We have been working hard to make sure that your voice is heard at the Capitol.  Below you will find a list of bills that we are either supporting and opposing.  Throughout the next seven weeks, check back on our website for an updated list of bills, read our weekly Insider’s Report from Tallahassee for updates, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news.

Most importantly, thank you for your support as we work in Tallahassee to advocate for pro-family values.

Sincerely,

John Stemberger
President and General Counsel
Florida Family Policy Council

ADOPTION/FOSTER CARE

OPPOSE HB 357 / SB 576 Adoptee Birth Certificates
Sponsors: Rep. Richard Stark (D), Sen. Dennis Baxley (R)

This bill mandates open adoption in the state by requiring the Department of Health to issue noncertified copies of unaltered, original birth certificates to adoptees and birth parents.

Status: Neither the House nor the Senate has heard the bill in committee yet.

ABORTION

SUPPORT HB 1429 / SB 1890 Dismemberment Abortion 
Sponsors: Rep. Erin Grall (R), Rep. Joe Gruters (R), Sen. Debbie Mayfield (R)

Prohibits dismemberment abortion, where an unborn child is killed by an abortionist using instruments to cut or rip the child’s body apart piece by piece and then extracts the pieces from the mother.

Status: Neither the House nor the Senate has heard the bill in committee yet.

OPPOSE HB 1273 / SB 1718 Contraception Mandate
Sponsors: Rep. Holly Raschein (R), Sen. Lauren Book (D) 

Mandates employers provide insurance plans which pay for contraception, including abortion inducing drugs. The exemption for employers is limited to religious objections by religious nonprofits or small, privately-held companies and it requires notification of objection to providing coverage. Insurance companies are still required to provide coverage of contraception to employees who work for an exempt organization.

Status: Neither the House nor the Senate has heard the bill in committee yet.

OPPOSE HB 189 / SB 320 Abortion Clinics
Sponsors: Rep. Amy Mercado (D), Sen. Linda Stewart (D)

This bill prohibits anyone from interfering with women attempting to enter abortion clinics. Sidewalk counselors or protestors could face fines, civil suits, and criminal penalties for simply calling out to a woman to not abort her baby. This bill goes beyond prohibiting criminal and inappropriate interference with abortion facilities and limits free speech.

Status: Neither the House nor the Senate has heard the bill in committee yet.

CULTURE

SUPPORT HR 157 / SR 480 Declaring Pornography a Public Health Crisis  
Sponsors: Rep. Ross Spano (R), Sen. Kelli Stargel (R)

Recognizes the public health crisis created by pornography and acknowledges need for education, prevention, research, and policy change to protect Floridians.

Status: The House version has passed the first of two assigned committees. The Senate has yet to pick up the measure in committee.

EDUCATION

SUPPORT HB 731 / SB 732 Home Education  
Sponsors: Rep. Jennifer Sullivan (R), Sen. Dennis Baxley (R)

Clarifies that a home education program is not a school district program and parents who wish to homeschool their children must register with the district school superintendent only for the purpose of complying with the state’s attendance requirements. It requires the district school superintendent to accept the parental notification and register the program upon receipt of the notice. The school district cannot require any additional information unless the student chooses to participate in their programs or services. The bill also stipulates that the content of a child’s portfolio shall be determined by the parent, not the school district.  Finally, it allows school districts to provide homeschool students access to career and vocational courses and requires that industry certifications, national assessments, and statewide, standardized assessments offered by the school district be available to homeschool students. For homeschool students who are dual enrolled to earn college credit, the bill stipulates that course or program limitations may not exceed the limitations for other dually enrolled students.

Status: The House version has passed the first of three assigned committees. The Senate version is scheduled to be heard in its first committee next week.

SUPPORT HB 1 / SB 1172 Hope Scholarship Program  
Sponsors: Rep. Byron Donalds (R), Sen. Bill Galvano (R)

Establishes the Hope Scholarship for students after an incident of battery, harassment, hazing, bullying, kidnapping, robbery, sexual offenses, harassment, assault, threat or intimidation. The student will have an opportunity to transfer to another public school or to apply for a scholarship to attend a private school. Scholarship funds are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Status: The House version has passed the first of three assigned committees. The Senate version is scheduled to be heard in its first committee next week.

GAMBLING

OPPOSE HB 223 / SB 374 Fantasy Contests  
Sponsors: Rep. Jason Brodeur (R), Sen. Dana Young (R)

Exempts fantasy gaming contests such as fantasy sports leagues from being subject to gambling penalties and regulations. In effect, legalizing fantasy gambling.

Status: The House bill has not yet been heard. The Senate version has passed its first committee, but has not yet been heard by its second and final committee.

OPPOSE SB 840 Legalizing Fantasy and Designated Player Games/Expanding Slot Machines 
Sponsor: Sen. Travis Hutson (R)

In addition to exempting fantasy gaming from state gambling regulations, this bill would remove the requirement that greyhound, thoroughbred, quarter horse and harness horse permit holders conduct live racing at their pari-mutuel facilities in order to be eligible for or keep their slot machine and cardroom licenses. This bill would allow these facilities to take wagers for intertrack races and simulcasts. It would also legalize designated player games (playing against a designated player rather than the house).

Status: The Senate bill has passed its first of three committees. There is no House companion bill.

