|
Story Archives 2010
ABC Reform Bill Signed
Governor Perdue signed into law a bill to implement reforms to the state’s beleaguered Alcoholic Beverage Control system. (Jul 23) more
Perdue Signs Gambling Ban Bill
On July 19, despite threats of a possible lawsuit from the video gambling industry, Governor Beverly Perdue signed the sweepstakes gambling ban into law with no public ceremony. (Jul 22) more
Groups Object To Internet Gambling
The North Carolina Family Policy Council has joined with several national and state-level pro-family organizations in expressing opposition to federal legislation that proposes “the most aggressive expansion of gambling in American history.” (Jul 22) more
Speaker Appoints Prayer Committee
North Carolina House Speaker Joe Hackney (D–Orange) has formed a special committee to evaluate the chamber’s guest chaplain policy after a pastor’s invitation to offer the opening legislative prayer was withdrawn because he insisted on closing his prayer “in Jesus’ name.” (Jul 21) more
DC Appeals Court Rejects Marriage
The ongoing legal battle in the District of Columbia over whether residents should be allowed to vote on the legal definition of marriage may be headed to the U.S. Supreme Court. (Jul 20) more
Court Challenges Indecency Policy
A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit held on July 13 that the Federal Communications Commission’s indecency policy related to “fleeting expletives” violates the First Amendment “because it is unconstitutionally vague, creating a chilling effect that goes far beyond the fleeting expletives at issue here.” (Jul 19) more
Attorney General Joins Prayer Brief
North Carolina’s Attorney General has signed onto an amicus brief supporting the constitutionality of the National Day of Prayer in the Department of Justice’s appeal of a lower court decision that said the federal statute establishing the annual day of prayer violates the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution. (Jul 16) more
Group Seeks More Contraception
The Oral Contraceptive Over-the-Counter Working Group is urging the federal Food and Drug Administration to approve an over-the-counter version of the birth control pill within the next five years. (Jul 15) more
N.C. Lawyers Consider Changes
The North Carolina State Bar is considering adopting a controversial provision that could threaten the First Amendment rights of attorneys throughout the state who object to the promotion of homosexuality. (Jul 14) more
2010 Session Wrap-Up
At 5:33 a.m. on Saturday, July 10, the North Carolina General Assembly adjourned its eight-week “Short” Session sine die. (Jul 13) more
Pastor Challenges Prayer Policy
A Winston-Salem pastor has asked the leadership of the North Carolina House of Representatives for an apology, after his previous invitation to offer the opening legislative prayer for the House session during the week of May 31 was rescinded because he insisted on closing his prayer “in Jesus name.” (Jul 12) more
Judge Says Federal DOMA Flawed
In a controversial decision that highlights the impending conflict between federal marriage law and the handful of states that have legalized same-sex “marriage,” a federal judge in Massachusetts has ruled that a section of the federal Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional. (Jul 9) more
Hawaii Civil Unions Vetoed
The governor of Hawaii has vetoed a controversial bill that would have extended the “rights, benefits, protections, and responsibilities” of marriage to unmarried heterosexual and homosexual couples without calling the relationships “marriage.” (Jul 9) more
House Passes Video Gambling Ban
After more than two hours of debate, and by a vote of 86–27, the North Carolina House gave final approval Wednesday night, July 7, to an enhanced ban on video gambling in the state. (Jul 8) more
NCFPC Joins Day of Prayer Brief
Today, the North Carolina Family Policy Council signed onto an amicus brief filed by Liberty Institute in the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in support of the National Day of Prayer in Freedom from Religion Foundation v. Obama. (Jul 7) more
Sweepstakes Gambling Ban Advances
Yesterday evening, the House Judiciary I committee overwhelming recommended approval of an enhanced ban on video gambling in North Carolina. (Jul 7) more
Brief Filed In Adams v. UNCW
A conservative professor involved in an ongoing lawsuit against the University of North Carolina Wilmington has won the support of three key organizations. (Jul 7) more
Brain Death Guidelines Updated
The American Academy of Neurology has issued an update to its 1995 guidelines on determining brain death in adults, which includes a step-by-step checklist of more than two dozen tests and criteria that must be met. (Jul 6) more
Women Without Children Increase
Since 1976, the number of women who end their childbearing years without children has nearly doubled, according to a new report from the Pew Research Center. (Jul 2) more
Budget Passes On-Time
For the first time in seven years, lawmakers approved North Carolina’s budget in time for the beginning of the new fiscal year. (Jul 1) more
Children Aren't Cheap
