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Story Archives 2009
North Carolina's Entrepreneurship Ranking
A December report released by the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council ranked North Carolina’s policy environment for entrepreneurship as 39th in the nation. (Dec 31) more
Divorce Rate Declines in 2008
In 2008, the divorce rate among American adults dropped for the first time since 2005, according to a new report by the National Marriage Project and the Institute for American Values. (Dec 30) more
Celebrate Religious Freedom Sunday
Churches in North Carolina and nationwide are preparing to help raise awareness about the constitutional rights of public school students by celebrating “Religious Freedom Sunday." (Dec 29) more
Student Free Speech Rights Validated
The free speech rights of a North Carolina high school student who was prohibited by school officials from expressing her pro-life beliefs have been restored, after the Alliance Defense Fund sent a letter to the school on the student’s behalf. (Dec 28) more
Unanimous Court Upholds Video Poker Ban
A three-judge panel of the North Carolina Court of Appeals has unanimously reversed a lower court’s decision, which had stated that the State could not legalize video poker on the Cherokee Indian Reservation when it is not allowed elsewhere in the State. (Dec 23) more
Judge Rules Sex Offenders May Attend Church
Part of a statute that regulates activity by registered sex offenders in order to limit their association with children has been ruled unconstitutional. (Dec 22) more
Senate Votes To Cut Off Healthcare Debate
At 1:17 A.M. today, two Independents joined 58 Democrats to reach the 60 votes needed to cut off debate and move ahead with a healthcare reform bill that will force taxpayers to fund abortions for the first time. (Dec 21) more
D.C. Mayor Signs "Same-Sex" Marriage Bill
The mayor of Washington, D.C. has signed a bill to legalize the recognition of same-sex “marriages” in the District of Columbia. (Dec 21) more
Mecklenburg Approves Domestic Partner Benefits
At its board meeting earlier this week, the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners approved a controversial policy to extend health insurance benefits to the same-sex partners of homosexual county employees beginning in 2011. (Dec 18) more
Study Refutes Anti-Social Myth
A new survey of adults who were home-schooled found that students who were educated at home are more likely than their peers to be socially active, well-educated, religiously committed, and married. (Dec 17) more
Free Speech Curtailed At Universities
More than 70 percent of American universities and colleges in a new survey have regulations that seriously curtail free speech, according to the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education. (Dec 16) more
Non-Traditional Schools Get High Marks
Two North Carolina schools ranked in the top 25 public high schools in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2010 “America’s Best High Schools” report released last week. (Dec 15) more
Intelligent Design Expert Recognized
One of the world’s leading scientific experts on Intelligent Design has received World magazine’s top honor as its 12th annual “Daniel of the Year.” (Dec 14) more
Senate Fails To Prohibit Abortion Funding
The United States Senate effectively killed an amendment December 8th that would have applied current prohibitions on federal funds paying for abortions to the proposed health care reform bill. (Dec 11) more
Mecklenburg Considers Domestic Partner Benefits
Mecklenburg County is considering whether to join a handful of counties and cities in North Carolina in offering health insurance benefits to the unmarried opposite sex or same-sex partners of county employees. The Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners is reportedly scheduled to vote on the issue of domestic partner benefits at its December 15 meeting. (Dec 10) more
Feds Expand Embryo Destructive Research
On December 2, the National Institute of Health authorized 13 new human embryonic stem cell lines for use in government-funded research for the first time since President George Bush’ executive order eight years ago that prohibited government funding for such research. (Dec 9) more
Pivotal Abortion Amendment Now In Senate
When the U.S. Senate convenes today, they resume consideration of the Nelson-Hatch Amendment that would prevent federal funding for abortion under the healthcare reform bill. (Dec 8) more
Manhattan Declaration Signers Increase
An alliance of conservative ministries within several mainline denominations is urging members and leaders of the United Church of Christ (UCC), the Episcopal Church, and other mainline churches to join the hundreds of thousands of Christians who have signed the Manhattan Declaration. (Dec 7) more
New York Rejects Marriage Redefinition
New York state lawmakers soundly rejected a bill Wednesday that would have established same-sex “marriage” in the Empire State. (Dec 4) more
Virginia Court Upholds NC Custody Ruling
Two men, who are registered as domestic partners in California and are current residents of Virginia, have been granted primary custody of a five-year old girl, who was conceived by a surrogate mother through artificial insemination. (Dec 3) more
Pornography Report Released
The Family Research Council and the North Carolina Family Policy Council jointly released a new study today that comprehensively details the effects of pornography on marriages, children, communities and individual happiness. (Dec 2) more
Parent Friendly Schools In NC
The majority of North Carolina’s 115 school districts earned C grades for their level of parent-friendliness in a new report from the John Locke Foundation. (Dec 2) more
Mother Loses Custody To Ex-Partner
A Vermont judge has awarded sole custody of a seven-year-old Virginia girl to the non-biological ex-lesbian partner of her mother. (Dec 1) more
New Adoption Report Has Key Findings
Nearly 1.8 million of all children in the United States were adopted, according to new data released November 23 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (Nov 30) more
Thanksgiving Proclamation 1799
As no truth is more clearly taught in the Volume of Inspiration, nor any more fully demonstrated by the experience of all ages, than that a deep sense and a due acknowledgment of the governing providence of a Supreme Being and of the accountableness of men to Him as the searcher of hearts and righteous distributor of rewards and punishments are conducive equally to the happiness and rectitude of individuals and to the well-being of communities; (Nov 26) more
Co-ed Dorms Increase Risk Behaviors
A new study has found that students living in co-ed college housing are more likely to consume alcohol, engage in binge drinking, hold permissive attitudes toward sexual activity, and have more recent sexual partners. (Nov 25) more
Cherokee Casino Wants Expanded Alcohol Sales
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino located in Western, North Carolina is hoping to receive approval from the Alcohol Beverage Commission (ABC) to begin selling beer, wine, and liquor to players on the casino floor by the end of the year. (Nov 24) more
Christian Leaders Sign "Manhattan Declaration"
Over 125 Catholic, Orthodox and evangelical Christian leaders have signed a landmark declaration pledging their united commitment to stand for and defend three foundational Biblical principles (the sanctity of human life, marriage, and religious liberty) in the face of mounting attacks. (Nov 23) more
US Senate Debates Healthcare
Tomorrow, Saturday, November 21, the Senate is expected to vote on whether to begin debate on an overhaul of the nation’s health insurance system, restoring some federal funds for Abstinence-Until-Marriage (AUM) education and adding federal funding for abortion. (Nov 20) more
Alamance Strip Club Case Settled
Facing more than 700 charges related to prostitution, drug violations, alcohol violations, and nudity, the owner of a strip club in Alamance County has reached a settlement with the county commissioners that requires him to “cease and desist” current operations of the strip club, and prohibits future ownership, operation, or affiliation with a sexually oriented business in the county. (Nov 20) more
CDC Releases New STD Survey
Adolescent girls accounted for the largest number of reported cases of chlamydia and gonorrhea—the two most common sexually transmitted diseases in the United States—in 2008, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Nov 19) more
Report Evaluates NC Education Innovation
North Carolina’s public school system earned five Bs, one C, and one D in a November study released by the American Enterprise Institute, rating states on innovation in education. (Nov 18) more
The Truth Project In Greenville and Greensboro
