Eastern PA United Methodist Church Made the Right Decision, Traditional Values Group Says -- No 'Spiritual Violence' Took Place

(Pottstown, PA) -- The American Family Association of Pennsylvania commends the decision made yesterday in the trial of lesbian minister Beth Stroud. "Twelve of the thirteen members of her jury of peers made the correct decision in finding Ms. Stroud guilty. Church doctrine and Scripture is clear in this matter -- involvement in homosexual behavior is sin," Diane Gramley, president of the statewide traditional values group said upon leaving the proceedings yesterday evening.

Stroud declared her involvement in a homosexual relationship in a sermon in April 2003. Several meetings with her superiors did not resolve the situation created by Stroud's involvement in behavior that is incompatible with Church doctrine and Scripture. Charges were brought against her early this year.

"I witnessed no acts of spiritual violence against Ms. Stroud. She was treated fairly, given an opportunity to testify, and found guilty by a jury of her peers. Adhering to the truth of Scripture is not spiritual violence," continued Gramley.

However, the 12-1 decision was water-downed by an over three-hour wait during the penalty phase of the trial. While the decision to defrock Stroud should have, at the very least, also been 12-1, it was instead a 7-6 decision to remove her credentials.

"The overall outcome of the trial was correct because God's Word and the United Methodist Book of Discipline is clear. The jury should have adhered to Church teaching instead of trying to be 'creative in fixing a lesser penalty' as Stroud's counsel had encouraged the jury to do. The decision to defrock Stroud should have been 13-0 -- period," Gramley concluded.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 2, 2004

CONTACT: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355

PHILADELPHIA IS PLACE OF SPIRITUAL VIOLENCE, NOT POTTSTOWN -- PRO-FAMILY GROUP SAYS

(Philadelphia) -- The trial of openly homosexual United Methodist minister Beth Stroud in Pottstown is being called by certain pro-homosexual groups an act of spiritual violence against Stroud. A statewide pro-family group contends that the real spiritual violence is taking place in Philadelphia instead. American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) president, Diane Gramley stated today,

"There have been no acts of violence against Beth Stroud, but eleven Christians were arrested on the Philadelphia sidewalks in October while exercising their constitutionally protected right of free speech during the homosexual Outfest event. They each face up to 47 years in jail -- that is real spiritual violence. When the legislators return in January, we are calling on them to illiminate the homosexual special rights provisions in the hate crimes law, by removing 'sexual orientation' and 'gender identity.'"

In 2002 the AFA of PA warned that passage of the hate crimes bill would be used to silence Christians' message of hope in Christ. That law was used to arrest the Philadelphia 11 on ethnic intimidation charges. The message of hope in Christ has been declared hate speech in Philadelphia and all of Pennsylvania when it truthfully declares homosexual acts as sinful.

Stroud, who announced her involvement in the lesbian lifestyle in a sermon in April 2003, is being tried by a jury of peers in Pottstown. United Methodist Church law states that homosexual practices are incompatible with Christian teaching. The United Methodist Book of Discipline prohibits the ordination and appointment of self-avowed, practicing homosexuals as pastors. As most of the media's attention is directed on the trial in Pottstown and the so-called spiritual violence represented by the trial, Philadelphia is where the attention should be.

"Philadelphia can no longer be called the 'City of Brotherly Love." Strong evidence points to them selling out to homosexual activists and their intention is to 'make an example' of the Philadelphia 11. A compassionate society would also be truthful about the physical, medical and psychological dangers involved in the homosexual lifestyle," Gramley remarked.

(Harrisburg) -- The vote on SB 296, only after removal of the Birmelin and McNaughton amendments which would have strengthened traditional marriage, was met with outrage by a statewide pro-family group. The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) president, Diane Gramley, responded,

"It is outrageous, but the leadership in the State House just sent a message to all Pennsylvanians who uphold traditional values that the issue of marriage is not important enough to extend additional protection. The AFA of PA commends Representatives Birmelin and McNaughton for stepping forward with the amendments to forbid both the recognition of civil unions and the extension of domestic partner benefits to the same-sex partners of state employees."