The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that it will cost an average of $222,360 to raise a child born in the United States in 2009. (Jun 30) more
Casinos Ban Welfare Card Use
California welfare recipients will no longer be able to procure taxpayer-provided cash for gambling from automatic teller machines (ATMs) inside casinos, as a result of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s recent executive order. (Jun 29) more
Court Ruling Will Suppress Speech
In a decision that could threaten the First Amendment rights of Christian student groups at universities nationwide, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that a California law school has the right to deny official recognition to a student chapter of the Christian Legal Society because the group’s membership policy prohibits it from accepting students who do not adhere to its religious beliefs, including students engaged in homosexuality. (Jun 28) more
Feds Propose New Visitation Rules
In response to a presidential directive issued earlier this year, the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has proposed new rules to expand patient visitation rights at most of the nation’s hospitals beyond immediate family members—including to gay, lesbian, and transgender partners. (Jun 25) more
House Approves ABC Reform
The North Carolina House overwhelmingly approved a bill to reform the State’s 75 year-old Alcoholic Beverage Control system on June 22, sending the bill to the Senate for its consideration. (Jun 24) more
Panel Recommends Contraceptive Drug
A Food and Drug Administration advisory panel has unanimously voted to recommend that the FDA approve the controversial drug, ulipristal acetate, for sale as an “emergency contraceptive” in the United States. (Jun 23) more
Senate Passes Video Gambling Ban
Last night, the North Carolina Senate overwhelmingly passed a more explicit ban on video gambling in North Carolina. (Jun 22) more
Primary Runoff Today
Today is an important day for a number of candidates for public office across North Carolina as voters head to the polls to vote in runoff primary elections. (Jun 22) more
Married Fathers Deter Poverty
A new report from The Heritage Foundation discusses the fundamental importance of fathers marrying the mothers of their children as a predictor of a household’s socioeconomic status. (Jun 21) more
Choose Life Not Chosen
Despite repeated claims that the North Carolina Legislature will not consider the “Choose Life” specialty license plate because there is a halt on all new license plates, the House Transportation Committee gave initial approval to six new specialty license plates this week. (Jun 18) more
Senators To Ban Video Gambling
The North Carolina Senate is moving toward passage of legislation to clarify that the state’s ban on video poker applies to a new and spreading breed of gambling known as “sweepstakes.” (Jun 17) more
Feds Issue Pro Homosexual Rules
The federal government continues to use “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month” to issue directives that promote the homosexual agenda. (Jun 16) more
Donor Conceived Adults Studied
Adults who were artificially conceived with the assistance of a sperm donor suffer more from problems of mental health and substance abuse, struggle more with questions of identity, and have higher rates of delinquency than their peers raised by adoptive or biological parents, according to a study by the Institute for American Values. (Jun 15) more
NCFPC Supports Prayer Policy
The North Carolina Family Policy Council recently joined four groups from four states in filing an amicus brief supporting the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners’ appeal to the U.S Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in a lawsuit challenging the Board’s policy to allow prayer before public meetings. (Jun 14) more
ABC Changes Move Ahead
Greater efficiency and ethicality are two central goals of the revised version of House Bill 1717–Modernization of the State ABC System, that the House ABC Committee passed this week. (Jun 11) more
Court To Hear School Choice Case
The U. S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal in a case involving the constitutionality of Arizona’s education tax credit program. (Jun 10) more
Study Reveals Teen Sex Attitudes
The majority of teenagers—or about 6 out of 10—have not had sexual intercourse, but an alarming percentage of teen boys and girls believe that unmarried childbearing is acceptable, according to a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Jun 9) more
Child Tax Credit Impact Varies
A new report from the Tax Foundation found that family savings from the federal child tax credit vary significantly from state to state. (Jun 8) more
Obama Orders Homosexual Benefits
Just a few days after officially proclaiming June “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month,” President Obama made good on his proclamation promise to “ensure that federal LGBT employees receive equal benefits.” (Jun 7) more
Evangelical Group Endorses Contraceptives
The National Association of Evangelicals has published a resolution on abortion that explains the group’s new efforts to work together with “some longtime opponents in the debate over the legality of abortion.” (Jun 4) more