This Saturday, November 21, the North Carolina Family Policy Council is bringing Focus on the Family’s Truth Project Leader Training to Greenville and on December 5 to Greensboro, NC. (Nov 17) more
Experts Challenge Sex Report
A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention task force report that recommends contraceptive-based sex education programs for adolescents is misleading and based on flawed data, according to two members of a consultant panel charged with analyzing the available research on group-based sex education programs for the task force. (Nov 16) more
Parents Influence Teen Sexual Decisions
Parental involvement heavily influences whether adolescents will become sexually active before age 16. (Nov 13) more
Recommendation Issued In NC Prayer Case
In a recommendation to the federal district court judge in a pending case challenging Forsyth County’s public prayer policy, a federal magistrate has said the policy violates the U.S. Constitution, in part, because all of the prayers given by clergy members before Board of Commission meetings invoked the name of “Jesus.” (Nov 12) more
Health Bill Passes With No Abortion
The U.S. House of Representatives approved a nearly 2,000-page overhaul of the health insurance industry late Saturday night that includes explicit prohibitions against federal funding for abortions and establishes a government-run “public option.” (Nov 10) more
TV Violence Against Women Increases
The fictionalized depiction of graphic violence against women and teenage girls has increased dramatically on prime time television over the past several years, according to a new study by the Parents Television Council. (Nov 9) more
Homosexual Adoption Review Requested
The North Carolina Family Policy Council joined several groups in filing a motion asking the North Carolina Supreme Court to review a lower court’s decision to allow same-sex adoption in the state. (Nov 6) more
NC Lottery Approves "Mega Millions"
The North Carolina Lottery Commission voted unanimously on November 2nd to introduce a second national lottery game in 2010 by selling tickets for the Mega Millions multi-state drawing in addition to Powerball. (Nov 5) more
Maine Voters Affirm Marriage
The nationwide effort to legalize same-sex “marriage” received a huge blow yesterday, when voters in Maine voted to repeal a law that would have made the state the sixth in the nation to redefine marriage to include homosexual couples. (Nov 4) more
November 8 Is Orphan Sunday
Churches and families are preparing for Orphan Sunday coming up on November 8th to raise awareness of the more than 140 million orphans worldwide and how churches and families can respond to God’s call to “Defend the cause of the fatherless.” (Nov 4) more
NC Abortion Profile Updated
An average of 87 abortions a day were performed in North Carolina in 2008, according to the latest data released by the State Center for Health Statistics. (Nov 3) more
Voters Go To Polls Tuesday
Nearly every county in North Carolina is holding local elections tomorrow, while voters in Maine and Washington will determine the future of marriage in those states. (Nov 2) more
More Americans Hold Traditional Values
The percentage of Americans who identify themselves as politically conservative has increased slightly since 2008, with conservative Americans now outnumbering moderates for the first time since 2004, according to a new Gallup report. (Oct 30) more
Homosexuals Receive Federal Protections
Yesterday, President Barack Obama signed historic legislation to expand the federal hate crimes law to include special protections for homosexual and transgendered indviduals as a part of the “National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010.” (Oct 29) more
HHS To Fund Homosexual Centers
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced last week its plans to create the nation’s first ever federally funded national resource center for aging homosexual, bisexual and transgendered individuals. (Oct 28) more
Report Says NC Tax Is Eighth Highest
North Carolinians pay the eighth highest sales tax rate in the nation, according to a new report from the Tax Foundation in Washington, D.C. (Oct 27) more
Healthcare Debate Over Abortion
As Congressional leaders and the Obama Administration continue to press for an overhaul of the nation’s healthcare system, many Americans and their legislators remain concerned with the status of funding for abortion coverage in the various proposals. (Oct 26) more
DOJ Changes Marijuana Enforcement Policy
The U.S. Department of Justice announced October 19 that the federal government will not seek to prosecute individuals who use marijuana for medical reasons in states where medical marijuana is legal, as long as these individuals follow the state law regarding its use. (Oct 23) more
New Math Scores Released
North Carolina’s fourth and eighth grade students scored slightly higher than the national average in mathematics on the National Assessment of Education Progress test, according to the results released October 14 by the U.S. Department of Education. (Oct 22) more
The Bod Squad Shops This Weekend
Over 22,000 moms and their daughters will go shopping this Friday and Saturday (Oct. 23 and 24) at Old Navy, Gap Kids, Children’s Place, and Lands’ End to thank the four retailers for selling “age appropriate and modest clothing” for little girls age 12 and under. (Oct 21) more
Choose Life Plate Gets Billboard Boost
The effort to give North Carolina motorists the opportunity to purchase a “Choose Life” specialty license plate is alive and well, despite the General Assembly’s failure in 2009 to consider a bill that would allow the sale of the plates. (Oct 20) more
NC Prayer Lawsuit Gets Hearing
A federal judge in Greensboro heard arguments last week in a lawsuit challenging the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners’ policy of allowing various clergy members from the community to offer sectarian prayers before public meetings. (Oct 19) more
Judge Rules Texas DOMA Unconstitutional
In a decision that could have national repercussions, a judge in Texas recently declared that state’s marriage protection amendment and Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional in a case involving the “divorce” of two homosexual men who were “married” in Massachusetts. (Oct 16) more
Pro-life Day Of Silent Solidarity Is Coming
Next week on October 20, students across the globe will give up their voices for a day to bring attention to the 46 million children who have been silenced by abortion. (Oct 15) more
Hate Crimes Amendment Misses Mark
The U.S. House passed a defense bill last week that includes an expansion of the federal definition of hate crimes to include crimes seemingly motivated by sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, and military service. (Oct 14) more
Abortion Debate At UNC-CH
Former American Civil Liberties Union president, Nadine Strossen, and pro-life apologist and author, Scott Klusendorf, are scheduled to debate the issue of abortion tonight at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. (Oct 13) more
Beckett Fund To Defend Belmont Abbey
Belmont Abbey College has retained The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty to aid in its appeal of an U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ruling that the school’s health insurance policy constitutes gender discrimination. (Oct 12) more
Laws That Protect NC Marriages Diminish
Last week, a new law went into effect that significantly weakens two different, centuries-old, North Carolina civil actions, or torts, that are designed to protect marriages from third party interference and/or adultery. (Oct 9) more
NC Billboard Promotes Homosexual Marriage
A homosexual advocacy group has erected a provocative billboard in Greensboro that promotes the legalization of same-sex “marriage” without ever mentioning the term. (Oct 8) more
Index Shows Marriage Health Decline
The health of marriage in the United States has declined significantly over the past several decades—especially in the African American community—according to a new report released October 2 by the Institute for American Values and the National Center on African American Marriage and Parenting at Hampton University. (Oct 7) more
Senate Lumbee Recognition Bill Introduced
On October 1, U.S. Sen. Richard Burr (R–NC) introduced legislation aimed at providing federal recognition to North Carolina's 55,000-plus member Lumbee Indian tribe. (Oct 6) more
Charter Schools Close Achievement Gap
A new study of New York City charter schools found that the race-based achievement gap shrinks more quickly and by more among charter school students than it does among their counterparts who applied and were not admitted to a charter school. (Oct 5) more
PRC Report Sets Record Straight
