NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 21, 2007
CONTACT: Diane Gramley 1.814.437.5355 or 1.814.271.9078

State College Borough’s Christmas Present to Residents: Men in Women’s Restrooms

(Harrisburg) – Passage of a so-called anti-discrimination ordinance by the State College Borough Council on December 17^th will open the door to discrimination against employers with deeply held religious beliefs that homosexual acts are sinful, according to a statewide traditional values group. Additionally, the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) states that the ordinance will require employers to permit men who believe they are women to use the women’s restrooms and locker rooms in a workplace setting.

“Christmas time – the perfect time to push this type radical agenda through when everyone is busy with last minute shopping and preparation for the upcoming holidays. It appears the Borough Council is more interested in toeing the line drawn by homosexual and cross dressing activists than it is in taking steps to insure employers can make decisions that are best for their company,” Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA, commented.

This effort began last year with pressure being applied by the PA Human Relations Commission (PHRC)– specifically open homosexual chairman Stephen Glassman. It is part of his continued agenda to get municipalities to pass these type ordinances.

The inclusion of ‘gender identity’ is so radical that it was removed from the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) because open homosexual Congressman Barney Frank knew he did not have the votes to get it passed. In October PHRC Chairman Stephen Glassman was the signatory of a letter demanding that the ‘gender identity’ language remain part of ENDA. But even this bill only pertains to employers with fifteen or more employees not four as apparently the State College ordinance does.

“The full ramifications of this bill have not been explained to employers. Men in women’s restrooms do not make for a good and safe work environment and I don’t believe there is a husband in State College who wants his wife or a father in State College who wants his daughter confronted with that type situation in the workplace. Additionally have religious schools been told that if they participate in the reduced lunch program that is considered government appropriations and they would be required to hire homosexuals and cross dressers under this ordinance? What kind of message would this send the children attending those schools?” questioned Gramley.

State College Borough needs to be honest about the far reaching and damaging ramifications of this ordinance. No matter what homosexual and cross dressing activists say, it will have a negative impact upon the businesses within the borough.

(Philadelphia) -- It wasn’t enough to use Philadelphia’s Fair Practices ordinance to attack the Cradle of Liberty Boy Scout Council, now our native tongue is being attacked! The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) supports the right of Joey Vento, as a business owner, to place a sign reading “This is

America

. When ordering, please speak English" in his landmark South Philly cheese steak restaurant Geno's. Tomorrow December 14^th Mr. Vento will have his day in court.

“This is yet another example of just how unfair Philadelphia’s ‘fair’ practices ordinance is. In their attempt to not offend anyone, the City is offending many simply by their lack of common sense – common sense which tells you to get ahead in a new country you have to learn the language – common sense which says the Boy Scouts are good for a city,” commented Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

As Mr. Vento has noted, his grandparents came to this county from Sicily and had to learn English. There were no English and Italian signs because to truly become a productive citizen in your new country you have to learn the language. Mr. Vento’s grandparents knew that then and he knows that now.

The Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations views the sign as discriminatory and has asked Mr. Vento to remove it. He has refused, saying service has never been denied a customer; that would be bad for business. That assurance is not good enough for the Commission and intends on making an example of Mr. Vento by forcing him to remove the sign. They contend Mr. Vento violated a section of the city's Fair Practices Ordinance that prohibits the owner of a public accommodation from putting up a sign aimed at "any specific group" to make its members feel discriminated against or unwelcome.

“The sign provision in the Fair Practices Ordinance is ludicrous. If business owners can’t put up signs targeting a specific group, how can they put up signs targeting customers? Non-customers may feel discriminated against. If people were really offended by the sign placed at Geno’s or felt discriminated against, they would stop going there and they’d go out of business. If there was a real problem, it would be dealt with the American way – disgruntled customers leave,” Gramley concluded.

Philadelphia is facing another attack by the politically correct. Mr. Vento, as the Boy Scouts, is the one being discriminated against.

(Harrisburg) – Governor Mike Huckabee’s comments about isolating AIDS patients were made two years after Ryan White’s tragic death in 1990.

Those words now upset his mother, who wants to meet with the presidential candidate. The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) understands Mrs. White-Ginder’s continued grief, but encourages her to take a closer look at the AIDS epidemic. Her son was one of many innocent bystanders who have become victims of this horrific disease.

In the early 1980’s in an attempt to protect the nation’s blood supply and control the spread of HIV/AIDS, the Food and Drug Administration began banning blood donations by any man who had ever had sex with another man since 1977. That ban continues. In the early days of the ban, an error or oversight occurred when the blood used to obtain the blood clotting agents for Ryan contained the HIV virus with causes AIDS.

The CDC reports about 1.5 million people in the United States have been infected with the AIDS virus since 1981, resulting in more than 500,000 deaths. The CDC reports that the majority of those cases are men who have sex with men (MSM). In fact, in 2005, almost three quarters of HIV/AIDS diagnoses were for male adolescents and adults. The CDC also report that approximately 40,000 people become infected with HIV each year.