June Is LGBT Pride Month
President Barack Obama has once again declared June “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month.” (Jun 3) more
Condition Of Education Report Released
In the eight years between the 1999-2000 school year and the 2007-2008 school year, the number of high-poverty schools in the United States increased by 12 percent, or 16,122 schools, according to a special section of the U.S. Department of Education report. (Jun 2) more
Bills Would Regulate Video Gambling
Two bills were filed in the North Carolina General Assembly last week to legalize and regulate video gambling in the State. (Jun 1) more
Abstinence Funding Returns
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has released some preliminary information on the partial restoration of Title V abstinence education funding, which was reauthorized for the next five years under a provision in the newly enacted health care reform law. (May 28) more
Choose Life Lawsuit Possible
Supporters of the “Choose Life” specialty license plates say the plates will ultimately get a vote one way or another in North Carolina—either in the General Assembly this year, or in a court of law. (May 27) more
Cap Enhancing Amendment Rejected
Today, the North Carolina House voted against a measure that would have allowed charter schools in North Carolina that have been designated as schools of excellence to open additional campuses without those campuses counting towards the arbitrary cap on the number of charter schools allowed in the state. (May 25) more
Charter Schools Shortchanged
A new Fordham Institute study shows that state governments, local school districts, and authorizing agencies may be denying charter schools the autonomy to innovate and provide an alternative school environment that they were promised when the charter school movement began. (May 25) more
Reform Low–Performing Schools
The North Carolina State House Education committee approved a bill May 20 that establishes four options to adjust continually low-performing public schools in the state. (May 24) more
House To Consider Senate Budget
The North Carolina State Senate voted 30–16 this week to approve its version of the $19 billion state budget, which proposes to spend $400 million more in the 2010 fiscal year than was spent in the 2009 fiscal year, despite cutting about $800 million from the budget as it was approved last year. (May 21) more
Choose Life License Plate Rally
Hundreds of pro-life North Carolinians are scheduled to gather in Raleigh on Tuesday, May 25, to urge the General Assembly to finally act on a bill that would give motorists in the state the opportunity to purchase a “Choose Life” specialty license plate. (May 20) more
Raleigh's Alcohol Amphitheatre
Next month, the State Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission is scheduled to vote on the City of Raleigh’s request for an exemption to a state law regulating liquor advertising, so that the city can name its downtown amphitheatre after a popular beer. (May 19) more
Lottery Eyes Video Poker
A report from the North Carolina Lottery purports that the state could expect annual revenues topping $550 million, if legislators decided to legalize and regulate video gambling throughout the state rather than banning it. (May 18) more
NC Marriage Amendment Filed Again
For the seventh consecutive year, Senator Jim Forrester (R–Gaston) and 11 co-sponsors filed SB 1156—Defense of Marriage, which would give North Carolinians the opportunity to vote on whether to include a Marriage Protection Amendment in the State Constitution. (May 17) more
Young Adults Consider STDs
The majority of young adults in the United States who have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease do not believe they are at risk, and many continue to engage in high-risk sexual behaviors, according to a new Child Trends report released this month. (May 14) more
Legislating Gender Confusion
Homosexual advocacy groups continue to pressure Congress to quickly pass a dangerous piece of legislation that would make it a crime for most employers to fire or decline to hire an individual on the basis of his or her sexual orientation and/or gender identity, and could potentially open the door for the redefinition of marriage. (May 13) more
General Assembly Now In Session
As the General Assembly begins its “Short Session” today, only certain types of bills will be eligible for consideration, and much of the legislature’s time will be consumed with efforts to balance the state’s budget in light of the recession, which has brought anemic revenue numbers for the third year in a row. (May 12) more
Parental Rights Amendment Gains
Congressional support continues to grow for a proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would protect the fundamental right of parents to “direct the upbringing and education of their children.” (May 11) more
Cap Quashes Charters Again
More, or at least new, tests may be on the way for students in North Carolina’s public schools, but the number of charter schools allowed remains at 100. (May 10) more