The nation’s roughly 2,300 Pregnancy Resource Centers assist about 1.9 million Americans each year with a comprehensive and growing list of mainly free services ranging from parenting classes to STD testing, according to a new report released Wednesday by the Family Research Council. (Oct 2) more
Beware of "Banned Books Week"
This week—September 26-October 3—the American Library Association (ALA) is promoting the 28th annual “Banned Books Week” at libraries nationwide. (Oct 1) more
President Includes Same-Sex Parents
President Barack Obama emphasized that “children raised in loving, caring homes have the ability to reject negative behaviors and reach their highest potential,” regardless of family structure, as part of his Proclamation on “Family Day” this week. (Sep 30) more
Adult Pornography Leads to Child Exploitation
A new report from Morality in Media (MIM) lays out six ways in which adult pornography leads to the exploitation of children. (Sep 29) more
Pro-Life Legislation Enacted Elsewhere
About 60 pro-life measures were enacted in 2009, and nearly every state considered at least one piece of pro-life legislation, according to a new report from Americans United for Life. (Sep 28) more
NC Charter Schools Sue For Equal Funding
A group of North Carolina charter schools, students, and parents from several counties have filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the State’s system for funding public charter schools differently than traditional public schools. (Sep 25) more
HPV Vaccine Received By NC Girls
An estimated 34.4 percent of 13 to 17 year-old girls in North Carolina received the first dose of the recommended three-dose Gardasil vaccine for the Human Papillomavirus in 2008, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Sep 24) more
40 Days For Life Begins Today
The fourth 40 Days for Life campaign kicks off in over 212 cities worldwide—with at least six locations in North Carolina—today. (Sep 23) more
SYATP 20TH Anniversary
Wednesday, September 23, marks the 20th anniversary of “See You at the Pole”, the student-led, student initiated prayer gathering that is observed by millions of students annually at public and private schools across the nation, including North Carolina. (Sep 22) more
Incentives Students More Engaged
High school students who attend private schools through the aid of tax credit scholarships appear to be more politically tolerant and engaged in volunteer work in their communities than public high school students, according to a new study from the Goldwater Institute. (Sep 22) more
Community Colleges To Admit Illegals
On September 18, the North Carolina Board of Community Colleges approved an amendment to the system’s admissions policy to allow for the admittance of illegal aliens at the out-of-state tuition rate. (Sep 21) more
Bill Would Repeal Federal Marriage Law
A measure that would repeal the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. (Sep 18) more
Medicare Is No Model For Health Reform
Grace-Marie Turner of the Galen Institute and Joe Antos of the American Enterprise Institute recently wrote an article listing the top 10 reasons why Medicare should not be a model for health reform, starting with the fact that Medicare is going bankrupt. (Sep 17) more
Public Says Media Is More Biased
Most Americans view the news media as generally inaccurate and politically biased, according to a new survey by the Pew Research Center for People and the Press. (Sep 16) more
NC Has Fewer Child Deaths In 2008
North Carolina’s child death rate dropped in 2008 to the lowest level on record, according to data from the State Center for Health Statistics and the Child Fatality Prevention Team Research Staff. (Sep 15) more
Nation Story Gets Adoption Wrong
A recent article in The Nation attacking pregnancy resource centers and Christian adoption agencies for their efforts to promote adoption over abortion unfairly depicts these ministries as adoption mills. (Sep 14) more
A Typical Day In North Carolina
There were an average of 151 births to unmarried women, and 41 births to older teens (ages 15 to 19) every day in North Carolina in 2008, according to the latest data from the State Center for Health Statistics. (Sep 11) more
Officials Defend Charter School Cap
North Carolina’s education leaders have asked the Obama Administration to rethink its emphasis on charter schools in making determinations for the distribution of federal funds for innovations and accountability in education. (Sep 10) more
Death Tax Repeal Would Benefit NC Economy
Eliminating the federal estate tax could potentially lead to the creation of over 40,000 jobs in North Carolina and boost the nation’s struggling economy, according to a new report released today by the North Carolina Family Policy Council, the Family Research Council, and the American Family Business Foundation. (Sep 9) more
Religion Allowed In Government Housing
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is back-peddling on a ruling last month prohibiting residents of a High Point subsidized housing community from holding worship services and Bible studies in its common areas. (Sep 8) more
Charter School Model Law Proposed
A national education advocacy group is promoting a new model charter school law aimed at helping states create “more and better public charter schools based upon the lessons learned from experience, research and analysis.” (Sep 4) more
New Sex Ed Law Implementation Underway
The North Carolina State Board of Education was briefed yesterday about the Department of Public Instruction’s preparations for implementation of the state’s new sex education law. (Sep 3) more
Court Upholds Informed Consent Statute
On August 20, a U.S. District Court upheld most of a South Dakota law requiring abortionists to give more accurate and specific information to women seeking their services. (Sep 2) more
Education Proposal Promotes Homosexuality
This week the State Board of Education will consider a $188,000 contract with Appalachian State University to promote contraceptive sex education and pro-homosexuality activities and training for North Carolina teachers and parents. (Sep 1) more
Religious Services and Smoking
Growing up in an intact family that attends religious services regularly appears to decrease the likelihood of smoking as an adult, according to the latest report from the Mapping America Project at the Family Research Council. (Aug 31) more
NC SAT Scores Slightly Below Average
Fewer public school students in North Carolina took the SAT in 2009 than in the previous year, with public school students scoring three points behind the national average in critical reading and math, according to the latest SAT data from College Board. (Aug 27) more
Event Celebrates New Brand of Feminism
Today is “Women’s Equality Day,” which is celebrated on August 26 to commemorate ratification of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which granted voting rights to women in 1920. (August 26) more
Controversial Vaccine Defended by FDA
A new government study found that the Gardasil vaccine—which helps to protect against genital warts and certain cancers that are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus—results in higher, but expected, instances of fainting and blood clotting than similar vaccines. (August 25) more
Sixth Circuit Addresses RU-486
In what pro-life groups are calling a “victory for women’s health,” a federal appeals court has vacated a permanent injunction of an Ohio law that regulates the use of RU-486, the abortion drug that causes an abortion of a developing baby up to 49 days after the last menstrual cycle. (August 24) more
Court Indirectly Affirms Homosexual Adoption
After conceding that “same-sex adoption” does not exist in North Carolina law, a three-judge panel of the North Carolina Court of Appeals has affirmed that a woman is a legal parent of the biological child of her former partner. (August 21) more
NC Lottery Expands
The North Carolina Lottery continues to grow and benefit from the recession that has forced families statewide to tighten their belts, and the General Assembly to take an extra month to balance the state’s budget. (August 20) more
White House Wants DOMA Repeal
On Monday, the United States Department of Justice revised its position regarding a California district court lawsuit challenging the federal Defense of Marriage Act, which protects states from being forced to recognize the same-sex “marriages” of other states. (August 19) more
Durham Wants Same-Sex Marriage
This week, the Durham City Council unanimously approved a resolution endorsing same-sex “marriage” in North Carolina. (August 19) more
Study: Some Can Change Sexual Orientation
New results from an ongoing national study of same-sex attracted men and women seeking sexual orientation change through religious ministries shows that change is possible for some individuals and not likely to cause harm. (August 18) more
Federal Agency Mandates Abortion Coverage