The issue of same-sex marriage played a key role in the November 2 election. Senior White House adviser Karl Rove told reporters last week, "I think people would be well-advised to pay attention to what the American people are saying. This (marriage) is an issue on which there is a broad consensus."

Pennsylvania legislators, especially leadership, should also pay close attention to the issue of traditional marriage. They should recognize that their constituents do not want marriage threatened by civil unions or by the extension of domestic partner benefits to same-sex couples.

"For the well-being of families and children in the Commonwealth, legislators need to take the bold step of giving Pennsylvanians the opportunity to vote on a marriage protection amendment to Pennsylvania's Constitution. Passage of such an amendment will be the surest way to preserve one-man, one-woman marriage in Pennsylvania," continued Gramley.

The majority of Pennsylvanians realize the danger of recognizing civil unions, which is just marriage by another name. They also recognize the threat to traditional marriage, as well as the extensive financial cost of extending domestic partner benefits to same-sex partners. Each of these steps further undermine the societal foundation block of marriage. All Pennsylvanians who want what is best for children and families recognize the need to ban same-sex marriage, including civil unions. Most are recognizing the dangers to family and children if a marriage protection amendment does not become a part of Pennsylvania's Constitution.

(Harrisburg) -- Yesterday's overwhelming passage of the eleven state marriage amendment should send a clear message to legislators in Harrisburg -- one man one woman marriage is an important issue to voters. "Our question is why are many of the men and women representing us in Harrisburg not willing to address the issue," asked Diane Gramley, president of the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide pro-family group.

The AFA of PA has sent a statement to House Speaker John Perzel and House Majority Leader Sam Smith asking them to bring SB 296 to the floor of the House for a vote. The bill, with introduced amendments, would strengthen Pennsylvania's Defense of Marriage Act. On May 26 the bill was narrowly tabled until November 8 by a vote of 96 to 94, but currently is not on the House Calendar.

Gramley continued, "Each of these state's marriage amendments define marriage as only between one man and one woman. They passed with a high of 86% of voters in Mississippi to a low of 57% of voters in Oregon saying 'yes' to traditional marriage. Even though homosexual activists groups pumped millions of dollars into defeating the amendments, especially targeting Oregon, they came up short. Again, one man one woman marriage is important to voters and they recognize that the well-being of children is dependent upon that definition remaining the same."

SB 296 would be a stopgap measure, the additional step of a state marriage amendment would be necessary to fully protect marriage, preventing Pennsylvania from becoming another Massachusetts. Pennsylvania voters want an opportunity to vote on preserving marriage as between one man and one woman. Legislators in Harrisburg need to take decisive action to protect traditional families and to protect the children of the Commonwealth.

(Pittsburgh) -- Today an anti-violence group issued a statement commending the Clarion County Commissioners for taking quick action to stop a so-called 'adult toys' party at the local county park. Diane Gramley, president of the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) said, "The Commissioners are to be commended for their unwavering action in bringing to a halt this proposed 'get together.' The presence of 'adult' books was especially troubling since there is a direct correlation between the use of pornography and sexual assault."

Dr. Mary Ann Layden, director of education, University of Pennsylvania Health System, has been treating sexual violence victims and perpetrators for 13 years. She states, "I have not treated a single case of sexual violence that did not involve pornography."

The recent revelation that a "Passion Party" was planned on July 24 at the Clarion County Park highlights the increasing presence of pornographic material even in 'small town USA.' As this material has become more prevalent, an increase in sexual assault has been seen in these areas also.

Very disturbing is the fact that many local businesses had placed notices of the upcoming 'party' in their windows and on bulletin boards.