ABC Proposal Released
The Joint Study Committee on Alcoholic Beverage Control gave final approval on May 5 to its proposal for smaller and weaker changes to the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control system than had been originally discussed. (May 7) more
Pray For Our Nation Today
Today, thousands of Americans will join together in public and private gatherings to pray for our nation, our leaders, and for one another during the 59th annual National Day of Prayer. (May 6) more
2010 Primary Results
Every incumbent member of the North Carolina Congressional delegation and State Senate running in the May 4 primary election won their races to go on to the November 2 general election. (May 5) more
Video Gambling Under Discussion
Despite a recent Elon University poll finding more than 48 percent of North Carolinians oppose the availability of video poker in the state, some lawmakers would like the General Assembly to consider legalizing the games in order to tax them. (May 5) more
Mojave Cross Wins Test
For now, a Latin cross memorializing World War I veterans can remain where it was first placed by private citizens over 70 years ago—on Sunset Rock in the government-owned Mojave Desert Preserve—after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on April 28 that a lower court erred in its decision that would have forced the government to remove the cross. (May 4) more
Primary Voting Tuesday, May 4
North Carolinians will head to the polls tomorrow to exercise their civic responsibility by voting in the 2010 primary election. (May 3) more
Oklahoma Lawmakers Defend Life
After overriding gubernatorial vetoes of two pro-life bills this week, the Oklahoma Legislature has successfully passed six pieces of pro-life legislation in the last year. (Apr 30) more
Complaint Filed Over Charter Rules
On April 16th, administrators from predominantly African-American charter schools in North Carolina filed a discrimination complaint with the U.S. Department of Education. (Apr 29) more
Appeal Planned For Day Of Prayer
The Obama administration plans to appeal a recent decision by a federal judge in Wisconsin that struck down the 1952 federal statute creating a National Day of Prayer. (Apr 28) more
NC Voters Want Marriage Amendment
Seventy percent of likely North Carolina voters support a marriage protection amendment to the State Constitution, according to a survey released this month. (Apr 27) more
Commission Drafts New ABC Bill
On April 22, a study committee looking at how to address concerns about efficiency and ethics in the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control system moved closer to a final version of draft legislation on which the committee intends to seek legislative action when the General Assembly reconvenes in May. (Apr 26) more
Same-Sex Prom Concessions
A North Carolina high school recently modified its rules to allow students to bring “guests,” as opposed to “dates,” to the upcoming senior prom, after a gay-identified student requested to bring his boyfriend to the event. (Apr 23) more
Brunswick Commissioners Vote To Pray
The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners voted 4-1 on April 19 to continue to open their meetings with a prayer, rather than changing the policy to open meetings with a moment of silence. (Apr 22) more
Obama Dictates Visitation Policy
Citing North Carolina policy as an example, President Obama has ordered the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to expand patient visitation rights at most of the nation’s hospitals beyond immediate family members—including to gay, lesbian, and trangendered partners. (Apr 21) more
Nebraska Abortion Law Is Model For NC
On April 13, Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman signed two ground-breaking pro-life bills into law—one bans abortions after 20 weeks gestation, and the other allows women to sue abortion providers for psychological injuries resulting from unwanted, coerced, or unsafe abortions. (Apr 20) more
Judge Says No National Day Of Prayer
A federal judge in Wisconsin has ruled that the 1952 federal statute that created a nationally recognized day for Americans to assemble and pray for the nation violates the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution. (Apr 19) more
Appeal Filed In Academic Freedom Case
Attorneys representing a conservative professor in his discrimination lawsuit against the University of North Carolina at Wilmington have filed an appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, in response to a federal judge’s decision issued last month. (Apr 16) more
Primary Voting Begins Today
Select polling locations around the state open today for one-stop early voting where North Carolina voters can begin to cast their ballots in the primary election for numerous state and local offices. (Apr 15) more
Countering Homosexual Promotions
The pro-homosexual “Day of Silence” will be observed by gay, bisexual and transgender students at hundreds of schools across North Carolina this Friday (April 16), and many parents are understandably concerned about the promotion of homosexuality and gender confusion in the classroom through similar events and programs. (Apr 14) more
