiter of opinions and information in the virtual sphere?
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 240 stations across Louisiana and the country. On the show, A.G. Jeff Landry discussed the Louisiana Supreme Court's recent decision to strike down Governor John Bel Edwards' executive order on sexual orientation and gender identity.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council commends Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson for overturning a punishment that was imposed on Col. Leland Bohannon after he sought a religious accommodation exempting him from having to sign a "certificate of spouse appreciation" for an airman in a same-sex marriage.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 240 stations across the country. On the show, Sen. Graham weighed in on President Trump's recent remarks that the U.S. will soon be pulling its troops out of Syria.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Former Georgia Governor Zell Miller passed away earlier today. The Democrat and former U.S. Senator was 86 years old.
President Trump's Transgender Military Policy Reflects Promise to Move Away from Political Correctness
WASHINGTON, March 21, 2018 - Yesterday, Mississippi Senator Roger Wicker appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 240 stations across the country and across Mississippi on the American Family Radio Network. On the show, Sen. Wicker highlighted the current debate over whether atheists can serve as chaplains in the Navy.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in National Institute of Family and Life Advocates v. Becerra. In NIFLA v. Becerra, the question being argued is whether the state of California can force licensed pro-life pregnancy care centers to advertise for state-sponsored abortions and advise where to get them, and whether unlicensed centers can be forced to put up a notice saying they are unlicensed.
WASHINGTON, March 16, 2018 - Yesterday, Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 240 stations across the country and across Mississippi on the American Family Radio Network. On the show, Gov. Phil Bryant discussed how Mississippi is taking pro-life strides in becoming the most pro-life state in the nation with a 15-week abortion ban.
WASHINGTON, DC - Today President Trump announced that Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will be replaced by CIA Director Mike Pompeo. Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following reaction:
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, Peter Sprigg, Senior Fellow for Policy Studies at Family Research Council, testified before the Maryland State House in opposition to House Bill 902, a bill prohibiting licensed counselors from providing minors with help to overcome unwanted same-sex attraction.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins this morning addressed the National Religious Broadcaster's 75th annual convention on the importance of evangelicals continuing to engage our culture to promote faith, family, freedom in the public square.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - This afternoon, Vice President Mike Pence cast a tie breaking vote to confirm Russell Vought, the Trump administration's nominee for deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget. Vought's nomination drew national attention after Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) deemed Vought unfit for public service due to his Christian belief that salvation is found through Jesus Christ alone. In response to Senator Sanders' religious bigotry, Family Research Council (FRC) launched a petition signed by more than 55,000 Americans calling on Senator Sanders to apologize for his unconstitutional religious test and urged the U.S. Senate to reject the religious test.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement on the passing of Dr. Billy Graham:
Lansing, Michigan - Today, Family Research Council's Randy Wilson joined Pastor Jeremy Schossau along with pastors and state legislators at a State Capitol news conference urging State Reps. Adam Zemke (D-Ann Arbor) and Darrin Camilleri (D-Brownstown Twp.) to withdraw their demands for an investigation into Pastor Schossau's church for offering a workshop that provides biblical answers on identity and sexuality.
Lansing, Michigan - TODAY at 2 pm, pastors will speak at a news conference at the State Capitol urging Michigan state legislators to withdraw their demands for an investigation into a church because the pastor is offering a workshop that provides biblical answers to young women struggling with thoughts on identity and sexuality.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, Jeremy Schossau, Pastor of Metro City Church in Michigan, appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 240 stations across the country. On the show, Jeremy shared about the threats he has received after announcing a church event available for young women struggling with thoughts on identity and sexuality. Two Michigan state legislators are demanding a state investigation into the church.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 240 stations across the country. On the show, Ambassador Brownback shared his new duties as ambassador and how he will promote religious liberty internationally.
Report Shows President Trump on Track to Be Most Pro-life President
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement after attending this afternoon's swearing-in of Governor Sam Brownback as the Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom:
Pres. Trump's State of the Union Address Points Way Forward on Making America Good and Prosperous
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) expressed disappointment over the Senate's failed vote on the motion to proceed to the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (S. 1922) today. This procedural motion received a majority (51 to 46) but fell short of the 60 votes required in the Senate to end debate and proceed to a final vote. This Pain Capable bill, sponsored by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), would have saved over 13,000 human lives each year. This bill would have prohibited brutal abortions on unborn babies after five months post-fertilization, when they feel excruciating pain according to the testimony of medical experts.\r
GUATEMALA CITY - On Thursday, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins traveled with a small delegation of evangelical leaders to Guatemala City to meet with President Jimmy Morales, Vice President Jafeth Cabrera and key members of the Morales administration to commend Guatemala for recognizing Jerusalem as the undivided, eternal capital of Israel, and discuss other vital issues such as his administration's support for the sanctity of human life, and religious freedom. The delegation was organized by the Latino Coalition for Israel and included evangelical leaders such as Mario Bramnick, President of Latino Coalition for Israel; Dr. Jim Garlow, Senior Pastor of Skyline Church; Congresswoman Michele Bachmann; Pastor Ramiro Pena, Senior Pastor, Christ the King; and Lourdes Aguirre, director, Latino Coalition for Israel.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Earlier today Peter Sprigg, Senior Fellow for Policy Studies at Family Research Council, testified before the Maryland State Senate in support of Senate Joint Resolution 1, a resolution to declare that the exposure of minors to pornography is a public health hazard within the state of Maryland.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council today praised the Senate confirmation of Governor Sam Brownback (R-Kans.) to be the Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom, a position elevated by the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act which was signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2016.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council today applauded President Trump and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for announcing a new policy that will allow states to defund abortionists from state Medicaid programs. HHS is reversing an Obama era Medicaid policy that prohibited states from removing certain types of providers, including abortion providers, from their state Medicaid programs despite federal authority for states to determine standards for qualified providers. HHS also released a new regulation that will give enforcement tools to HHS's Office of Civil Rights to handle conscience violations related to 25 federal laws that pertain to the beginning of and end of life.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council today commended the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for approving the nomination of Governor Sam Brownback (R-Kans.) to be the Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom, a job then-Senator Brownback was pivotal in creating in 1998 to address religious persecution and genocide around the world.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council today applauded the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for announcing the formation of a new Conscience and Religious Freedom Division in the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR). HHS announced that the division "will provide HHS with the focus it needs to more vigorously and effectively enforce existing laws protecting the rights of conscience and religious freedom, the first freedom protected in the Bill of Rights."
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Friday, the same day hundreds of thousands descend on the city for the annual March for Life, the House of Representatives will vote on the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act (H.R. 4712). This legislation would require health care practitioners to provide life-saving medical care to babies born alive who survive an attempted abortion, just as they would do for other babies born at the same age of development. It will create criminal penalties to enforce what is currently only a definitional provision in federal law. The bill expressly prohibits any prosecution under this act of the mother of a child born-alive, and gives her a private right of action to seek relief if an abortionist were to kill or neglect her born-alive infant. Although a similar measure was signed into law by President Bush in 2003, it never had the teeth needed to hold the abortion industry accountable. Family Research Council (FRC) announced plans to score in favor of both the rule to consider the legislation and final passage of the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, Oklahoma Senator James Lankford appeared on a Religious Freedom Day edition of Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 240 stations across the country. The special program also streamed live on Facebook.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Tuesday, January 16, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins will host a Religious Freedom Day program in front of a live studio audience at FRC's headquarters. Tony will be joined by special guests including Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.), Radiance Foundation's Ryan Bomberger, and former Representative Frank Wolf, to discuss the past accomplishments of religious freedom and what they tell us about how to confront present day issues. Religious Freedom Day, occurring each year on January 16, is the anniversary of the passage of the Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom in 1786. The live special radio report of Washington Watch can viewed on FRC's Facebook and FRC.org.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Friday, January 19, just prior to the annual March For Life, Abby Johnson will join other speakers at Family Research Council headquarters for the 13th annual ProLifeCon Digital Action Summit.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Friday, January 19, just prior to the annual March For Life, Reps. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and House Republican Conference Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) will join other speakers at Family Research Council headquarters for the 13th annual ProLifeCon Digital Action Summit.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Next Friday, January 19, just prior to the annual March For Life, Anna Hoduski will join other speakers at Family Research Council headquarters for the 13th annual ProLifeCon Digital Action Summit.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - - Next Friday, January 19, just prior to the annual March For Life, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) will join other speakers at Family Research Council headquarters for the 13th annual ProLifeCon Digital Action Summit.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Next Friday, January 19, just prior to the annual March For Life, Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) will join other speakers at Family Research Council headquarters for the 13th annual ProLifeCon Digital Action Summit.
WASHINGTON, January 9, 2018 - Yesterday, Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 240 stations across the country. On the show, Atty. Gen. Landry discussed a new guidance document, co-authored with Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.), which provides answers to students religious expression rights in public schools.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today the Congress took a major step forward in reforming America's tax code as both chambers passed the final conference version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1). This legislation is the first major overhaul of the country's tax code in over thirty years. The bill now goes to President Trump's desk to be signed into law. Family Research Council (FRC) commends Republican legislators in the House and Senate for advancing tax relief to millions of hardworking families.
Family Research Council Commends DOJ for Opening Investigation into Planned Parenthood Baby Parts Scandal
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement praising President Trump's plans to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital and begin the process to relocate the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem: "Today is a major milestone in America's historic relationship with Israel. Under the bold and courageous leadership of President Trump, America is finally putting American interests and the interests of our key allies first. "America's foreign policy, as it pertains to Israel, is coming into alignment with this biblical truth: Jerusalem is the eternal and indivisible capital of the Jewish state," concluded Perkins. -30-
WASHINGTON, DC -- Family Research Council (FRC) and American Family Association (AFA) today delivered a petition with 77,024 signatures to the Pentagon in support of Colonel Leland Bohannon. After a decades-long career with the Air Force, Col. Bohannon's superior suspended him from command, withheld his decoration, and submitted a letter to the Air Force Brigadier General promotion board recommending that he not be promoted because he sought a religious accommodation exempting him from having to sign a "certificate of spouse appreciation" for an airman in a same-sex marriage.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins addressed a rally outside the United States Supreme Court in support of Colorado baker Jack Phillips. The rally sponsored by the Radiance Foundation and Alliance Defending Freedom marks the start to oral arguments for the case of Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Tuesday, December 5, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins will address a rally outside the United States Supreme Court in support of Colorado Baker Jack Phillips. The rally sponsored by the Radiance Foundation marks the start to oral arguments for the case of Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission. Travis Weber, FRC's Director of the Center for Religious Liberty will attend the oral arguments and speak at the news conference following.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today the Senate passed the\u00A0Tax Cuts and Jobs Act\u00A0(H.R. 1). This legislation is the first major overhaul of the country's tax code in over thirty years. Family Research Council (FRC) supported the House passed version of H.R. 1. FRC also announced yesterday plans to score\u00A0amendments to the Senate version of the bill. FRC did\u00A0score in favor of the\u00A0Cruz Amendment. FRC intended to score the Daines Amendment, but it was not offered.\u00A0\r
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 240 stations across Louisiana and the country. On the show, AG Landry shared his thoughts on President Trump's nomination of Kyle Duncan for the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, Arkansas State Rep. Jim Dotson appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 240 stations across the country. On the show, Rep. Dotson talked about Arkansas school districts beginning to display "In God We Trust" posters in their classrooms.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Family Research Council is disappointed by a Texas federal court's decision to rule against the state's dismemberment abortion ban, a law that prohibited unborn children from being brutally torn apart and killed.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council is expressing concern that faith-based adoption and foster care services could be forced to shut down due to a lawsuit filed by the ACLU against the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Michigan Children's Services Agency.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the House of Representatives passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1). Family Research Council (FRC) announced it supports Chairman Kevin Brady's (R-TX) Tax Cuts and Jobs Act due to multiple tax reform provisions that directly benefit the family and free speech. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act would increase the child tax credit, expand education savings accounts to include unborn children, provide for free speech fairness for all nonprofits including churches and faith based groups, remove most marriage penalties and includes an adoption tax credit.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council congratulated Toni Richardson and the First Liberty Institute on their hard-fought victory for religious freedom. Today, after over a year-long dispute between Richardson and the Augusta School Department, Toni's First Amendment rights were finally honored after being reprimanded and threatened by the department for privately telling a fellow employee "I will pray for you." The Augusta School Department sent First Liberty client Toni Richardson a new memorandum that removed language banning Richardson from making any "faith-based statements" and threatened further disciplinary action or dismissal if she made such statements.
WASHINGTON, DC-- Family Research Council praised the GOP's Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1) approved today by the House Ways and Means Committee - a bill that increases the child tax credit, expands education savings accounts to include unborn children, provides for free speech fairness for all nonprofits including churches and faith based groups, removes most marriage penalties and includes an adoption tax credit.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council praised policy guidance released today by USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service that makes clear the agency will protect religious freedom and will not discriminate against anyone based on their beliefs regarding marriage and sexuality. The guidance, titled "First Amendment and Religious Beliefs: Questions and Answers," states that "[o]pinions about same-sex marriage, gender identity, and sexual morality are all matters of public importance... USDA respects the First Amendment rights of USDA personnel, as well as non-USDA personnel working at facilities inspected by USDA, to share their varying viewpoints on these topics, whether through oral discussion, the display or distribution of literature, or other means."
CAIRO, EGYPT - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins joined a delegation of U.S. evangelical leaders in Cairo on Wednesday for a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss his administration's commitment to religious freedom for all Egyptians including Egypt's Christians and other religious minorities, some of whom have been the targets of waves of terrorist attacks.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Amy Barrett for the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, along with seven other senators spoke out yesterday in support of Amy Barrett ahead of the confirmation vote.Senator Dianne Feinstein, during Barrett's confirmation hearing, questioned whether Barrett would be able to perform her duties as circuit court judge because Barrett was a practicing Catholic. Feinstein was quoted commenting to Barrett, "the dogma lives loudly within you."
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council criticized today's injunction by U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly that blocks enforcement of parts of President Trump's transgender military policy.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Trump administration announced this week that it would address the needs of the Middle East's Christian community by providing assistance directly, bypassing UN aid programs which have been largely ineffective in helping displaced Christians affected by ISIS.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council praised a ruling today by the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia that allows government officials to decline to facilitate an abortion for a minor illegal immigrant while she is in custody of the federal government.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Family Research Council's Arina Grossu, Director of the Center for Human Dignity, spoke alongside other local and national pro-life leaders at a press conference that took place in front of a recently opened late-term abortion facility in Bethesda, Maryland. According to Operation Rescue, LeRoy Carhart is operating his new facility without a required facility license and already has a history of endangering women's health and safety.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - TOMORROW, Family Research Council's Arina Grossu, Director of the Center for Human Dignity, will join other local and national pro-life leaders to speak at a press conference in front of a late-term abortion facility in Bethesda, Maryland, that just opened this week. According to Operation Rescue, Carhart is operating his new facility without a required facility license. Carhart has a history of endangering women's health and safety. In the seven years of conducting late-term abortions at his former facility in Germantown, Maryland, at least ten women were rushed to hospital emergency rooms by ambulance suffering from life-threatening complications as a result of the risky abortion procedures he performed on them. Twenty-nine year old Jennifer Morbelli died from complications in 2013 following the abortion procedure in Carhart's office of her 33-week gestation baby girl, Madison. Various representatives will speak about the danger that Carhart is to the community and the need for passage of the 20 week pain ban to end barbaric late-term abortions.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On Friday, October 13th, Senior Counselor to the President, Kellyanne Conway, will address the 12th annual Values Voter Summit shortly after President Trump concludes his remarks to an event that draws thousands of grassroots activists to the nation's capital.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Friday, October 13, President Donald Trump will address the 12th annual Values Voter Summit taking place at the Omni Shoreham Hotel. President Trump will be the first sitting president to address the Values Voter Summit. This will be Donald Trump's third trip to the Summit, including last year when he attended VVS as the Republican presidential nominee.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Friday, October 13, former Deputy Assistant to the President, Sebastian Gorka, will address the 12th Annual Values Voter Summit taking place at the Omni Shoreham Hotel. Thousands of grassroots activists from around the country will gather in the nation's capital to hear from Gorka and other confirmed speakers which include House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.), Reps. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo.), RSC Chairman Mark Walker (R-N.C.), Chris Smith (R-N.J.), Dr. Bill Bennett, Laura Ingraham, Dana Loesch, "Duck Dynasty's" Phil Robertson, Todd Starnes, Steve Bannon, Judge Roy Moore, Lt. Col. Oliver North, and more.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council today criticized a ruling by U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb declaring the clergy housing tax allowance unconstitutional. Family Research Council's "Watchmen on the Wall" pastors network is composed of over 40,000 churches from across the country for whom this issue is of great importance.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council applauded two major actions today by the Trump administration that safeguard religious freedom. The Department of Justice (DOJ) is directing federal agencies to respect religious freedom while the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is exempting religious entities from the oppressive Obama contraceptive mandate.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council's Arina Grossu, Director of the Center for Human Dignity, will visit Yale University October 6 - 7 to attend the 5th annual pro-life conference, Vita et Veritas. Hosted by Choose Life At Yale (CLAY), the theme of this year's conference is "Pro-Life Is Pro-Woman." A variety of distinguished voices in the prolife movement, including former Planned Parenthood director Abby Johnson, will gather to discuss the intersection of the promotion of women's rights and the right to life. Arina Grossu will add to this discussion sharing her knowledge of the dangers abortion poses to women's health and safety. Her talk is entitled "Dangerous, Legal, and Common: How Abortion Threatens Women's Health and Safety."
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today Family Research Council President Tony Perkins participated in a news conference alongside U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.) and other pro-life leaders to formally introduce the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act in the Senate. The legislation passed the House of Representatives yesterday by a vote of 237-189.\r\r
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Friday, October 13, House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) will address the 12th Annual Values Voter Summit taking place at the Omni Shoreham Hotel. Thousands of grassroots activists from around the country will have an opportunity to hear about his miraculous recovery from a shooting that rocked the nation.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) praised the House passage of Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (H.R. 36) today. This bill sponsored by Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.), would save over 13,000 human lives each year. This bill would prohibit brutal abortions on unborn babies after 5 months post-fertilization, because they feel excruciating pain as they are ripped apart in the womb.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week Family Research Council (FRC), along with a coalition of twenty other family policy organizations, submitted a joint amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Kenosha Unified School District v. Whitaker asking the nation's highest court to hear the case and rule that current law allows schools to make distinctions based on biological sex for purposes of deciding who will use private school facilities.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Nationally syndicated radio talk show host, best-selling author, and Blaze TV host Dana Loesch will address the 12th annual Values Voter Summit - an event that draws thousands of grassroots activists to the nation's capital each year. A variety of speakers, including U.S. representatives, activists, and key thinkers and leading voices of the conservative movement, have been invited to speak at this event to discuss the fundamental issues driving social conservative voters today.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The White House announced today the nominations of Louisiana's former Solicitor General Kyle Duncan and Eastern District Chief Judge Kurt Engelhardt to the Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today Family Research Council praised the GOP tax reform framework - released by the White House, Leader Mitch McConnell, Speaker Paul Ryan, Chairman Orrin Hatch and Chairman Kevin Brady-- noting the plan will increase the child tax credit, eliminate the death tax, and provide a tax credit for caring for dependents, like ailing elderly parents, among other proposals. This tax reform framework rightly is designed to provide tax relief for families.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Last night, Family Research Council's Director of the Center for Human Dignity, Arina Grossu, spoke at the kickoff candlelight vigil for the D.C. 40 Days for Life which took place outside the new D.C. Planned Parenthood location. The mission of 40 Days for Life is: "The mission of the campaign is to bring together the body of Christ in a spirit of unity during a focused 40-day campaign of prayer, fasting, and peaceful activism, with the purpose of repentance, to seek God's favor to turn hearts and minds from a culture of death to a culture of life, thus bringing an end to abortion."
WASHINGTON, D.C. - TONIGHT, Family Research Council's Travis Weber, Director of the Center for Religious Liberty, will be in Louisiana at the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary to speak at the Institute for Faith and the Public Square's annual conference. This year's focus is on the topic of "Rights and Sexuality: Where Individual Freedoms and Civil Rights Meet." The Institute for Faith and the Public Square is devoted to exploring the intersection of faith and politics. At this event, Travis will be speaking on religious freedom protections needed in the post-Obergefell era.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, Louisiana State Rep. Kenny Havard appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 240 stations across the country. On the show, Rep. Havard discussed his proposal to prevent state tax dollars from going to the NFL's New Orleans Saints after the team protested during the National Anthem.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) and Susan B. Anthony List (SBA List) today announced their shared support of the FY17 reconciliation legislation to repeal and replace Obamacare sponsored by Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.). The Graham-Cassidy legislation would reapply to federal health care law the principle contained in the Hyde Amendment that abortion is not health care and should not be subsidized. It redirects taxpayer funding away from abortion businesses like Planned Parenthood and provides better state-based health insurance solutions for families than Obamacare.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) along with the North Carolina Values Coalition have submitted a joint amicus brief in the case of Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, which is currently before the U.S. Supreme Court. This case arose when Masterpiece Cakeshops' owner, Jack Phillips, was sued after respectfully declining to decorate a wedding cake celebrating a same-sex ceremony.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) and the Jewish Institute for Global Awareness issued a joint statement today questioning the Southern Poverty Law Center's deafening silence regarding an anti-semitic incident that took place this week at Tufts University. On Monday, the Washington Free Beacon reported that the university's Facebook page published a "a student-made handbook that condemned the campus Jewish center for supporting Israel, which the guide called a 'white supremacist state.'" University administrators later removed the handbook from its social pages.
WASHINGTON, September 8, 2017 - Yesterday, Rev. Franklin Graham appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 240 stations across the country. On the show, Graham shared what he and Samaritan's Purse are doing on the ground to help victims of Hurricane Harvey and prepare for Hurricane Irma.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) today joined a coalition of 47 conservative leaders and organizations in releasing an open letter to news organizations, calling on the media to stop using data from the discredited Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) in Alabama.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) today joined a coalition of 47 conservative leaders and organizations in releasing an open letter to news organizations, calling on the media to stop using data from the discredited Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC).