"As pornographers work to normalize their product, many Americans have become desensitized to the devastating effects of pornography. Individuals and families are destroyed because of its use. Children's exposure to pornography will have a detrimental effect on their normal sexual development and attitudes. The AFA of PA would hope that in the future local businesses will be more discerning as to what activities are acceptable to promote," Gramley continued.

The Clarion County Commissioners are set to review the park policies. It is the hope of the AFA of PA that the Commissioners will directly address the issue of such activities taking place at a family park.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 6, 2004

CONTACT: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355

PHILLIES' SPLIT PERSONALITY CONTINUES WITH SECOND ANNUAL GAY COMMUNITY DAY

(Philadelphia)-- Monday, August 9 will be the Philadelphia Phillies Second Annual Gay Community Day. Today the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a pro-family group, contacted the Phillies expressing concern that they are giving special recognition to many of those who are working to defund and oust the Cradle of Liberty Scout Council from their headquarters. In the process the Phillies have also abandoned the majority of families who support them.

The Phillies seem to have a split personality! Monday evening will be special recognition for those who engage in homosexual behavior. One of the co-sponsors of the event is the Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia, some of which are working to discriminate against the Cradle of Liberty Scout Council because of their adherence to the national policy of not permitting openly homosexual scout leaders.

http://www.galloplaw.org/whthap.html

"The Phillies are trying to have it both ways -- on one hand support those who engage in homosexual behavior and on the other support the Scouts. Most in the community see the support for the Scouts, but few know of the Phillies giving a 'special day' to those who are seeking to remold or destroy the Scouts. Last year was the Phillies' first step down the road of abandoning the families of the Boy Scouts who have supported the Phillies for years, if not generations," Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA remarked.

This year's decision is further indication the Phillies are simply interested in appearing 'politically correct.' The majority of parents attending do not want to have to explain to their children the words 'Gay Community Day' flashing across the marquee or the rainbow banners flying in the stadium

All indications from last year were that the Phillies fully embraced the idea of giving special recognition to homosexuals. But what is it that they are embracing? It is a behavior which, according to the Oxford University International Journal of Epidemiology, shortens the lives of the male participants by up to 20 years

Other studies report those involved in homosexual practices have increased risks of sexually transmitted diseases, cancers, eating and psychological disorders and domestic violence.

http://ije.oupjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/26/3/657?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=
10&RESULTFORMAT=&searchid=QID_NOT_SET&FIRSTINDEX=&volume=
26&firstpage=657&journalcode=intjepid

http://archpsyc.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/58/1/85

The Phillies have forsaken their base and families will be extremely cautious in the future when making plans to attend their baseball games. The American Family Association of Pennsylvania is urging the Phillies to stop promoting a lifestyle which is destroying the lives of many in Philadelphia and around the nation and to stop giving a 'special day' to those who are actively discriminating against the Scouts.

PRO-FAMILY GROUP COMMENDS PENNSYLVANIA SUPREME COURT FOR UPHOLDING LOCAL LICENSING ORDINANCE

(Pittsburgh) -- Today a statewide pro-family, anti-pornography group sent a congratulatory note to the Pulaski Township, Lawrence County Board of Supervisors for its continued tough stand against the Adultland XXX. "The consistently tough stand by not only the citizens of Pulaski Township, but the township supervisors has sent a clear message to the owner of this sexually oriented business (SOB) -- the law is the law, you must comply. Wednesday's decision by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in support of the township's licensing ordinance is a breath of fresh air for those who oppose

the establishment of SOBs," said Diane Gramley president of the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) reacting to the state higher court's decision.

The owner of the Pulaski Township SOB had fought the township ordinance since its inception -- especially the licensing and hours of operation provisions. Under public pressure the board of supervisors passed the licensing ordinance several months after the SOB opened. Adultland XXX has operated in non-compliance during the appeal process, but now is in a position where the owner will have to make some immediate decisions.