A federal employment agency has found a Catholic college in North Carolina to be in violation of federal anti-discrimination laws for refusing to offer insurance coverage for artificial contraception, abortion, and sterilization because of religious objections. (August 17) more
Failed Bills in 2009 Tell Bigger Story
When election time rolls around, the talk from incumbents more often than not centers on legislation they helped to get passed, but the real news out of the North Carolina General Assembly most years is what bills are left untouched. (August 14) more
Study Shows Homeschooled Students Excel
Homeschooled students in the United States continue to outscore public school students by wide margins on the most common standardized achievement tests, according to a report released this week by the Home School Legal Defense Association. (August 13) more
Legislature Ends 2009 Session
Less than a week after approving a $19 billion state budget more than a month into the new fiscal year, the North Carolina General Assembly adjourned its 2009 Legislative Session yesterday. (August 12) more
Report Challenges Change Therapy
A report on sexual orientation change therapy that was released last week at the American Psychological Association’s annual convention is generating both positive and negative reactions from Christian mental health professionals. (August 11) more
Abortion Debate in Healthcare Overhaul
Congressional representatives home during the August recess are getting an earful from constituents regarding the plethora of healthcare overhaul proposals being floated by Congress and the White House. (August 10) more
Legislature Labors to Adjourn
Now that the Budget bill has passed, the North Carolina General Assembly can see the light at the end of the tunnel and has set its sights on the adjournment of the 2009 session which should come early next week. (August 7) more
Senate Committee Rejects Closed Adoptions
The Senate Judiciary II Committee today narrowly approved a bill that essentially does away with closed adoptions in North Carolina and wipes out the confidentiality promised by the State to thousands of mothers who placed children in closed adoptions over the past decades. (August 6) more
Adolescent Sexual Health Trends Detailed
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns in a new report that the positive trends in the sexual and reproductive health of young people in the United States that began in the early 1990s appear to be slowing down in recent years. (August 6) more
Budget Bill Passed and Sent to Governor
The saga of the 2009 session of the North Carolina General Assembly may soon be over now that SB 202—Appropriations Act of 2009 has been ratified and sent to Gov. Beverly Perdue for her signature. (August 5) more
Commissioners Address Free Speech Issue
Eight former commissioners of the Federal Elections Commission have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to overrule two previous rulings involving federal campaign finance laws they argue are “chilling” to free speech. (August 5) more
Private School Myths Dispelled
Most North Carolina private schools offer some type of financial aid and are affiliated with religious denominations, according to a new guide for parents from the John Locke Foundation. (August 4) more
Bar Withdraws Sexual Orientation Amendment
The North Carolina State Bar Ethics Committee withdrew a proposed amendment to the Rules of Professional Conduct that stated: “While employed in a professional capacity, a lawyer should avoid knowingly manifesting through word or deed bias or prejudice based upon a person’s race, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, or other protected status or personal characteristic.” (August 3) more
2010 Budget Removes Abstinence Funding
Federal funding for abstinence education is not included in the fiscal year 2010 budget bill for the Department of Health and Human Services and other government agencies that was considered by the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee yesterday. (July 31) more
Black Caucus Pushes Video Poker
Members of the General Assembly’s Legislative Black Caucus called for the legalization of video poker in North Carolina at a press conference Tuesday.
(July 30) more
Grocery Stores Can Have Beer Tastings
Beginning October 1, grocery stores in North Carolina will be able to host beer tastings to introduce customers to the growing malt beverage industry in North Carolina. (July 29) more
Clones without Cloning
A new breakthrough in stem cell technology raises simultaneous excitement and concern in the pro-life community. Chinese researchers have enhanced the induced pluripotent stem cell therapy that can revert an existing cell back into an embryonic state to grow mice from skin cells. (July 27) more
Bill Would Jeopardize Confidential Adoptions
A small group of North Carolina senators are trying to find some compromise on a bill that would jeopardize the confidentiality of parents who choose to place a child in a closed adoption. (July 28) more
U.S. Senate Expands Hate Crimes Act
Legislation that would grant special protections to homosexual, bisexual and transgendered individuals under federal hate crimes laws has been attached to a military funding bill in the U.S. Senate. (July 24) more
"Free to Speak" Campaign Launched
A civil liberties group and a nonprofit education organization have joined forces to launch a national campaign to educate the public about the free speech and religious liberty rights of public school students. (July 23) more
Measure Limiting Lottery Sales, Advertising Fails
The North Carolina Senate has rejected a House bill that would have prohibited the sale of lottery tickets at check-cashing businesses, and prevented the state from advertising the lottery at high school sporting events. (July 22) more
Attorney General Urged to Enforce Obscenity Laws
The proliferation of pornography in the United States is endangering children and families, and federal efforts to combat it need to be expanded, according to the hundreds of pro-family advocates who sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Erik Holder last week. (July 21) more
NEA Supports Marriage Redefinition
The nation’s largest teacher’s union, the National Education Association, has openly pledged its support for efforts to give homosexual couples the same rights and privileges traditionally granted to married couples, and its opposition to constitutional amendments or laws that preserve marriage as only between a man and a woman. (July 17) more
Characteristics of Cohabiting Adults Studied
Cohabitation is becoming more common among young adults in their early twenties, and two recent studies shed light on the attitudes and characteristics of men and women who live together outside of marriage. (July 16) more
Committee Rejects Mayoral Marriage Authority
A North Carolina House committee recently defeated a bill that would have given mayors statewide the authority to solemnize marriages. (July 15) more
LGBT Advocates Celebrate New Laws
Pro-homosexual advocates in North Carolina are celebrating the enactment of two pieces of legislation that were recently signed into law by Governor Beverly Purdue—one that opens the door for the promotion of homosexuality in the classroom, and another that forces public schools to teach contraception-focused sex education. (July 13) more
Economy Down, Lottery Up
The North Carolina Lottery experienced unexpected revenue growth for the second year in a row, while North Carolina’s unemployment rate rose into the top ten in the nation. (July 10) more
Limiting Laws that Protect Marriages
On July 7, the N.C. Senate passed HB 1110–Clarify/Alienation of Affection/Criminal Conversation, which limits the application of these two centuries-old laws designed to protect marriages from harmful acts by third parties and to provide legal remedies if those acts do occur. (July 9) more
NIH Expands Embryonic Stem Cell Research
The National Institutes of Health has released its final guidelines for expanded federal funding of research involving human embryonic stem cells. (July 8) more
Private Schools Emphasize Choice
A new policy report from the John Locke Foundation shows that while most private schools in the state support expanded school choice options for North Carolinians, such as voucher programs or tuition tax credits, most express concern about any programs that expand the state’s control over private schools. (July 7) more
Survey Profiles Homosexual Spirituality
A new survey from the Barna Group reveals some key spiritual differences between adults who identify as heterosexual and those who identify as homosexual. (July 6) more
White House Celebrates Gay Pride Month
President Obama and the First Lady welcomed more than 200 members of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered) community to the White House for a party celebrating Gay Pride Month.