Family Research Council Thankful for Pres. Trump's Call for a National Day of Prayer
WASHINGTON, DC -- Family Research Council (FRC) commended the Trump administration for the guidance released today that will help return our military to its core mission by the reversal of the Obama era transgender policy. A Rasmussen survey released earlier this summer finds "just 23% of likely U.S. voters think the U.S. military's decision to allow openly transgender people to serve is good for the military." Nearly 60 percent of active duty military personnel have a "negative opinion" of the Obama policy.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, D. James Kennedy Ministries filed a lawsuit in an Alabama federal court against the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) alleging "that the SPLC illegally trafficked in false and misleading descriptions of the services offered by D. James Kennedy Ministries and committed defamation against D. James Kennedy Ministries arising from the publication and distribution of false information that libels the ministry's reputation and subjects the ministry to disgrace, ridicule, odium, and contempt in the estimation of the public."
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Last week Family Research Council (FRC) along with the North Carolina Values Coalition submitted a joint amicus brief asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case of Arlene's Flowers, Inc., et al v. Washington et al. This case arose when Arlene's Flowers' owner Barronelle Stutzman, was sued after she politely declined to make floral arrangements for a same-sex wedding.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement calling the nation to prayer and reconciliation as the national divide grows deeper:
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement regarding Charlottesville:\r
WASHINGTON, DC -- Family Research Council (FRC) praised President Trump's decision yesterday to nominate Kansas Governor Sam Brownback to the post of Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom at the State Department. Created in 1998, the role has helped to highlight the issue of religious freedom around the world, but has had limited success in being able to shape foreign policy in a comprehensive manner. The Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act, signed into law last December, made changes which will result in the Ambassador-at-Large reporting directly to the Secretary of State. \r\r
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today the U.S. Senate rejected by a vote of 50 to 50 a procedural vote to allow consideration of Sen. Luther Strange's (R-AL) Amendment #389 to the Senate health care bill (H.R. 1628). \r
WASHINGTON, DC -- Family Research Council (FRC) praised President Trump's decision today rescinding the Obama era transgender policy. A Rasmussen survey released last month finds "just 23% of likely U.S. voters think the U.S. military's decision to allow openly transgender people to serve is good for the military."
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the Senate agreed to proceed to a debate on H.R. 1628, the House-passed American Health Care Act of 2017. In order for the Senate to debate the important elements of Obamacare's repeal and replacement, senators needed first to support a procedural motion to begin consideration of H.R. 1628. Family Research Council (FRC) scored in favor of the motion to proceed to H.R. 1628.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Yesterday, Sen. Luther Strange (R-Ala.), appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 240 stations across the country. On the show, Sen. Strange shared about yesterday's lunch meeting between President Trump and Senate Republicans, where they discussed the path forward to repealing Obamacare.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Friday, July 21, Michael Stokes Paulsen, a distinguished University Chair & Professor of Law at the University of St. Thomas, will give a lecture at Family Research Council headquarters on the main controversies surrounding religious liberty today, which are being driven in large part due to society's declining acceptance of the premises and assumptions upon which the First Amendment was based.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today the U.S. Senate released a new draft of the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017 (H.R. 1628, "BCRA"). BCRA, for one year, would eliminate more than $390 million (over 86%) of over $450 million in annual federal funding to Planned Parenthood, from all mandatory government spending programs. This is identical to the provision ruled to comply with the Senate's Byrd Rule in 2015. BCRA would also redirect funding to community health centers, which outnumber Planned Parenthood facilities 20 to 1 and offer a wider array of health care services, but not abortion. BCRA also would provide premium credits that may not be used for health care plans that cover elective abortion, a reversal of the massive Obamacare expansion of elective abortion. It also would provide states more funds and flexibility, without subsidizing abortion, to lower healthcare costs, which have risen dramatically under Obamacare, and therefore will provide families more affordable options to obtain healthcare suited to their needs.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Hostility toward religion has continued in Colorado according to Family Research Council's recently released Hostility to Religion: The Growing Threat to Religious Liberty in America, a report documenting dozens of new incidents of government hostility to religion in America in just the past three years. The updated report, with 69 cases added since 2014, finds a 76 percent increase in religious freedom violations since the first edition. The report is available as a free download at www.ReligiousHostility.org.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Family Research Council's Arina Grossu, Director of the Center for Human Dignity, joined several pro-life leaders in calling on the United Kingdom's government to intervene and allow the parents of baby Charlie Gard to take him abroad to seek potential life-saving treatment for Charlie who has mitochondrial depletion syndrome. The U.K. government and the hospital are refusing to allow Charlie's parents to take him to the United States to seek further treatment despite pleas from Pope Francis and President Donald Trump on Charlie's behalf.
Family Research Council Statement on Pentagon Decision Delaying Transgender Mandate
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Family Research Council released Hostility to Religion: The Growing Threat to Religious Liberty in America, a report documenting dozens of new incidents of government hostility to religion in America in just the past three years. The updated report, with 69 cases added since 2014, finds a 76 percent increase in religious freedom violations since the first edition. The report is available as a free download at www.ReligiousHostility.org.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Yesterday, Louisiana Solicitor General, Liz Murrill, appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 240 stations across the country. On the show, Murrill discussed the Center for Reproductive Rights decision to file a federal lawsuit in Baton Rouge, challenging abortion clinic health standards passed by the Louisiana legislature.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - This morning GuideStar USA removed the website banners on Christian organizations that it had deemed "hate groups." Last week, Family Research Council, along with a coalition of forty-one conservative leaders and organizations, released a letter sent to GuideStar USA expressing disagreement with its use of the discredited Southern Poverty Law Center's defamatory "hate group" labels.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today the U.S. Supreme Court announced the Court's decision in the case of Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia v. Comer. This marked the first major religious liberty case since Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch was confirmed to the Court earlier this year. Family Research Council, as a part of a coalition, submitted an amicus brief in the case.
WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, the U.S. Supreme Court announced it will hear the appeal of a case involving Jack Phillips, a baker who politely declined to create a wedding cake to celebrate a same-sex ceremony because doing so would violate his religious belief that marriage is the union of a man and a woman. Twenty years ago, Phillips started Masterpiece Cakeshop, and since that time has served thousands of customers in Colorado -- without regard to their sexual orientation or anything else. Phillips explained to the customers in this case that he would gladly make any other type of baked item for them but could not in good conscience make a cake promoting a same-sex ceremony.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins and Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser issued a joint statement today regarding the Senate GOP's Obamacare replacement bill:\r\r"The expectations of the pro-life movement have been very clear: The health care bill must not indefinitely subsidize abortion and must re-direct abortion giant Planned Parenthood's taxpayer funding to community health centers. The Senate discussion draft includes these pro-life priorities, but we remain very concerned that either of these priorities could be removed from the bill for procedural or political reasons. We are working closely with our pro-life allies in the Senate to prevent this from happening as it could result in our opposition. We are confident that the pro-life Senate will ultimately move forward with our pro-life priorities intact."\r\r-30-\r
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council, along with a coalition of forty-one conservative leaders and organizations, released a letter sent to GuideStar USA "to express our strong disagreement with GuideStar's newly implemented policy that labels 46 American organizations as 'hate groups.'" GuideStar bills itself as a neutral organization that seeks to "gather and disseminate information about every single IRS-registered nonprofit organization."
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit rejected a challenge to HB 1523, Mississippi's Protecting Freedom of Conscience from Government Discrimination Act. HB 1523 provides exemptions for those who have a conscience objection to being forced to facilitate same-sex marriages and other matters they disagree with, and allows them to opt out of the process while allowing other government workers or entities to handle such matters.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Yesterday, Mayor of Neosho, Missouri, Ben Baker, appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 240 stations across the country. On the show, Baker shared about the recent controversy that erupted in his town when the Freedom From Religion Foundation demanded that the city remove a sixty-foot cross that had been lying on the hillside of a local park since 1930.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday Peter Sprigg, Senior Fellow for Policy Studies at Family Research Council, testified before the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities at the Massachusetts General Court against H. 1190 and S. 62 - two bills prohibiting licensed counselors from providing minors with help to overcome unwanted same-sex attraction.
WASHINGTON, DC - Family Research Council thanked Texas Governor Greg Abbott today for announcing a special session that will take up legislation protecting the privacy of women and children.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Yesterday, Christian comedian, Chonda Pierce, appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 240 stations across the country. On the show, Pierce weighed in on Kathy Griffin's apology in the aftermath of her decision to post pictures of herself holding a fake, bloodied, disembodied head resembling President Trump.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the case of United States v. Sterling. The Court was asked to decide whether the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) protects a Marine lance corporal's decision to post scripture verses at her workstation. The lance corporal desired to post the verses to give her inspiration and strength, but military superiors ordered her to remove the verses she posted. The Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces refused to protect her religious expression, interpreting RFRA in a constrained manner to protect only certain types of religious exercise and requiring that service members seek a religious accommodation, even though this is not a requirement of the statute. Family Research Council and numerous other religious freedom advocates urged the Supreme Court to take this case and overturn this harmful decision.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, president and chief counsel for the Freedom of Conscience Defense Fund, Charles LiMandri, appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 240 stations across the country. On the show, LiMandri highlighted the lawsuit, filed by the Freedom of Conscience Defense Fund on behalf of six San Diego Unified School District parents, in response to the district's decision to start incorporating Muslim-themed lessons into classrooms.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today a draft copy of a Department of Health and Human Services regulation was leaked that would implement President Donald Trump's executive order protecting religious liberty for all Americans. The leaked HHS regulation, if accurate, will ensure people with religious beliefs and actions are not punished by the federal government if they follow their beliefs.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Only days after the release of a new shocking undercover expose video, Planned Parenthood released its 2015-2016 annual report. Planned Parenthood generally publishes its report in January. For unknown reasons, this year it waited until the end of May to release it. The new report focuses on its 100-year anniversary. A closer look at the numbers reveals some shocking statistics.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today at 10:20 a.m., Pastor Scott Craig of BigHorn Canyon Community Church in Rapid City, South Dakota, will speak to hundreds of pastors from 42 states at Family Research Council's Watchmen on the Wall National Briefing.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today at 10:05 a.m., president and founder of 3 Cord Alliance, Pastor J.C. Church of Victory in Truth Ministries, will speak to hundreds of pastors from 42 states at Family Research Council's Watchmen on the Wall National Briefing.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday Arina Grossu, Director of the Center for Human Dignity at Family Research Council, joined other pro-life leaders in front of a recently-opened abortion business, Capital Women's Services, in Washington, D.C. to speak at a press conference hosted by Mercy Missions. This business is already marred with a reputation of violence and death, as its lead abortionist, Steven Brigham, has previously lost his medical licenses in six states and has a long disciplinary, criminal, and malpractice history. Now he brings his dangerous practice to D.C. and will put women's lives and safety at risk.
WASHINGTON, May 26, 2017 - Last night, Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins was pleased to honor the Rev. James Robison, founder of LIFE Outreach International, with the "Watchman Award." The award was presented during the Watchmen on the Wall briefing, an annual conference sponsored by Family Research Council that has drawn hundreds of pastors to the nation's capital from 42 states.\r
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today at 9:35 a.m., New York Times Best-Selling Author, Pastor Jentezen Franklin of Free Chapel in Gainesville, Georgia, will speak to hundreds of pastors from 42 states at Family Research Council's Watchmen on the Wall National Briefing.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - TODAY Senator Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) will join other speakers and church leaders at this year's Watchmen on the Wall National Briefing.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Thursday, Arina Grossu, Director of the Center for Human Dignity at Family Research Council, will join other pro-life leaders in front of a recently-opened abortion facility, Capital Women's Services, in Washington, D.C. to speak at a press conference hosted by Mercy Missions. This facility is already marred with a reputation of violence and death, as its lead abortionist, Steven Brigham, has previously lost his medical licenses in six states and has a long disciplinary, criminal, and malpractice history. Now he brings his dangerous practice to D.C. and will put women's lives and safety at risk.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - TOMORROW Representative Mark Walker (R-N.C.) will join North Carolina church leaders and other speakers at this year's Watchmen on the Wall National Briefing.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today in Louisiana, Vice President Mike Pence, along with Congressman Garret Graves and the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Seema Verma, visited the newly-renovated home of Jimmy and Olive Morgan, who were rescued on their rooftop from the August 2016 flood waters. Then-candidate Donald Trump and his running mate then-Governor Mike Pence, visited the flood-ravaged areas days after flooding began at the invitation of Family Research Council president Tony Perkins, who serves as the interim senior pastor at Greenwell Springs Baptist Church. During that visit on August 19, 2016, Perkins led Trump, Pence, and Franklin Graham of Samaritan's Purse, to survey the initial flood damage, making a stop at the Morgan's home as the debris was being removed from their house.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today the Trump administration's State Department began the implementation of the Mexico City Policy, a policy dating back to every Republican administration since Ronald Reagan's. The policy ensures American taxpayer dollars are prevented from going to any foreign group that performs abortions or "actively promotes" abortion as a method of family planning in other countries. However, President Trump has expanded the pro-life taxpayer protections to include global health dollars, so that it would apply to nearly nine billion dollars in U.S. taxpayer funds to foreign non-governmental organizations. The order ensures U.S. funds will continue to go to health care, humanitarian relief, and even family planning; it only blocks funding to those groups that perform or promote abortion.
Washington, D.C. - This morning, President Donald Trump gave the commencement address at Liberty University to a crowd of more than 50,000 people - his first commencement address since becoming president.\r
Washington, D.C. - Yesterday, President Donald Trump announced the formation of a bipartisan Presidential Commission on Election Integrity chaired by Vice President Mike Pence. Six other members were named to the commission including former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell who also serves as Senior Fellow for Human Rights and Constitutional Governance at the Family Research Council.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Kentucky Court of Appeals ruled today that Blaine Adamson, owner of Hands on Originals, has the freedom to decline orders that force him to promote messages contrary to his faith. In 2012, the Kentucky shop owner was targeted by a city commission after turning down a job to print rainbow t-shirts for a local gay pride parade. At the time, the Commission's Executive Director, Raymond Sexton, infamously said it's time for Christians in the marketplace "to leave their religion at home."
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council offered praise for a new policy statement issued by Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue that reestablishes the "Department's commitment to safeguarding every American's First Amendment rights, particularly the right to free speech and the right to free religious exercise." The secretary goes further to say that "each and every USDA employee" is expected to uphold these freedoms and "doing so is not optional, and it is not discretionary." The statement pledges to foster a "climate of mutual respect and tolerance."
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council's Travis Weber, Director of the Center for Religious Liberty, will participate as a special advisor and advocate at the World Summit in Defense of Persecuted Christians in Washington, D.C. May 10-13. Organized by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, the summit will gather church leaders, victims of persecution and advocates to discuss and bring awareness to the persecution of Christians around the globe.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed the American Health Care Act of 2017 (AHCA). AHCA, for one year, would eliminate more than $390 million (over 86%) of over $450 million in annual federal funding to Planned Parenthood, from all mandatory spending programs. This is identical to the provision ruled to comply with the Senate's Byrd Rule in 2015. AHCA also redirects funding to community health centers which outnumber Planned Parenthood facilities 20 to 1 and offer a wider array of health care services, but not abortion. AHCA also repeals Obamacare abortion subsidies, adds reforms to give states more flexibility and lower costs, and provides families more options.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins was at the White House for the signing ceremony of an executive order protecting religious liberty. The President's new order ensures the freedom of all Americans to believe and act in accordance with their beliefs. The executive order makes clear that the administration will pursue policies that "protect and vigorously promote religious liberty."
WASHINGTON, May 3, 2017 - Yesterday, Rev. Franklin Graham appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 240 stations across the country. On the show, Graham discussed the persecution of Christians around the world and the need to stand for religious liberty both at home and overseas.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Tomorrow, May 4, Family Research Council Government Affairs General Counsel, Mandi Ancalle, Esq., will testify on Capitol Hill before the House Oversight Committee regarding the importance of free speech for churches, which are restricted due to the Johnson amendment. The Johnson amendment prohibits churches and non-profits from engaging in any activity that might be interpreted as participating in, or intervening in a campaign on behalf of or in opposition to a candidate for public office, including a simple oral or written statement. The repeal of the Johnson amendment was a frequent campaign theme of then-candidate Donald Trump's successful presidential campaign.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Family Research Council hosted a special program on the continued need to protect the religious liberty of all Americans.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Religious liberty is an indelible thread woven into the fabric of America. Without it, the American experiment will fail. Yet time and again, the freedom of Americans to believe and live out those beliefs has been attacked by government action. Now more than ever, our First Freedom of religious liberty needs protection at the highest levels of government in the form of an executive order that protects the rights of individuals and businesses to believe and live according to those beliefs.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council's Travis Weber, Director of the Center for Religious Liberty, will be in Brussels, Belgium April 27 - 28 to attend the Transatlantic Summit of Policy Makers. Hosted by The Political Network for Values, the Second Transatlantic Summit will gather political peers and allied organizations from around the globe to discuss the institution of marriage, family, human life, human dignity, religious freedom, and freedom of conscience, all in the context of policy and politics.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) announced today it will score in favor of the American Health Care Act of 2017 (AHCA) which may come up for a vote as soon as this week in the House of Representatives. This is the first time FRC has announced a plan to score a health care related bill in the new Congress. AHCA, for one year, would eliminate more than $390 million (over 86%) of over $450 million in annual federal funding to Planned Parenthood, from all mandatory spending programs. This is identical to the provision that was ruled to comply with the Senate's Byrd Rule in 2015. AHCA also redirects funding to community health centers which outnumber Planned Parenthood facilities 20 to 1 and offer a wider array of health care services, but not abortion.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia v. Comer. This marked the first major religious liberty case since Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch was confirmed to the Court. Family Research Council's (FRC) Director of the Center for Religious Liberty, Travis Weber, Esq., attended the oral arguments at the Court. The case will be decided later this year, likely in June.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Tomorrow the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the case of Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia v. Comer. This will mark the first major religious liberty case since Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch was confirmed to the Court, restoring the Court to a full bench. Family Research Council's (FRC) Director of the Center for Religious Liberty, Travis Weber, Esq., will attend the oral arguments. FRC filed a joint amicus brief in the case with the Christian Legal Society, the Anglican Church in North America, Christian Medical Association, National Religious Broadcasters, and the Queens Federation of Churches.
WASHINGTON, April 13, 2017 - Yesterday, Congressman-elect Ron Estes (R-Kan.) appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 240 stations across the country. On the show, Estes discussed his recent victory in winning a special congressional election in Kansas to take over the seat vacated by Mike Pompeo, who is now serving as President Trump's CIA director. Ron will be the newest member of Congress and is looking to change things for the better in Washington.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Senate today voted to confirm Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Neil Gorsuch to serve as an associate justice on the U.S. Supreme Court, filling the seat left vacant by the late Justice Antonin Scalia, who passed away in February of last year.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer today led his Democratic colleagues in the Senate in a filibuster attempt on the nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch to the US Supreme Court. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell triggered the so-called "nuclear option," lowering the threshold for Supreme Court nominations to 51 votes instead of 60, following the precedent set by the Democrats in 2013 concerning lower court and executive branch nominees.
WASHINGTON, DC - This morning the NCAA announced the end to its boycott of North Carolina after the state adopted an HB 2 compromise law.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council president Tony Perkins released the following statement after the Senate Judiciary Committee approved Judge Gorsuch's nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court:
WASHINGTON, March 31, 2017 - Yesterday, former North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 240 stations across the country. On the show, Pat McCrory discussed the repeal of House Bill 2 in the North Carolina General Assembly yesterday. The repeal bill, H.B. 142, essentially keeps the same content as H.B. 2, but puts the issue on hold until December of 2020. Pat McCrory was a supporter of the repeal bill, but the Left, who asked for the repeal, were livid that it passed.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, with the tie-breaking vote of Vice President Mike Pence, the U.S. Senate voted to overrule former President Obama's HHS regulations blocking states from defunding Planned Parenthood of federal Title X family planning funds and to prevent any future administration from re-issuing this rule. This Obama-era regulation effectively created a backdoor handout for the abortion industry. With the Senate's passage of Rep. Diane Black's (R-Tenn.) House-passed H.J. Res. 43, this legislation now heads to President's Trump desk for signature into law.
WASHINGTON, DC - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement following passage of House Bill 142:
WASHINGTON, March 29, 2017 - Yesterday, Congressman Andy Harris (R-Md.) appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 240 stations across the country. On the show, Rep. Harris discussed Attorney General Jeff Sessions' announcement that U.S. jurisdictions with policies protecting illegal immigrant felons from immigration laws would not receive grants from the Department of Justice. In the Attorney General's announcement, he urged Maryland not to pass legislation that would harbor illegal immigrants or halt prosecution and detaining procedures.
NEW YORK, NY - Yesterday afternoon, Arina Grossu, Director of the Center for Human Dignity at the Family Research Council, spoke at the UN's 61st Commission on the Status of Women parallel event titled "Femicide, Trafficking, and Reproductive Violence Against Women and Children." Her talk focused on sex trafficking and its relation to pornography, violence, and abortion. Others on the panel included Reggie Littlejohn, founder and president of Women's Rights Without Frontiers, who discussed forced abortion and gendercide in China as the real "war on women." Since China's installment of the one-child policy, millions of women have suffered at the hands of government violence and 400 million babies (a great majority of them being baby girls) have been aborted. Rebecca Oas, Associate Director of Research at the Center for Family and Human Rights (C-Fam), discussed how to ensure that women's true needs and priorities are being met instead of priorities imposed on them by international groups.