OPPOSE SB 1802 Preview Games and Machines  
Sponsor: Sen. Perry Thurston Jr. (D)

Legalizes preview or pre-reveal machines, slot machines which draw individuals in by revealing the prize before the game is started. A Florida judge has already ruled the machines constitute gambling.

Status: The Senate bill has not yet been heard. There is no House companion bill.

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

SUPPORT HB 167 / SB 1044 Civil Action for Human Trafficking Victims
Sponsors: Rep. Ross Spano (R), Sen. Lauren Book (D)

Allows a victim of human trafficking to bring a civil cause of action against a human trafficker or facilitator (a person or business who aids in or turns a blind eye to human trafficking activities). Under this provision, a victim of human trafficking could receive payment for medical bills, mental health services, repatriation, etc. as well as monetary damages for pain, loss, trauma, etc. A trafficker or facilitator would also be liable under this section to provide an additional $100,000 in damages to the Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking (established by HB 169/SB 1046) and, in some cases, additional damages to law enforcement to aid in future human trafficking rescue efforts. Punitive damages would be equally divided between the victim and the trust fund.

Status: The House version has been passed by two of its three committees. The Senate version has not yet been heard.

SUPPORT HB 169 / SB 1046 Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking 
Sponsors: Rep. Ross Spano (R), Sen. Lauren Book (D)

Creates the Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking and Prevention within the Department of Law Enforcement. This fund would be funded by penalties and damages obtained under as referenced in   HB 167 / SB 1044 and other sources, including funds appropriated by the Legislature. The trust fund would be used to assist victims of human trafficking with medical and mental health exams and treatment, living expenses, lost wages and repatriation. The funds could also be used for a variety of education and prevention efforts, creating a survivor’s resource center, or for vacating convictions against trafficking victims incurred due to trafficking, etc.

Status: The House version has been passed by two of its three committees. The Senate version has not yet been heard.

SUPPORT HB 7039 / SB 1502 Increased Penalties for Human Trafficking 
Sponsors: House Criminal Justice Subcommittee, Rep. Ross Spano (R), Sen. Lauren Book (D)

Requires a 10-year minimum mandatory imprisonment sentence for any individual, who knowingly or recklessly without regards to the facts, engages in, attempts to engage in, or financially benefits from human trafficking. Removes fees to expunge certain portions of criminal records for victims of human trafficking as it relates to their trafficking. Redefines the term “Adult Entertainment Establishment” to include additional adult-style businesses.

Status: Neither the House nor the Senate has heard the bill in committee yet.

LIFE 

SUPPORT HB 41 / SB 444 Pregnancy Support Services 
Sponsors: Rep. Jackie Toledo (R), Sen. Aaron Bean (R)

Requires the Florida Department of Health to contract with the Florida Pregnancy Care Network (FPCN) to provide pregnancy support services for women who suspect or know they are pregnant. FPCN would then provide support to pregnant women and address their wellness needs. The bill requires FPCN subcontractors to promote and support childbirth only. All services provided must be voluntary and cannot include religious content.

Status: The House version has passed on the floor of the House. The Senate version passed its final committee this week and should be heard on the Senate floor next week.

LGBT

OPPOSE HB 347 / SB 66 Creating Special Rights for LGBT Citizens or “Florida’s Competitive Workforce Act”
Sponsors: Rep. Ben Diamond (D), Rep. Rene Plasencia (R), Sen. Darryl Rouson (D)

The worst bill in the Florida Legislature because of its effect on public safety and freedom of conscience. It adds sexual orientation and gender identity or expression to Florida’s Civil Rights Act of 1992 as impermissible grounds for discrimination. This bill provides a new way for LGBT individuals to sue employers and small businesses for discrimination. Would allow men access to use women’s showers, locker rooms, and bathrooms.

Check out the full list of House and Senate co-sponsors.

Status: Neither the House nor Senate version has been heard in committee. House lawmakers held a press conference this week in an attempt to put pressure on leadership to hear the bill.

OPPOSE HB 717 / SB 696 Banning Conversion Therapy 
Sponsors: Rep. Evan Jenne (D) / Sen. Jose Rodriguez (D)

This bill makes it unlawful for people in Florida who are licensed to provide professional counseling and others, like pastors who are licensed counselors, to counsel youth under the age of 18 struggling with their “sexual orientation and/or gender identity” to think and live in a heterosexual manner consistent with their biological gender, even if the child (as the patient) asks for their help to do so.

Status: Neither the House nor Senate version has been heard in committee.

MARRIAGE

SUPPORT HB 1323 / SB 1580 Florida Guide to a Healthy Marriage  
Sponsors: Rep. Clay Yarborough (R), Rep. Danny Burgess (R), Sen. Kelli Stargel (R)

Creates the Marriage Education Committee, which is tasked with developing the Florida Guide to a Healthy Marriage, which is required to include resources on conflict management, communication skills, family expectations, financial responsibilities and management, domestic violence, and parenting responsibilities; current information from marriage education and family advocates to assist in forming and maintaining a long-term marital relationship; and information regarding premarital education, marriage enrichment education, and resources that are available to help restore a marriage that is potentially moving toward dissolution. Clerks will be responsible for posting the guide on their websites and individuals applying for a marriage certificate must certify that they have read it or similar resources.

Status: The House version will be heard in its first committee on Tuesday. The Senate version has not yet been heard in committee.