Teen Birth Rate Moves Downward
After increasing for two years in a row, the teen birth rate declined by two percent in 2008, according to preliminary data from the National Center for Health Statistics. (Apr 13) more
Primary Election Voter Guide Now Available
In an effort to better equip Tar Heel voters for the upcoming elections, the North Carolina Family Policy Council has activated its 2010 Primary Election Voter Guide Web site. (Apr 12) more
ABC Committee Floats Proposal
On April 8, the Joint Study Committee on Alcoholic Beverage Control met to hear further public comment on proposed revisions to the State’s ABC system, and to introduce draft legislation. (Apr 12) more
Working For The Government
North Carolinians are free of their tax burden slightly earlier than the average American, who will work more than three months in 2010 to earn enough to pay their share of federal, state, and local taxes. (Apr 9) more
Prayer Webcast Tonight
With the 2010 “National Day of Prayer” less than 30 days away, the NDP Task Force is hosting a live webcast tonight (Thursday, April 8) at 6:30 PM. (Apr 8) more
Duke University Issues Apology
Duke University has apologized to a pro-life student group for denying the group access to meeting space in the campus Women’s Center for a motherhood event as part of the March 15-19 “Week for Life.” (Apr 7) more
Educators Address Accountability
At the March 31 North Carolina State Board of Education meeting, members discussed a new model for holding accountable schools and school districts, called local education authorities. (Apr 6) more
Truth Overcomes Silence
Students in North Carolina are encouraged to join thousands of young people nationwide in countering the promotion of homosexuality in schools by participating in the sixth annual “Day of Truth” sponsored by Exodus International. (Apr 5) more
NC Hits Wall In Education Race
Although a finalist in phase one of the competition, North Carolina lost its bid for the much-coveted Race to the Top education grant funds. (Apr 1) more
Get Ready To Vote
As part of our ongoing effort to promote civic responsibility and involvement, the North Carolina Family Policy Council has launched its 2010 Voter Registration project. (Mar 31) more
Some Abstinence Funding Restored
Abstinence education proponents are celebrating the news that the newly enacted health care reform law restores some federal funding for states to use for abstinence-only education programs that had previously been eliminated by President Obama. (Mar 30) more
Video Gambling Opposition Grows
Officials at the North Carolina lottery are encouraging lottery ticket sellers to avoid the legal risks associated with video poker in light of a growing trend in video gambling often referred to as “video sweepstakes.” (Mar 29) more
Alcohol Becomes Popular Topic
More than two dozen representatives of local governments, nonprofits, businesses, and ordinary citizens spent more than three hours voicing their opinions on the sale of alcohol in North Carolina at the March 24 meeting of the Joint Study Committee on Alcoholic Beverage Control. (Mar 26) more
NJ Activists Press Same-Sex Marriage
Homosexual activists in New Jersey are going back to the courts to try to force the redefinition of marriage on the people of that state, after failing to get a marriage redefinition law enacted by the New Jersey legislature earlier this year. (Mar 25) more
Voters Say NC Taxes Too High
Nearly two-thirds of North Carolina voters think their taxes are too high, and more than three-fourths prefer for the state to cut spending rather than raise taxes to address budget deficits, according to new survey. (Mar 24) more
An Expensive Affair
A North Carolina woman has been awarded $9 million in a suit filed against her husband’s mistress, whom she accused of breaking up their marriage by engaging in an affair with her husband. (Mar 23) more
House Passes Senate Healthcare Bill
Late Sunday evening, a majority of Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Senate version of The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R. 3590) by a vote of 219 to 212. (Mar 22) more
Abortion Back For Wake County
Wake County Board of Commissioners voted 4-3 on March 15th to restore coverage for elective abortions to the county’s employee health plan. (Mar 19) more
K-12 Education Standards Proposed
The National Governor’s Association (NGA), with the input of various educators and stakeholders, released the first public draft of its Common Core State Standards for K-12 education. (Mar 18) more
Statement On Pornography Released
Pornography is increasingly widespread, addictive, and harmful to women and children, as well as to those who consume it, according to a groundbreaking new statement released yesterday by The Witherspoon Institute. (Mar 17) more
STD Rate Much Higher For Homosexual Men
A new analysis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that the rate of new HIV and syphilis diagnoses among homosexual and bisexual men is over 44 times higher than the rate among other men, and more than 40 times higher than the rate among women. (Mar 16) more
No Gambling At Home