AUSTIN, TEXAS - Family Research Council praised the State Senate passage of the Texas Privacy Act by a vote of 21 to 10. Last week, Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, testified before the Texas Senate State Affairs Committee in support of the Texas Privacy Act (SB 6), which would protect the privacy and safety of women and children. The bill prevents public schools and government buildings from adopting policies that would open women's showers, bathrooms, and changing facilities to men and visa-versa.\r\r
AUSTIN, TEXAS - This morning, Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, testified before the Texas Senate State Affairs Committee in support of the Texas Privacy Act (SB 6), which will protect the safety and privacy of women and children. The bill prevents public schools, state government agencies, and political subdivisions from adopting policies that would open women's showers, bathrooms, and changing facilities to men and visa-versa.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - This morning, Family Research Council (FRC) welcomed the U.S. Supreme Court's announcement that the court is vacating and remanding the case of Gloucester County School Board v. G.G to the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals. The announcement came after the Justice Department and Department of Education issued new guidance rescinding an Obama administration edict to force schools to allow biological males to use girls' showers, locker rooms, and restrooms, and vice versa.\r
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Family Research Council's Arina Grossu, Director of the Center for Human Dignity, spoke at a rally in front of a DC area Planned Parenthood facility. The rally marked the kick off of the annual 40 Days for Life campaign.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Thursday, Aaron and Melissa Klein, formerly of Sweet Cakes by Melissa at the center of a national religious freedom case, will appear before the Oregon Court of Appeals for oral arguments. The Kleins lost their Sweet Cakes by Melissa Bakery over the course of litigation on the case and were ordered to pay $135,000 for declining to create a custom cake for a same-sex wedding. Thursday will mark the first time the couple will have an official day in court. Until this week, they have been at the mercy of a patently biased administrative body which even imposed a gag order on them restricting their First Amendment freedoms.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council president Tony Perkins will be in attendance at the Capitol as President Donald Trump delivers his first address before a joint session of Congress. Mr. Perkins will be available to comment afterwards.
WASHINGTON, DC - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, who attended tonight's address, released the following statement in response to President Donald Trump's first address to a joint session of Congress:
WASHINGTON, D.C. -On Thursday, Stuart Migdon and Pat Necerato of American Hero Films and other pro-life leaders will join Family Research Council guests for a panel discussion about the role of movies and media in motivating churches to take an active role in promoting a culture of life. Care Net and Human Coalition will join to discuss practical ways that churches can become equipped to provide compassion, hope, help, and discipleship to women and men considering abortion.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Family Research Council applauded a joint letter issued today by the Department of Education and Department of Justice withdrawing the Obama administration's edict to force schools to allow biological males to use girls' showers, locker rooms, and restrooms, and vice versa.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Earlier today Peter Sprigg, Senior Fellow for Policy Studies at Family Research Council, testified before the New Hampshire House of Representatives against H.B. 587, a bill to prohibit minors from seeking the help of a licensed counselor to deal with unwanted same-sex attractions and H.B. 478, a bill providing special rights on the basis of gender identity which would allow biological men to access women's bathrooms, locker rooms, and showers.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Peter Sprigg, Senior Fellow for Policy Studies at Family Research Council, will testify tomorrow before the New Hampshire General Court against H.B. 587, a bill to prohibit minors from seeking the help of a licensed counselor to deal with unwanted same-sex attractions, and H.B. 478, a bill providing special rights on the basis of gender identity (including nondiscrimination law in public accommodations) which would allow biological men to access women's bathrooms, locker rooms, and showers.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Pro-life champion, Norma McCorvey, passed away today at the age of 69. Under the pseudonym of Jane Roe, McCorvey was used in the sweeping 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision that imposed legalized abortion on-demand in all fifty states. In the latter part of her life, McCorvey became a leading advocate for the unborn.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Family Research Council (FRC) expressed outrage after the Washington State Supreme Court issued a ruling today that puts at risk the home and personal assets of Barronelle Stutzman, a florist shop owner who told two men that she'd be happy to sell them flowers but couldn't -- in good conscience -- arrange them for a wedding ceremony that violated her faith.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In December 2016, former President Obama's Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) finalized a regulation blocking states from defunding Planned Parenthood from federal Title X family planning funds, effectively creating a backdoor handout for the abortion industry.
WASHINGTON -- Today, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins hosted a special program with Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, North Carolina Lt. Governor Dan Forest, and abuse survivor Kaeley Triller Haver. They talked about what states are doing to protect the safety and privacy of women and children, and how they plan to defend the freedom to believe.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Wednesday, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins will host a special program with Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, North Carolina Lt. Governor Dan Forest, and others to talk about what states are doing to protect the safety and privacy of women and children, and to defend the freedom to believe. Guests include victims and experts.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Family Research Council commended the Trump administration's decision to end the federal government's court battle to overturn a nationwide injunction that blocked enforcement of the Obama administration's edict to force schools to allow biological males to use girls' showers, locker rooms, and restrooms, and vice versa.
WASHINGTON, February 9, 2017 - Last week at the National Prayer Breakfast President Trump vowed to "totally destroy the Johnson Amendment." The Johnson Amendment bars tax-exempt entities from involvement in political campaigns, preventing non-profit organizations, such as religious non-profits and churches, from taking action or making statements for or against a candidate running for public office. During President Trump's campaign he promised the evangelical community that he would take down this amendment, and he reiterated that promise with his statement at the National Prayer Breakfast.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Family Research Council (FRC) is pleased to learn the news that First Liberty Institute has reached a settlement agreement between the State of Georgia and its client, Dr. Eric Walsh. First Liberty reported that the State of Georgia agreed to pay $225,000 to settle Dr. Walsh's religious discrimination lawsuit.
WASHINGTON, February 9, 2017 - Yesterday, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 240 stations across the country. On the show, the Lieutenant Governor discussed the Texas Women's Privacy Act (SB 6), which will protect women and children. The bill prevents public schools, state government agencies, and political subdivisions from adopting policies that would open women's showers, bathrooms, and changing facilities to men and visa-versa. It also prevents political subdivisions from forcing private entities, including contractors, to open their showers, locker rooms and bathrooms to people of the opposite sex. It leaves private entities free to determine their own policies regarding the use of shared bathrooms and showers.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Arina Grossu, Director of the Center for Human Dignity at Family Research Council, will testify today before the Washington State legislature against H.B. 1523. Ms. Grossu will make a case for religious freedom and the right of conscience.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - -- This morning, President Trump, in his remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast, said, "I will get rid of and totally destroy the Johnson Amendment and allow our representatives of faith to speak freely without fear and retribution. I will do that. Remember."
WASHINGTON, D.C. - This evening, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins will attend President Trump's Supreme Court nomination announcement at the White House.
Family Research Council Welcomes Judge Gorsuch as Pres. Trump's Supreme Court Nominee
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Tomorrow, prior to the annual March For Life, Rebekah Buell will join other speakers at Family Research Council headquarters for the 12th annual ProLifeCon Digital Action Summit.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Tomorrow, prior to the annual March For Life, Melissa Ohden will join other speakers at Family Research Council headquarters for the 12th annual ProLifeCon Digital Action Summit.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Tomorrow, prior to the annual March For Life, Anna Hoduski will join other speakers at Family Research Council headquarters for the 12th annual ProLifeCon Digital Action Summit.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Friday, activists will gather at Family Research Council headquarters for the ProLifeCon Digital Action Summit - the premier conference for the digital pro-life community. This annual event will discuss the most successful online strategies of the past year and look ahead to the opportunities under the new administration. Activists, policy experts, and legislators will be on hand to discuss the issues impacting the pro-life movement, and share practical ways to make a difference for life on blogs, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and other online platforms.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Tomorrow, prior to the annual March For Life, Brandi Swindell will join other speakers at Family Research Council headquarters for the 12th annual ProLifeCon Digital Action Summit.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Friday, activists will gather at Family Research Council headquarters for the ProLifeCon Digital Action Summit - the premier conference for the digital pro-life community. This annual event will discuss the most successful online strategies of the past year and look ahead to the opportunities under the new administration. Activists, policy experts, and legislators will be on hand to discuss the issues impacting the pro-life movement, and share practical ways to make a difference for life on blogs, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and other online platforms.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Thomas Jacobson of the Global Life Campaign and other pro-life leaders will join the Family Research Council to present a global overview of abortion rates in nations around the world, what has happened since the first nation authorized abortion in 1920, major findings, and recommendations for restoring respect for human life.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -Family Research Council (FRC) hosted today the launch of a new worldwide report on abortion authored by the Global Life Campaign. The Global Life Campaign's Abortion Worldwide Report is the first to systematically track reported abortions in 100 nations and territories, from 1920 through 2015. This report contains 4,915 country years of data, major findings, and country abortion graphs showing the impact of authorization, world maps, and a policy table for 196 nations.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed the "No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act," (H.R. 7) sponsored by U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.). This bill would permanently prohibit taxpayer dollars from being used to pay for abortions in Obamacare health plans starting the next plan year. This bill also protects Americans of conscience by requiring the full disclosure of abortion coverage in Obamacare plans so people can make informed decisions about their healthcare plans right now.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - President Donald Trump, in one of his first official acts, issued an executive order today restoring the Mexico City Policy, a memorandum first issued by President Ronald Reagan in 1984 at the United Nations population conference in Mexico City. The policy halts federal funds from going to foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that perform abortions or "actively promote" abortion as a method of family planning in other countries. The order ensures U.S. aid will continue to go to health care, humanitarian relief, and even family planning in the millions of dollars. It just will not subsidize abortion overseas.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Jerry Boykin, former U.S. Army Delta Force commander and current Family Research Council executive vice president, made the following comments on tomorrow's expected confirmation of retired Marine Gen. James N. Mattis as the next Secretary of Defense:
WASHINGTON, January 19, 2017 -- Parents of students at Fox Ridge Middle School are speaking out after discovering an online portal that wouldn't get past most internet filters. A local family stumbled on the pornographic material as they were checking their child's password access at school. Now, they're exposing what the district never intended moms and dads to see: a controversial sex education site filled with erotica, advice on performing certain acts, information on bondage, and much more.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- President Obama announced today that he will commute most of the remaining prison sentence of Bradley Manning, the national security leaker, whose espionage put Americans at risk, and who then demanded that the U.S. Army not just recognize, but finance his gender transition.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council today praised House passage of the "Repeal Resolution," the budget which established the process for the House and Senate to pass a "reconciliation" bill that will repeal significant portions of Obamacare and defund most of Planned Parenthood's federal funding.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, Family Research Council (FRC) and the North Carolina Values Coalition (NCVC) filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Gloucester County School Board v. G.G, which will decide the validity of the Department of Education's (DOE) interpretation that sex-separated facilities under Title IX and 34 C.F.R. \u00A7 106.33 must "generally treat transgender students consistent with their gender identity." The case will also decide whether a federal agency letter mandating the same interpretation should receive deference.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - TODAY, black pastors from Alabama and several other states will speak at a news conference on Capitol Hill in a show of support for President-Elect Donald Trump's pick for Attorney General, Senator Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.). The news conference is a coalition effort between the Frederick Douglass Foundation and Family Research Council's Watchmen on the Wall, organizations that are urging the U.S. Senate to confirm Sen. Sessions as the next United States Attorney General.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) commended Texas State Senator Lois Kolkhorst for introducing the Texas Privacy Act (SB 6), which will protect women and children. The bill prevents public schools, state government agencies, and political subdivisions from adopting policies that would open women's showers, bathrooms, and changing facilities to men and visa-versa.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Jerry Boykin, former U.S. Army Delta Force commander and current Family Research Council executive vice president, made the following comments in praising President-elect Trump's choice of retired Marine Gen. James N. Mattis as the next Secretary of Defense:\r
Washington, D.C. - The House Energy & Commerce Committee's Select Investigative Panel announced today they have referred Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast for criminal prosecution by the Texas Attorney General. The announcement followed an investigation into whether abortion centers profited from the sale of baby body parts.\r\r
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council today commended President-elect Donald Trump's choice of U.S. Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.) to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council today commended President-elect Donald Trump's choice of Senator Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) as the next Attorney General in the new administration.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council, in addition to a coalition of partner organizations, announces the launch of their newly-updated website, militaryfreedom.org, a resource on all topics related to military religious freedom. The website highlights news, resources and action items related to the state of religious freedom in the nation's Armed Forces. Efforts undertaken by coalition members include letters, petitions and reports designed to inform and protect veterans and current members of the military in their free exercise of religious liberty.
WASHINGTON, DC - Family Research Council today commended President-elect Donald Trump's choice of Reince Priebus as his chief of staff.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Family Research Council today released the results of a commissioned survey conducted by WPA Opinion Research showing that nearly 60 percent of Trump voters agreed that their vote was impacted by the Republican Party platform's "strong positions on unborn human life and religious liberty."
WASHINGTON, October 27, 2016 -- Yesterday, Dr. Eric Walsh, lay pastor and public health expert, appeared on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, a national radio show which airs on more than 240 stations across the country. On the show, Dr. Walsh and his Attorney, Jeremy Dys, discussed the State of Georgia's demand that he hand over his sermons and personal Bible. Since 2014 Dr. Walsh has been battling the state of Georgia after he was fired from a government job because of the content of his sermons. Nearly 22,000 have signed a petition to Georgia Governor Nathan Deal asking him to intervene to correct this unjust demand.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) today expressed outrage after the State of Georgia issued a legal demand that Dr. Eric Walsh, a lay pastor, hand over his sermons, sermon notes, and all pastoral documentation including his Bible. FRC launched a petition today at FRC.org/Walsh that calls on Governor Deal to "correct this egregious overreach of the state into church affairs."
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Family Research Council is joining forces with a coalition of pro-life groups launching a social media campaign today ahead of the 100-year anniversary since Margaret Sanger opened her first illegal birth control clinic, the precursor of what we know today as Planned Parenthood on Sunday, October 16. The #100YearsOfAbuse effort will expose Planned Parenthood's systematic destruction of unborn children and abuse of women and taxpayer dollars.
WASHINGTON, DC - -- This afternoon at a Capitol Hill news conference, Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins endorsed the newly introduced Free Speech Fairness Act (HR 6195) sponsored by House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) and U.S. Rep. Jody Hice (R-Ga.).
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins will speak at a news conference tomorrow, Wednesday, September 28, on the introduction of the Free Speech Fairness Act. The Free Speech Fairness Act would address the shortcomings of the Johnson Amendment which in 1954 was inserted into the tax code by Senator Lyndon Johnson without floor or Committee debate. The Johnson amendment prohibits non-profits and churches from engaging in any activity that might be interpreted as participating in, or intervening in a campaign on behalf of or in opposition to a candidate for public office, including a simple oral or written statement. Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.), Rep. Jody Hice (R-Ga.) and Alliance Defending Freedom legal counsel Christiana Holcomb will also speak on the Free Speech Fairness Act.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) announced it will move the ACC championship football game to Orlando, Florida. The game was originally scheduled to be hosted in Charlotte, North Carolina, but the ACC moved the game out of Charlotte in protest over passage of North Carolina's House Bill 2.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Family Research Council's Arina Grossu, Director of the Center for Human Dignity, testified before the House Judiciary Committee, Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice on the topic of Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.
WASHINGTON, DC -- The Department of Veterans Affairs recently released a memorandum updating its policy guidance on religious expression and display of religious items. The policy guidance states that the VA "must remain neutral" regarding the "use of any religious or secular items in the display" offered by outside groups and individuals.The memorandum was released following a string of incidents in which Bibles have been removed from POW/MIA displays.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson will address the 11th annual Values Voter Summit on Friday, September 9th. The next day, Saturday, September 10, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump will speak at the event that draws thousands of grassroots activists to the nation's capital. Both major party nominees have been invited to make their case to social conservative voters.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement on the passing of Phyllis Schlafly:
BATON ROUGE, LA - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement today responding to the fallacious internet reports regarding causes of natural disasters.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, Judge Reed O'Connor of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas granted a preliminary injunction blocking the Obama administration's edict seeking to force schools to allow biological males to use girls' showers, locker rooms, and restrooms, and vice versa. This ruling comes on the heels of the U.S. Supreme Court's stay in the Gloucester County, Virginia schools case, and is a rebuke to the Obama administration's aggressive activism on this issue.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the NBA announced it will move the 2017 NBA All-Star Game to New Orleans, Louisiana. The game was originally scheduled to be hosted in Charlotte, North Carolina, but the NBA moved the game out of Charlotte in protest over passage of North Carolina's House Bill 2, which provides common sense protections for bathroom privacy and against government overreach.
U.S. Supreme Court's Hold on School Bathroom Ruling Is Encouraging News for Schools Resisting Obama's Bathroom/Locker Room Edict
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The last charge against pro-life activist journalists David Daleiden and Sandra Merritt in Harris County, Texas was dismissed today by Judge Brock Thomas. The felony charge was for allegedly using fake drivers' licenses to conceal their identities during their undercover investigation of Planned Parenthood.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council and American Family Association sent the Air Force over 92,000 petition signatures in support of retired Senior Master Sergeant Oscar Rodriguez. The petitions and cover letter were addressed to the leadership of Travis Air Force Base in California concerning an incident on April 3rd involving retired Sgt. Oscar Rodriguez who was dragged out of a retirement ceremony for another service member. Sgt. Rodriguez was forcibly removed from the event by military personnel for simply reciting a speech that mentioned God in his flag folding ceremony.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins sent a letter today to the FBI Louisiana Field Office addressed to Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey S. Sallet regarding his reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance in which he omitted the phrase "under God" from his recitation.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Conscience Protection Act to stop government discrimination against pro-life Americans who object to being forced to participate in abortion. Family Research Council urged Congress to pass this significant pro-life legislation.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Late last night, U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves issued an injunction blocking HB 1523, the "Protecting Freedom of Conscience from Government Discrimination Act."\r \rFamily Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement:\r
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the U.S. Supreme Court announced its 5-3 decision in Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt, striking down Texas' H.B. 2 commonsense regulation and enforcement of basic health standards in abortion facilities. The Texas law required that abortion facilities be held to the same standard as surgical centers and that abortionists must have admitting privileges at a local hospital not further than thirty miles from the abortion facility.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Much has happened legally and culturally in the year since the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage in Obergefell v. Hodges in June 26, 2015. While the ruling itself concerned same-sex marriage licenses, it's implications for the family, the church, and religious liberty are profound.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week, Family Research Council announced plans to honor Dr. Bill Bennett, former Secretary of the Department of Education in the Reagan administration, Drug Czar, best-selling author, host of the top-rated radio show "Morning in America," with the Vision and Leadership Award to be given during this year's Values Voter Summit on September 9-11, 2016 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - One of the charges against David Daleiden in Harris County, Texas was dismissed yesterday by Judge Diane Bull, who ruled that the indictment for the misdemeanor charge against Daleiden claiming he attempted to purchase baby body parts was void. Daleiden still faces a felony charge for allegedly using a fake driver's licenses to conceal his identity during the undercover investigation of Planned Parenthood.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On Thursday, June 9th, Congressman Diane Black (R-Tenn.), will give an address at the Family Research Council to provide an update on the work of the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Select Investigative Panel on Infant Lives. Following the release of the Center for Medical Progress' shocking undercover videos exposing Planned Parenthood's illegal sale of aborted baby body parts, since October 2015, the Select Panel has been investigating the grisly practices of the abortion industry.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - This evening, Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins was pleased to honor Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant with the first ever "Samuel Adams Religious Freedom Award." The award was presented to Governor Bryant during the Watchmen on the Wall briefing, an annual conference sponsored by Family Research Council that draws hundreds of pastors to the nation's capital from more than 40 states.\r \r
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Sean Maloney (D-NY) offered an amendment that would use the Energy and Water Appropriations Act, 2017, as a vehicle to elevate sexual orientation and gender identity over faith based hiring protections that were recently included in the House-passed National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017. This vote passed by a vote of 223 to 195.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) commends the state of Texas and 10 other state leaders including Alabama, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Tennessee, Arizona, Maine, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Utah and Georgia for coming together in a lawsuit against the Obama administration's guidance to schools throughout the country directing school administrators to allow self-identified "transgender" students to use the locker room and bathrooms of the student's choosing.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On May 20, Family Research Council filed an amicus brief with the Kansas Supreme Court in the case of Hodes & Nauser v. Schmidt. At issue is the constitutionality of Kansas Senate Bill 95, "which prohibits the performance of dilation and evacuation abortions on live, unborn children." Two Kansas abortionists who perform late-term "dilation and evacuation" abortions challenged the law claiming that the Kansas Constitution protects this barbaric procedure.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Sean Maloney (D-NY) offered an amendment that would use the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017, as a vehicle to undermine religious hiring protections that were included in yesterday's House-passed National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017. This vote failed by one vote, 212-213, with 29 Republicans voting 'yea.' Family Research Council opposed and scored the amendment because it authorizes the government to punish faith-based organizations and entities that operate consistent with their deeply held beliefs.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, remanded all the cases consolidated in Zubik v. Burwell back to federal appeals courts to be reconsidered as consistent with the positions articulated in the supplemental briefs in the case. In its per curiam decision, the court wrote, "Given the gravity of the dispute and the substantial clarification and refinement in the positions of the parties, the parties on remand should be afforded an opportunity to arrive at an approach going forward that accommodates petitioners' religious exercise while at the same time ensuring that women covered by petitioners' health plans "receive full and equal health coverage, including contraceptive coverage." This decision is a repudiation of the Obama administration's claims that it needed to violate the Little Sisters religious freedom all along.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the Obama administration sent guidance to schools throughout the country directing school administrators to allow self-identified "transgender" students to use the restroom and changing rooms of the student's choosing. This "significant guidance" claims to be adding no new "requirements to applicable law." However, its description of Title XI requirements is clearly legally binding. The administration is attempting to pressure schools to adopt the administration's poorly-supported interpretation of "sex discrimination" (banned under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972) to cover "gender identity" under threat they may withhold federal funds from states' education programs.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Earlier today, the Department of Health and Human Services issued a final rule on Obamacare Section 1557's non-discrimination provisions in healthcare services and coverage for physicians, hospitals, insurers, and others healthcare entities receiving federal funds. In the definition of "on the basis of sex," the rule adds, among other things, gender identity and even abortion, termed in the final rule as "termination of pregnancy."\r
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) commended Governor Pat McCrory (R-N.C.) for filing a lawsuit today against the Department of Justice (DOJ) in response to a DOJ letter threatening action because of a state law designating restrooms for men only and women only.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Family Research Council (FRC) criticized a Department of Justice letter threatening action against North Carolina because the state repealed a Charlotte ordinance that punishes businesses that designate restrooms for men only and women only.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Family Research Council (FRC) launched a second social media ad campaign today across North Carolina that questions President Obama's priorities after five federal departments began investigating North Carolina's repeal of a Charlotte bathroom ordinance. The investigations and the President's fixation on North Carolina's bathroom law come at a time of growing national and international security threats. \r
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Last night, the U.S. Army decided to retain Green Beret Sgt. 1st Class Charles Martland, who was facing discharge by the Army because Martland had confronted an Afghan leader who had repeatedly raped a young Afghan boy.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam signed Senate Bill 1556, which prevents counselors and therapists from being forced to counsel in a manner that conflicts with their orthodox religious beliefs provided they refer to another counselor or therapist.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Lt. General (Ret.) Jerry Boykin, Family Research Council's Executive Vice President and former Delta Force commander, and Travis Weber, Esq., Director of FRC's Center for Religious Liberty, a former naval aviator and graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, attended oral argument before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces in the case of United States v. Sterling. The issue being considered in this case is religious freedom and expression for military servicemen. A decision in the case is expected later this summer.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Thursday April 28th, Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (R-Nebr.), co-chair of the Caucus on Religious Minorities in the Middle East, will give an address at the Family Research Council on the policy implications of the State Department and Congress' labeling of ISIS' atrocities against Christians and other minorities as genocide.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Wednesday, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Jerry Boykin, Family Research Council's Executive Vice President and former Delta Force commander, and Travis Weber, Esq., Director of FRC's Center for Religious Liberty, a former naval aviator and graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, will attend oral argument before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces in the case of United States v. Sterling.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, allegations came to light implicating violations of federal law by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) and AmeriCorps, which CNCS oversees, which coordinated efforts to escort women to centers to obtain abortions. Reports surfaced that six AmeriCorps volunteers had recently escorted pregnant women to abortion centers.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Yesterday, Family Research Council and several allied organizations filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Trinity Lutheran Church v. Pauley, which will decide whether a church can be excluded as a government program recipient just because it is a church.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, the House Select Investigative Panel on Infant Lives held a hearing on "The Pricing of Fetal Tissue" as it continues its investigation into whether abortion centers and tissue procurement businesses were profiting from the sale of baby body parts, organs and tissues in violation of federal law. Three former U.S. prosecutors on the panel testified that there is sufficient evidence to launch a federal grand jury investigation based on the exhibits provided.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The House Select Investigative Panel on Infant Lives will hold a hearing today as it continues its investigation into "whether abortion clinics and middleman tissue procurement businesses were profiting from the sale of baby body parts, organs and tissues."