OPPOSE HB 130 / SB 6027 Same-Sex Marriage 
Sponsors: Rep. David Richardson (D), Sen. Gary Farmer (D)

Removes the language in state statute which prohibited same-sex couples from marrying and the State of Florida from recognizing same-sex marriages from other states.

Status: Neither the House nor Senate version has been heard in committee.

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

SUPPORT HB 871 / SB 1290 Free Enterprise Protection Act  
Sponsors: Rep. Jay Fant (R), Sen. Dennis Baxley (R)

Prohibits any level of state government or individual acting on behalf of the state from discriminating against a business based upon their internal personnel or employee benefits policies or their exercise of free speech and religion as protected under the Florida and federal Constitutions. The state and its subdivisions would be prohibited from revoking tax exemptions and benefits; denying grants, certifications, licenses, etc.; and access and entitlement to property, facilities and speech forums, among other provisions.

Status: Neither the House nor Senate version has been heard in committee.

The post Legislative Insider’s Report Week 2 of 9 appeared first on FFV.

Members of the Jacksonville City Council have just filed the bad Human Rights Ordinance (HRO) bill again, still puts women’s privacy, safety and dignity at risk while using showers, locker rooms, spas and bathrooms by allowing men to use these intimate facilities.  It seeks to allow the government to punish businesses and Christian ministries which simply wish to live, work and serve their community in accordance with the dictates of their faith.  Despite the deceptive word changes, it’s still the same dangerous anti-liberty ordinance. See our one page analysis here.

ACTION STEPS:

1)      Email and call all Jacksonville City Council members and tell them to VOTE NO ON THE HRO!  Click here to send emails now. (Must have a Jacksonville address to use this tool.)

2)      Attend one or more of the hearings at City Hall and speak out or just be seen in opposition.  Join many fellow Jacksonville residents who oppose this measure at the City Council meeting this Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at 5:00pm at City Hall in the St. James Building (117 W. Duval St., Jacksonville, FL  32202).  Come early and wear bright “American Flag” BLUE for solidarity around this cause.

3)      Make a contribution to help defeat this dangerous anti-liberty ordinance here.

4)      Help us spread the word by fowarding this information to like-minded friends and family in Jacksonville!

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

One page analysis of the new 2017 ordinance

Full text of the new deceptively worded 2017 bill

Resources & videos on threat of Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity (SOGI) laws

Understanding and responding to the transgendered movement

Video of the one sided City Council public hearing on the HRO from last week

The post Tell the Jacksonville City Council to Say “NO” to the HRO! appeared first on FFV.

The historic Florida Presidential Primary is less than a month away on Tuesday, March 15, 2016! The Florida Family Policy Council is now offering a thoroughly researched voter guide free of charge. It is now available online electronically with interactive research or by paper hand delivered to your church. We are taking orders now from churches that would like to receive these voter guides. See links below the images for more information.

Download your interactive PDF voter guide now HERE:

Churches and pastors: Sign up to receive these educational voter guides hand delivered to your church HERE: Orders must be placed by the end of this week to ensure timely delivery. Deliveries will start in some areas as soon as this Saturday.

We are currently In need of County Hub Captains and County Hub Locations to drop off and store voter guides until distributed. The following Counties are in need of a Captain to distribute and or a location to drop off the voter guides. Please help us locate County Captains or Hub Locations in:

1) Baker
2) Calhoun
3) Citrus
4) Charlotte
5) Collier
6) Glades
7) Hardee
8) Hendry
9) Highlands
10) Jackson
11) Lee
12) Liberty
13) Marion
14) Monroe
15) Nassau
16) Polk
17) Santa Rosa
18) Sumter
19) Walton
20) Wakulla

If you would be willing to serve as a County Hub Captain or just help be part of the volunteer team in your county (we need volunteers in every county) to help distribute the guides, please send your full name, phone number, email and the county you live in to KorieK@FLfamily.org. Be sure and let us know if you would be willing to serve as a the County Captain or serve as a volunteer to help your County Captain be part of the distribution team.

The post Presidential Primary Voter Guides Available Now appeared first on FFV.

Pro-Family Days at the Capitol Details:

Monday, January 25

3:00-4:00pm-                     Registration-Tallahassee Donald L. Tucker Civic Center

4:00-6:00pm-                     Training Session and Legislative Briefing

6:00-6:30pm-                     Break, Local Caucus, Transition for Dinner

6:30-7:30pm-                     Buffet Dinner and FFPC Program

8:00-9:00pm-                     Prayer Meeting at the Capitol led by Pastor Mario Bramnick

Tuesday, January 26

7:00-7:30am-                      Full Buffet Breakfast Served – Civic Center

7:30-8:45am-                      Prayer Breakfast

8:45am-                              Head for Capitol to Lobby with those in your District

Lunch-                                On your own- Options Provided

2:00pm-                              Group Meeting in Legislative Chambers & Closing Prayer

3 Steps to Prepare:

1)    Registration– Online HERE:

2)    Transportation– Individual arrangement OR with a group coming up in your area

3)    Housing Arrangements– Book a room HERE or if traveling with a group contact

Call the following names and numbers below for groups from the following cities that will be attending using shared transportation and room arrangements:

Pensacola– Contact Tom Thompson at (850) 434-5257
Tampa– Contact Patty Sodmont at (813) 777-9871
Clearwater– Contact Mark Phillips at (850) 567-8143
Boca Raton– Sue Trombino at (561) 239-8847
Miami– Contact Marilyn Rivera at (305) 546-1190
Orlando– Contact Nandi Randolph at (407) 251-5130

The deadline is approaching for this very exciting event.  Sign up ASAP here so we can begin to make plans for your briefing.  An appointment with your State Senator and or State Representative from your district will be arranged with others in your area for those attending.