The Court's decision strengthens the AFA of PA's assertion that municipalities can regulate not only possible future SOBs, but already existing ones. Since last week the AFA of PA has been in the process of contacting each municipality in the state.

"The PA Supreme Court's decision follows on the heels of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in City of Littleton, Colorado, v. Z.J. Gifts. In this recent ruling the Court found that communities had a constitutional right to establish ordinances restricting adult businesses. Local elected officials need to know that they have the right to protect their communities from SOBs. That is why we are contacting each municipality in Pennsylvania, so there is no doubt that local elected officials know what steps they can take in regulating sexually oriented businesses," Gramley emphasized.

PRO-FAMILY GROUP COMMENDS MISSOURIANS FOR SUCCESSFUL PASSAGE OF MARRIAGE AMENDMENT

(Harrisburg) -- On Tuesday Missouri became the first state in the nation since the legalization of same-sex marriage in Massachusetts to pass a constitutional amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman. Today the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) congratulated Missouri voters for their courage in making the right decision on the issue of marriage. "Missouri is leading the way in the fight to protect marriage as between one man and one woman -- the very foundation of this nation is at stake and the voters know it. Seventy percent of Missourians said 'yes' to one man one woman marriage. Give the people a chance to vote and they will vote to preserve traditional marriage," remarked Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

A spring 2004 survey by the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute showed that Pennsylvanians favored a ban on same-sex marriage by a 2 to 1 ratio. Additional polling data consistently shows that Americans recognize marriage as between one man and one woman and disapprove of the idea of homosexual marriage. Homosexual activists do not want the people, but the courts to decide the question of marriage. If the definition of marriage is left up to the people, it will remain between one man and one woman. This is what homosexual activists fear. The homosexual activist group Human Rights Campaign spent over $100,000 in Missouri trying to defeat the marriage amendment.

"This is an issue that goes to the very heart of the existence of this nation as we know it. Scandinavian countries have had some form of same-sex marriage for a decade and marriage as an institution has suffered immensely. Yes, same-sex marriage will destroy marriage-- all we have to do is look to these Scandinavian countries for the devastating results of homosexual marriage," Gramley continued.

Nine, possibly as many as twelve more states, will vote on marriage amendments to their state constitution this fall. Because of activist judges Americans are recognizing the need to take additional steps beyond their Defense of Marriage Acts (DOMAs). The Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts chose the timing of this push for state marriage amendments.

"Pennsylvania is one of 38 states that have passed DOMAs. No matter that Massachusetts law forbids marrying out of state couples whose marriages would not be recognized in their home state -- it is happening through rouge town and city clerks. There are currently over 33 cases around the nation challenging DOMA, even more reason for states to act quickly to amend their constitution. We are calling on the Pennsylvania legislators to give the people of Pennsylvania an opportunity to vote on a marriage amendment to our state constitution. We cannot wait for the decision of an activist judge to strike down our DOMA or the federal DOMA. The people want to decide the issue. Let the people vote," said Gramley.

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 3, 2004
CONTACT: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355

Traditional Values Group Announces Anti-Pornography Project

(Harrisburg) -- Today the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of
PA) announced the beginning of a statewide anti-pornography project. "It is
becoming more evident that the pornographers are not only targeting large cities,
but small town USA and we have initiated steps to counter their efforts," Diane
Gramley, president of the statewide organization announced.

The project involves contacting all 2,570 municipalities in the state to make
them aware of steps local officials can take to regulate sexually oriented
businesses (SOBs). Types of SOBs include, but are not limited to, adult
arcades, adult bookstores, adult video stores, adult cabarets, adult motels,
adult motion picture theatres, adult theatres, escort agencies, nude model
studios and so-called "gentlemen's clubs."

The United States Supreme Court recognizes the secondary adverse affects of such
businesses. It confirms that SOBs in the community bring increased unlawful
sexual activity and sexually transmitted diseases. They also have a harmful
effect on surrounding businesses and bring down the property values of nearby
homes and businesses.