“The AFA of PA again asks why this fact is being downplayed. How would the picture have changed if HIV/AIDS had been treated as other unknown diseases? What other disease has been ignored in such a way that we now have a major public health risk?” questioned Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

If HIV/AIDS had been treated like other epidemics, including quarantine, the spread of the disease would have been minimized. The CDC now recognizes that bisexuals – those having sex with both men and women – are a bridge for AIDS to heterosexual women. The devastating affects of this disease could have been limited, if the proper medical procedures had been followed.

q Recently in Chicago four transplant patients receiving organs from one donor were infected with AIDS.

q In a 2005 study of 5 large US cities, 46% of African American MSM were HIV-positive.

q A November 21, 2005 editorial from the homosexual newspaper The Advocate confirmed the Food and Drug Administration’s ban on blood donations from men who have sex with men was a good idea. “To be precise and accurate, what the FDA, CDC, American Red Cross, and their international equivalents hope to prevent with their policies is the unwanted introduction of HIV into the blood supply by individuals who have engaged in “high-risk” behavior.”

q The Department of Health & Human Services also excludes gay men from donating bone marrow.

“If HIV/AIDS is not dealt with honestly, there will be no end to the epidemic. If homosexual activists force the FDA to drop their ban on blood donations from men who have sex with men, there will be many more Ryan Whites in the world. Mrs. White-Ginder needs to realize that the only compassionate response is to look honestly at the disease and realize that male homosexual activity is how it is spread in the majority of cases,” Gramley concluded.

Majority of PA Congressmen Vote to Recognize the Importance of Christmas and the Christian Faith, But . . .

(Harrisburg) – Last evening the U.S. House passed House Resolution 847 by a vote of 372 to 9. This resolution recognizes the importance of Christmas and the Christian faith. But the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide traditional values group, is questioning the vote of Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz.

“We are very pleased that seventeen of our nineteen Congressmen voted to recognize the importance of Christmas and the Christian Faith. Congressman John Murtha was one of forty who did not vote and unfortunately Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz decided to simply vote ‘present’ rather than take a stand on such a controversial issue as Christmas,” noted Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

On October 2^nd all nineteen of PA’s U.S. Congressmen voted in favor of a resolution supporting the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Apparently on that day Congresswoman Schwartz did not hesitate to vote for a resolution supporting the religion of the nineteen hijackers of 9/11 who brought down the World Trade Center, flew their airliner/missile into the Pentagon, and caused the death of the crew and passengers of Flight 93 as it crashed into a field outside Shanksville, PA.

“I believe there are more Christians in her district than Muslims and they deserve an explanation for her vote last night,” Gramley further stated.

Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee is Right in AIDS Statements – isolation of AIDS patients necessary and homosexual acts are unnatural and sinful

(Harrisburg) -- A statewide pro-family group responding to an AP story today of the 1992 responses of then senatorial candidate Mike Huckabee says those responses are still accurate in 2007. The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), which closely monitors efforts to normalize the homosexual lifestyle, also believes engaging in homosexual sex as sinful and ignoring the facts about HIV/AIDS has created a public health risk.

“CDC statistics show that males engaging in homosexual sex are the greatest risk factor for HIV/AIDS. Why is that fact being downplayed? What other disease has been ignored in such a way that we now have a major public health risk?” questioned Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

If HIV/AIDS had been treated like other epidemics, including quarantine, the spread of the disease would have been minimized. The CDC now recognizes that bisexuals – those having sex with both men and women – are a bridge for AIDS to heterosexual women. The devastating affects of this disease could have been dealt with if the proper medical procedures had been followed.

Currently the CDC bans men who have sex with men from donating blood. Recently in Chicago four transplant patients receiving organs from one donor were infected with AIDS. Receiving medical treatment is becoming increasingly dangerous as the facts about HIV/AIDS continue to be ignored.

“In the attempt to normalize a sinful, dangerous activity – homosexual sex – many innocent people have been hurt and even died as the result. The end of the AIDS epidemic will come only after true compassion takes control and that compassion is being truthful about HIV/AIDS. We can no longer be politically correct as we face this public health risk. If we want to end the AIDS epidemic start telling the truth,” concluded Gramley.

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 3, 2007
CONTACT: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355

The Headlines Should Read: City of Philadelphia’s Discriminatory Practices Against the Boy Scouts!

(Philadelphia) -- “What more does the City of Philadelphia want?” a statewide pro-family group is asking today as the Cradle of Liberty Scout Council (COLBSA) faces eviction for their adherence to the national policy in banning homosexuals. December 3^rd is the city-imposed deadline placed before the Boy Scouts to either sign a lease for $200,000 per year for use of a building that the Scouts built and have maintained since 1929 or pack their boxes and move out by May 31^st. The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), acting on the frustration felt by many in the three counties that will be directly affected by the city’s discriminatory practices against COLBSA, has delivered over 1,000 names supporting the Boy Scouts to Philadelphia Mayor John Street and City Council President Anna Verna.