For a full color PDF flyer to copy and hand out here:

Register online here:

See available block rates for rooms here:

The post Pro-Family Days at the Capitol & Prayer Breakfast in only 14 days! Sign up today for this life changing experience! appeared first on FFV.

At Christmas last year my extended family even had a contest with all my adult siblings to see who could best re-create the magical sauce just like Mom made when she was still alive and with us. And in a blind taste test by my own family members, Olivia won the contest for sauce “Most like Moms!” (original recipe at bottom)

It occurred to me as I was sharing this family tradition of Momma’s spaghetti sauce with our staff dinner guests that the recipe for this sauce was actually handed down by my mother from her mother, who learned how to make it as a little girl from my great grandmother in Italy. So for my children, this is at least a fourth generation tradition.

And as I began to think about this, suddenly what was just a really good spaghetti sauce, became the broader context of generations of people connected by families who pass on traditions, values, memories and simple but important truths about life itself.

What is truly sad on this Christmas is that an increasing percentage of our children, families and communities in Florida and across the country will have no life experiences with a family to relate any tradition, values or future generations to. Inner cities devastated by unwed moms with absent fathers; children whose lives were unexpectedly shattered through the tragedy of a divorce; the elderly who will in greater numbers pass on prematurely in loneliness with no one to care for them; and children who have never been to a wedding much less seen how a “marriage” operates in their little worlds, will have no vision of marriage or family to even consider for the future.

But this is why we fight. This is why we labor. This is why the Board and the staff of the Florida Family Policy Council will not rest until we have used every resource entrusted to us to see life protected, marriage defended and the family strengthened. Families are an amazing gift of common grace from God. This Christmas season, we who have any semblance of a family at all in this broken world, should be humbled and grateful for this great gift from our heavenly Father.

Marriage–and to some extent families– gives us a hint into the mystery of the nature and character of the triune God himself. Unity and diversity. Oneness and individuality. God the Father, sent his only begotten Son to the earth to be born into a humble family and raised until the time when he was to give the ultimate gift– himself. By taking the wrath of God upon himself, Christ takes upon himself the punishment for our sins. This is the great gift that Christmas gives us: The Gospel, the Good News, Emmanuel– God with us… And would that we never grow familiar with the amazing grace found in this truth.

May God grant us all the ability to see his grace everywhere we look — and to be continually amazed by it.

From our family to yours, Merry Christmas!

John Stemberger
President,
Florida Family Policy Council

1 basket of Roma tomatoes- (about 25+) (Roma is important)
Gently bring the tomatoes to a boil in a pot of water until the skins start popping open (about 20 min)
When tomatoes are boiled peel off and remove the skins of the tomatoes and discard skins
While tomatoes are boiling sauté in olive oil, one diced onion and 3-4 garlic cloves diced
Add a half cup of red wine
Place tomatoes in the sautéed onions and garlic
Add one 12ounce can of tomato paste
Add a ¼ cup of water to the paste and sauce
Add one table spoon dry oregano or 2 tablespoons fresh
Add half table spoon dried basil or 4-6 fresh leaves
Add 2 table spoons of salt and half table spoon of pepper
Add 3 table spoons of honey (or 1 heaping table spoon of sugar)
Add 2-3 table spoons of grated Romano cheese
Take all these ingredients and puree them together in a blender
Place sauce in a large pot and simmer uncovered on low heat for about 3 hours
Add cooked meatballs or sausage about 2 hours into cooking
(Don’t overcook meat as it will also cook some in the sauce)
Cooking will burn off water and make the sauce thick. Stir and watch during cooking process.
Serve with pasta of your choice.

The post Spaghetti Sauce, Family Traditions, Christmas, and the Amazing Grace of God… appeared first on FFV.

Click on the below image to download a copy of our exciting anniversary brochure (PDF).

We recently celebrated our 10th anniversary as an organization and produced this dynamic history video and beautiful anniversary brochure to give our supporters a concise overview of our accomplishments and achievements over the past decade. Thank you for your interest in our work and we would welcome your financial support by making an online contribution here.

The post Celebrating Ten Years of Fighting for Life, Marriage, Family and Liberty appeared first on FFV.

Several Threats Give Opportunities to Get Involved and make a Difference in December:

Mark your calendars and get involved…

Help Stop Dangerous So-Called Non-Discrimination Laws being proposed in Tampa, Jacksonville and Pensacola:
Three Florida cities are being confronted with proposed changes in local and county ordinances to include “non-discrimination” language (Sexual Orientation Gender Identity [SOGI] language) which create legal weapons to punish Christians who are simply living out their faith in their businesses and use of private property.  Many of these SOGI laws also involve a gross invasion of privacy and create safety and security issues by allowing fully biological men to use women’s bathrooms.  Don’t be fooled by smooth sounding names like “Human Rights Ordinances,” “Equal Rights Ordinances” and the latest deceptive name, the “Competitive Workforce Act.”  Adding totally subjective terms like sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression to legitimate non-discrimination statutes directly undermines our First Amendment rights of religious liberty, free speech and freedom of association.