WASHINGTON, D.C. - As Christians around the world face unprecedented levels of persecution, Family Research Council is joining an effort to call upon churches across America to stand with the persecuted. Prominent Christian leaders such James Robison, JC Church of Victory in Truth Ministries (Bucyrus, OH), Pastor Scott Craig of Big Horn Christian Ministries (Rapid City, SD), Senior Pastor Denny Stahl of Calvary Chapel Grants Pass, OR, Senior Pastor Robert Hall of Calvary Chapel Rio Rancho, NM, Senior Pastor Chuck Vizthum of Whole Life Christian Fellowship (Sturgis, MI), Pastor Jim Garlow of Skyline Church (La Mesa, CA) and Associate Pastor Kris Mineau of Trinity Evangelical (North Redding, MA) will be participating in Stand with the Persecuted Sunday. The call is to devote just a small portion of their time in their weekend services to pray and act on behalf of those around the globe who have been targeted for no other reason than their faith in Jesus Christ. FRC is joining with six leading international religious liberty groups: Open Doors, the Institute on Religion and Democracy, The Voice of the Martyrs, In Defense of Christians, Christian Solidarity Worldwide-USA, International Christian Concern, 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative in this call to American churches.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Gov. Pat McCrory issued an executive order, in large part clarifying North Carolina law as it already stands under H.B. 2, the Single Sex Multiple Occupancy Bathrooms Act. North Carolina has come under a politically-motivated attack from President Obama, the ACLU, and large corporations, which actively are calling for the government to punish people over their views of sexuality.
Mississippi Joins North Carolina, Texas in Protecting the Freedom to Believe\rWashington, D.C. -- Today, Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant signed into law HB 1523, the "Protecting Freedom of Conscience from Government Discrimination Act." \r \r
Mississippi Survey Released Today Shows Nearly Two-Thirds Support Protection from Government Discrimination
WASHINGTON, D.C. - As Christians around the world face unprecedented levels of persecution, Family Research Council is joining an effort to call upon churches across America to stand with the persecuted. The call is to devote just a small portion of their time in their weekend services to pray and act on behalf of those around the globe who have been targeted for no other reason than their faith in Jesus Christ. FRC is joining with six leading international religious liberty groups: Open Doors USA, the Institute on Religion and Democracy, The Voice of the Martyrs, In Defense of Christians, Christian Solidarity Worldwide-USA, and International Christian Concern in this call to American churches.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement after Georgia Governor Nathan Deal announced his veto of a HB 757, a bill providing modest protections for religious freedom:
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today as the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of Zubik v. Burwell, two of FRC's legal experts listened as attorneys for each side were challenged by the Justices.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Tomorrow, the Director of FRC's Center for Human Dignity, Arina Grossu, will be speaking at the Women Speak for Themselves "Let Them Serve" rally in front of the U.S. Supreme Court. Family Research Council attorneys Cathy Ruse, Senior Legal Fellow and former chief counsel to the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, and Travis Weber, Director of the Center for Religious Liberty, will be inside the courtroom to hear oral arguments in Zubik v. Burwell. This case includes the Little Sisters of the Poor and other challengers to the HHS Mandate such as the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Washington, Priests for Life, and multiple Christian universities.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Secretary of State John Kerry declared ISIS' atrocities against Christians and other religious minorities as genocide.
Washington, D.C. - Today, President Obama nominated Merrick B. Garland to serve on the United States Supreme Court, to fill the seat left vacant by Justice Antonin Scalia's unexpected death.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Tonight, the House of Representatives voted on U.S. Rep. Fortenberry's (R-Nebr.) efforts to characterize ISIS' violence against Christians and others as genocide. ISIS has targeted religious minorities including Christians, Yazidis and many others.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins made the following comments in response to the Concurring Opinions of Chief Justice Moore and Justices Murdock, Bolin and Parker of the Alabama Supreme Court, which properly characterized the U.S. Supreme Court's Obergefell opinion as without constitutional basis:
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Family Research Council (FRC) released the results of a commissioned national survey conducted by WPA Opinion Research showing that sixty-four percent of likely voters agree the Supreme Court will be "an important factor in determining who you vote for in November's elections." Seventy-one percent of Republican voters and sixty-three percent of Democratic voters rank the Supreme Court as an important factor.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Tomorrow, the Family Research Council will co-host a news conference previewing the oral arguments in the U.S. Supreme Court case on Texas abortion facility regulations, Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt. The news conference, co-hosted with the Justice Foundation and Texas Values, will feature the stories from women injured by abortions. FRC's Arina Grossu, Director of the Center for Human Dignity, will also address the news conference. Cindy Collins, Myra Myers, and Nona Ellington, women injured by abortion, and their lawyer, Allan E. Parker, President of The Justice Foundation, will be present to answer media questions concerning their amicus curiae brief.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The House Select Investigative Panel on Infant Lives has announced that it will hold its first hearing on Wednesday, March 2nd. The Select Investigative Panel was formed "to gather information and get the facts about medical practices of abortion service providers and the business practices of the procurement organizations who sell baby body parts."
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, released the following statement in tribute to Justice Antonin Scalia on his passing: "I join the nation in mourning the passing of Justice Scalia, a man who had a deep love for our nation, the Constitution, and as the father of nine children, was passionate about the institutions of marriage and family.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Family Research Council (FRC) has signed on to an amicus brief submitted to the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt asking the Court to uphold Texas regulations improving health and safety standards for abortion centers. The brief was filed on behalf of FRC and other interested parties by the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ).
WASHINGTON, D.C. - This morning, the Center for Medical Progress's David Daleiden went to the Harris County court house in Houston, Texas to post bail on the charges brought against him. The Harris County grand jury recently indicted David Daleiden and his colleague Sandra Merritt on charges of tampering with a governmental record, considered a second-degree felony with a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council's Center for Human Dignity has published a new Issue Analysis titled "Investigating Planned Parenthood and Research Using Aborted Babies." Authored by Center Director Arina Grossu, the purpose of this study is to investigate Planned Parenthood's abortion practices and its harvesting of aborted babies' organs. These findings synthesize what is publically known about Planned Parenthood, its harvesting of aborted baby parts, the operations of biotech companies involved in this industry, and its end-use consumers, including National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) taxpayer-funded programs.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On Monday, February 1st, Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, Family Research Council's live daily radio show, will expand to the Bott Radio Network, adding more than 100 new radio stations in 11 states including Arkansas, California, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and Wyoming.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) will host its 11th annual ProLifeCon Digital Action Summit on Friday, January 22nd, the day of the March for Life, commemorating the 43nd anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement in response to President Obama's State of the Union Address:
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Last week, Family Research Council and several other religious advocacy organizations filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Zubik v. Burwell. While this case is best known for the involvement of the Little Sisters of the Poor, a number of other religious organizations and schools are also parties in the consolidated case. The Obama administration is attempting to force these organizations to violate their sincerely held beliefs and facilitate provision of what they consider morally objectionable drugs and services to their employees.\r
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Monday, January 11 at 7:00 p.m., Family Research Council President Tony Perkins will deliver an address on the "State of the Family." The second annual "State of the Family" report to the nation will highlight key issues of concern and policy solutions in the areas of the protection of human life, marriage, and religious liberty.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Thursday evening, Family Research Council's Travis Weber, Director of the Center for Religious Liberty, will attend the Under Caesar's Sword conference, an international gathering examining the Christian response to worldwide persecution. A years-long study conducted by the University of Notre Dame and Georgetown University will be released detailing how Christian communities around the world respond when persecuted and their religious freedom is violated. Do they flee? Do they stay put? In what other ways do they respond?
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council commends the U.S. Senate for the defeat of amendments by Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) to H.R. 3762, which would have removed from the reconciliation bill a significant pro-life provision effectively defunding 80 percent of Planned Parenthood's federal funding for one year.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council commended the U.S. Senate for giving approval today to a budget reconciliation bill dealing with funding for Planned Parenthood and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare. The bill would remove for one year most funding under several mandatory programs such as Medicaid to abortion entities, including Planned Parenthood. The bill would also repeal key provisions of the health care law, which encourages subsidies for abortion coverage and threatens conscience protections.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement regarding the shooting at a Planned Parenthood facility in Colorado Springs, CO on Friday:
ATLANTA, GA -- The Evangelical Theological Society (ETS), the nation's premier body of Evangelical Protestant scholars, professors, teachers, and students, this morning adopted four resolutions on human sexuality consistent with the Bible's teaching on marriage and the nature of male and female identity. ETS is holding its annual meeting in Atlanta, Georgia.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week, the Family Research Council and Charlotte Lozier Institute released information about abortion coverage in Obamacare plans for the 2016 enrollment period at ObamacareAbortion.com. The website informs site visitors about which plans in their state cover abortion on demand. Findings for this current enrollment period include:
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Tomorrow, the Marriage and Religion Research Institute (MARRI) will unveil MARRIpedia, a newly-launched online social science encyclopedia of all matters related to family, marriage, religion, and sexuality. MARRIpedia synthesizes and translates the work of myriad social scientists into concise, issue-specific entries that are intelligible to the lay reader.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Sunday, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins will be preaching at the First Baptist Church of North Spartanburg in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He will be speaking at both the 9:30 AM and 11 AM Eastern Time services.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - This afternoon, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear Whole Woman's Health v. Cole, a case in which the constitutionality of a Texas law (H.B. 2) upholding health and safety standards at abortion facilities in that state has been challenged. The Texas law requires that abortion facilities be held to the same standard as surgical centers and that abortionists must have admitting privileges at a local hospital not further than thirty miles from the abortion facility.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Last night, news reports broke that the U.S. Senate parliamentarian gave the greenlight to several provisions in the U.S. Senate reconciliation bill related to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and funding for Planned Parenthood. The Restoring Americans' Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act would remove for one year funding under several mandatory programs such as Medicaid to abortion entities including Planned Parenthood. The bill would also repeal key provisions of the health care law, which encourage subsidies for abortion coverage and threatens conscience protections.
LAKE CHARLES, La. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins spoke at The Jerusalem Call, a pro-Israel conference, that kicked off in Lake Charles, Louisiana yesterday.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Returning from a two-week trip to Israel, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins today said he is looking forward to next week's visit by Israeli P.M. Benjamin Netanyahu. While in Israel, Perkins led a FRC sponsored tour that not only visited sites important to Jews and Christians, but heard from a number of political and religious leaders on geopolitical issues impacting Israel and the Middle East. Perkins also delivered a keynote speech at the Jerusalem Leadership Summit on Wednesday night.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the U.S. Supreme Court granted review in a group of cases involving the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' regulatory mandate and accounting gimmick in which religious non-profits are forced to violate their beliefs by providing employees with drugs and devices that can destroy a human life.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Thursday, October 29th, Dr. Pat Fagan, Senior Fellow and Director ofFamily Research Council's (FRC) the Marriage and Religion Research Institute (MARRI), will unveil a new online encyclopedia of social science, MARRIpedia, at a plenary session at the World Congress of Families meeting in Utah. MARRIpedia is composed of articles on all matters related to family, marriage, religion and sexuality. This new resource synthesizes and translates the work of myriad social scientists into concise, issue-specific entries that are intelligible to the researcher, student, and lay reader. As research continues to emerge on the intricate relationships of family and religion within society, MARRIpedia will consolidate that research in pertinent entries on an ongoing basis.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council commends the U.S. House of Representatives for the passage of H.R. 3762, the Restoring Americans' Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act, and urges the Senate to take up and pass the bill. This bill will restrict for one year funding under several mandatory programs such as Medicaid to abortion entities such as Planned Parenthood and would also repeal key provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which encourage subsidies for abortion coverage and which threaten conscience protections.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Earlier this week, the Family Research Council (FRC) filed an amicus curiae ("friend-of-the-court") brief with the entire Kansas Court of Appeals (fourteen judges). The case involves a challenge to Kansas Senate Bill 95, which prohibits the performance of dismemberment abortions, called dilation and evacuation (D&E) abortions, on live, unborn children.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council has announced its intent to score in favor of the Restoring Americans' Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act which is scheduled for a vote later this week in the House of Representatives.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council and the American Family Association today delivered more than 130,000 petition signatures to the Senate Armed Services Committee in support of Sgt. 1st Class Charles Martland who faces discharge by the Army because he confronted an Afghan leader who had repeatedly raped a young Afghan boy. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) who serves as Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee was handed copies of the petitions this afternoon. Next week, the petitions will also be delivered to House Armed Service Committee Chairman Mac Thornberry (R-Texas).
BOSTON, MA - Family Research Council Senior Fellow Peter Sprigg testified today before the Joint Committee on the Judiciary of the Massachusetts General Court. Sprigg expressed opposition to House Bill 1577, which raises serious privacy concerns by adding "gender identity" as a protected class for public accommodations in the state.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement on the resignation of Speaker John Boehner:
WASHINGTON, D.C. - This afternoon, the Senate failed to pass a procedural vote to move to the Continuing Resolution that includes a moratorium of funding for Planned Parenthood.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council has announced its intent to score in favor of this afternoon's vote in the Senate to move to the Continuing Resolution. \rCongressional investigations have been convened to consider allegations of Planned Parenthood's scavenging and sale of babies' body parts. This measure would place a moratorium on federal funding of PPFA for one year, while reallocating $235 million for women's health to Federally Qualified Health Centers. These centers provide more comprehensive care than does PPFA, and outnumber Planned Parenthood clinics by a ratio of 20:1.\r
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Donald Trump will join seven other presidential candidates at this weekend's 10th annual gathering of the Values Voter Summit, an event that draws thousands of grassroots activists to the nation's capital. Trump is scheduled to speak late Friday morning.
This weekend's 10th annual gathering of the Values Voter Summit will feature addresses by 2016 presidential candidates to thousands of grassroots activists from around the country.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the U.S. Senate failed to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R. 36, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, sponsored by Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). The Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act would prohibit abortion on unborn babies after five months post-fertilization, since there is incontrovertible scientific evidence that, at this age, babies can feel pain. Some scientists even believe that babies at this stage can feel pain more acutely than a full-term newborn baby since the baby has the highest number of pain receptors per square inch at this stage. The ability to moderate pain does not develop until 32-34 weeks.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - David Daleiden of the Center for Medical Progress will join the Values Voter Summit, happening next week, September 25-27. Values Voter Summit attendees will hear Daleiden share more about his undercover video investigation of Planned Parenthood and the efforts in Congress to end taxpayer funding to the abortion group. Daleiden and the Center for Medical Progress have released ten undercover videos this summer that have exposed senior level Planned Parenthood officials callously discussing the sale of aborted babies' organs.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - This afternoon, the House of Representatives approved a moratorium on federal taxpayer funding to Planned Parenthood and redirects those funds to the more than 13,000 health clinics that provide a broader range of medical services. The House also approved the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act which guarantees that babies who survive an abortion would get the same hospital care that any other preemie would.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) announced today that Kim Davis, the Kentucky County Clerk who was jailed after declining to issue same-sex marriage licenses, will be honored with the "Cost of Discipleship Award" at the Values Voter Summit on Friday evening, September 25.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins signed a letter last week with other prominent national conservative leaders urging House Speaker John Boehner, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, and House Majority Whip Steve Scalise to hold a vote in the House of Representatives to defund Planned Parenthood on must-pass legislation. The letter reflects the view of millions of Americans asking Congress to defund or enact a moratorium on funding an organization that engages in unethical and possibly illegal abortions and profiting on aborted babies' organs.
GRAYSON, KY - This afternoon, Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins met with Kim Davis, the county clerk jailed by a federal judge because she declined to issue same-sex marriage licenses. Davis was just released from jail today. Following the meeting, he addressed the ##ImWithKim rally of supporters outside the jail and made, in part, the following remarks:
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, followers of Jesus Christ face more opposition to their beliefs than any generation in American history. Stories of religious freedom coming under assault are regularly in the news. Yet even in such a hostile cultural and political environment, it is an exciting time to stand firm in the faith.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement after a federal judge ordered the jailing of Kentucky County Clerk Kim Davis because she declined to issue same-sex marriage licenses:
Family Research Council President Tony Perkins:\r\r"Last night we learned from online reports about allegations concerning Josh Duggar and then read his confession today. We are grieved by Josh's conduct and the devastating impact of his pornography addiction and marital unfaithfulness. Our hearts hurt for his family, and all those affected by Josh's actions. His deceitful behavior harms his family, his friends, his former coworkers, and the cause he has publicly espoused. Those of us who advocate for family values in the public square are held to a higher standard, and Josh's failures serve as a painful reminder of the destructive effects of not living with integrity. We are praying for the family." - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Saturday, August 22, thousands of pro-life Americans in over 280 cities will be protesting Planned Parenthood's harvesting and selling of aborted baby parts. Family Research Council is one of over fifty co-sponsors of the nationwide protest. Sponsors of the protest include Created Equal, Pro-Life Action League, Citizens for a Pro-Life Society, and 40 Days for Life.
FRC's Lt. General Jerry Boykin and Ken Blackwell will also be in attendance\r \rCLEVELAND, OHIO - Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins will attend tomorrow evening's Republican presidential debate in Cleveland, Ohio. Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Jerry Boykin, FRC's Executive Vice President, will also attend along with Ken Blackwell, FRC's Senior Fellow, and former Ohio Secretary of State. \r
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal announced today the cancellation of four state Medicaid contracts to Planned Parenthood.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - This evening, the Senate voted 53 to 46 to end federal taxpayer funding to Planned Parenthood and redirect those funds to health clinics that provide a broader range of medical services. The test vote now sets the stage for a September debate and vote in Congress over whether to continue taxpayer funding to the scandal plagued abortion organization.\r\r\r
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In the past few weeks, the Center for Medical Progress has released a series of undercover videos showing senior Planned Parenthood officials discussing the alleged sales of aborted babies' organs. Planned Parenthood received more than one-half billion dollars of tax payers' money for the fiscal year 2013-2014, with a reported a total revenue out of more than $1.3 billion.
BOSTON, MA - Family Research Council Senior Fellow Peter Sprigg testified today before the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities of the Massachusetts General Court. Mr. Sprigg's testimony voiced opposition to House Bill 97, which would ban sexual orientation change efforts for minors.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -Family Research Council's Arina Grossu, Director of the Center for Human Dignity, spoke at the Students for Life rally today in the nation's capital on the proposed moratorium on federal funding for Planned Parenthood. Ms. Grossu was joined by other prominent pro-life advocates, several members of U.S. House and Senate, retired pediatric neurosurgeon and current GOP Presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson, and other pro-life leaders.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the Texas Supreme Court ruled for a coalition of Houston pastors and city leaders who last year challenged Mayor Annise Parker and the City Council's imposition of a pro-LGBT ordinance on the citizens of Houston. The Texas Supreme Court agreed with the plaintiffs that they were denied their right to vote, ordering Houston to obey the city charter and either repeal the special rights ordinance or put it on the ballot this coming November. As the Texas Supreme Court said today, "[t]he legislative power reserved to the people of Houston is not being honored."