(July 2) more
Title V Abstinence Funding Expires
June 30 marked the end of Title V funding from the federal government for abstinence education programs, meaning that these programs must now look elsewhere for funding. (July 1) more
Court Upholds Partial-Birth Abortion Ban
A full panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit has upheld the constitutionality of a Virginia statute banning partial-birth abortion. (June 29) more
Senate Rejects Corporal Punishment Change
The North Carolina State Senate rejected a bill Wednesday afternoon that would have limited local school districts’ authority on policies related to the use of corporal punishment. (June 25) more
Sexual Orientation Gets House Approval
Yesterday afternoon, House Speaker Joe Hackney cast the deciding vote as the North Carolina House voted 58 to 57 in favor of passing Senate Bill 526–School Violence Prevention Act on its third reading. (June 24) more
Senate Rejects Abstinence Standard
By a vote of 25–21, the North Carolina State Senate approved a bill Tuesday that will force the 104 of the state’s 115 school districts that currently teach Abstinence-Until-Marriage sex education programs to change to a more contraception-focused Comprehensive Sex Education program. (June 24) more
School "Sexual Orientation" Bill Passes House Vote
A bill to include "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" in a school bullying bill has passed the North Carolina House by a vote of 59 to 57 and will be on the calendar for a final vote today. (June 23) more
Justice Defends Marriage
The United States Department of Justice has filed a brief defending the federal Defense of Marriage Act against a lawsuit in federal court that demands federal benefits recognizing same-sex “marriage.” (June 22) more
Family Champion Training Coming to N.C.
Focus on the Family is bringing its “Family Champion Training” seminar for pastors and church leaders to Raleigh on August 22, 2009. (June 19) more
Prenatal Gender Kit Available in U.S.
Expectant parents in the United States can now purchase a urine-test kit at their local drugstore that promises to predict their unborn baby’s sex as early as 10 weeks into a pregnancy, raising concerns that the test could lead to an increase in sex-selective abortions. (June 18) more
Court Upholds Adult Zoning Ordinance
A federal appeals court has upheld a zoning ordinance that restricts the location of sexually oriented businesses in Charlotte, ruling the City is not required to consider whether such establishments have actually caused negative secondary effects in the surrounding community in determining whether to enforce the ordinance. (June 17) more
Active Homosexual Men at Greater Risk for HIV
Young men who engage in homosexual sex are “disproportionately” affected by HIV/AIDS, according to a new fact sheet from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (June 16) more
Committee to Consider Special-Needs Tax Credit
A North Carolina State House committee will consider a bill Tuesday that would allow up to $6,000 in income tax credit for students with disabilities whose needs are better met in private or tuition-based public schools. (June 15) more
President Wants Charter Cap Repealed
President Obama and U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan are calling on states like North Carolina to remove limitations on public charter schools.
(June 15) more
Pro-Family Groups Oppose Online Gambling
The North Carolina Family Policy Council joined 20 pro-family groups in calling on Congress to continue enforcing the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act and opposing the legalization of online gambling. (June 12) more
Senate Committee Approves Sex-Ed Bill
A Senate committee approved a bill Wednesday that would force the estimated 104 of North Carolina’s 115 school districts to implement a Comprehensive Sex Education curriculum in lieu of the existing Abstinence-Until-Marriage curricula. (June 10) more
Schools Hire More Non-Classroom Personnel
North Carolina’s public schools have experienced a greater percentage of growth in non-classroom personnel positions than in student enrollment over the past nine years, according to a new Spotlight report by the John Locke Foundation. (June 10) more
Budget Proposal Increases Taxes, Cuts Spending
The North Carolina House budget writers today rolled out a $17.8 billion budget proposal and a $940 million tax increase package to help balance a $4 billion budget gap in the State budget. (June 9) more
Court Refuses "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Case
The U.S. Supreme Court announced yesterday that it will not hear an appeal of a case challenging the Pentagon’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, which prohibits homosexuals from serving openly in the military. (June 8) more
Lumbee Recognition Bill Advances
A bill that would grant federal recognition to the Lumbee Indians in Eastern North Carolina passed the U.S. House on June 3 by a vote of 240 to 179 and now goes to the Senate. (June 5) more
N.H. Legalizes Same-Sex "Marriage"
In the wake of heated debate between their state legislature and Governor, New Hampshire has become the latest in a recent string of states to legalize same-sex “marriage." (June 4) more
Private School Teachers More Satisfied
In May 2009, the Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice released a new report showing that nonpublic school teachers nationally have higher job satisfaction, greater autonomy, and more support than their public school counterparts. (June 3) more
White House Declares LGBT Month
In keeping with his administration’s support of the homosexual rights movement, President Barack Obama issued an official White House proclamation yesterday, declaring June, “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month.” (June 2) more
"Choose Life" Advocates Move Forward
Proponents of a bill that would give North Carolina motorists the opportunity to purchase “Choose Life” specialty license plates are asking citizens to sign an online petition in support of the plates. (June 1) more
Nearly Half of Births to Unwed Mothers
Although media attention in recent months has focused on the slight increase in the teen birth rate in the United States, a new study from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) highlights a more troubling trend—the dramatic rise in births to unmarried women age 20 and over. (May 29) more
Bullying Bill Passes House Committee
The pro-homosexuality “Bullying Bill” passed the House Education committee today after one hour of discussion over two days. (May 28) more
President Selects Supreme Court Appointee
In a press conference yesterday morning, President Obama announced Sonia Sotomayor as his choice to fill Justice David Souter’s vacated seat on the U.S. Supreme Court. (May 27) more
California Court Upholds Marriage Amendment
The California Supreme Court upheld the state’s constitutional amendment Tuesday, which defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman, after it received more than 7 million votes on the November 2008 ballot. (May 26) more
The Truth Project Coming to N.C.