TAMPA:
Tuesday, Dec. 1^st at 6:00pm: The Hillsborough County Charter Review Board is currently discussing placing a referendum on the ballot to add language to the county charter which would make sexual orientation and gender identity protected classes, equivalent to race, religion, and gender!  Note: The Hillsborough County Commission quietly passed a Human Rights Ordinance last year which made it illegal to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.  Adding this to the county charter would make it nearly impossible to change should there be problems with the language.

Please e-mail, call, and attend the Charter Review Board meeting and respectfully ask them to vote against placing this on the 2016 ballot.

EMAIL:  Click here to contact the Charter Review Board! Tell the board that you do NOT want this language added to the Hillsborough County Charter!

CALL:  Brandon Wagner, Operations and Legislative Affairs Officer for the Charter Review Board at (813) 276-2640.

ATTEND: Attend the public hearing on Tuesday, December 1^st at 6 pm to speak out against this proposal. The meeting will be held in the 2^nd floor boardroom at County Center (601 E. Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33602)

JACKSONVILLE:
Jacksonville’s new Mayor, Lenny Curry, has called for three community hearings or conversations on the idea of revisiting whether or not the city should enact a “Human Rights Ordinance” (HRO) like the one that was defeated soundly in 2013 by the City Council.  The first community discussion was held last week.  There is no specific language or ordinance proposed at this point and we don’t know if we will looking at a bill or a referendum in the future.  We do know we need to pack the house in a show of opposition to this bad idea in these next two hearings.  Come early.  Usually those coming early and put in a speakers card will have a better chance at being able to address the panelists and ask questions.

Thursday, Dec. 3, 6:00pm:  On the topic of Religious Freedoms, Thoughts & Beliefs to be held at the Edward Waters College Milne Auditorium – 1658 Kings Road, Jacksonville, FL  32209

Tuesday, Dec. 15, 6:00 pm:  Understanding the Law & its Effects on Business Jacksonville University Policy Institute – 2800 University Blvd. N., Jacksonville, FL  32211

PENSACOLA
There will be a meeting at East Brent Baptist church on Tuesday December 1 at 7:00pm to discuss plans to defeat this bad SOGI ordinance being proposed.  The first reading of a new amended bill will be presented and comments from the public will be allowed at some future meeting the date of which is in flux but will likely be held in February.  Please show up at the planning meeting which Tom Thompson will run.  Or please contact all City Commissioners in the City of Pensacola to voice your opposition to the Human Rights/ Anti-Discrimination Ordinance.  Tell them:  “Please vote NO on the proposed Human Rights Ordinance in Pensacola.”

cbare@cityofpensacola.com – 850-426-7935
aterhaar@cityofpensacola.com – 850-377-3949
ljohnson@cityofpensacola.com – 850-435-1609
pcwu@cityofpensacola.com – 850-477-5279
smyers@cityofpensacola.com – 850-484-0902
gwingate@cityofpensacola.com – 850-607-0185
bspencer@cityofpensacola.com – 850-426-8314
jcannada-wynn@cityofpensacola.com – 850-346-7264

SAVE THE DATE:  Defund Planned Parenthood Rally in Tallahassee:  Dec 7, 2015
Monday, December 7, 2015, 1-2pm is the main rally time and there is a pre-rally program from 12-1pm all at the Florida Capitol complex in Tallahassee.  National speakers, snacks and drinks, music, education and information on how to take a stand for life.  Details for this exciting event will be announced next week. Make plans to join us on Monday Dec 7 in Tallahassee.

WE ARE HIRING:  Field Directors across Florida- Join our team!

Florida Family Action our 501c4 sister organization is hiring field directors across the state but especially in the cities of Jacksonville, Orlando, and in Panama City.  We are more interested in finding motivated and hard-working people than we are in what part of the state they live but we do have particular interests in these above regions.  Please pass this notice on to those you think may be interested and qualified for this position.  The Field Director’s job description and salary can be downloaded here:

SAVE THE DATE:  2016 Pro-Family Lobby Days at the Capitol & Legislative Prayer Breakfast, Jan 25-26, 2015

January 25-26, 2015, Tallahassee, FL. Do not miss this most exciting event now in its third year where we bring supporters up to Tallahassee and train them to lobby legislators on the most important issues.  Save the date now and email info@FLfamily.org and we will send you the reservation information as soon as it is available.  The legislative training and issue briefing runs Monday night, January 25, from 3-7 PM and on then on Tuesday, January 26, from 7 AM to 3 PM for the Prayer Breakfast and the Lobby Days event at the Capitol.

The post Several Threats Give Opportunities to Get Involved and make a Difference in December appeared first on FFV.

The Protect My Ministry Tour

“A conference for Pastors and Christian School Headmasters to legally protect their churches and schools in the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s decision redefining marriage…”

Enjoy food and fellowship in a comfortable atmosphere with area pastors and Christian school headmasters, learn best practices to protect your church or ministry from legal attack, and have your questions answered. 
(Limited capacity at each location. Please, only one representative from each church or school. There is no charge for the event but advance reservations online are required.) 