A new national study released March 11 found that a majority of Americans continue to see gambling in a negative light and oppose efforts to expand its legalization. (Mar 15) more
NC Lottery Recognizes Problem Gambling
In recognition of National Problem Gambling Awareness Week, March 7-13, the North Carolina Education Lottery is calling attention to its problem gambling program. (Mar 12) more
Ninth Circuit Upholds Pledge
Reversing its 2002 rejection of the Pledge of Allegiance, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled yesterday, that the words “one nation under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance do not violate the Establishment Clause of the United States Constitution. (Mar 12) more
Census To Count Same-Sex "Marriages"
Forms for the 2010 Census are scheduled to begin arriving in mailboxes next week, and the government is promoting it as “one of the shortest and simplest in U.S. History.” (Mar 11) more
ABC System Changes Considered
Lawmakers in the TarHeel State are considering an overhaul of the 75-year-old Alcohol Beverage Control System that could include opening the business of selling liquor to contractors or private retailers. (Mar 10) more
Race To Washington
The U.S. Department of Education announced on March 4th that North Carolina is among a group of 15 states and the District of Columbia that have cleared the first phase of the Race to the Top federal education grant competition. (Mar 9) more
UNC System Adopts "Hate Crimes" Policy
A new system-wide student code of conduct for the University of North Carolina could infringe on students’ First Amendment rights by broadly prohibiting threats, coercion, harassment, and intimidation with special mention of characteristics like “sexual orientation” and “gender identity.” (Mar 8) more
Marriage Beats Cohabitation
The majority of first marriages in the United States last 10 years or longer, while most first cohabitating relationships end within three years, according to a new study from the National Center for Health Statistics. (Mar 5) more
D.C. Issues Homosexual Marriage Licenses
Washington D.C. began issuing marriage licenses to homosexual couples yesterday, officially joining five states in redefining marriage. (Mar 4) more
Brief Filed In Same-Sex Adoption Case
The North Carolina Family Policy Council filed an Amicus Brief yesterday in the case of Boseman v. Jarrell, an appeal before the State Supreme Court that will likely determine whether same-sex couples can legally adopt children in North Carolina. (Mar 3) more
Abstinence Programs Prove Effective
The overwhelming majority of studies of abstinence-only education programs report statistically positive findings, according to a new report by Christine Kim and Robert Rector at The Heritage Foundation. (Mar 3) more
Silver Ring Thing
The Silver Ring Thing is scheduled to bring its concert-style youth event promoting abstinence until marriage to three venues in North Carolina this month. (Mar 2) more
Health Summit Yields Stalemate
After a seven-hour televised meeting between select groups of Republican and Democrat members from both chambers of Congress, and President Obama Thursday, both parties remained largely unmoved from their original positions regarding nationalized healthcare. (Mar 1) more
Video Gambling Opposed By Most
A majority—56 percent—of North Carolina voters would oppose efforts to legalize video poker in the state, according to a poll of likely voters conducted by the John W. Pope Civitas Institute in January. (Feb 26) more
Asheville Wants DP Benefits
The city of Asheville, North Carolina, could become the next city to provide domestic partner benefits for the same-sex partners of homosexual employees. (Feb 25) more
Court Rejects DC Marriage Referendum
The District of Columbia will begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples as early as March 3, following the end of a Congressional review period for a new law enacted in December 2009 by the D.C. City Council. (Feb 24) more
Forsyth Commissioners Vote To Appeal
In a victory for religious freedom in North Carolina, the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners voted 4 to 3 Monday night in favor of appealing a federal district judge’s ruling that declared the board’s public prayer policy unconstitutional. (Feb 23) more
Education Standards Have Little Effect
The CATO Institute's Neal McCluskey released an analysis on February 16 arguing that the push to create national education standards, rather than leaving these to the states, would produce no positive effect on student achievement. (Feb 23) more
Stifling Campus Speech
Nearly 60 percent of North Carolina’s colleges and universities have a speech policy, which seriously restricts students’ First Amendment rights to free speech and free expression, according to a new report. (Feb 22) more
Forsyth Appeal Decision Pending
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to decide this Monday, February 22 whether or not to appeal a federal district court ruling that declared the Board’s public prayer policy unconstitutional. (Feb 19) more
Anti-Pornography Website Launches