News accounts have made a connection between pornography use and sex crimes.
Pennsylvania's women and children must be protected against the detrimental
affects of pornography. One goal of elected officials on all levels must be to
protect the citizens who put them into office.

"Pornography has been called a victimless crime, but that is not the case --
women, children and families are destroyed by its use on a regular basis in
Pennsylvania. The goal of the AFA of PA is to educate local elected officials on
the steps they can legally take to restrict SOBs in their municipality. But our
goal also is to educate the general public on these steps so they can hold their
elected officials accountable. Pennsylvania's families are worth the effort,"
Gramley stated.

PHILADELPHIA IS WRONG-- BOY SCOUTS ARE PROVEN RIGHT AGAIN AND AGAIN, PRO-FAMILY GROUP SAYS

(Harrisburg) -- The revelations of the past week have been devastating for the children of Pennsylvania, a pro-family group said today. The American Family Association of Pennsylvania presented the recent assaults on our children as proof to Mayor John Street of Philadelphia that the City needs to stop discriminating against the Cradle of Liberty Scout Council simply because they are following the national office's policy of not permitting open homosexuals as Scout leaders.

"Within the past few days newspaper accounts from across the state have revealed the dangers posed to our children by those inclined to engage in homosexual behavior. Philadelphia should be praising the Cradle of Liberty leadership rather than threatening to oust them from their headquarters in the City," Diane Gramley, president of the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) remarked in response to the recent news stories.

Since 2000 the Boy Scouts have been targeted by homosexual activists because of their policy of not permitting open homosexuals as scout leaders. The United States Supreme Court ruled that the Scouts, as a private organization, had the right to control who would be in leadership positions. This decision has not stopped the attack on the Scouts by those who wish to force the Scouts into submission.

"The Boy Scouts are right in not permitting homosexuals as Scout leaders. To place young men in situations with adult men who are sexually attracted to them is very dangerous. Would parents want a man for their daughter's Girl Scout leader?" Gramley asked.

"Homosexualities," a Simon and Schuster book by Alan Bell, reports that 25 percent of homosexual men admit to having had sex with boys who are 16 or under.

A survey of readers was conducted by "The Advocate," a homosexual newsmagazine. Of the 2,500 respondents, 21 percent admitted that an adult man committed a sexual act with them by the age they were 15.

Research scientist and professor of psychiatry Gene G. Abel, M.D., has conducted a study of non-incarcerated child sex offenders and has found that homosexuals "sexually molest young boys with an incidence that is occurring five times greater than the molestation of girls." More specifically, the report shows that, on average, 150.2 boys are molested per homosexual offender, whereas only 19.8 girls are molested per heterosexual offender. Homosexual offenders admitted between 23.4 and 281.7 acts of molesting boys.

Since men who are "exclusively homosexual" - only 2 percent of the total
male population - are responsible for 21 percent of child molestation cases
involving little boys, this finding by one of the nation's leading experts
on pedophilia ( http://www.abelscreen.com/aboutasi.htm ) indicates that
exclusively homosexual men are ten times more likely per capita to molest
little boys than are other men. (The long discredited claim by homosexual
activists that homosexual men comprise 10 percent of the population would
still indicate that such men were twice as likely per capita to molest little boys.)

July 22, 2004: Upper Allen Township, Cumberland County Man Exposes Himself to 13-year old Boy in Sauna at West Shore YMCA

July 23, 2004: Bishop McDevitt High School Band Leader Charged with Soliciting Boys

July 23, 2004: Second Man Says Radio Station Owner Took Sexual Advantage of Him as a Teenager

In addition on July 23, 2004 an Allegheny County Jail male inmate accused a male guard of sexual assault.

"Lets face it, the Scouts are right in not permitting homosexuals as Scout leaders. Philadelphia and other municipalities which have added 'sexual orientation' to their ordinances are apparently seeking to discriminate against an organization simply because it wants to protect the young men in their charge. The AFA of PA will continue defending the Boy Scouts of America," asserted Gramley.