The North Carolina Family Policy Council is pleased to announce that it will partner with Focus on the Family to offer The Truth Project worldview series. (May 22) more
Two States Work to Ban Human Cloning
The Oklahoma state legislature voted unanimously May 15 to ban human cloning. (May 21) more
Positive Trends in Teen Sexuality
A new study by researchers at Child Trends credits the positive changes in teen sexual health since the early 1990s—in part—to “positive trends” in teen sexual activity, including waiting later to have sex and reductions in the number of sexual partners. (May 20) more
Majority of Americans Now Pro-Life
A recent Gallup poll found that more Americans are calling themselves pro-life than at any other time since Gallup started asking in 1995. (May 19) more
Crossover Deadline Passes
This year’s May 14 “crossover deadline” marked a defining point in the North Carolina General Assembly’s 2009-10 legislative biennium. (May 15) more
NCFPC Co-Releases Study on U.N. Treaties
The institution of the family will be undermined and North Carolina’s sovereignty threatened, if the United States ratifies two United Nations treaties involving women’s and children’s rights, according to a new report released today by the Family Research Council and the North Carolina Family Policy Council. (May 14) more
Senate Considers Gestational Surrogacy Bill
With no debate, a bill that would codify gestational surrogacy agreements in North Carolina passed the Senate on second reading on May 13 by vote of 31 to 17. (May 13) more
Free Speech Allowed in State Park
A lawsuit involving the constitutional rights of an Eastern North Carolina church group to share the Gospel with visitors at a local State Park has been resolved. (May 13) more
Retailers Cash in on Lottery Tickets
A recent report by NewsChannel 36 in Charlotte, unveiled a potential conflict in the amount of North Carolina Lottery winnings that retailers, charged with selling the game, are collecting for themselves. (May 12) more
Cell Phone Sex Advice Bypasses Parents
Teens in North Carolina can now use their cell phones to text anonymous questions on topics ranging from sex and condoms to sexual orientation, and receive “expert” advice within 24 hours—all without parental knowledge or consent. (May 11) more
Parents Call for Fetal Murder Law
Yesterday, the parents of three North Carolina women who were murdered while pregnant joined North Carolina Right to Life and legislators at a press conference urging passage of HB 890—Unborn Victims of Violence Act. (May 8) more
Senate Passes "Bullying Bill"
The North Carolina Senate gave final approval Wednesday afternoon to a bill that would grant special legal protections based on “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” for the first time in North Carolina history. (May 7) more
National Day of Prayer Today
Today, millions of Americans will gather in their homes, in their churches, at national monuments and town squares to pray for our nation, our leaders, and our military in observance of the 58th annual National Day of Prayer.” (May 7) more
Same-Sex "Marriage" Legalized in Maine
Today, in a victory for homosexual activists seeking to redefine the nature of marriage and family, Maine became the fifth state in the nation to legalize same-sex “marriage.” (May 6) more
"Bullying Bill" Passes Second Reading
Late Tuesday afternoon the North Carolina State Senate gave initial approval to the so-called “Bullying Bill” that would introduce special legal protections for “alternative” sexual behaviors for the first time in state history. (May 6) more
Senate Delays Vote on Controversial Bills
Last night, the North Carolina Senate delayed consideration on two controversial bills scheduled to be heard on the floor. (May 5) more
Last Week at the Legislature
With two weeks left until crossover deadline, the pace is picking up at the General Assembly. (May 4) more
FCC Can Fine for Profanity
In a victory for families, the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld a Federal Communications Commission policy that allows fines against television broadcasters that air even a single utterance of the “f-word” or similar profane terms before 10:00 p.m. at night. (May 1) more
Senate Acts Quickly on Controversial Bills
During a last minute meeting on April 29, the Senate Committee on Mental Health and Youth Services approved two bills that would drastically affect public school students across North Carolina. (April 30) more
FDA to Allow More Access to Contraceptives
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced last week that it would not seek an appeal to a federal court ruling last month that ordered it to permit the maker of the emergency contraceptive (EC) drug, Plan B, to make the drug available to 17-year-old girls. (April 29) more
Bill Would Legalize Video Poker
Legislation that would legalize video poker again in North Carolina and give a percentage of the gambling profits to the State was recently introduced in the General Assembly. (April 28) more
Legislative Review
Major legislative activity this week included the passage by both the State House and Senate of a State Employees' Health Plan while the House began work on the budget it received last week from the Senate. (April 27) more
Planned Parenthood Abortions Outweigh Adoptions
America’s largest abortion provider performed 62 abortions for every adoption referral it made in 2007, according to the Planned Parenthood Federation of America’s 2007–2008 annual report released earlier this month. (April 23) more
"True Tolerance" on the Web
Focus on the Family has launched an informative new web site aimed at equipping parents and students to respond to the promotion of homosexuality in public schools. (April 22) more
Legislative Review
The big news last week was a continued lack of movement on the Marriage Amendment in either chamber and final passage in the House of HB 88-Healthy Youth Act, which would overturn North Carolina's abstinence law. (April 21) more
"Choose Life" Plate Redesigned
A coalition of pro-life groups unveiled a new design for North Carolina’s “Choose Life” license plate at a press conference held at the General Assembly earlier this week. (April 17) more
House Approves Sex Ed Bill
This week, the North Carolina State House passed a heavily amended version of HB 88—Healthy Youth Act by a margin of 62–52. (April 16) more
Study Helps Lotteries Improve Marketing
Lottery sales could potentially increase by 127 percent nationwide, if states would implement a number of consumer marketing tactics, including putting the games online and increasing public awareness about the government programs the lottery helps fund, according to a new study released last week. (April 14) more
Day of Silence Walkout
In just one week, the pro-homosexual “Day of Silence” will be observed by thousands of students in public and private schools across America, including nearly 200 schools in North Carolina. (April 15) more
White House Receives 2 Million Red Envelopes
The White House received over two million empty red envelopes emphasizing the consequences of abortion last week as a result of “Red Envelope Day” on March 31. (April 9) more
Tax Freedom Day, 2009
Having spent the first 103 days of 2009 earning enough money to pay off all their federal, state, and local taxes, American taxpayers celebrate Tax Freedom Day today. (April 13) more
Bill Challenges Parents' Rights
On April 7th, the North Carolina House Judiciary 3 Committee began considering a bill to establish a study on the expansion of grandparent visitation rights that could violate the fundamental right of parents to raise their children as they see fit. (April 8) more
Sex-ed Bill Sent to House Floor
On April 7, the House Health Committee voted to send a slightly amended version of HB 88—Healthy Youth Act, which would change the standard for sex education in North Carolina public schools from Abstinence Until Marriage to Comprehensive Sexuality Education, to the House floor for a vote. (April 7) more
Legislative Week in Review
Family Issues Abound With the Senate still working on the state budget, this week the House turned its attention to other issues such as smoking bans, fixing the health plan for state employees, and electing members to the UNC System Board of Governors. (April 6) more
Same-Sex "Marriage" Legalized in Iowa
Lacking a constitutional amendment protecting traditional marriage, the Iowa Supreme Court on April 3rd unanimously legalized same-sex “marriage” by upholding a lower court ruling that the state’s 1998 marriage statute is unconstitutional. (April 3) more
Sex-ed Bill Rammed Through Committee
Thursday afternoon, the House Health Committee severely limited debate, discussion, and amendments for a bill that would affect how millions of children in North Carolina schools are taught about sexuality. (April 2) more
Court Denies Students Free Association
On March 17, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a single paragraph unpublished order upholding a public university law school’s decision to deny official campus recognition to the Christian Legal Society. (April 1) more
New Marriage Amendment Poll Released
Raleigh, N.C. – Today, the North Carolina Family Policy Council announced the results of a statewide survey of registered voters, which found that 73 percent of North Carolinians support an amendment to the state constitution defining marriage as only between one man and one woman. (March 31) more
Red Envelope Day Today
On Tuesday, March 31, pro-life citizens from across the United States will go to their mailboxes to employ a new weapon in the battle to end abortion in this country—an empty red envelope with a simple, yet powerful message on the back that is mailed to the White House. (March 31) more
Legislative Update
This was a busy week at the North Carolina General Assembly and by Thursday afternoon when legislators headed home for the weekend, everyone was ready to go. (March 30) more
Lottery Increases Presence in N.C.