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- This morning, a second undercover video was released showing a Planned Parenthood senior official haggling over payments for baby body parts and offering to use a "less crunchy technique" to obtain intact aborted babies. In the wake of last week's revelations, nearly 24,000 have signed Family Research Council's petition calling on Congress to immediately impose a moratorium on taxpayer dollars going to Planned Parenthood.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- This afternoon the House Energy and Commerce Committee launched an investigation following the release of a video revealing the Planned Parenthood Senior Director of Medical Services discussing the sale of fetal body parts.\r
Family Research Council Commends House Leadership for Pulling Susan G. Komen Funding Bill
Washington, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) today urged that the Pentagon maintain the long standing policy that excludes persons with what the American Psychological Association calls "gender dysphoria" from the military. The statement came in response to media reports that the Pentagon, under pressure from the White House, will soon announce a study of the possibility of allowing openly transgender troops.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) responded today to a new final rule issued by the Obama Administration's Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The rule mandate that non-profit organizations be forced to pay for coverage that includes sterilizations, contraception and drugs that have the potential to destroy an unborn child. The rule also applies this accounting gimmick to family-owned businesses that already won relief by the U.S. Supreme Court under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. \r
Aaron Klein to Join Washington Watch with Tony Perkins this evening\r\rWASHINGTON, D.C. -- Family Research Council (FRC) responded today to an order by Oregon Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian demanding $ 135,000 from Aaron and Melissa Klein, the bakers who declined to make a same-sex wedding cake. The order also includes a gag order against the Kleins. \r
Family Research Council President Tony Perkins will address the Western Conservative Summit tomorrow and then preach at the First Baptist Church of Dallas on Sunday. He will provide further reaction to the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling to force the people in all 50 states to embrace same-sex "marriage," and how bible believing Christians in America should respond. Both the summit and church services will webcast live. \r
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins responded today to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision forcing the people in all 50 states to embrace same-sex "marriage," regardless of their votes to define marriage in their states as a man-woman institution.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the Supreme Court issued a decision in the case of King v. Burwell that goes against the clear text and plain meaning of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision in favor of the church involved in the Reed v. Town of Gilbert case and in affirmation of the First Amendment. In this case, a Gilbert, Arizona sign ordinance discriminated against certain signs based on the content of the signs -- whether they were political, ideological, and directional. Directional signs were placed under more severe restrictions.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) today called for rapid congressional action on the "First Amendment Defense Act" introduced by U.S. Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) and U.S. Rep. Ra\u00FAl Labrador (R-ID).\r
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins joined U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) at a news conference with other pro-life and pro-family leaders to discuss the introduction of the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act in the U.S. Senate. The House version of the bill passed last month and will be introduced in the Senate today by Senator Graham. This bill will prohibit late abortion on unborn babies after five months after fertilization due to unborn babies' ability to feel pain.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Thursday morning, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins will join U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) at a news conference with other pro-life and pro-family leaders to discuss the introduction of the Pain- Capable Unborn Child Protection Act in the U.S. Senate. The House version of the bill was passed last month and will be introduced in the Senate on Thursday by Senator Graham.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - This month's Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage and its consequences for religious institutions was the focus of a Senate news conference held by Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) today. Family Research Council joined with Senator Lee and several University officials in responding to comments made during oral arguments by Solicitor General Donald Verrilli, Jr. during April's Supreme Court hearing on same-sex unions and calling for enactment of the Government Non-Discrimination Act, authored by Senator Lee, which would which would ensure that the federal government cannot discriminate or take action against private entities because they act in accordance with a moral or religious belief that marriage is between a man and a woman.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Next month's Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage and the consequences for religious institutions will be the focus of a Senate swamp news conference held by Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) on Wednesday, June 3, at 11:00 a.m.Family Research Council will join Senator Lee and several University officials in responding to comments made during oral arguments by Solicitor General Donald Verrilli, Jr.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the Louisiana Marriage and Conscience Act failed to pass through the House Civil Law and Procedure Committee. This evening at 5:05 p.m. ET, Governor Bobby Jindal will appear on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins to react to the committee vote. Listen online at www.tonyperkins.com.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) and the Louisiana Family Forum Action today released the results of a commissioned survey conducted by WPA Opinion Research showing that more than two-thirds (67%) of likely Louisiana voters support the Louisiana Marriage and Conscience Act. The Act will be considered tomorrow morning in the House Civil Law Committee.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - This afternoon, Dr. Patrick Fagan, Director of family Research Council's Marriage and Religion Research Institute (MARRI), will address the United Nations conference on "The Family and Sustainable Development." Fagan's speech is being sponsored by the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the UN, Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Bernardito Auza. The conference is co-sponsored by the Pontifical Council on the Family and the UN Alliance of Civilizations.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Passage today in the House of Representatives of the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act should be celebrated by all Americans who believe in human dignity, said Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - USA Radio Networks today announced its latest addition to its growing number of syndicated programs. Scheduled to begin on June 8, 2015, WASHINGTON WATCH WITH TONY PERKINS will air from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy announced that the House will be voting on the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, sponsored by Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ) and Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN). The vote for the bill will occur next week.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Last week's riots in Baltimore are evidence of the effects of fatherlessness, according to a new report released today by the Marriage and Religion Research Institute. The study was compiled in light of the recent riots and social unrest in Baltimore. Using federal data, the report found that only 16 percent of 15 to 17 year olds in Baltimore have been raised by both their married parents. Cleveland, Ohio is the only major U.S. city that has a lower family intactness rate (15 percent).
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.J. Res. 43, a resolution meant to block the District of Columbia's Reproductive Health Non-Discrimination Amendment Act (RHNDA). Congress has constitutional authority over all D.C. laws. This historic action marks the first time in 25 years Congress has moved to block a measure passed by the District of Columbia government.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -Today, April 28th, the US Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the stats marriage case Obergefell v. Hodges. Family Research Council President Tony Perkins will speak outside the Supreme Court this morning.\r
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement after today's oral arguments at the U.S. Supreme Court in Obergefell v. Hodges - the case considering whether the federal Constitution requires the states to redefine marriage to include same-sex couples:
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In advance of oral argument for the U.S. Supreme Court case on state marriage laws on Tuesday April 28th, Family Research Council spokespersons will be participating in two marriage policy related events this weekend and early next week. Family Research Council President Tony Perkins will speak outside the Supreme Court on Tuesday morning.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins made the following statement after an Oregon administrative judge today issued an order demanding that Aaron and Melissa Klein, former owners of Sweet Cakes by Melissa, pay fines to the State of Oregon totaling $ 135,000 because they declined baking a cake for a same-sex wedding in January 2013 based upon their religious beliefs:
WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Family Research Council President Tony Perkins is pleased to announce today that Shannon Royce has joined Family Research Council as its Chief of Staff and Chief Operating Officer. In this role, she will oversee day-to-day operations including policy, government affairs, church ministries, finance, development, communications, human resources, facilities, information technology, constituent communications and services.
WASHINGTON, D.C.-Today, the House Committee for Oversight and Government Reform, chaired by U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT), marked-up a resolution (H.J. Res. 43) to block the Reproductive Health Non-Discrimination Act (RHNDA) recently passed by the District of Columbia (D.C.) City Council and transmitted to Congress for review. RHNDA could force employers in the District of Columbia (including the Family Research Council) to cover abortions.
WASHINGTON,D.C.-- On April 28th, the Supreme Court of the United States will hear Obergefell v. Hodges, et al., consolidated cases which will decide whether state laws defining marriage as the union of a man and a woman violate the due process and equal protection clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment. The debate about marriage and human sexuality has been ongoing for decades and this historic hearing will set the stage for the Court's written opinion on the matter -- expected in June.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council is asking its Watchmen on the Wall network of more than 45,000 pastors to join Stand for Marriage Sunday on April 26 - just two days before the U.S. Supreme Court hears oral arguments on the definition of marriage. Pastors are being asked to show church members a brief video, distribute a bulletin insert, and then spend time during worship in focused prayer for the Court and our country.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On March 31st, Family Research Council filed an amicus curiae brief with the U.S. Supreme Court concerning the upcoming April 28th hearing in which the Court will review state definitions of marriage as the union of one man and one woman. These cases have been consolidated under the name of Obergefell v. Hodges.
WASHINGTON, DC -- Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins released the following statement in response to Indiana legislation that would gut the state's Religious Freedom Restoration law which is also on the books in 19 other states.
WASHINGTON, DC -- Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins released the following statement in response to Indiana Governor Mike Pence's news conference this morning:
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Family Research Council (FRC) and fellow members of the Restore Military Religious Freedom Coalition today delivered a petition with 101,215 signatures to the Pentagon in support of Lt. Commander Wes Modder. The decorated U.S. Navy Chaplain was removed from his duties, will be brought before an official Board of Inquiry, and could be ultimately forced out of the military simply because he expressed biblical views of sexual morality, including homosexuality, when counseling another officer.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins released the following statement in response to Indiana Governor Mike Pence's appearance this morning on ABC's "This Week":\r \r
SAN ANTONIO, TX - Tomorrow, Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins will join a news conference with San Antonio-area pastors to discuss the recent attacks on religious liberty in Texas and beyond. The news conference will be held during Watchmen on the Wall, an event in San Antonio hosted by FRC to equip pastors to stand for Christian moral values in their pulpits and communities.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Government Accountability Office (GAO) today issued a report showing that over a three-year period, groups that advocate for or whose affiliates perform abortion have received hundreds of millions of dollars from the federal government.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that it will enforce the federal broadcast indecency law against WDBJ-TV in Roanoke, Virginia. The new enforcement action was passed by a unanimous vote of the five member commission and imposes the maximum penalty of $325,000 - the largest single forfeiture proposed in the history of FCC enforcement.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Thursday, Family Research Council and the Syriac National Council of Syria will host a joint news conference to bring awareness and help to Syrian Christians who have been suffering under the brutality of the Islamic State. Syrian Christians in the northeastern province of al Hassakeh have been combatting an overwhelming assault by Islamic State fighters that began on February 23. IS has already kidnapped almost 300 people from a string of small villages. Thirty young women have been declared "sex slaves." Many Christians have died trying to defend their territory, including 19 executed by ISIS from the kidnapped group. Tens of thousands face the same or worse atrocities if IS succeeds in its goal of taking over the entire province.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins testified about the priority religious liberty should be to American foreign policy before the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs. Mr. Perkins testified in part:
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Wednesday March 11th, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins will be testifying before the Senate Appropriates Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs on the topic of "Protecting Religious Freedom Abroad." \r \r
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the leadership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints held a joint press conference with Utah-based homosexual activists to advocate for Utah Senate Bill 296, a supposed "compromise" measure on sexual orientation and gender identity. \r \r
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Yesterday, the Alabama Supreme Court ordered probate court judges in the state to stop issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
On Monday, the Family Research Council filed a public comment with the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Health Plan Standards and Compliance Assistance over a proposed rule that would continue to allow the cover-up of abortion coverage in Obamacare.
New Survey also finds 81 % Support Freedom of People to Follow their Beliefs About Marriage at Work and in Business
NASHVILLE, TN - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins and National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) President Jerry Johnson will hold a news conference on Tuesday, February 24, at 2 p.m. CT at the NRB Convention in Nashville, TN.
WASHINGTON, D.C.-Family Research Council's Marriage and Religion Research Institute (MARRI) today issued its fifth annual "Index of Family Belonging and Rejection." The Index charts the present intactness of the family in the U.S. by examining the proportion of fifteen- to seventeen-year-olds who grew up in an intact, married family. The "State of the Black Family" report will also be released to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the 1965 release of Daniel Patrick Moynihan's report on the black family.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council's Marriage and Religion Research Institute will be unveiling the fifth annual "Index of Family Belonging and Rejection" at noon on Thursday, February 12th. The Index charts the present intactness of the family in the U.S. by examining the proportion of fifteen- to seventeen-year-olds who grew up in an intact, married family. The "State of the Black Family" report will also be released to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the 1965 release of Daniel Patrick Moynihan's report on the black family.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Tonight, Family Research Council (FRC) is partnering with EchoLight Studios to host a one night only screening of EchoLight's inaugural docudrama "One Generation Away." EchoLight Studios CEO Rick Santorum and Family Research Council President Tony Perkins will co-host the simulcast that will reach over 200 churches nationwide.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Family Research Council (FRC) praised the State Affairs Committee of the Idaho House of Representatives for its decisive 13-4 vote against House Bill No. 2, which would have granted special protections based on "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" in Idaho's civil rights laws.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On February 4th, 2015, Family Research Council is partnering with EchoLight Studios to host a one night only screening of EchoLight's inaugural docudrama "One Generation Away." EchoLight Studios CEO Rick Santorum and Family Research Council President Tony Perkins will co-host the simulcast that will reach churches nationwide.
WASHINGTON,D.C. - This evening at 5:05 p.m. ET, Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore will join Washington Watch with Tony Perkins to discuss Chief Justice Moore's letter to Alabama Governor Robert Bentley urging the Governor to "uphold and support the Alabama Constitution with respect to marriage" and stop "judicial tyranny and any unlawful opinions issued without constitutional authority."
Boise, ID - Today, Peter Sprigg, Family Research Council Senior Fellow for Family Policy Studies, testified before the Idaho House of Representatives State Affairs Committee to urge members to oppose House Bill No. 2. This bill would create special rights based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins released the following statement after a federal judge struck down Alabama's marriage amendment which had been approved by 81 percent of the state's voters: \r
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today at 11 a.m. ET, Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins will address ProLifeCon, an event taking place this morning at FRC's headquarters just prior to the annual March for Life.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed the "No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act," authored by U.S. Reps. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) and Dan Lipinski (D-Ill.). This bipartisan bill would permanently prohibit taxpayer dollars from being used to pay for abortions in Obamacare health plans starting the next plan year. This bill also protects Americans of conscience by requiring the full disclosure of abortion coverage in Obamacare plans so people can make informed decisions about their healthcare plans right now.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement in response to news that the House of Representatives will vote tomorrow on the No Taxpayer Funding of Abortion Act and will delay a vote on the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Act:
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) will host its 10th annual ProLifeCon on Thursday, January 22, the day of the March for Life, commemorating the 42nd anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement in response to President Obama's State of the Union Address:
WASHINGTON, D.C.-Tonight, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins delivered an address on the "State of the Family." In a first-of-its-kind "State of the Family" report to the nation, the speech highlighted key issues of concern and policy solutions in the areas of the protection of human life, marriage, and religious liberty.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, U.S. District Judge Mark Goldsmith ruled that 300 same-sex unions in the state of Michigan should be legally recognized. Even though the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit has upheld Michigan's one-man one-woman definition of marriage, Judge Goldsmith has ignored the ruling from the higher court. \r\r
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins released the following statement after the announcement this morning by the U.S. Supreme Court that it would hear an appeal of a ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. This ruling upheld the freedom of voters to define marriage as the union of a man and a woman. Commenting, Perkins said:
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Monday, January 19, at 7:00 p.m., Family Research Council President Tony Perkins will deliver an address on the "State of the Family." In a first-of-its-kind "State of the Family" report to the nation, the speech will highlight key issues of concern and policy solutions in the areas of the protection of human life, marriage, and religious liberty.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins and Executive Vice President Gen. (Ret.) Jerry Boykin will be attending the Reconciled Church Summit in Dallas, TX on January 15th. \r
ATLANTA, GA -- Today, Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins joined Atlanta area pastors and religious liberty advocates at a rally in support of former Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran. Cochran was suspended and then fired because of a book he wrote for a men's Bible study group at his Baptist church.
ATLANTA, GA - Tomorrow, Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins will join Atlanta area pastors and religious liberty advocates at a rally in support of former Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran. Cochran was suspended and then fired because of a book he wrote for a men's Bible study group at his Baptist church.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Department of Health and Human Services has released a confusing new proposed rule meant to inform health insurance consumers about what services they are paying for in their health care plans on the exchanges. The proposed rule would require consumers to be informed by their insurers about whether their insurance plans cover elective abortion.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Yesterday, the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals struck down North Carolina's law requiring women seeking an abortion to have an ultrasound prior to making a final decision. The three judge panel ruled unanimously claiming the ultrasound law violated the doctor-patient relationship.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Monday, Family Research Council filed a public comment with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) over proposed rules that continue to allow the cover-up of the abortion surcharges in Obamacare and enforcement of current law requiring that the abortion surcharge be a separate payment .
WASHINGTON, D.C. -Today, Family Research Council (FRC) objected to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for recommending that men who have sex with men (MSM) be permitted to donate blood one year after their last sexual contact. Current policy requires a lifetime deferral of any man who has had sex with another man, even once, since 1977. Sprigg noted that those in the MSM category have a significantly elevated risk of HIV infection.
Washington, D.C. - Family Research Council today took U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to task for a December 15 memorandum saying that "transgendered" persons should be given a special status under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.\r\r
Washington, D.C. -- Today, Family Research Council expressed opposition to the Final Rule issued by the Department of Labor to implement Executive Order 13672, which requires all federal contractors to add "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" as protected categories. President Obama signed the Executive Order on July 21, 2014.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Family Research Council (FRC) cautioned against making any change in the current policy which prevents blood donations by any man who has had sex with another man since 1977 due to the elevated risk of HIV infection in that population.\r
Washington, D.C. - Today, Family Research Council (FRC) voiced opposition to the District of Columbia City Council's vote to bar licensed mental health providers from participating in sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE) with minors in the nation's capital. Similar laws have previously been enacted in California and New Jersey, but stalled in the legislatures in more than twelve other states.\r
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The administration's persistent lack of transparency on Obamacare health plans has led national pro-life leaders to develop a website where consumers can find out which of their potential plans covers abortion and related services.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Travis Weber, Esq., Family Research Council (FRC) Director of the Center for Religious Liberty, testified today before the House Armed Services Committee- Subcommittee on Military Personnel regarding the need for religious freedom protections in the military.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The administration's persistent lack of transparency on Obamacare health plans has led national pro-life leaders to develop a website where consumers can find out which insurance carriers cover abortion on demand.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -Family Research Council President Tony Perkins will be in Rome, Italy November 17 - 19 to attend the "International Interreligious Colloquium on The Complementarity of Man and Woman." The conference is a historic gathering of faith leaders from several world religions who will discuss the role of marriage in society.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Travis Weber, Family Research Council's (FRC) Director of the Center for Religious Liberty, will testify before the U.S. House of Representatives, Armed Services Committee-Military Personnel Subcommittee on November 19, 2014.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today Family Research Council commended the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit for reversing a decision by U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb that declared the clergy housing tax allowance unconstitutional. Family Research Council's "Watchmen on the Wall" pastors network is composed of over 40,000 churches from across the country.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, Missouri Federal District Court Judge Ortrie Smith overturned the state's voter backed amendment that defines marriage as the union of a man and a woman. \r
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement praising the decision released this afternoon by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit which upheld the freedom of voters through their elected representatives to define marriage as the union of a man and a woman:\r\r
Mike Huckabee, Phil Robertson, and the Houston 5 to Headline 'I Stand Sunday' Live Simulcast to Thousands of Churches, Home Groups from Houston's Grace Community Church.\r\r"This is more than about subpoenas," says Perkins
Washington, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) today praised the decision released last night by U. S. District Court Judge Juan M. P\u00E9rez-Gim\u00E9nez for upholding the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico's definition of marriage as a union of "a man and a woman" and "husband and wife." Judge P\u00E9rez-Gim\u00E9nez, who was appointed by President Jimmy Carter, ruled that the Supreme Court's own 1972 dismissal of a Minnesota case claiming a constitutional "right" of same-sex couples to "marry," Baker v. Nelson, constitutes a binding precedent that can only be overridden by the Supreme Court itself, not by the district or circuit courts.\r\r
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins made the following statements after Houston Mayor Annise Parker agreed to revise subpoenas against pastors that drop the word "sermons" but retain the demand for 17 different categories of information - including speeches by the pastors, emails, text messages and other private communications within the church:\r\r
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council renewed its call today for Houston Mayor Annise Parker to completely drop her subpoena that demands the communications of five pastors - including emails, and text messages. Despite reports of "backpedaling" yesterday, the subpoenas remain in place.\r\r
Washington, D.C. - On Sunday, October 12, Family Research Council (FRC) and a coalition of Christian organizations will host a live nationwide simulcast called "iPledge Sunday: The Rise of the Church." FRC President Tony Perkins and Lila Rose, Live Action President, will serve as a co-hosts for the simulcast which will feature David Barton, U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA), Pastor Jim Garlow, Kristan Hawkins, Rick Scarborough, and Mat Staver. Churches and home groups in all 50 states are registered to join this special pre-election simulcast.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement in response to a ruling from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to redefine marriage in Idaho and Nevada:
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court's refusal to accept appeals in marriage cases involving the five states of Indiana, Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin:
Washington, DC-Today, Family Research Council (FRC) filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of the petitioners, Pastor Clyde Reed and Good News Community Church, in the case of Pastor Clyde Reed and Good News Community Church v. Town of Gilbert, Arizona and Adam Adams (Docket # 13-502).
Washington, D.C. - FRC Action is pleased to announce that Governor Sarah Palin is confirmed to speak at this year's Values Voter Summit. Along with the Governor, other confirmed Values Voter Summit speakers include Governor Bobby Jindal (R-La.), Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Governor Mike Huckabee, Senator Rick Santorum, Reps. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.), Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo.), John Fleming (R-La.), Frank Wolf (R-Va.), Glenn Beck, Mark Levin, General James Conway (Ret.), Erick Erickson, Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, Star Parker, the Benham Brothers, and Duggar Family, among others.