Governor Rendell and Pennsylvania General Assembly Chooses to Enslave Future Generations

(Harrisburg) -- In response to the passage of gambling expansion in Pennsylvania, a pro-family group today said that this vote on Independence Day would enslave Pennsylvanians of today and future generations. Two hundred twenty-eight years ago today in Philadelphia the Declaration of Independence was formally signed. As word of the Declaration spread across the new nation, Americans everywhere were delirious with joy -- cheering, waving, ringing church bells.

"Today there is no such celebration in Pennsylvania. These behind closed doors negotiations and early morning antics are nothing of which to be proud," remarked Diane Gramley, president of the American Family Association of Pennsylvania said.

The early morning passage of the gambling expansion bill would legalize 61,000 slot machines in 14 locations. This number would make Pennsylvania behind only Nevada in the number of slot machines. The supposed generation of billions of dollars would provide property tax relief, but already the debate has begun as to when property owners will begin getting that tax relief -- is it 2006 or 2008 or even longer, or will it ever come? The bill will also allow the borrowing of billions of dollars for public projects in anticipation of the gambling revenue.

"Borrowing money on income you are hoping will materialize is not the way to run a business or a government. In addition countless Pennsylvanians will become addicted to gambling as is evidenced in the formation of the compulsive Problem Gambling Treatment Fund as part of the bill. The governor and legislators know the addictive powers of gambling, but are not concerned about the ruined lives only the promises of the gambling cartel. Pennsylvanians today and for future generations have lost their independence on the day when we should be celebrating it. In the future, July 4th will always be remembered in Pennsylvania as the time the governor and majority of the General Assembly sold us into slavery," concluded Gramley

TRADITIONAL VALUES GROUP SAYS PENNSYLVANIA SHOULD BE PROUD TO ACCEPT GLSEN’S “F”

(Pittsburgh) – Today a traditional values group responded favorably to the “F” that the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network (GLSEN) is poised to give Pennsylvania and 41 other states. The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) claimed this as a victory for the citizens of the Commonwealth.

“An ‘F’ beside your state’s name in GLSEN’s grade book is a victory for children and families. GLSEN is concerned that Pennsylvania does not have enough laws and policies to protect homosexuals and transsexuals, yet we all have equal protection under the law and do not need special laws to validate an unhealthy lifestyle,” commented Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

The revelation that Pennsylvania would be receiving an “F” came at GLSEN Pittsburgh’s annual meeting on Wednesday. GLSEN’s concern over Pennsylvania’s lack of policies and laws is not substantiated as James Testerman, vice president of the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) and a teacher for 16 years, says he knows of no cases where teachers have been fired because of their sexual orientation.

“The facts do not back up the assertions that there is rampant discrimination against homosexuals. Laws and policies should not reward a group simply because of the sexual practices in which they engage. There is no need to change the PA Human Relations Act or the PA Fair Educational Opportunities Act to include ‘sexual orientation’ and ‘gender identity.’ To do so would be sending the wrong message to the children in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In addition, they would be discriminatory against those with deeply held religious beliefs that homosexuality is wrong,” Gramley stated.

Children should be warned of the dangers of the homosexual lifestyle not encouraged to experiment in it. Studies have shown that those who engage in homosexual sex are more likely to be exposed to HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, substance abuse, have eating and psychological disorders and be victims of domestic violence.

Schools should be aware of the possible charge of negligence if they, in any way, encourage children to engage in homosexual activity. If that child contracts AIDS in the future and the child’s decision to begin experimentation in the homosexual lifestyle can be directly traced to the school’s policies, is the school not responsible?

“To further protect all the families and children in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, we will try even harder next year to receive an “F-“ from GLSEN. The dangers of the homosexual lifestyle are real, they need not be celebrated or affirmed by changing laws and policies. The compassionate society would instead warn of these dangers,” concluded Gramley.