Pro-family advocates now have a new weapon in their fight against pornography with the launch of a new web site dedicated to educating the public about its detrimental effects on individuals, families, and society. (Feb 18) more
Locals Limit Taxpayer Funded Abortion
Wake County and the Town of Apex have removed coverage for elective abortions from their employee health insurance plans, after recognizing legal questions raised by a 1981 state Supreme Court ruling that a county “exceeded its statutorily conferred power in levying the tax involved in the funding of medically unnecessary abortions.” (Feb 18) more
40 Days For Life Begins Today
Thousands of pro-life citizens across the United States, Canada, Australia and Northern Ireland will join together for 40 days of prayer and fasting, constant vigil outside abortion clinics, and community outreach during the 2010 spring “40 Days for Life” campaign that begins today. (Feb 17) more
Federal Hate Crimes Law Challenged
The recently passed federal hate crimes bill, which provides elevated protection for individuals based on “actual or perceived” “sexual orientation” or “gender identity” is being challenged as a violation of the First, Fifth, and Tenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution and the Commerce Clause. (Feb 16) more
Colleges Change Student Views
According to a new report from the Intercollegiate Studies Institute, a college education does not increase a student’s knowledge of American history and values, but instead significantly alters the student’s views on five polarizing issues, such as prayer in schools, abortion and same-sex marriage. (Feb 15) more
New Abstinence Law Brief Produced
In response to the misinformation being published by some anti-abstinence education groups about the “Healthy Youth Act," the North Carolina Family Policy Council has created a new issue brief that outlines the correct interpretation of the new law, which was enacted by the General Assembly last year and goes into effect in the 2010-11 school year. (Feb 12) more
Some Parents Would Pay Higher Taxes
President Obama is proposing an increased tax benefit for families without a stay-at-home parent while ignoring expiring tax relief for all families that will result in American families paying $280 billion in higher taxes in 2011, when the Child Tax Credit expires at the end of 2010. (Feb 11) more
Study Says Abstinence Message Works
An abstinence-only sex education program was better at helping pre-teens delay sexual activity than a “safer” sex-only program, two comprehensive sex education programs, and a general health education program in a new study by University of Pennsylvania researchers. (Feb 10) more
National Marriage Week Underway
As couples prepare to celebrate Valentine’s Day, churches, communities, schools, and businesses across the country are taking part in National Marriage Week USA in an effort to “raise the issue of marriage to the national agenda.” (Feb 9) more
Election Filing Period Opens Feb 8
Filing opens today for North Carolina candidates who intend to run for public office in the 2010 elections. (Feb 8) more
Controversial Curriculum Changes
Curriculum changes to subjects as varied as sex education and social studies were a central theme of the North Carolina State Board of Education’s monthly meeting last week. (Feb 8) more
Charter Schools Get The Rap
If a new State Board of Education performance policy for charter schools were applied to all public schools in North Carolina, 155 traditional district schools, three alternative district schools, and six charter schools would be forced to close, according to a new report from the John Locke Foundation. (Feb 5) more
NC Teen Pregnancy Rates Hit 30–Year Low
After increasing slightly with the rest of the nation between 2005 and 2006, North Carolina’s teen pregnancy rate dropped to its lowest point in over 30 years in 2008. (Feb 4) more
Curriculum Sides With Abortion
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s proposed updated curriculum guidelines for Civics and Economics courses include an assertion that the U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision, which legalized abortion on demand in the United States, is comparable to court actions on segregation and ethnic discrimination in upholding individual liberties “against oppressive government.” (Feb 3) more
Lottery Revenues Rise With Unemployment
Despite North Carolina posting record high unemployment figures since November 2009, the lottery continues to report higher than expected and increasing levels of revenue. (Feb 2) more
Jesus' Name Takes Hit In Ruling
The future ability of local ministers in Forsyth County to offer prayers “in Jesus name” hinges on whether the county’s Board of Commissioners chooses to appeal a federal district court judge’s ruling, declaring the Board’s current prayer policy unconstitutional. (Feb 1) more
Young Americans Object To Abortion
As a record number of Americans prepared to travel to Washington, D.C. to participate in the 37th annual March for Life, a new survey found nearly six in 10 young Americans consider abortion to be “morally wrong.” (Jan 29) more
Abstinence Unfairly Blamed