The North Carolina “Education Lottery” Commission, which met on March 24 in Raleigh, has approved guidelines for printing some games and promotional materials in Spanish. (March 27) more
Inclusive Bullying Bill Introduced
Sixty-two of the 120 members of the North Carolina State House of Representatives have signed onto a bill that would require all school boards to have stated policies “prohibiting bullying or harassing” any student for any reason by December 31, 2009. (March 26) more
Court Orders Increased Minor Access to Plan B
A federal judge in New York has ordered the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to reconsider its August 2006 decision limiting non-prescription access to the emergency contraception drug, Plan B, to individuals aged 18 or older. (March 25) more
Elon Releases Same–Sex Marriage Poll
The majority of North Carolinians in an Elon University poll released March 23 oppose full marriage rights for same-sex couples. (March 24) more
Homosexual Activists to Lobby for Agenda
On Tuesday, March 24, homosexual activists and allies will convene in Raleigh for an annual lobbying event to pressure lawmakers to support a legislative agenda that promotes an acceptance of homosexuality and gender confusion. (March 23) more
Split-Decision Leaves N.C. Lottery in Place
In a three-to-three split decision filed today, the North Carolina Supreme Court allowed the State Lottery to continue to operate in North Carolina. (March 20) more
Governor Proposes 2009–2011 Budget
Governor Beverly Perdue released a budget proposal this week that will attempt to close an estimated $6.4 billion gap in the State’s two-year budget. (March 20) more
Pro–Homosexual Group Calls Citizens to Lobby
Next Tuesday, March 24, homosexual activists and their allies from across the state will gather in Raleigh for Equality North Carolina’s “Day of Action.” (March 18) more
Nearly 500 Teens Promote Sexual Purity in D.C.
Nearly 500 teenagers converged upon Washington D.C. on March 12 to promote sexual purity until marriage and urge our nation’s leaders to continue to support and fund abstinence-until-marriage education programs. (March 17) more
Judge Orders Children Into Public School
A Wake County judge has proposed ordered a mother to enroll her three children in public school after she had homeschooled them for four years. (March 16) more
President to Repeal Physician Right of Conscience
The Obama administration is moving forward with plans to rescind an executive order that was issued late last year by President George W. Bush and protects the right of conscience for health care providers, including the right to decline involvement in abortion-related services. (March 13) more
"Sexual Orientation Bill" Re–Introduced
The so-called Bullying Bill, which purports to be about safety but actually seeks to promote acceptance of homosexuality and transgenderism in North Carolina public schools, was introduced in the General Assembly yesterday. (March 12) more
Bill Would Allow Comprehensive Sex Ed Statewide
The North Carolina House Education Committee allowed little debate Tuesday morning as it passed a bill that would change the standard for sexuality education in public schools from abstinence until marriage to comprehensive sexuality education. (March 11) more
President Okays Embryonic Stem Cell Research
Despite a growing federal deficit, President Obama issued an executive order on March 9 allowing taxpayer dollars to be used for research involving the intentional destruction of human embryos. (March 10) more
Board Elects New Chairman
The State Board of Education met last week to elect Bill Harrison as the new Board Chairman, discuss renewal of school charters and review a consolidated report on crime in North Carolina public schools. (March 9) more
Lawsuit Challenges Federal DOMA
On March 2, a lawsuit was filed in federal court challenging the constitutionality of the federal Defense of Marriage Act in an attempt by homosexual activists to require recognition of same-sex marriage in all 50 states. (March 6) more
Personhood Amendments in Play in Two States
Last month, the Montana State Senate gave its final approval to legislation that would allow voters of the chance to vote on an amendment to the state constitution that would define personhood as a human being at all stages of development, regardless of health and level of functioning. (March 5) more
Thousands Rally for Marriage
Over 3,000 North Carolinians braved the freezing temperatures and melting snow and ice on March 3 to express to the members of the General Assembly their desire to vote on a Marriage Protection Amendment this November. (March 4) more
Marriage Efforts Nationwide
The battle for the future of marriage continues in state legislatures across the nation, with several states considering bills this year that would either legalize same-sex “marriage” or give the benefits of marriage to same-sex couples. (March 3) more
Marriage Rally on Despite Snow
The snow that covers much of North Carolina will not deter supporters of marriage from attending the Marriage Rally at the state capital tomorrow. (March 2) more
Governor Seizes "Education" Lottery Funds
In light of this year’s budget difficulties, Governor Bev Perdue has authorized the transfer of $150 million in education funds, most of which were generated by the state lottery, into the State General Fund potentially to be used to pay for non-education items. (February 27) more
Vouchers Improve Schools
School voucher programs improve academic achievement in public schools, according to a new study by Greg Forster, Ph.D., of the Freidman Foundation for Education Choice. (February 26) more
Three–Fourths Support NC Marriage Amendment
The majority of voters in North Carolina support amending the state constitution to define marriage as between one man and one woman, according to a new poll by the John W. Pope Civitas Institute. (February 25) more
Marriage Amendment Bill Introduced
Today, legislators, in conjunction with the NC4Marriage Coalition, introduced the House and Senate versions of bills that would allow North Carolina citizens to vote on a Marriage Protection Amendment to include the definition of marriage in the state as the union between one man and one woman. (February 24) more
Upcoming Rally to Support Marriage
Thousands of North Carolinians from a variety of backgrounds and religious beliefs will gather in Raleigh on Tuesday, March 3, for a Marriage Rally to express their support for a Marriage Protection Amendment. (February 23) more
Judge Overturns Video Poker Ban
On Thursday, a State Superior Court judge overturned North Carolina’s 2006 law that banned video poker. (February 20) more
Council Urges Marriage Vote
In a unanimous vote on February 16, the Rowan County Commission approved a resolution urging the General Assembly to pass legislation that would give North Carolinians the opportunity to vote this November on a constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union of a man and a woman. (February 20) more
Lottery Sales Holding Steady
Lotteries continue to attract players despite a national recession, according to press reports and the lottery industry. (February 19) more
Rally Calls for "Choose Life" License Plates
The “Why Not NC? Rally” held Tuesday in front of the North Carolina General Assembly in Raleigh brought attention to the fact that North Carolina is the only southern state that refuses to allow its citizens to purchase a “Choose Life” license plate. (February 18) more
Pastors Focus on Marriage Sunday
The NC4Marriage Coalition is preparing for two large grassroots events in defense of traditional marriage — Marriage Sunday and a Marriage Rally. (February 17) more
Americans Want Both Sides of Evolution
The overwhelming majority of Americans in a recent Zogby poll support teaching both sides of the evolution debate, and support academic freedom for students and teachers on the issue. (February 16) more
Upcoming Events to Support Marriage