Washington, D.C. - Today, Arina Grossu, Family Research Council's Director of the Center for Human Dignity spoke at a news conference in support of the "No Taxpayer Funding of Abortion and the "Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act of 2014," saying:
Washington, D.C. -- Today the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report confirming what the Family Research Council (FRC) has been saying all along: The Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly known as Obamacare, subsidizes elective abortion with taxpayer funds and lacks transparency in its abortion coverage.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) Director of the Center for Religious Liberty Travis Weber will testify before the U.S. House of Representatives Armed Services Committee Military Personnel Subcommittee on September 19, 2014.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Tomorrow, Sunday, September 14, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, Gov. Mike Huckabee, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), Bishop E.W. Jackson, Concerned Women for America President Penny Nance, and Dr. Mark Harris will hold a 4:30 p.m. ET news conference to preview Star Spangled Sunday, a live simulcast event at the First Baptist Church of Charlotte. A live webcast of the news conference will be available here.\r\r \r\r
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - On Sunday, September 14, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, Gov. Mike Huckabee, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Dr. Mark Harris will hold a 4:30 p.m. ET news conference to pre-view Star Spangled Sunday, a live simulcast event at the First Baptist Church of Charlotte. \r\r
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - On Sunday, September 14, Family Research Council (FRC) and Vision America will co-host a nationwide, live simulcast event at the First Baptist Church of Charlotte. Called "Star Spangled Sunday," the simulcast will celebrate the 200th anniversary of The Star Spangled Banner. FRC President Tony Perkins will serve as host for the simulcast which will also feature Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and former Governor Mike Huckabee and video messages from Hobby Lobby President Steve Green, and Anthony Hahn, President and CEO of Conestoga Wood.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council announced today that Meriam Ibrahim, the Sudanese Christian who was sentenced to death for apostasy and spent months in a notoriously rank Sudanese prison with her toddler son and newborn daughter, will be honored at the Values Voter Summit gala dinner to be held on Saturday, September 27, 2014. The gala dinner will be held at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. and will be Meriam and her family's first public appearance since arriving in the United States on July 31.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today a three-judge of panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit panel issued a decision redefining marriage in Indiana and Wisconsin. Yesterday, a Louisiana federal judge upheld the freedom of Louisiana voters to preserve marriage as the union of a man and a woman.
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today Federal Judge Martin L.C. Feldman upheld the right of Louisiana voters to preserve marriage as the union of a man and a woman. The judge wrote that "[t]he State of Louisiana has a legitimate interest under a rational basis standard of review for addressing the meaning of marriage through the democratic process."
Washington, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC), after reading the fact sheet on the new proposed HHS mandate rule pertaining to non-profit organizations and closely held for-profit entities, like Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood Specialties, again confirms that the HHS mandate violates the conscience rights of non-profit organizations and family businesses across the country.
JERUSALEM - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins is wrapping up a visit to Israel this week as a part of the "Christians in Solidarity with Israel" trip, hosted by the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB). He met with several high level Israeli officials including Nir Barkat, Jerusalem's mayor and advisors to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Perkins' national radio show, Washington Watch, broadcast live from Jerusalem during Perkins' trip.
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today a federal judge in Florida struck down the state's constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman. The amendment was approved by 62 percent of the state's voters in 2008. The U.S. Supreme Court granted a stay yesterday to a ruling of the 4th Circuit that also overturned Virginia's voter backed amendment preserving natural marriage.
Washington, D.C. - Today, the United States Supreme Court issued a stay or hold of the July 2014 decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in McQuigg v. Bostic (current case name) which struck down Virginia's one man one woman definition of marriage. The stay means for the time being, same-sex marriage licenses in Virginia will not be issued.
Washington, DC - Two months ago, the Navy made a controversial decision to remove Bibles from the recreational lodges on-base due a complaint filed by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. \rToday, the Navy announced it has decided to reverse course. \r
Washington, DC - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins will travel to Israel August 17-22 as a part of the "Christians in Solidarity with Israel" trip, hosted by the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB). Last November, Mr. Perkins traveled to Israel to meet with Israeli leaders including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel's Ambassador to the U.S. Ron Dermer. On this trip he will be joined by NRB President Jerry A. Johnson in their trip to Israel along with various other Christian leaders.
Washington, D.C. - Family Research Council will host a forum titled, "Common Core: Uncommon Dilemma." The event will take place on Wednesday, July 30th at 12:00 PM. The forum will feature some of the finest minds in the American education arena. The panelists will discuss their concerns about this ongoing national program and its impact on signatory states.
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today a divided 4th Circuit Court of Appeals panel struck down Virginia's marriage amendment. In April, Family Research Council (FRC) submitted an amicus brief in the case Bostic v. Schaefer, which addresses efforts to overturn the amendment.
Meriam Saved! FRC Thanks American People, Members of Congress for Taking Action
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins testified today before the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations regarding the case of Meriam Ibrahim.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins will testify before the U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee's Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations on Wednesday, July 23.\r\r
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today President Obama issued an Executive Order mandating that all federal contractors and subcontractors grant special treatment to the politically-charged categories of "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" in the workplace.
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today a divided 10th Circuit Court of Appeals panel struck down Oklahoma's marriage amendment. Last month the same appeals panel also struck down Utah's constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union of a man and woman. \r\r
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) urged the U.S. Senate to reject legislation proposed by Senate Democrats that would overturn the U.S. Supreme Court's Hobby Lobby/Conestoga Wood ruling. The decision upheld religious liberty and protected the conscience rights of those family businesses that object to being forced to pay for drugs that have the potential to kill an unborn child.\r\r
Washington, DC: Today the Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on the "Women's Health Protection Act", S. 1696, introduced by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT). This bill would overturn the majority of state pro-life laws which protect mothers and their unborn children.\r\r
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today District Court Judge C. Scott Crabtree struck down Colorado's constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union of a man and a woman.
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Earlier today U.S. District Court Judge John G. Heyburn II struck down Kentucky's marriage amendment which had been approved by 75 percent of the state's voters.\r\r
Family Research Council (FRC) praised today's ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court upholding religious liberty and protecting the conscience rights of family businesses who object to being forced to pay for the coverage of sterilizations, contraception and drugs that have the potential to destroy an unborn child.
Peter Sprigg, senior fellow for policy studies at the Family Research Council (FRC), testified today before the D.C. City Council in opposition to a bill that would forbid licensed counselors in the District from engaging in "sexual orientation change efforts" (SOCE) with minors.
Peter Sprigg, senior fellow for policy studies at the Family Research Council (FRC), will testify tomorrow (Friday, June 27) before the D.C. City Council in opposition to a bill that would forbid licensed counselors in the District from engaging in "sexual orientation change efforts" (SOCE) with minors.
Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins released the following statement in response to two rulings today - one being a two-to-one ruling from a 10th Circuit Court of Appeals panel striking down Utah's marriage amendment and another one from a federal judge striking down Indiana's Defense of Marriage Act: "While disturbing, today's rulings come as no surprise given the rising disdain for the rule of law promoted by the Obama administration."
Family Research Council (FRC) and fellow members of the Restore Military Religious Freedom Coalition today delivered a petition with over 105,000 signatures to the U.S. Air Force Academy. The petition calls on the Air Force Academy to protect the First Amendment rights of cadets, after a recent incident in which a cadet was censored for writing a Bible verse on a white board outside of his dorm room.
Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins responded to news today that a Sudan court has overturned an earlier ruling and released Meriam Ibrahim from prison. Perkins responded with the following comments: "We are grateful and relieved to learn that Meriam and her two small children have been released after spending months in a prison notorious for torture and its high infant mortality rate."
Today, as thousands gather in the nation's capital for the March for Marriage, Family Research Council is commending Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone for standing up for marriage and for those who have lost their livelihoods, religious freedom and free speech rights in the push to redefine marriage. General Jerry Boykin, Family Research Council's executive vice president, released the following statement: "We commend Archbishop Cordileone for his courageous support of natural marriage because he passionately believes in the right of children to grow up in a family with a father and mother."\r
Family Research Council (FRC) Senior Legislative Assistant Leanna Baumer spoke today at the second annual March for Marriage, a rally held by the National Organization for Marriage, and co-sponsored by the Family Research Council and other allied organizations committed to preserving marriage as the union of one man and one woman. The rally was held in front of the U.S. Capitol.
According to White House officials, President Obama will be issuing an executive order mandating that all federal contractors and subcontractors grant special treatment to the politically-charged categories of "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" in the workplace. Family Research Council Senior Fellow for Policy Studies Peter Sprigg released the following statement: "This political gesture reflects the president's repeated disregard for the legislative process."
WASHINGTON, D.C. - This morning at a rally outside the White House, Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins joined Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), U.S. Rep. Trent Franks, and a coalition of 40 groups to call on President Obama to break his silence and immediately offer safe haven to Meriam Ibrahim, a Sudanese Christian who was sentenced to death for the "crime" of converting from Islam.\r\r
Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins released the following statement regarding the decision by U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb to strike down the state of Wisconsin's marriage amendment. Of Judge Crabb's decision today Perkins said: "Increasingly, Americans are being forced to celebrate unions that not only step on free speech and religious liberty but also deny children a mom and a dad."\r\r
Family Research Council (FRC) will host Valerie Huber, president and CEO of the National Abstinence Education Association (NAEA), to address this question on Wednesday, June 4, at a lecture at its Washington, D.C. headquarters.
Family Research Council President (FRC) Tony Perkins responded today to reports that the Sudan government may release Meriam Ibrahim from death row within the next "few days." She is a Sudanese Christian who was sentenced to death for the "crime" of converting from Islam. FRC President Tony Perkins made the following comments: "We are encouraged by reports that Meriam and her two small children may be released from a prison that is notorious for torture and its high infant mortality rate."
Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins addressed the Republican Leadership Conference today in New Orleans, Louisiana. He focused his remarks on increasing attacks on religious liberty in the U.S. and abroad, and called out the Obama administration for its silence in the case of Meriam Ibrahim, a Sudanese Christian who awaits execution because she converted from Islam.
Family Research Council (FRC) will host Dr. John Fleming, U.S. representative for Louisiana's Fourth Congressional District, tomorrow for a webcast lecture on challenges to religious expression in the military and ongoing legislative responses.
Today, Family Research Council (FRC) applauded the decision by Las Vegas to "withdraw" its bid to become the host city for the 2016 Republican National Convention. FRC President Tony Perkins made the following comments: "We are pleased to learn today that Las Vegas has withdrawn its bid to become a host city - a decision that comes only weeks after the state party ignited a party-wide firestorm by stripping pro-life and pro-natural marriage language from its state platform."
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins released the following statement in response to a federal judge's ruling striking down Pennsylvania's Defense of Marriage Act. Judge John Jones III wrote that laws affirming natural marriage should be discarded "into the ash heap of history."\r\r
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) responded to a decision today by U.S. District Court Judge Michael McShane striking down Oregon's amendment defining marriage as the union of a man and a woman. \r\r
On Friday, May 16, Family Research Council (FRC) will host a screening of "Breeders," a new documentary from The Center for Bioethics and Culture Network looking at the ethical issues involved in surrogacy.
Arina Grossu, M.A., director of the Center for Human Dignity at the Family Research Council (FRC), spoke today at a press conference with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), calling on Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) to bring the "Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act" to a vote in the Senate. The bill would prohibit abortion after 20 weeks post-fertilization, since at that time unborn babies can feel pain.
Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins released the following statement regarding the decision Friday evening by Arkansas Judge Chris Piazza to strike down the state's constitutional marriage amendment: "An astonishing act of arrogance and disregard for the voters of Arkansas is the only way to describe Judge Chris Piazza's close-of-business decision on Friday."
Family Research Council (FRC) will host a webcast discussion by author Dr. Michael Brown on his most recent book, "Can You Be Gay and Christian?" The event will take place at noon on Wednesday, May 14 at FRC's headquarters. Dr. Brown will address questions such as why the church cannot avoid the subject of homosexuality; how Christians can respond to the subject with both love and truth; the best biblical approach to homosexuality; and a look at what Christians can expect to hear and read from gay theologians in the future.
Family Research Council (FRC) released the results of a commissioned national survey showing that 53 percent of likely voters "oppose the mandate requiring the coverage of preventive care services for women which includes all FDA approved contraceptives, including drugs that can destroy a human embryo, and sterilization services without a direct cost to the patient."
Family Research Council (FRC) applauded the U.S. Supreme Court for its decision today in Town of Greece v. Galloway upholding the constitutionality of legislative prayer and affirming the long-held right of Americans to pray in the public square. Family Research Council submitted an amicus brief on behalf of 49 Members of Congress supporting Alliance Defending Freedom's petition in this case.
Today, Family Research Council (FRC) and American Values released the results of a commissioned national survey conducted by Wilson Research Strategies showing that 82 percent of Republican and Republican-leaning independents believe marriage "should be defined only as a union between one man and one woman." 74 percent strongly agreed with this statement.
Belgium recently passed a child euthanasia law, making it one of the most liberal countries in the world when it comes to euthanasia. Arina Grossu, director of the Center for Human Dignity at the Family Research Council (FRC), will deliver a lecture on April 23 regarding the state of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide in the U.S. The lecture will be webcast live through FRC's website.
Family Research Council Senior Fellow Ken Blackwell, former Ohio secretary of state and former Cincinnati mayor, condemned today's ruling by Federal Judge Timothy Black that the state of Ohio must recognize out-of-state same-sex "marriages." Ohio voters passed their state's marriage amendment in 2004. Homosexual activists recently failed to gain enough signatures to put same-sex "marriage" on the Ohio ballot in November. Of Judge Black's ruling Blackwell said: "This is another example of how the will of the people is being subverted by misguided activist judges."
Family Research Council (FRC) and members of the Restore Military Religious Freedom Coalition (RMRFC) have written a letter to Lt. Gen. Michelle D. Johnson, superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy, asking about a recent incident in which a Bible verse was removed from a white board. This was done despite official academy policy, which permits the use of white boards for personal messages.
As the debate about redefining marriage continues in the courts, Family Research Council (FRC) has submitted an amicus brief to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in the case Bostic v. Schaefer (formerly Bostic v. Rainey). Of the Virginia marriage case, FRC President Tony Perkins said: "Just over the past few days the insatiable intolerance of homosexual activists has become abundantly clear."
Craig James, a Fox Sports football analyst who was fired after the network learned that he had expressed his views in support of natural marriage during his race for the U.S. Senate 18 months earlier, has joined Family Research Council (FRC) as an Assistant to the President. In this role, Craig will cultivate relationships with like-minded Americans across the country who share a common concern for the growing hostility toward free speech and religious liberty in the U.S. He will continue to share his own story of religious discrimination and educate Americans to the expanding threats to our First Freedom.
Family Research Council (FRC) expressed disappointment regarding the U.S. Supreme Court's refusal to hear the case Elane Photography v. Willcock, leaving the anti-free speech, religious liberty ruling of the New Mexico Supreme Court in place. Of the decision FRC President Tony Perkins said: "The Supreme Court's refusal to hear and uphold the First Amendment rights of Elaine Huguenin, a wedding photographer, are deeply disturbing."
Family Research Council Senior Fellow Ken Blackwell, former Ohio secretary of state and former Cincinnati mayor, strongly disagreed with today's announcement by Federal Judge Timothy Black that he will force the state to recognize out-of-state same-sex "marriages." Ohio voters overwhelmingly passed their state's marriage amendment in 2004, 62 percent to 38 percent. Homosexual activists also failed this week to gain enough signatures to put same-sex "marriage" on the Ohio ballot in November. Of Judge Black's statement Blackwell said: "This is another example of how the will of the people is being subverted by misguided activist judges."
Earlier today, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins traveled to Mississippi and attended Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant's signing of S.B. 2681, the Mississippi Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). FRC President Tony Perkins released the following statement: "I was honored to attend today's signing of Mississippi's Religious Freedom Restoration Act and have the opportunity to personally thank Governor Bryant, and the legislators who have stood up to protect religious liberty as 18 other states have already done."
WASHINGTON, D.C. - This evening, the Mississippi House of Representatives and Senate approved S.B. 2681, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). Family Research Council (FRC) has long supported state RFRAs, which have already been enacted in 18 states since 1996 based on the federal law introduced by now U.S. Senator (then U.S. Representative) Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and former U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.), passed 97-3 in the Senate, unanimously by voice vote in the House of Representatives and was signed into law by President Bill Clinton.
Yesterday, Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant signed into law House Bill 585, a comprehensive criminal justice reform package that reforms Mississippi's criminal sentencing guidelines while also protecting public safety, and bringing down corrections costs. Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins, a former police officer who has spoken out about criminal justice reform, made the following comments: "I commend Governor Bryant and the Mississippi legislature for enacting common-sense sentencing reforms that keep families together while maintaining public safety."
U.S. Rep. Diane Black (R-Tenn.) will speak at the Family Research Council (FRC) on the Department of Health and Human Services mandate related to conscience rights today. Her lecture, which will be broadcast live on the Internet, is entitled, "Health Care and Conscience Rights." Rep. Black is the sponsor of H.R. 940, the "Health Care Conscience Rights Act," which would protect Americans from having to choose between their faith and paying huge fines.
Arina Grossu, director of the Center for Human Dignity at the Family Research Council, released the following statement commending the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals for upholding the new Texas law that raises health standards for abortion clinics and restricts abortion in most cases to the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. "This ruling is a victory for women's health and human dignity."
The Restore Military Religious Freedom Coalition has posted a billboard near the U.S. Air Force Academy supporting the religious freedoms of Academy cadets.
Cathy Ruse, Family Research Council's Senior Fellow for Legal Studies, a member of the Supreme Court bar, attended today's Supreme Court oral arguments in two cases challenging the HHS mandate: Sebelius v. Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood Specialties v. Sebelius. Both of these family businesses face the choice of either violating their moral beliefs and providing coverage for their employees of drugs that can destroy human embryos or pay crippling fines of up to $100 per day, per employee. Ruse released the following statement after the Supreme Court arguments: "After listening to the oral arguments today, I am cautiously optimistic that a majority of the court understands that a family's choice to make a living shouldn't mean giving up your religious freedom."
Today, U.S. District Judge Bernard Friedman, struck down the Michigan constitutional marriage amendment which had been approved by nearly 60 percent of the state's voters. Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement: "This judicial activist stampede to redefine marriage is making a mockery of the ideals that our Founding Fathers stood for."
Family Research Council (FRC) Senior Legal Fellow Cathy Cleaver Ruse, Esq. will attend oral arguments at the U.S. Supreme Court in the case Sebelius v. Hobby Lobby on Tuesday, March 25. She will also speak at the news conference and rally at 10:30 a.m. Eastern on the Supreme Court steps.
Testifying before the House Armed Services Committee on Friday, the Air Force Chief of Staff, General Mark Welsh, dismissed the concern over the growing violations of religious freedom in the Air Force as a "perception." FRC President Tony Perkins released the following statement: "The perception is that Mikey Weinstein is setting the policy for religious expression in the U.S. Air Force, as evidenced by the growing number of incidents of religious hostility toward Christians. Instead of denying reality, General Welsh should have taken the opportunity in Friday's hearing to discuss how he would bring the Air Force into compliance with the new DOD instructions protecting religious expression, and thereby protect men and women of faith from discrimination and harassment."
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the Restore Military Religious Freedom Coalition comprised of 24 groups led by the Family Research Council and including legal groups such as Alliance Defending Freedom, Liberty Counsel, The Liberty Institute, and Thomas More Law Center, announced that they stand ready to offer assistance to any Air Force Academy cadet who faces repercussions for writing a Bible verse on a hallway whiteboard that has been designated by the Academy for both official and personal use.
Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway announced today that he would not appeal a ruling forcing the state to recognize out-of-state same-sex "marriages." Governor Steve Beshear is now left to defend the law and will turn to outside lawyers to pursue an appeal. In 2004, 75 percent of Kentucky voters adopted a constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins released the following statement: "Attorney General Jack Conway took an oath to uphold the constitution and the laws of Kentucky, not undermine them through indifference driven by his personal ideology."
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Arizona Governor Jan Brewer vetoed a bill that would have strengthened Arizona's Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). Family Research Council (FRC) has long supported state RFRAs, which have been enacted in 18 states since 1997 based on the federal law introduced by now U.S. Senator (then U.S. Representative) Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and former U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.), passed 97-3 in the Senate, unanimously by voice vote in the House of Representatives and was signed into law by President Bill Clinton.
Today, Federal Judge Orlando Garcia, a President Clinton appointee, struck down the Texas constitutional marriage amendment which had been approved by 76 percent of the state's voters. Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins released the following statement: "The state of Texas is the latest victim of a judicial free-for-all in making a lawless mockery of the ideals that our Founding Fathers stood for."
In a news conference today at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins released new polling showing that 61 percent of polled Americans agreed that "pastors and churches should challenge the Obama administration when religious liberty is threatened." "Americans are looking for pastors to defend religious liberty," Perkins said at the news conference.
Yesterday, the Arizona legislature approved S.B. 1062, a bill that strengthens Arizona's Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). Family Research Council (FRC) has long supported state RFRAs, which have been enacted in 18 states since 1997 based on the federal law introduced by now U.S. Senator (then U.S. Representative) Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and former U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.), passed 97-3 in the Senate, unanimously by voice vote in the House of Representatives and was signed into law by President Bill Clinton. FRC President Tony Perkins released the following statement: "Family Research Council applauds the Arizona legislature for approving commonsense legislation that reinforces the state's Religious Freedom Restoration Act."
WASHINGTON,D.C.- Late Thursday Virginia's Attorney General Mark Herring announced that Judge Arenda Wright had struck down the state's duly enacted constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Virginia voters had adopted the amendment with 57 percent of the vote. Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins released the following statement regarding the decision:
Family Research Council (FRC) today praised U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) for introducing the Senate companion of the "State Marriage Defense Act of 2014" and urged members of the U.S. Senate to support it. FRC President Tony Perkins released the following statement: "After a series of federal agency actions undermining state laws on marriage, we are pleased that Senators Ted Cruz and Mike Lee are stepping in to make sure the federal government respects state marriage laws."
Family Research Council's (FRC) Marriage and Religion Research Institute (MARRI) has released its fourth annual "Index of Family Belonging and Rejection." The Index is the most robust measure of the health of the U.S. family available.