(Allentown) -- Today a statewide pro-family organization praised the decision of Allentown Judge Alan White to throw out the Allentown Human Relations Ordinance (HRC) which added "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" as protected classes in April 2002. The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) worked with citizens in their thwarted attempt to force the issue on the November 2002 ballot. "The citizens of Allentown have fought long and hard to have this homosexual special rights ordinance revoked -- June 14 was their day for victory," Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA said today.

Concerned citizens mounted a petition drive in the summer of 2002 to force a referendum question on the ballot. Signers of the petition faced intimidation tactics by homosexual activists and as a result 637 signed affidavits asking that their names be removed from the petition. Even though no procedures addressed the removal of names from a petition, the City Council directed the City Clerk to remove the names of those who requested it. This action invalidated the efforts by the petition circulators which would have given all the voters of Allentown an opportunity to vote on the addition of 'sexual orientation' and 'gender identity' to Allentown's Human Relations Ordinance.

Businesses such as St Luke's Hospital-Allentown Campus and the Carbon County Prison have been directly affected by the inclusion of 'gender identity' in Allentown's HRC Ordinance. Last year the hospital was sued by Dr. Gary Greenberg who legally changed his name, began hormone treatments, and began coming to work dressed as a woman. The Carbon County Prison was affected by the HRC ordinance because Allentown-based Teamsters Union local 773 prison guard Charles Tertel legally changed his name and began coming to work dressed as a woman.

"Businesses in Allentown or contracting with Allentown-based businesses should not have to worry about being forced to allow men dressed as women on the job. Monday's decision will be a giant step forward for all businesses in Allentown. The AFA of PA is also concerned about discrimination, but to give special rights to a group of people simply because of the sexual practices in which they engage or confusion about their sexuality is wrong. The majority of Pennsylvanians agree that special rights should not be extended to anyone based on their sexual preferences," Gramley continued.

The local Boy Scouts can also breathe a sign of relief! In February 2004 Stephen Glassman, Chairman of the PA Human Relations Commission, agreed with the assertion made by the AFA of PA that such ordinances would penalize the Boy Scouts because of their policy of not permitting open homosexuals in leadership positions. The Allentown Boy Scouts will be permitted to continue using public accomodations such as city parks since the HRC Ordinance has been discarded.

"Flag Day seemed like an appropriate day for the citizens of Allentown to win such a great victory for equality in their city. Our sincere hope is that the other municipalities which have made these changes to their HRC Ordinance will re-evaluate their decision," concluded Gramley.

American Family Association of Pennsylvania

http://www.afaofpa.org

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 21, 2004

CONTACT: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437-5355

TRADITIONAL VALUES GROUP COMMENDS LEGISLATORS EFFORTS TO STOP GAY MARRIAGE IN PENNSYLVANIA

(Harrisburg) -- Today in statements sent to each of twelve legislators and Pultrusions, Inc. named in a lawsuit against a Bucks County homosexual couple, a traditional values group commended their willingness to take a strong stand to preserve the marriage laws in Pennsylvania. In a lawsuit brought against the homosexual couple, Robert Seneca and Stephen Stahl, who were turned away in their attempt to obtain a marriage license in Bucks County on March 15, the plaintiffs seek to have the "Court declare that Pennsylvania's Defense of Marriage Act . . . and the rest of Pennsylvania's Marriage Law, . . . are constitutional under both the Federal and state constitutions even though they do not allow same-sex couples to marry."

"These legislators and this Bedford County business recognize the dangers same-sex marriage will be to our society. The situation in Massachusetts is out of control with some areas making available marriage licenses to out-of-state same-sex couples, which is against their state law. We commend those who have agreed to be named as plaintiffs in an effort to maintain the definition of one man, one woman marriage in Pennsylvania," remarked Diane Gramley, president of the American Family Association of Pennsylvania.