The NC4Marriage campaign is sponsoring two upcoming events, Marriage Sunday and a Marriage Rally, to demonstrate support for a State Marriage Amendment protecting marriage in NC as between one man and one woman. (February 13) more
Homosexuals Celebrate "Freedom to Marry Week"
This week, thousands of homosexual activists and their allies are demanding “equal” marriage rights in staged protests across the United States as part of the 12th annual “Freedom to Marry Week.” (February 12) more
"Academic Freedom Day" Challenges Evolution
While students across the country celebrate the 200th birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin today, many high school and college students are also celebrating “Academic Freedom Day.” (February 11) more
U.S. to Fund Overseas Abortions
International family planning groups that perform abortions or provide abortion counseling in foreign nations will now have access to funds from the United States government, after President Barack Obama reversed a policy last month that prohibited federal funding for overseas abortion providers. (February 10) more
Celebrating Over 4,400 Years of Marriage
Nearly 200 couples will renew their wedding vows at a Celebration of Marriage in Rocky Mount on the weekend of Valentine’s Day. (February 9) more
Board Considers Charter School Renewals
The North Carolina State Board of Education will decide today whether or not it will renew charters for 16 public charter schools in North Carolina. (February 5) more
County to Study Domestic Partner Benefits
The Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners approved a plan last week to study whether to offer domestic partnership benefits to the same-sex and opposite-sex partners of county employees. (February 4) more
Budget May Eliminate State Abortion Fund
Proposed budget cuts submitted to Governor Bev Perdue by agency officials include a complete elimination of the State Abortion Fund. (February 3) more
N.C. Baptist Groups Join Marriage Coalition
Last week, the Board of Directors and the Council on Christian Life and Public Affairs of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina voted unanimously to join NC4Marriage, a coalition of pastors, churches, organization and individuals across North Carolina dedicated to adding the definition of marriage to the North Carolina Constitution. (February 2) more
Sponsor Intends to Reintroduce "Bullying Bill"
The sponsor of a controversial bill that would have forced all North Carolina school districts to adopt pro-homosexual “anti-bullying” policies has said he intends to reintroduce the legislation this session. (January 30) more
NC Schools 2008 Report Cards Released
According to the North Carolina School Report Cards released Thursday, N.C. public schools did not meet Adequate Yearly Progress under No Child Left Behind, and only 50.9 percent of students passed both reading and math scores on the state’s ABC end-of-grade tests for the 2007–2008 school year. (January 29) more
N.C. General Assembly Back in Town
The North Carolina General Assembly convenes at Noon today in Raleigh to begin the 2009-2010 Legislative Session facing a budget gap that some have predicted could reach $3 billion. (January 28) more
"Sunday Hunting" Hearings Rescheduled
Sunday hunting is expected to be among the issues discussed at two public hearings later this week, after the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission rescheduled the meetings due to last week’s snow. (January 27) more
Study: Fathers Matter in Abortion Decisions
A new study published in the International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction highlights the importance of father involvement to an expectant mother’s decisions about abortion. (January 26) more
CDC Releases New STD Data
There were approximately 19 million new infections of sexually transmitted diseases in 2007, with nearly half occurring in 15 to 24 year-olds, according to the latest national estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (January 23) more
36th Annual Pro–Life Gathering in D.C.
Today, over 200,000 Americans are expected to gather in the nation’s capital for the 36th consecutive March for Life to protest the 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion nationwide. (January 22) more
White House Seeks Pro-Homosexual Agenda
Following the historic inauguration of Barack Obama as President of the United States, the official White House website was updated with the new administration’s agenda, and it contains an extensive pro-homosexual platform. (January 21) more
God to Remain in Inaugural Prayer
Prayer and references to God will be part of today’s presidential inauguration ceremony, after a federal judge denied an attempt by California atheist Michael Newdow to ban the phrase “So help me God” and prevent clergy from offering prayers during the swearing-in ceremony for Barack Obama. (January 20) more
Lumbee Recognition Bill Reintroduced
One of the first bills introduced in the 111th Session of the U.S. Congress would grant full federal recognition to the Lumbee Indian Tribe of North Carolina, and the measure contains a provision to prevent the tribe from gambling in the state. (January 16) more
U.S. Birth and Fertility Rates Increase
A new report from the National Center for Health Statistics detailing the birth and fertility rates of American women in 2006 contains both positive and negative findings. (January 15) more
Sanctity of Human Life Day, Sunday, January 18!
This Sunday, January 18, thousands of pro-life advocates in North Carolina will join millions from across the nation in recognition of “Sanctity of Human Life Day.” (January 14) more
Prepare for "Religious Freedom Day"
Students “shouldn’t feel like they have to be ‘undercover’ about their religion” is the primary message of this year’s “Religious Freedom Day,” scheduled for Friday, January 16. (January 13) more
Majority of Americans Favor Laws Limiting Abortions
The overwhelming majority of American adults in a recent online poll said they support laws that regulate or limit abortion, according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (January 12) more
Charlotte Defends Denial of Permit for Pro-Life Rally
A U.S. District Court heard arguments January 8 in a case filed by Charlotte residents arguing that the city violated their First Amendment rights when it denied an application for a permit to hold an abortion protest. (January 9) more
FDA Considers HPV Vaccine for Males
The makers of the Gardasil vaccine, which prevents four strains of HPV (human papillomavirus)—including those responsible for most cervical cancers and genital warts—are seeking government approval to make it available for males now. (January 8) more
Popularity of Homeschooling Grows in the U.S.
The proportion of school-aged children in the United States who are homeschooled increased by an astounding 74 percent between 1999 and 2007, according to a new report from the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics. (January 7) more
Suit Seeks to Ban God from Inaugural Prayer
Infamous atheist Michael Newdow recently filed a lawsuit in federal district court that is aimed at banning prayer and references to God from the presidential inauguration ceremony for Barack Obama, which is scheduled to take place on January 20, 2009. (January 6) more
Lesbian Lawsuit Aganist Methodist Group Proceeds
The New Jersey Division of Civil Rights ruled against a Christian camp for refusing to allow its facilities to be used for a civil union ceremony between a lesbian couple. (January 5) more
HHS Increases Doctors' Conscience Protection
Half of the physicians in a recent national survey said they support a newly enacted U.S. Department of Health and Human Services rule that strengthens the legal protections for health care providers who refuse to participate in services, such as abortion, that violate their moral, religious, and ethical convictions. (January 2) more
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