DATES AND LOCATIONS:

Wednesday, September 30- Pensacola & Panama City
Pensacola: http://ffpc.convio.net/site/Calendar?id=100081&view=Detail
Panama City: http://ffpc.convio.net/site/Calendar?id=100113&view=Detail

Thursday, October 1- Tallahassee
Tallahassee: http://ffpc.convio.net/site/Calendar?id=100102&view=Detail

Monday, October 5- Jacksonville & Orlando
Jacksonville: http://ffpc.convio.net/site/Calendar?id=100103&view=Detail
Orlando: http://ffpc.convio.net/site/Calendar?id=100104&view=Detail

Tuesday, October 6- Tampa, Clearwater & Bradenton
Tampa: http://ffpc.convio.net/site/Calendar?id=100105&view=Detail
Clearwater Beach: http://ffpc.convio.net/site/Calendar?id=100106&view=Detail
Bradenton: http://ffpc.convio.net/site/Calendar?id=100107&view=Detail

Wednesday, October 7- Fort Myers & Naples
Ft. Myers: http://ffpc.convio.net/site/Calendar?id=100108&view=Detail
Naples: http://ffpc.convio.net/site/Calendar?id=100109&view=Detail

Thursday, October 8- Palm Beach & Fort Lauderdale
Palm Beach Gardens: http://ffpc.convio.net/site/Calendar?id=100110&view=Detail
Ft. Lauderdale: http://ffpc.convio.net/site/Calendar?id=100111&view=Detail

Friday, October 9- Miami  
Miami: http://ffpc.convio.net/site/Calendar?id=100112&view=Detail

Wednesday, October 21-The Villages
The Villages: http://ffpc.convio.net/site/Calendar?id=100121&view=Detail

 ADDRESSING THE QUESTIONS:
-What changes need be made to your church by-laws?
-Should pastors still sign marriage certificates?
-Are you at risk if a same sex couple asks you to marry them?
-Are church mercy ministries that receive public funding at risk?
-How do you properly call a meeting to officially and legally amend official church documents?
-Do you have to rent out your church building to any couple who wants to get married?

PRESENTER: Attorney John Stemberger 

In addition to being the President & General Counsel of the Florida Family Policy Council, John Stemberger is a civil trial lawyer with a private practice in Orlando, FL.  Stemberger is an Allied Lawyer with Alliance Defending Freedom and is a national leader in following legal and policy issues regarding marriage and family.  He recently authored the article “Keeping Government out of the Marriage Business:  Seven Reasons Why the Privatization of Marriage is a Bad Idea.” He has lectured, testified, debated and written extensively on the legal implications of changing marriage laws and has spoken on legal issues to thousands of pastors across the country.

The post Protect My Ministry Tour | Fall 2015 Dates appeared first on FFV.

This has to be the “biggest lie.”

When it comes to same-sex unions, I often hear people in the world say, “live and let live” or, “if two guys get married it doesn’t affect you or anyone else….”  You’ve probably heard the same thing, and you may have even heard it from friends and co-workers – maybe even in your church community.

But unfortunately, nothing could be further from the truth.

Now that the dust is beginning to settle, we can see more clearly exactly how the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to redefine marriage is going to affect so many other aspects of our lives – starting with our churches.

This change in the definition of marriage has dire consequences to religious liberty, and will eventually impact all of us, both directly and indirectly.

Your gift today will help us work to protect religious liberty for you, your family and others.

Who is at greatest risk and will be under attack soon, if not already:  

• Churches meeting in public facilities or school auditoriums
• Christian schools seeking accreditation
• Faith-based non-profits which provide critical community services supplemented by government grants
• Faith-based child care agencies (adoption and foster care)
• Public/private charity partnerships – working in the areas human trafficking, emergency disaster recovery, soup kitchens, hospitals, etc.
• A vast variety of businesses which provide wedding related goods or services

If thinking same-sex marriage would not have consequences, is the “biggest lie”…

This is the most significant statement of truth:

“My people perish for lack of knowledge.”

Hosea 4:6

While much of what happens is out of our control, spreading truth and knowledge is one thing that is within our control, and we must take a leadership role in educating people of faith and Christian leaders NOW. 

We are already working to protect religious liberty here in Florida, and we went straight to a large group of pastors in Central Florida to speak truth and help to equip them for the attack!

Just last week I spoke twice at the Florida Renewal Conference, to over 575 pastors and ministry leaders from all over the state of Florida.  The topic of my lecture was a:

Church Protection Checklist: There are specific bylaw provisions, and policies & procedures, which church leadership must have in place for a church to be legally protected if they come under an attack by gay-rights activists.  If these critical policies and documents are not in place at that time, the pastor and church could find themselves with serious legal exposure after an extensive legal battle, paying out immense fines and possibly losing the church tax exempt status.

If you are a pastor, or ministry leader, and would like more information on how to protect your church as we enter this turbulent time in our country’s history, please email a request for resources to INFO@FLfamily.org.  (Your contact information is confidential and will not be shared.) 

Click HERE to connect to our Pastors Resources Page to view this important document and others.

I know, we all want to think it can’t happen to us, to you, or to your church…but examples are popping up all over the country. It is only a matter of time until you read in your local newspaper that this is happening to a church near you, in your own community!

• In New Jersey, state officials attempted to revoke the tax-exempt status of a worship pavilion owned by the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association of the United Methodist Church after they declined a request to hold a same-sex “civil union” ceremony there.

• In New York City, the school board – denying equal access to public property – has been trying for nearly two decades to block churches from meeting for worship services in their public school buildings on Sundays.