As if in confirmation of health risks mentioned in the lawsuit concerning sexual practices of homosexual males, the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association recently released Ten Health Risks of Gay Men. This list goes into greater detail as to the public health threat posed by those who engage in homosexual behavior. The list includes: HIV/AIDS; substance use; depression/anxiety; Hepatitis A, B and C; high rate in sexually transmitted disease in gay men; prostate, testicular and colon cancer; alcohol and tobacco abuse; eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia; and anal papilloma.

http://www.gaywired.com/article.cfm?section=9&id=185

In March 2004 the CDC reported increased risk of HIV among gays and club drugs links to HIV and syphilis

http://www.gaywired.com/article.cfm?section=12&id=2430

http://www.gaywired.com/article.cfm?section=12&id=2357

Earlier this month the CDC's STD prevention director John Douglas told reporters the data presented "show that drug resistant gonorrhea is a rapidly emerging health concern, particularly for gay and bisexual men."

Incidences of the drug-resistant disease are 12 times higher for homosexual and bisexual men than for other men, the homosexual newspaper the Washington Blade reported.

"How should a compassionate society respond to those who engage in risky behavior? Society should warn rather than encourage that behavior. To allow same sex marriage is to validate an extremely dangerous lifestyle. For the well being of all the citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, but especially the children, these twelve legislators and Pultrusions, Inc. have stepped forward to defend the fundamental building block of society. They deserve a hearty thank you from all who value families," Gramley stated.

# # #

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 19, 2004

CONTACT: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355

YORK COUNTY POISED TO MAKE FRAUDULENT CIVIL RIGHTS DECISION

(Harrisburg) -- Today a statewide traditional values organization faxed a statement to the York County Commissioners urging them not to expand the authority of the York City Human Relations Commission (HRC) because of the undue tax burden on the citizens of the county. For over a year the Erie County Executive has been attempting to dismantle their HRC because of the $50,000 burden the county HRC puts on the budget.

http://www.yorkdispatch.com/Stories/0,1413,138~10021~2156104,00.html

In addition the commissioners were encouraged not to add 'sexual orientation" to the county's non-discrimination ordinance which would be part of the overall plan to expand the authority of the HRC.

"The expansion of York City HRC to have jurisdiction over the entire county would be a costly move on the part of the Commissioners. Additionally adding 'sexual orientation' to their human relations ordinance gives special rights to a group of people simply because of the sexual practices in which they engage. This would not be a step forward for the county, but a step backwards," declared Diane Gramley, president of the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA).

This expansion was one of the recommendations in a report issued by York Counts recently. York Counts mission statement includes the need for a community made up of people committed to healthy lifestyles and a safer setting for family and community life.

http://www.yorklibraries.org/YorkCounts/mission.htm

"Apparently York Counts does not recognize the inherent dangers of adding 'sexual orientation' to the county's HRC ordinance. There are 36 known sexual orientations from bestiality to pedophilia. In addition, those who engage in homosexual practices are more likely to be exposed to HIV/AIDS and other STDs, substance abuse, eating and psychological disorders and one in five males are victims of domestic violence. To encourage this lifestyle through the addition of 'sexual orientation' to the county's HRC ordinance would not help make up a community of people committed to a healthy lifestyle," Gramley continued.

The following sources were documented:

* The Journal of the American Medical Association reports that "people with same-sex

sexual behavior are at greater risk for psychiatric disorders" - including bipolar,

obsessive-compulsive, and anxiety disorders, major depression, and substance abuse.

http://archpsyc.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/58/1/85

* A Detroit homosexual newsmagazine columnist recently wrote regarding his partner:

"This is his first relationship, so he has not yet been ruined by all the heartache, lies,

deceit, and game-playing that are the hallmark of gay relationships...A study I once

read suggested that nine out of 10 gay men cheat on their lovers."

http://www.pridesource.com/cgi-bin/article?article=3839978

* The Center for Disease Control warns that men who have sex with men "have large