In a new report issued earlier this week, the pro-abortion Guttmacher Institute blames Abstinence-Until-Marriage education for the small increase in teen pregnancy rates nationwide, despite the fact that abstinence education has received a much smaller portion of total federal funding than contraceptive sex education. (Jan 28) more
Court Frees Corporate Contributions
The Supreme Court handed down a ruling January 21 that will allow more direct financial involvement by corporations in elections. (Jan 27) more
Greensboro Sex Club Closed
Many Greensboro families and business owners are relieved at the safer atmosphere of their community, following last week’s closure of “Nakita’s Play House,” a strip club located on Randelman Road in Greensboro. (Jan 26) more
More Business Regulations Discussed
A legislative study committee met January 20th to consider new regulations and incentives intended to promote work and family balance in North Carolina. (Jan 25) more
Groups Say Lift Charter School Cap
At a press conference in Raleigh earlier this week, charter school advocates warned that the state’s 15 year-old charter school cap, which limits the number of charter schools allowed to operate at one time to 100, could make North Carolina less competitive for the federal government’s “Race to the Top” funds. (Jan 22) more
Report Highlights Anti-Family Laws
A December report from the Heritage Foundation highlights a dozen “Anti-Family Gifts” included in the Omnibus Appropriations bill passed by Congress and signed by President Obama just in time for Christmas. (Jan 21) more
Freedom Of Religion Statement Issued
Religious freedom is “a fundamental, inalienable right for all people, religious and nonreligious” that is protected by the United States Constitution and other legal provisions, according to a joint statement issued last week by a diverse group of conservative and liberal experts from the nation’s religious and legal communities. (Jan 20) more
NC Leads In Tax Increases
North Carolina is the only state in the country to have responded to the sagging economy by simultaneously raising its individual income, sales, cigarette, and alcohol excise taxes in 2009, according to a report released in December by the Tax Foundation. (Jan 19) more
Fatherhood Misconceptions Revealed
A majority of mothers in a recent survey said that absent or uninvolved fathers can be adequately replaced by either the mother herself, or by another male role model. (Jan 15) more
Marriage Penalty In Healthcare Reform
Health insurance premiums would be higher for some married couples than for comparable unmarried cohabiting couples under health reforms currently being considered by Congress. (Jan 14) more
ABC System In Hot Water
Governor Beverly Perdue, many lawmakers, political activists, and citizens are calling for a review of the state’s 75 year-old Alcohol Beverage Control system amid surprisingly high salaries and allegations of ethical violations by some local staff and board members. (Jan 13) more
Upcoming Pro-Life Events
The 37th anniversary of Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton is fast approaching, and a number of important events are scheduled this month to mark the 1973 Supreme Court rulings that legalized abortion on demand, and have resulted in the loss of over 49 million unborn children nationwide. (Jan 12) more
More Child Physical Activity Needed
The majority of child care centers in North Carolina do not provide children with the amount of physical activity that is recommended by some health experts, according to a new study by researchers at the University of North Carolina’s Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. (Jan 11) more
New Jersey Rejects Same–Sex Marriage
Yesterday, a bill that would have legalized same-sex “marriage” in the New Jersey was soundly defeated in the state senate. (Jan 8) more
Charter School Myths Debunked
Contrary to some of the myths advanced by the educational establishment, charter schools do not deprive traditional public schools of needed funding, but do precipitate higher academic achievement in students, and do positively impact the educational environment of surrounding public schools. (Jan 7) more
Domestic Partner Benefits Costly
Federal legislation that would extend government health and life insurance benefits to the same-sex partners of certain federal employees would cost the U.S. government nearly $900 million in direct and discretionary spending over the next nine years, according to estimates from the Congressional Budget Office. (Jan 6) more
New Year Brings New Laws
More than 40 new laws will go into effect in North Carolina in 2010, including a ban on smoking in most restaurants and bars, a new sex education curriculum for public school students, a requirement for schools to expand anti-bullying policies to include pro-homosexual language, and changes to ethics, election, and insurance law. (Jan 5) more
More Teens Are Sexting
A recent survey by the Pew Research Center found that four percent of teens with a cell phone have sent sexually suggestive, nude or nearly nude pictures of themselves and 15 percent of teens have received such images via text messaging. (Jan 4) more
MORE STORY ARCHIVES
|