• In New Orleans, a church group providing free food to people who had lost their homes to Hurricane Katrina was ordered to stop its ministry because the group also offered a voluntary prayer service and Bible study.

Even the four U.S. Supreme Court Justices, who dissented with the majority in the same-sex unions’ case, expressed grave concerns which they warned us about with stark words…

“…the majority’s decision short-circuits that process, with potentially ruinous consequences for religious liberty.”  – Justice Clarence Thomas

“Today’s decision…will also have other important consequences.  It will be used to vilify Americans who are unwilling to assent to the new orthodoxy.  … [They] will be exploited by those who are determined to stamp out every vestige of dissent.”  – Justice Samuel Alito

“Unfortunately, people of faith can take no comfort in the treatment they receive from the majority today.”         – Chief Justice John Roberts

Friday, June 26th, 2015 will always be to me the day that America turned one of the saddest corners in her over 200 year history.

America will never be the same again, because the floodgates that held back attacks on religious liberty have been busted wide open.

But it is also true…that how bad the damage is over time, will be partially up to us and what we do to stop and limit its destruction now. 

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, this is on our watch.              

This is our time.

We have been entrusted a great heritage, which values religious freedom, and it is our responsibility to protect it for future generations – as much as is within our power.

Would you please do 3 things today?

• Please forward this e-mail to your pastor and church leadership.

• Please pray for your church, your church leadership, and our country.

• And then, please give a gift, as generous as you can, to support the efforts of Florida Family Policy Council as we work to protect religious freedom in Florida.

I hope you will join me taking action today, to protect our religious liberty tomorrow.

Thank you for standing with us,

Sincerely,

John Stemberger
President
Florida Family Policy Council

PS:  Please know how much I appreciate you standing with us by communicating to your pastor and church leadership; praying for your church, its leadership, and our country; and giving a gift (if you are able to) today. This is a hill we are willing to die on and we will never give up. But we can’t do this without you. Thank you!

The post The Biggest Lie: Same-Sex Unions Don’t Affect You appeared first on FFV.

URGENT UPDATE

With the Supreme Court’s decision, your gift to protect family and freedom is more crucial now than ever!

BREAKING NEWS – the U.S. Supreme Court has made its decision regarding marriage.

In a 5-4 decision, a misguided majority of the Court says that same-sex marriage is somehow now a fundamental “right.”

What will happen as a result of this ruling makes your support today, more important than ever.

WHAT JUST HAPPENED:

Earlier today, in a 103 page legal decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage is now a “right.” Two homosexuals will now be afforded the same benefits of a marriage, and this in turn opens the floodgates for attacks on religious liberty for those who disagree.

Today’s redefinition of marriage by the U.S. Supreme Court not only affects the institution of marriage and states’ rights, it also represents a frontal assault on religious liberty and free speech. When a new right is created out of thin air then the question soon arises: What happens when that new right conflicts with other rights, like right to free speech, freedom of religion and freedom of association?

Core First Amendment rights that Americans for centuries have bled and died for are being trampled. Our morally declining society, together with judicial activism in our courts, is opening the flood gates for legal attacks and discrimination against U.S. citizens who hold those rights dear.

WHO IS AFFECTED:

Courthouses and its employees, pastors and churches, faith-based non-profit organizations, business owners and employees with deeply held religious convictions and values… and this is just the beginning.

Courthouses and their employees across the nation will immediately prepare for the changes, with those employees being forced to facilitate same-sex marriages or potentially lose their job – even if this violates the conscience or religious convictions of those courthouse employees.

Pastors and churches will be the most vulnerable as questions will begin to emerge as to whether or not their churches are considered a public accommodation and therefore subject to being regulated by employment and housing policies.

Parents will have no say in what their children are taught about marriage in public schools–with no notice and no opt-out option.

Faith-based non-profit and relief organizations will be vulnerable. Even the Solicitor General of the U.S. Supreme Court said in his oral argument before the court admitted that religious non-profits would “have an issue” if homosexual marriage becomes a fundamental right.

Businesses will be vulnerable. Declining from performing wedding related services for homosexual couples becomes “discrimination” as so-called “non-discrimination ordinances” ramp up to effectively punish those who disagree with same-sex marriage. Those who hold religious convictions which had been protected just yesterday, now become targets for lawful religious persecution under deceptively called “non-discrimination” ordinances or laws.

Religious liberty is the cornerstone of our culture and protecting it right here in Florida is now a top priority.

Will you stand with us and protect religious liberty with a gift today?

THE BACKGROUND:

Today the highest court of this land ignored the rule of law and the will of the people in over 38 states. Though countless millions of U.S. voters have defined marriage as between a man and a woman through legitimate democratic process, five judges in one decision today have disenfranchised them.

While various lawsuits were being filed throughout the country in recent years by same-sex couples, rather than LEAD by example, uphold current laws and follow the Constitution, the Supreme Court chose to FOLLOW lower court justices down the path of judicial activism.

Sadly, the court deliberately ignored the plain meaning and legal history behind the Constitution, foolishly disregarded what is self-evident in biology, logic and the collective wisdom of human history.

MY OPINION:

The decision by the U.S. Supreme Court today was an illegitimate act of raw judicial power, judicial activism and arrogance.

In dissent of the majority, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote, “But for those who believe in a government of laws, not of men, the majority’s approach is deeply disheartening.” … “The majority’s decision is an act of will, not legal judgement. The right it announces has no basis in the Constitution or this Court’s precedent.”