WASHINGTON,D.C.- A federal judge today ordered the state to disregard its constitution and recognize out of state same-sex "marriages." In 2004, 75 percent ofKentuckyvoters adopted a constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman.
On Wednesday, February 12, Family Research Council (FRC) will host a webcast lecture at noon Eastern that will feature the release of the fourth annual Index of Family Belonging and Rejection. The index charts the present intactness of the family in the U.S. by examining the proportion of fifteen- to seventeen-year-olds who grew up in an intact, married family.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, news reports indicated that Attorney General Eric Holder will announce sweeping recognition to "marriages" of same-sex couples, even in natural marriage states.
Family Research Council (FRC) has submitted an amicus brief in Kitchen v. Herbert, the case involving legal efforts to overturn Utah's marriage amendment. The brief was written by Paul Linton, a highly regarded constitutional appellate attorney who submitted the brief on FRC's behalf. Oral argument will take place before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit in Denver, Colorado, on April 10, 2014. Of the brief and the case FRC President Tony Perkins said: "Male and female relationships are and will continue to be uniquely important to the future of society."
Family Research Council (FRC) has hired two more experts to strengthen its mission to advance life and religious freedom. Travis Weber will head FRC's Center for Religious Liberty and Arina Grossu will direct the Center for Human Dignity. Of the hires FRC President Tony Perkins said: "Travis and Arina bring passion and experience that will be valuable to our mission of advancing faith, family and freedom in public policy and the culture from a Christian worldview."
Family Research Council (FRC) has submitted an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in the Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood cases opposing U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. The cases involve the HHS mandate that requires businesses run by religious owners to pay for abortion-causing drugs, sterilizations and contraception for their employees, regardless of the owners' religious beliefs. Of the brief, FRC President Tony Perkins said: "The freedom of religion is the ability to live your life according to the religious teachings of your choice. However, President Obama has repeatedly expressed his support for the freedom of worship, not the freedom of religion."
Washington, D.C. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released a video and the following statement in response to President Obama's State of the Union Address
Family Research Council (FRC) Executive Vice President Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Jerry Boykin submitted a written statement to the U.S. House of Representatives Armed Services Committee today. His comments were related to a hearing held by the Military Personnel subcommittee regarding "Religious Accommodations in the Armed Services." In his statement, Gen. Boykin made the following comments: "A growing trend in the military reveals a remarkable disregard for what have been assumed as basic religious liberties of service members in the past."
Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed the "No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act," authored by U.S. Reps. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) and Dan Lipinski (D-Ill.). This bipartisan bill would permanently prohibit taxpayer dollars from being used to pay for abortions. Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins responded with the following comments: "This is a victory for taxpayers, women, and their unborn children."
Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court issuing a temporary injunction in the case involving the Little Sisters of the Poor against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) mandate.
The Defense Department's (DOD) new regulations concerning religious expression in the military are an important step forward in the effort to strengthen religious liberty protections in the military, Lt. Gen. (ret.) Jerry Boykin, executive vice-president of the Family Research Council (FRC), said today.
Tony Perkins, President of the Family Research Council (FRC), released the following statement after a House of Representatives special order on the marking of 41 years since the infamous ruling of Roe v. Wade and the upcoming March for Life: "I am thankful that Members of Congress went down to the House floor last night to mark this anniversary and affirm the continued fight against the inhumane practice of abortion and its harm to women and unborn children."
On National Religious Freedom Day, Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins made the following comments, and also wrote an op-ed for the Christian Post, regarding the topic of religious liberty in the U.S. and worldwide: "Despite the president's claim yesterday that 'America proudly stands with people of every nation who seek to think, believe, and practice their faiths as they choose,' the Obama administration's record on defending Christians persecuted for their faith has been embarrassingly weak."
Family Research Council (FRC) will host its 9th annual ProLifeCon on Wednesday, January 22, the day of the 41st March for Life, commemorating the 41st anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide.
As the nation prepares to commemorate the 41st anniversary of the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision, which legalized elective abortion on demand, Family Research Council held a lecture and discussion on two key aspects of the continuing battle for life at its Washington, D.C. headquarters.
Today the House Judiciary Committee approved by a 22 to 12 vote H.R. 7, the "No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act," authored by U.S. Reps. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) and Dan Lipinski (D-Ill.). This bipartisan bill would permanently prohibit taxpayer dollars from being used to pay for abortions. Family Research Council Director for the Center for Human Dignity Arina Grossu responded with the following comments: "This is a victory for women, their unborn children, and taxpayers who should not be forced by the government to pay for someone else's abortion."
Family Research Council (FRC) will host a webcast lecture to release the pro-life movement's first in-depth analysis of the demographics of abortion. The findings show that the number of women in the U.S. who have had an abortion is significantly less than previously thought. FRC's Marriage and Religion Research Institute (MARRI) director, Pat Fagan, Ph.D., will discuss these findings with Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), co-chairman of the House Pro-Life Caucus.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins released the following statement regarding a federal judge's decision today to redefine marriage in Oklahoma and strike down the state's constitutional amendment that was approved by 76 percent of the state's voters:
Arina Grossu, director of the Center for Human Dignity at the Family Research Council (FRC), released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal by the state of Arizona to review a Ninth Circuit ruling blocking a ban on most abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy (Arizona H.B. 2036): "The U.S. Supreme Court has left pain-capable unborn babies and vulnerable women in danger by refusing to hear Arizona's appeal to reinstate a law that is grounded in the latest science and in common sense."
Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins released the following statement in response to the announcement today by the Obama administration that it will ignore Utah's marriage law and recognize same-sex "marriages" performed prior to the U.S. Supreme Court stay: "The Obama administration's decision today is an effort to make law in the breach and shows contempt for the states, the federal courts, and Congress."
Family Research Council (FRC) today praised U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (R-Texas) for introducing the "State Marriage Defense Act of 2014," and urged members of the House of Representatives to support it.
Family Research Council (FRC) today welcomed the decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to stay a ruling by a federal District Court judge in Utah last month which had resulted in the issuance of marriage licenses to same-sex couples across Utah. FRC President Tony Perkins issued the following statement: "The Supreme Court has today signaled that it will not allow state laws defining marriage to be set aside by a lone judge without a careful consideration of the issues involved."
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins released the following statement in response to Justice Sotomayor issuing a temporary stay for the Little Sisters of the Poor against the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) mandate.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins released the following statement in response to A&E Network's announcement this evening that the network is ending its suspension of Duck Dynasty's Phil Robertson:
Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins released the following statement regarding the New Mexico Supreme Court's decision to redefine marriage in the state: "The New Mexico Supreme Court has turned logic on its head by redefining what marriage has always been throughout human history, including the history of the state itself."
Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins released the following statement in response to A&E Network's suspension of Duck Dynasty's Phil Robertson because he expressed his religious belief that homosexuality is a sin: "A&E's suspension of Phil Robertson shows Hollywood wants to avoid reality. The reality is that the Robertson family are Bible-believing Christians who don't cherry pick what the Bible teaches."
Thursday, December 19, the Family Research Council (FRC) will host Ken Klukowski in a family policy lecture webcast to discuss the Supreme Court case, Town of Greece v. Galloway, which could become the most important religious freedom case decided by the Supreme Court in decades.
Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins released the following statement in response to Friday's ruling by U.S. District Judge Clark Waddoups striking down Utah's law against polygamy: "If love and mutual consent become the definition of what the boundaries of marriage are, can we as a society any longer even define marriage coherently?"
Family Research Council (FRC) and 15 other organizations announced today the submission of a letter to Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel requesting that the Department of Defense (DOD) go further in its review of current training materials and take steps to ensure that future training materials "do not rely on information from organizations such as the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) or any others that engage in groundless and highly pejorative mischaracterizations of long-standing ministries and organizations for their own political purposes."
Family Research Council (FRC) Senior Fellow Peter Sprigg today testified at a hearing of a federal advisory committee which heard reports on the latest research related to blood donations by men who have sex with men (MSM). Currently men who have had sex with men since 1977 are barred from donating blood because they are at a higher risk for contracting HIV.
Family Research Council (FRC) is encouraged by a new story from the Washington Times highlighting recent findings from the Charlotte Lozier Institute on state funding for stem cell research. The institute has found that the bulk of stem cell funding grants in California and Maryland are now going to ethical stem cell research, and not unethical embryonic stem cell research - a decided shift in focus for these states. Of the findings FRC's Senior Fellow Dr. David Prentice said: "This latest news simply emphasizes what advocates of ethical stem cell research have said for years - adult stem cells are the true gold standard for stem cells."
Wednesday, December 4, the Family Research Council (FRC) will host Dr. Wayne Grudem in a family policy lecture webcast to discuss his new book, "The Poverty of Nations: A Sustainable Solution," and to address questions related to global poverty.
Family Research Council (FRC) and Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) released the results of a commissioned national survey showing that 59 percent of likely voters "oppose the mandate requiring the coverage of preventive care services for women which includes all FDA approved contraceptives, including drugs that can destroy a human embryo, and sterilization services without a direct cost to the patient."
Family Research Council (FRC) today asked Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) to apologize for his decision to cancel a Senate office building room reservation for the Illinois-based Howard Center for Family, Religion & Society's The Family in America journal after homosexual activists protested the event. Of Sen. Kirk's decision, FRC President Tony Perkins said: "Sen. Kirk's decision is true discrimination, silencing anyone who doesn't adhere to a politically correct view of sexuality."
Family Research Council (FRC) Senior Fellow for Life Sciences Dr. David Prentice testified today before the Ohio House of Representatives' Health and Aging Committee in support of H.B. 308, a bill that would ban human cloning and the creation of animal-human hybrids in Ohio.
Family Research Council (FRC) Senior Fellow for Life Sciences Dr. David Prentice will testify tomorrow, November 13, before the Ohio House of Representatives' Health and Aging Committee in support of H.B. 308, a bill that would ban human cloning and the creation of animal-human hybrids in Ohio.
Tomorrow, November 13, Family Research Council (FRC) will host U.S. Rep. Phil Roe (R-Tenn.) at noon Eastern for a webcast lecture to present an overview of the Republican Study Committee's (RSC) comprehensive alternative to the Affordable Care Act, commonly called Obamacare.
As Americans everywhere honor and pray for the men and women who have served and are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces this Veterans Day, Family Research Council (FRC) and 15 other members of the Restore Military Religious Freedom Coalition are running an ad in Military Times' publications informing service members that religious liberty advocacy groups stand ready to provide legal assistance should they experience a violation of their religious liberty rights.
One day before Veterans Day, Family Research Council (FRC) and churches around the country will celebrate Military Freedom Sunday, a day to honor and pray for the men and women serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, who daily risk their lives to defend our lives and rights.
At a news conference today with U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Anna Higgins, J.D., director of Family Research Council's (FRC) Center for Human Dignity, made the following comments in support of Sen. Graham's Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. The act would protect women and unborn children from the harms of late-term abortion, harms which were recently on vivid display during the murder trial of the now-convicted abortionist Kermit Gosnell.
Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins expressed strong disagreement with the U.S. Senate's approval of S. 815, a bill that mandates special rights based on sexual orientation and even perceived gender identity. Businesses would be forced to comply, regardless of the impact on their organization or their own viewpoint.
Family Research Council (FRC) dismissed as insufficient an amendment sponsored by Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) and adopted today by the U.S. Senate that is purported to protect religious freedoms under the "Employment Non-Discrimination Act" (ENDA), a bill that creates a special status for "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" in the workplace.
Today the Family Research Council (FRC) will host marriage experts Dr. Hilary Towers, Beverly Willett, and Mike McManus in a discussion panel at noon Eastern to discuss how divorce is devastating American families. The webcast lecture is entitled "Devastation: Why Divorce Must Decline forAmericato Prosper."
Family Research Council (FRC) commended House Speaker John Boehner today after he announced his opposition to the so-called "Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2013" (ENDA), S. 815, a bill that mandates special rights based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The Speaker's spokesman was quoted saying "the Speaker believes this legislation will increase frivolous litigation and cost American jobs, especially small business jobs." Businesses would be forced to comply (or face penalties), regardless of the impact on their organizations.
Ken Klukowski, J.D., director of the Center for Religious Liberty at the Family Research Council, will attend oral arguments at the Supreme Court of the United States this week in the religious liberty case Town of Greece v. Galloway. Klukowski authored an amicus brief in the case on behalf of 85 Members of Congress expressing support for the town of Greece and its highly inclusive policy that allows anyone, even atheists and Wiccans, to offer civic prayers before town meetings. Klukowski has been consulting on this case for the past two years, assisting the lawyers representing the town.
Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins expressed strong disagreement with the U.S. Senate vote for cloture on the so-called "Employment Non-Discrimination Act" (ENDA), a bill that mandates special rights based on sexuality. Businesses would be forced to comply (or face penalties), regardless of the impact on their organization. Family Research Council Action (FRC Action) will score the legislation in its annual vote scorecard.
Today the D.C. Circuit Court ruled in favor of the Gilardi brothers who own Freshway Foods and Freshway Logistics, an Ohio-based company, in its lawsuit against the Obama administration's abortifacient and contraceptive mandate. Unfortunately, they did not overturn the lower court ruling against the company itself. Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins made the following comments in response to the ruling in Gilardi vs. HHS: "We are very pleased that the court ruled that the Religious Freedom Protection Act protects the Gilardi brothers from being forced to violate their religious beliefs as demanded by President Obama's HHS mandate."
Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins today urged the U.S. Senate to reject the so-called "Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2013" (ENDA), S. 815, a bill that mandates special rights based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Businesses would be forced to comply (or face penalties), regardless of the impact on their organizations.
Today, October 30, Family Research Council (FRC) will host a webcast lecture at noon Eastern on the challenges that a secular society poses to the Christian faith, and the opportunities Christians have to emulate Christ under such circumstances.
Family Research Council expressed serious concerns following a federal judge's decision to partially block a new Texas law that raises health standards for abortion clinics and restricts abortion in most cases to the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. Anna Higgins, director of the Center for Human Dignity at the Family Research Council, released the following statement: "Blocking this law only puts vulnerable women in greater danger."
Family Research Council (FRC) commended Army Secretary John McHugh for swiftly intervening after learning about another Army briefing that listed Christian Evangelical groups as a "threat" to the United States. The latest incident occurred at Fort Hood, the site of a domestic terrorist attack by radical Islamist Nidal Hasan in November, 2009.
Family Research Council expressed disappointment in today's decision by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (R-N.J.) to withdraw his state's appeal of aNew Jerseycourt order to redefine marriage. His decision came after the New Jersey Supreme Court's decision to deny a stay pending appeal of the lower court's decision.
Family Research Council criticized today's decision of the New Jersey Supreme Court not to grant a stay pending appeal of a lower court's order that civil marriages of same-sex couples begin on October 21. FRC Senior Fellow for Policy Studies Peter Sprigg made the following remarks: "How will it create 'irreparable harm' to maintainNew Jersey's definition of civil marriage, one which has prevailed for the entire history of the state, for just a few months longer?"
Family Research Council (FRC) has released a policy analysis report by Rob Schwarzwalder, senior vice president for FRC, entitled, "Complementarity in Marriage: What it is and Why it Matters." In response to the American Psychological Association's (APA) 2011 statement that one can recognize his or her transgenderism "at any age," this report outlines findings that support the discrete equality of men and women as well as the cultural merits of natural marriage.
Family Research Council (FRC) opposes the "deal" being voted on today by the U.S. Congress to fund the government and raise the debt ceiling without addressing issues that will hurt American families and threaten life and religious liberty under Obamacare.
Family Research Council (FRC) today opposed the U.S. House of Representatives' proposed "deal" on the debt limit and Continuing Resolution as conveyed by sources on Capitol Hill. FRC has been at the forefront of opposing the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare, because of the law's increased health care costs for families, subsidies for abortion coverage and violation of religious freedoms.
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) will join Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins today on his daily radio show, Washington Watch, at 5:42 p.m. Eastern. They will discuss the latest news about the ongoing partial shutdown of the federal government. Visit www.TonyPerkins.com to listen.
Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins expressed disappointment after learning that the House will drop religious liberty protections from the Continuing Resolution. The Blackburn amendment passed Sunday morning would have delayed all of Obamacare for one year and added conscience protections. The House will now amend the CR with a delay of the individual mandate and a provision barring federal contributions to Members of Congress and their staff, but have dropped religious liberty protections and any effort to stop abortion funding. Of the decision Perkins said: "We are disappointed that the House is taking up an amendment to the CR that ignores the threat to religious freedom that Obamacare poses and does nothing to address the abortion subsidies that will take effect."
FRC Backs ObamaCare Delay and Conscience Protections in CR
WASHINGTON,D.C.- Family Research Council (FRC) today expressed strong opposition to the U.S. Senate's failure to approve a continuing resolution that would ensure that the government is funded with a budget extension while defunding the abortion-funding and conscience-violating "Affordable Care Act."
Tomorrow, September 25, the Family Research Council (FRC) will host a policy lecture at noon Eastern on what the Common Core educational standards mean for education in America, and federal funding for preschool.
Family Research Council (FRC) today praised Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives for passing a continuing resolution that would ensure that the government is funded with a budget extension while defunding the abortion-funding and conscience-violating 2010 Affordable Care Act. Of the passage Tony Perkins, president of FRC, said: "House Republicans have acted responsibly by funding the U.S. government without funding Obamacare."
Family Research Council (FRC) today urged Members of Congress in the U.S. House of Representatives to support H.R.3133, the "Marriage and Religious Freedom Act" introduced by Congressman Ra\u00FAl Labrador (R-ID) on September 19. David Christensen, vice president for government affairs at FRC, made the following comments: "This bill affirms that a person's religious belief in the importance of natural marriage should be treated with tolerance and respect by the federal government."
Today, the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee held confirmation hearings on President Obama's proposed Secretary of the U.S. Air Force Deborah Lee James, and his proposed Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Maj. Gen. Jessica Garfola Wright. Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins, a Marine Corps veteran, praised members of the Committee for raising issues related to religious freedom with both nominees.
Today Chief Judge Richard Roberts of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia sentenced Floyd Lee Corkins II, the perpetrator of a terrorist act at the Family Research Council (FRC) on August 15, 2012. Judge Roberts sentenced Corkins to 25 years in prison after he pleaded guilty in February to three felony counts that included the charge of committing an act of terrorism while armed. Mr. Leo Johnson, who ultimately stopped Mr. Corkins' attack, delivered a statement before the court, as did FRC President Tony Perkins. Mr. Perkins delivered his statement on behalf of the FRC staff.
Yesterday, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Jerry Boykin, Family Research Council's executive vice president, and other members of the Restore Military Religious Freedom Coalition (RMRF) met with senior U.S. Air Force officials at the Pentagon to discuss the escalation of religious liberty infringements not just in the U.S. Air Force but across the military.
Family Research Council's (FRC) Senior Legal Fellow Cathy Ruse, Esq. spoke at a rally today outside the U.S. Capitol calling on Congress to exempt Americans from impending Obamacare regulations, as President Obama has similarly exempted corporations.
Family Research Council (FRC) today announced its opposition to the House of Representatives' Rule as reported in the news that provides for a short-term Continuing Resolution to fund the government. Of the House Rule on the Continuing Resolution, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins made the following comments: "The House Rule on the Continuing Resolution spending bill purports to 'defund Obamacare' but only provides a cover vote on defunding Obamacare without any teeth. The Rule simply does not stop this onerous law from going into effect."
WASHINGTON, D.C. - This evening on his daily radio show, Washington Watch, Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins will address President Obama's proposed military action in Syria. Perkins, a Marine Corps veteran and former Louisiana legislator, will discuss whether he supports military action in Syria. Tonight's show will air live at 5:05 p.m. Eastern and can be accessed at www.TonyPerkins.com.
Family Research Council (FRC) expressed strong opposition today to a new ordinance approved by the San Antonio city council that is the first step toward banning orthodox Christians from holding public office in the city. Of the city council vote FRC President Tony Perkins said: "This ordinance is a vicious attack on Christians that could be the first step to banning believers from local boards and commissions."
Family Research Council rejected today's Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service announcements regarding the way the two government departments will view homosexual marriages. Of the announcements Chris Gacek, J.D., Ph.D., senior fellow for regulatory policy at the FRC, made the following comments: "State family policies have been undermined today by the Obama administration."
Family Research Council Senior Fellow Ken Blackwell will join Tea Party and pro-family leaders and activists for a rally in Troy, Ohio. The rally, entitled "Pull the Plug on Obamacare Before He Pulls the Plug on You," will call on Congress to defund President Obama's signature 2010 healthcare law.
Family Research Council Senior Fellow Ken Blackwell will join Tea Party and pro-family leaders and activists for a rally in Troy Ohio. The rally, entitled "Pull the Plug on Obamacare before he Pulls the Plug on You," will call on Congress to defund President Obama's signature 2010 healthcare law.
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, the New Mexico Supreme Court in Elane Photography v. Willock, ruled against a Christian photographer who, citing her deeply held religious beliefs, declined to work a same-sex commitment ceremony. New Mexico law does not recognize gay marriage or gay civil unions. A recent Rasmussen survey found that 85 percent of Americans support the right of a photographer to refuse participation in a same-sex "wedding."
Washington, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) today voiced disappointment with New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's decision to sign into law Assembly Bill 3371, which forbids licensed professional counselors in the state to "engage in sexual orientation change efforts with a person under 18 years of age."
Ken Klukowski, J.D., director of the Center for Religious Liberty at the Family Research Council (FRC), has filed an amicus brief on behalf of 85 Members of Congress in Town of Greece v. Galloway, a religious liberty case before the U.S. Supreme Court.\r
WASHINGTON, D.C.- On Capitol Hill today, a coalition of organizations including the Family Research Council (FRC) held a news conference calling on Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH) and Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) to add conscience protections to must-pass legislation and to defund Obamacare. In addition, a large coalition sent a letter to House leadership calling for religious freedom protections.
Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins expressed serious concerns today after learning that the Air Force had censored a chaplain's inspirational website post, entitled "No Atheists in Foxholes: Chaplains Gave it All in World War II." The phrase, which President Eisenhower made famous in 1954, dates back to the Japanese attack at Corregidor during World War II. "If President Eisenhower were alive today, the five-star general may be shocked to know that his own speeches are too offensive to be quoted in the military he used to command," said Perkins.
D.C. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins praised Texas Gov. Rick Perry and the Texas legislature for a new state law that, among other things, will restrict abortion in most cases to the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. Gov. Perry signed the bill into law this morning. Of the new law Perkins said: "Today we welcome Texas into the proud coalition of states moving to defend defenseless, unborn children."
Tomorrow, July 17, the Family Research Council (FRC) will host a lecture about the negative impact pornography has on college campuses, the ways it distorts sexuality, exploits women and contributes to possible unfaithfulness to future spouses. The Center for the Advancement of Catholic Higher Education (The Center) will co-host the event. The Center is a division of The Cardinal Newman Society, working with Catholic colleges and universities to promote policies and programs that best strengthen Catholic identity and character.
Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins expressed strong disagreement with the U.S. Senate HELP Committee's approval of S. 815, a bill that mandates special rights based on sexual preferences. Businesses would be forced to comply (or face penalties), regardless of the impact on their organization.
Family Research Council (FRC), a coalition of groups concerned about religious liberty, and Members of Congress participated in a Capitol Hill news conference earlier today urging support for Rep. John Fleming's (R-LA) military religious freedom amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act. Speakers included Reps. Fleming, Jim Bridenstine (R-OK) and Louie Gohmert (R-TX); FRC President Tony Perkins; and FRC Executive Vice President Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Jerry Boykin.
TOMORROW, July 9, Family Research Council (FRC), a coalition of groups concerned about religious liberty, and Members of Congress, will participate in a Capitol Hill news conference urging support for Rep. John Fleming's (R-LA) military religious freedom amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act. The amendment protects the right of servicemembers to not only hold religious beliefs but to act on them and speak about them. The House Armed Services Committee adopted the amendment last month to address growing religious hostility within the military. Rep. Fleming's amendment has found bipartisan support in the House, but the Obama administration issued a statement expressing strong opposition to the amendment. A similar amendment by Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) passed the Senate Armed Services Committee with broad bipartisan support.
On Tuesday, July 9, 2013, Family Research Council (FRC), a coalition of groups concerned about religious liberty, and Members of Congress, will participate in a Capitol Hill news conference urging support for Rep. John Fleming's (R-LA) military religious freedom amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act. The amendment protects the right of service members to not only hold religious beliefs but to act on them and speak about them. The House Armed Services Committee adopted the amendment last month to address growing religious hostility within the military. Rep. Fleming's amendment has found bipartisan support in the House, but the Obama administration issued a statement expressing strong opposition to the amendment. A similar amendment by Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) passed the Senate Armed Services Committee with broad bipartisan support.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - A day after two courts provided injunctions for Hobby Lobby and Geneva College in their religious freedom lawsuits against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for mandating objectionable coverage in their health plans, the administration issued a final rule implementing this anti-religious policy and extended the "safe harbor" for non-profits for five months. Family Research Council (FRC) expressed strong opposition to HHS and the Obama administration's continued violation of religious freedom through its health care mandate.
Family Research Council (FRC) will host a policy lecture at noon Eastern tomorrow about the recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions on marriage, among other major recent rulings, including those regarding voting rights and affirmative action. The lecture will also consider how the marriage rulings change the U.S. political landscape and the political efforts ofFRC and other organizations on the issue of marriage.
Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement in response to today's U.S. Supreme Court rulings on marriage: "While we are disappointed in the Supreme Court's decision to strike down part of the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), the court today did not impose the sweeping nationwide redefinition of natural marriage that was sought."
Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins, along with FRC experts Peter Sprigg, Chris Gacek, J.D., Ph.D. and Ken Klukowski, J.D., will be available to discuss the U.S. Supreme Court decisions in the Proposition 8 and Defense of Marriage Act cases tomorrow.
Family Research Council will hold a joint lecture by two experts on family rights and homeschooling tomorrow in Washington, D.C. The lecture comes as German citizens, the Romeikes, are appealing their denial of asylum by the federal government. The family requested asymlum because of persecution by the German school system for homeschooling their children, which included police intervention. This family believes the German educational system teaches children values contrary to the Christian ones they hold dear. Consequently, the family has been denied the right to teach their own children. The Romeikes are hoping to remain in theUnited States, where they can educate their children according to the dictates of their convictions.
Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins, along with FRC experts Peter Sprigg, Chris Gacek, J.D., Ph.D. and Ken Klukowski, J.D., will be available to discuss the upcoming U.S. Supreme Court decisions in the Proposition 8 and Defense of Marriage Act cases. Additionally, Perkins will discuss the decisions on his daily radio show, Washington Watch, on the day of the decision. The show airs from 5-6 p.m. Eastern on the American Family Radio network and online at www.TonyPerkins.com.
Last night Josh and Anna Duggar of The Learning Channel's (TLC) TV show "19 Kids and Counting" starred in a special TV episode "GrandDuggar Makes 3!" The episode announced the birth of Marcus, Josh and Anna's third child. On Monday evening at 5 p.m. ET, Josh will appear on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins to unveil details about his family's move to Washington D.C. later this month.
In a unanimous decision the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that a person's genes, as they naturally exist in a person's body, are not patentable. Of the decision Family Research Council (FRC) Senior Fellow Dr. David Prentice said: "Patients, physicians, scientists, and biotechnology companies should all benefit from this heartening Supreme Court decision."
Family Research Council (FRC) praised the passage of U.S. Rep. Trent Franks' (R-AZ) Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (H.R. 1797) in the House Judiciary Committee this afternoon. A floor vote will be taken next week. Anna Higgins, director of the Center for Human Dignity at FRC, said of the vote: "Modern science shows that the unborn child is fully capable of experiencing pain by 20 weeks after fertilization, hence the reason unborn babies are regularly given anesthesia during prenatal surgery."
Earlier today, the Obama administration issued a statement of administration policy saying it "strongly objects" to Rep. John Fleming's religious freedom amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act. Family Research Council President (FRC) Tony Perkins released the following statement: "The Obama administration has joined forces with those who are attacking the religious freedoms of those who serve in our Armed Services."
Family Research Council (FRC) expressed disappointment today after the Obama administration decided on Monday to make the morning after pill, Plan B, available for purchase by anyone, regardless of age, without parental consent or a doctor's prescription. Of the decision Anna Higgins, J.D., director of the Center for Human Dignity at the Family Research Council, said: "The Obama administration's decision making the morning after pill Plan B available to young girls at any age is a clear example of the administration's willingness to put politics ahead of the health and safety of girls."
Family Research Council (FRC) will host a family policy lecture at noon Eastern on Wednesday, June 12, by Dr. Rosaria Champagne Butterfield. Credentialed media interested in attending this lecture must register in advance by emailing dbm@frc.org.
Yesterday, on a 33-26 vote, the House Armed Services committee approved a religious freedom amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The amendment, authored by U.S. Rep. John Fleming (R-LA) protects the right of service members not only to hold religious beliefs but to act on them and freely practice those beliefs. Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement: "I commend the House Armed Services Committee for taking decisive action to protect the right of service members to freely practice and express their faith."
General Jerry Boykin, Family Research Council's executive vice president, expressed serious concerns today after learning that the Pentagon had ordered the removal of a 9/11 hero painting from Mountain Home Air Force Base in response to a complaint from anti-Christian activist Mikey Weinstein. Gen. Boykin released the following statement about the incident: "We are deeply disturbed that the Pentagon continues to comply with the demands of anti-Christian activists while neglecting to even respond to the concerns expressed by service members, and Members of Congress who simply want to protect the right to share one's faith."
Family Research Council (FRC) praised the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice for approving earlier today the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (H.R. 1797). U.S. Rep. Trent Franks of Arizona's Eighth District expanded the D.C. Pain-Capable Unborn Protection Act to protect all unborn pain-capable babies nationwide. Of the vote FRC President Tony Perkins said: "We call on Congress to respect the views of their constituents and pass the national Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act."
Today, at Exxon's annual meeting, the corporation's shareholders overwhelmingly voted down a resolution to add special protections for "sexual orientation" to its corporate policy. Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement commending the shareholders for rejecting the resolution by a 4 to 1 margin: "While other businesses drift away from their principles or capitulate under pressure, Exxon is putting its stock in something other than political correctness."
Family Research Council (FRC) will host a family policy lecture at noon Eastern today on the positive impact of pro-life ultrasound ministries. Michael Homula, the executive director of ICU Mobile, will deliver a lecture entitled "GO Serve Women, GO Save Lives, GO Share Jesus: A Paradigm Shift in the Fight to End Abortion." Many pregnancy resource centers have implemented advanced ultrasound technology that allows women to see their child in the womb.
Family Research Council (FRC) expressed deep disappointment at the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) for changing their long-standing position today on membership regarding open homosexuality within the Scouts. Family Research Council President Tony Perkins made the following comments: "Sadly, the Boy Scouts' legacy of producing great leaders has become yet another casualty of moral compromise."
Family Research Council (FRC) and allied organization OnMyHonor.net published a joint advertisement in today's edition of the Dallas Morning News that calls on Boy Scouts of America (BSA) delegates to vote against a resolution that would introduce open homosexuality into Scouting's ranks, and in all likelihood, into Scouting leadership. FRC joined with OnMyHonor.net and Texas Values at yesterday's rally in support of the current BSA policy regarding open homosexuality in the organization. The rally was held in Grapevine, Texas, where BSA leaders will meet and vote today on the proposed policy change.
Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins released the following statement regarding the charges filed in the Mark Carson murder case in New York City: "We denounce any and all acts of unprovoked violence. No American should be the target of violence - period. We hope and trust that justice will be served in that the perpetrator of this senseless act of violence will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Perkins said.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) commends the U.S. Supreme Court for its decision today granting review in Town of Greece v. Galloway. If the Court decides in favor of the town of Greece, the decision could become the most significant religious liberty victory in half a century. Director of FRC's Center for Religious Liberty, Ken Klukowski, J.D., submitted an amicus brief on behalf of 49 Members of Congress supporting the Alliance Defending Freedom's petition in this case addressing public prayer before town meetings.
Scientists in Oregon announced today that they had created cloned human embryos, and then destroyed the embryos to extract embryonic stem cells. Of this announcement Family Research Council (FRC) Senior Fellow Dr. David Prentice said: "It's a grave concern that some scientists are still pursuing human cloning, a technology that will open the door to human engineering and a brave - but highly dangerous - new world."
Anna Higgins, J.D., director of the Center for Human Dignity at the Family Research Council (FRC), commented today on the conviction of Dr. Kermit Gosnell. "The jury's verdict in the trial of abortionist Kermit Gosnell brings a just conclusion to a horrific case."
WASHINGTON,D.C.- Today, the Washington Post reported that theIRShad admitted and apologized for "inappropriately targeting conservative political groups in the 2012 election."
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday at a National Day of Prayer event on Capitol Hill, Rear Admiral William Lee spoke out against the growing religious hostility in the military. As first reported by World Magazine, the Admiral recounted a story of his decision to violate military rules preventing him from giving a Bible to a soldier who had attempted suicide.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) announced that almost 110,000 petitions have been gathered - all within the last 72 hours - in response to last Friday's Washington Post report stating that anti-Christian activists had met with senior Pentagon officials to press for the court martial of Christians in the military who "promote their personal religious beliefs to their subordinates or to extend preferential treatment for any religion." According to the Post, the activists were given assurances that an instruction booklet on proselytizing would be forthcoming within the next few weeks.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Anna Higgins, Family Research Council's Director of the Center for Human Dignity released the following statement following the decision today by the Food and Drug Administration to make Plan B available over the counter to girls as young as 15 years old:\r
In a chilling new Federal Bureau of Investigation interrogation video just released, Floyd Lee Corkins, who stormed the Family Research Council's (FRC) headquarters on August 15, 2012 and started firing, says that he picked his target from the Southern Poverty Law Center's (SPLC) website. Corkins pled guilty to three charges, including committing an act of domestic terrorism while armed - the first such charge in Washington, D.C.
Today Family Research Council (FRC) will host a policy lecture at noon Eastern on religious persecution in China. Bob Fu, founder and president of China Aid, will deliver a lecture entitled "Freedom and Christianity in China." According to many human rights organizations, persecution of Christians in China has accelerated in recent years, and Mr. Fu will discuss both the rise in persecution and what can be done to discourage it.
Family Research Council (FRC) congratulated Kansas Governor Sam Brownback and the state of Kansas for the passage and signing of Kansas SB 199. The law establishes a new adult stem cell research and treatment center at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City's medical school.
Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement in response to the Boy Scouts resolution bringing open homosexuality into the ranks and eventually leadership of Scouting: "This resolution would introduce open homosexuality into the ranks and eventually the leadership of Scouting. This is totally unacceptable to the vast majority of Scouting parents who want to keep their exclusive right to discuss issues of sexuality with their sons."
Anna Higgins, J.D., director of the Center for Human Dignity at the Family Research Council, expressed serious concerns regarding a federal judge's order today that the "morning-after" pill be available to girls of all ages without a prescription.
Family Research Council (FRC) Senior Fellow for Legal Studies Cathy Ruse, Esq. made the following statement at today's March for Marriage event, co-sponsored by FRC: "I am a lawyer and I work in public policy, but today I speak to you as a mom. Let me ask you: Can you imagine what your life would have been like without your mom? It's almost impossible to imagine. What if someone could turn back the clock, and without asking your permission, take away your mother. How unjust that would be. How cruel. What a violation of your rights."
Family Research Council President Tony Perkins appeared on CBS' Face the Nation yesterday in advance of oral arguments on the marriage cases that the U.S. Supreme Court will review this week. Additionally, Perkins will discuss the oral arguments and the March for Marriage on his daily radio show, Washington Watch, heard weekdays from 5-6 p.m. Eastern on the American Family Radio network and online at www.TonyPerkins.com.
Family Research Council experts will be available for media interviews concerning the marriage cases that the U.S. Supreme Court will review next week.
Family Research Council President Tony Perkins made the following comments in his daily email newsletter, The Washington Update, regarding the Republican National Committee's autopsy report released yesterday: "I agree, we can - and do - care about gay Americans, but that doesn't mean we welcome the redefinition of the core values that gave rise to American exceptionalism."
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement in response to Senator Rob Portman's reversal on the redefinition of marriage:
Family Research Council (FRC) will host a news conference at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) annual convention in Nashville, Tennessee today, Tuesday, March 5. FRC President Tony Perkins and FRC Executive Vice President Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Jerry Boykin will be joined by Janet Parshall, radio host for Moody Radio, Bishop Harry Jackson, Jr. of Hope Christian Church and Dr. Richard Land, president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), to discuss the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services mandate that employers cover abortion-causing drugs, sterilizations and contraceptives in their health insurance plans, even if those employers have religious convictions against such coverage.
Family Research Council (FRC) hosted a news conference at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) annual convention in Nashville, Tennessee today to discuss the need for conscience protections for religious business owners and individuals from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services mandate on abortion-causing drugs, sterilizations and contraceptives. FRC President Tony Perkins and FRC Executive Vice President Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Jerry Boykin were joined by Janet Parshall, radio host for Moody Radio, Bishop Harry Jackson, Jr. of Hope Christian Church and Dr. Richard Land, president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), to discuss the HHS mandate that employers cover abortion-causing drugs, sterilizations and contraceptives in their health insurance plans, even if those employers have religious convictions against such coverage.
Family Research Council (FRC) will host a news conference at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) annual convention in Nashville, Tennessee on Tuesday, March 5. FRC President Tony Perkins and FRC Executive Vice President Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Jerry Boykin will be joined by Janet Parshall, radio host for Moody Radio, and Dr. Richard Land, president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), to discuss the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services mandate that employers cover abortion-causing drugs, sterilizations and contraceptives in their health insurance plans, even if those employers have religious convictions against such coverage.
Family Research Council (FRC) praised a group of over 60 Texas elected officials who have signed on to an open letter encouraging the Boy Scouts of America to stay true to their long-standing support of family values and moral principles. They joined Gov. Rick Perry, who had previously announced his support for the Boy Scouts and their current policy on homosexuality.
Family Research Council (FRC) Senior Fellow Dr. David Prentice, a native Kansan, congratulated the Kansas state senate for passing S.B. 199, a bill that would establish the Midwest Stem Cell Therapy Center, a regional hub to advance and deliver adult and cord blood stem cell therapies to patients and serving as a resource for adult and cord blood stem cells for therapies. The Center would also inform professionals and the public about such therapies.
Family Research Council (FRC) expressed disappointment in the U.S. Department of Justice decision to file an amicus brief in the Supreme Court case regarding California's Proposition 8, which defined in the California state constitution that marriage is the legal union of one man and one woman.
amily Research Council (FRC) Senior Fellow Peter Sprigg testified today before the Maryland Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee regarding Senate Bill 449, a proposed "gender identity" bill that would add "gender identity" to the characteristics protected in Maryland's laws regarding discrimination in public accommodations, housing, and employment. In his testimony, Sprigg said: "I have compassion for those who suffer from gender identity problems. I do not underestimate the pain that people experience when they want to be, or believe that they are, something different from their biological sex."
On Sunday, Feb. 24, Dr. Richard Land, president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) of the Southern Baptist Convention, will present the 2012 Richard Land Distinguished Service Award to Family Research Council (FRC) President Tony Perkins. Mr. Perkins, a former Louisiana legislator, will receive the award from Dr. Land at his home church, Greenwell Springs Baptist Church, when Dr. Land preaches there this Sunday.
Family Research Council (FRC) will host the Becket Fund and Alliance Defending Freedom for a webcast lecture event tomorrow - Wednesday, Feb. 20 - called "Religious Liberty in America." The event, held at 12 p.m. Eastern, will discuss the history of America's "First Freedom," and the growing hostility to religion in the public arena, which is chronicled in the survey "Religious Hostility in America," a joint project of FRC and Liberty Institute. Ken Klukowski, director of the Center for Religious Liberty at FRC, will be joined by Adele Keim, legal counsel at the Becket Fund, and Kellie Fiedorek, litigation counsel with ADF.
Family Research Council today announced that it opposes President Obama's universal preschool proposal for all children in the U.S. Of the president's State of the Union comments about preschool, and his campaigning in Georgia in support of universal preschool Family Research Council President Tony Perkins said: "President Obama has again endorsed a government solution to a spiritual and familial problem."
Family Research Council policy experts will be available to discuss President Obama's State of the Union address, and how his social policies will affect families and the military.
Washington, D.C. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement in response to President Obama's State of the Union Address:\r\r"Tonight, President Obama tried to prove that he has the answer to economic stagnation. Unfortunately for America, his solution to these crises is more of the same: more spending.\r
Family Research Council's (FRC) Marriage and Religion Research Institute (MARRI) has released its third annual "Index of Family Belonging and Rejection" and a new derivative study, "U.S. Social Policy: Dependence on the Family." The Index is the most robust measure of the health of the U.S. family available. The derivative study covers 18 public policy outcomes, such as teenage out-of-wedlock birth, education achievement, income and productivity, dependency on government, and healthcare, across more than 500 U.S. Census areas.
Family Research Council's (FRC) Marriage and Religion Research Institute (MARRI) will hold a press conference and webcast lecture event tomorrow to release its third annual Index of Family Belonging and Rejection and a new derivative study, U.S. Social Policy: Dependence on the Family. The webcast will be held at 12:30 p.m. Eastern at the FRC Media Center at 801 G Street, NW, Washington, D.C. The index is the most robust measure of the health of the U.S. family. The derivative study covers 18 public policy outcomes, such as teenage out-of-wedlock birth, education achievement, income and productivity, dependency on government, and healthcare, across over 500 U.S. Census areas.
Family Research Council (FRC) will host a policy lecture today at noon regarding the issue of building a strong conservative coalition with groups such as Catholics, Evangelicals and youth.
Family Research Council (FRC) today said that it was encouraged to see the National Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) not take the action that was anticipated last week of changing its national policy against having openly homosexual leaders and Scouts.
This evening on his national radio show, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins will discuss today's guilty plea by Floyd Corkins as well as the revelation that Corkins had used the Southern Poverty Law Center's website to identify his targets.
Earlier today, Floyd Lee Corkins, II, pleaded guilty to three charges including a District of Columbia charge of committing an act of terrorism. The charges stem from the August 15, 2012 shooting at the Family Research Council's headquarters. Today's hearing also revealed that in the interview with the FBI right after the shooting, the shooter admitted his guilt, which was captured on video. He said he intended to "kill as many as possible and smear the Chick-Fil-A sandwiches in victims' faces, and kill the guard." The prosecutor said they reviewed the family computer and found that he identified his targets on the Southern Poverty Law Center's web site.
Family Research Council (FRC) and 41 allied organizations ran an ad today in USA Today urging the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) to stay true to their timeless values and not surrender to financial or political pressures by corporate elites on the issue of homosexuality. BSA is considering changing its long-standing policy prohibiting openly homosexual members and leaders.
Responding to a new proposed regulation today by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Family Research Council (FRC) expressed strong opposition to HHS and the Obama administration's continued violation of religious freedom through its "contraceptive mandate."
This afternoon the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) released a statement indicating that the organization is considering ending its longstanding policy on homosexuality. A recent Gallup survey found that only 42 percent of Americans support changing the current policy. Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement in response: "The Boy Scouts of America board would be making a serious mistake to bow to the strong-arm tactics of LGBT activists and open the organization to homosexuality."
Family Research Council (FRC) and the Thomas More Society (TMS) of Chicago, Illinois, today announced the filing of amicus briefs opposing the lower court decisions in the two marriage cases the U.S. Supreme Court will hear in late March, 2013. Hollingsworth v. Perry comes to the Court out of the Proposition 8 litigation in California. United States v. Windsor involves a challenge to the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and arose out of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.