Dissenting, Justice Scalia wrote, “The opinion is couched in a style that is as pretentious as its content is egotistic.” And, “The stuff contained in today’s opinion has to diminish this Court’s reputation for clear thinking and sober analysis.”

Addressing the decision today and the future impact, Justice Alito writes, “Today’s decision usurps the constitutional right of the people to decide whether to keep or alter the traditional understanding of marriage. The decision will also have other important consequences.”

The bottom line, is that the decision by the majority is extremely disappointing, but we are called to be faithful and stand for what is right, regardless of the circumstance.

ANOTHER HISTORIC MISTAKE:

Regardless of how it appears, today’s decision is not the final word on marriage. The U.S. Supreme Court has been wrong before, as in the case of Dred Scott when the court attempted to declare that black people were not persons.

The Court was also wrong in Roe vs. Wade when it effectively declared that unborn children were not persons.

Once again, the Court is wrong today in its attempt to force all 50 states and all U.S. citizens to legally declare that marriage is something other than the union of one man and one woman.

Marriage, and the children and families created by them, are not merely a legal or political constructs. These institutions help define the human experience and are necessary to the building of a civilization governed by ordered liberty.

While the majority of five justices were in favor of same-sex marriage, the four dissenting justices felt so strongly against the issue that they each went on the record writing their own dissenting opinion.

I will be providing a comprehensive in-depth analysis of the decision, and the specific direct and indirect repercussions we can expect here in Florida as a result of it. Please watch for this important email from me early next week.

WHAT WE DO NOW:

What do we do now? We double down on our efforts to rebuild a culture of marriage, we educate Floridians and protect our religious liberty through the legislative process, and we educate Florida voters where candidates stand on the issue of religious liberty for the benefit of future laws. We will never concede and we will never give up.

Whether it takes decades or generations, we will rebuild a culture of marriage. Basic social order in society depends on the thriving of marriage and family structures. It may even get worse in the short-term before it gets better, but in order for this civil society to continue and to thrive, it must value marriage of one man and one woman.
Stand strong in defense of marriage and religious freedom with your online gift now.

Americans of faith, yes, that means you, me, our families, friends, and fellow church members must brace ourselves and prepare for the inevitable: The further attack of our once precious, constitutionally guaranteed religious liberty and our fight to maintain it.

As sexual freedom increasingly trumps religious freedom, you and I and everyone who believes in God’s definition of marriage must expect to be targeted.

Those who oppose our biblical view of marriage will now try to silence us on this and other matters of religious conscience.

It’s already beginning. That’s why we need your help now.

This ruling isn’t a surprise. With the attacks of religious liberty on the rise, your Florida Family Policy Council staff and board of directors have been praying and hoping for the best, but realized the need to be prepared for the worst.

We have already met for an extensive and comprehensive 2 ½ day strategy session, brainstorming, examining our organization’s strengths and weaknesses, discussing strategy and opportunities, getting counsel from authorities on strengthening marriage and on how to reach the next generation. And out of this intense prayerful work and planning retreat, came a comprehensive strategy and campaign to rebuild a culture of marriage in Florida and beyond which we will be announcing soon. Right now, we are in the process of securing the funding needed to launch the campaign. We must consider the cost and launch the aspects of the campaign we have funding for. Our initial goal is $200,000 for the first two years of the campaign.

Homosexual rights activists love to accuse marriage advocates of being “on the wrong side of history.”

However, the reality of what marriage is, will never be on the wrong side of history.

The little boy in the inner city who longs to have a father in his life– that longing, will never be on the wrong side of history.

The little girl with two dads who wishes she had a mother to help her understand the changes in her body – that wish, will never be in the wrong side of history.

The unique and complimentary design and beauty of a man and a woman’s body will never be on the wrong side of history.

The teachings and books of every major world religion will never be on the wrong side of history.

Natural marriage celebrates true diversity and gender inclusivity when the two great parts of humanity come together and life springs forth and the next generation is born.

These truths will never be on the wrong side of history.

And that’s why I’m asking you to once again stand with Florida Family Policy Council, our staff, volunteers and network of churches statewide with a gift today.

When you give, you’ll be investing – directly in rebuilding our culture, protecting our religious liberty, and in the next generation – in the most fundamental fight for rights since Roe vs. Wade. After Roe vs. Wade, we fought for life. Now we fight for the right to live our lives, according to our faith and deeply held religious convictions.

This is the same liberty which even our Founding Fathers thought was so important that they sought to protect this liberty for all time.

Will you stand with Americans of faith all across Florida and this great nation for a future where your children and grandchildren are free to live their lives and run their businesses according to their faith?

I pray your answer will be an enthusiastic “Yes!”

Sincerely,

John Stemberger                                                                                                                 President, Florida Family Policy Council

PS: THANK YOU for your time to read this important email, for your prayers, and for your gift of support today.

May I ask you for one more thing? Once you have made your gift or mailed it in, would you please forward this email using the forwarding and sharing tools above to your friends and family who share our values and treasure religious freedom as we do?

Gifts can be made safely and securely HERE or mailed to:

Florida Family Policy Council, 4853 S. Orange Ave, Ste.C, Orlando, FL 32806

Thanks so much, once again!

PDF Link: With the Supreme Court’s decision, your gift to protect family and freedom is more crucial now than ever!

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