“Philadelphia’s discriminatory attack upon the Cradle of Liberty Scout Council does not just affect the City of Philadelphia, but also the other two counties that are serviced by the Cradle of Liberty and the ones who financially support the Scouts from other surrounding counties. Delaware and Montgomery Counties are just as much affected by this decision as the City of Philadelphia. Over the last few days we’ve given some of those individuals an opportunity to express their frustration by signing the petition,” explained Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

The signers of these petitions are also sending a message to their elected officials – Mayor John Street may not be facing re-election because of term limits, but the City Council members will still be facing the voters.

Additionally, exactly what does the City of Philadelphia want from the Scouts who have already passed a non-discrimination policy stating that all people will be respected and their rights defended? Apparently homosexual activists, including City Solicitor Romulo Diaz, are not satisfied because the words ‘sexual orientation’ are not spelled out in the policy.

“Cradle of Liberty Council, Boy Scouts of America, operates to help children and their families in Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties in Southeastern Pennsylvania. As the most diverse youth serving organization in our service area, we are committed to this mission and we oppose any form of unlawful discrimination. All of our members repeatedly pledge to respect all people and defend the rights of others. Prejudice, intolerance and unlawful discrimination in any form are unacceptable within the ranks of Cradle of Liberty Council.”

“The City of Philadelphia and homosexual activists are trying to make an example of the Cradle of Liberty Scout Council. This attack on the Boy Scouts would not have happened if the words ‘sexual orientation’ had not been added to Philadelphia’s Fair Practices ordinance. This should be a warning to all that organizations such as the Boy Scouts will be one of the first targets if ‘sexual orientation’ is added to laws. The City of Philadelphia is more concerned with keeping homosexual activists appeased than they are in fighting gang violence, keeping kids off the streets and giving them some hope” Gramley further noted.

(Harrisburg) -- Today is World AIDS Day and a statewide pro-family organization, the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), stated that the truth is being side-stepped when it comes to HIV/AIDS and there seems to be major players in the deception. From November 28^th to 30th Rick Warren held Saddleback Church’s third annual ‘Global Summit on AIDS and the Church.’ There were over fifty speakers including Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. The first annual Youth HIV/AIDS Summit will be held on December 1^st.

“One must wonder when all these organizations which approach this issue from many different angles get together to discuss HIV/AIDS, whose idea wins out? Will it be those who say that everyone in the world should be tested for HIV/AIDS because they are likely going to contract it? Will it be those who encourage condom distribution or abstinence to stop the spread of AIDS? Will it be those who view the AIDS epidemic as a moral issue and approach the solution in that manner seeking to address the cause of the ailment and not just treat the symptoms? Who wins out and how much accurate information is provided in the debate?” questioned Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

Gramley further commented, “HIV/AIDS cases are largely the result of sexual activity between homosexual men. Unfortunately, more innocent ‘bystanders’ are being exposed to the virus – a faithful wife whose unfaithful husband brings it home, those who receive tainted blood through transfusions and children are being added to the numbers of AIDS cases, but these can all be traced back to someone being involved in sinful activity.”

The AFA of PA hopes that the following information was included in the “Global Summit on AIDS and the Church.” If hard hitting and accurate – not politically correct – information is not presented then it will be the children of the world who will suffer the most because of the misinformation perpetuated by adults.

1.) On November 28^th did the speakers from the Mazzoni Center, Philadelphia’s GLBT health center, give the above statistics to the 14-21 year olds who attended the Rainbow Room’s World AIDS Day presentation at Planned Parenthood in Doylestown or were they encouraged to use condoms?

2.) As schools addressed World AIDS Day did they provide their students with accurate information or was it ‘politically correct’ information ignoring the high numbers of men who have sex with men and have HIV/AIDS? How did a school’s Gay Straight Alliance or GSA participate in observing World AIDS Day?

3.) On December 1^st will youth attending Saddleback Church’s first AIDS Youth Summit get accurate statistics or will it be a ‘feel good’ session?

“The AIDS epidemic is continuing largely unabated because the root issue – sin- is not being dealt with. Too many want to simply toss money at the problem trying to put a band aid on it and are creating the situation we have now with a disproportionate dollar amount being spent on AIDS research. If we don’t stop approaching the problem in a politically correct manner, the AIDS epidemic will continue,” Gramley concluded.

(Philadelphia) – Outgoing Mayor John Street’s decision to perform a same-sex commitment ceremony on Saturday at City Hall offers a further explanation in the course Philadelphia has taken in the past several years. Today the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide group which supports Pennsylvania’s one man, one woman marriage law and the effort to pass a Marriage Protection Amendment to the PA Constitution, faxed the mayor a letter of concern outlining the wrong messages that will be sent by his involvement in Saturday’s activities.

“Mayor Street has drifted off course during his political career. Once a strong advocate for traditional values, he can no longer be trusted to uphold those values that are supposedly part of his belief system,” said Diane Gramley, President of the AFA of PA.

Mayor Street is a practicing Seventh Day Adventist. Their beliefs include, “Marriage was divinely established in Eden and affirmed by Jesus Christ to be both monogamous and heterosexual, a lifelong union of loving companionship between a man and a woman. . . . . To this biblical view of marriage the Seventh-day Adventist Church adheres without reservation, believing that any lowering of this high view is to that extent a lowering of the heavenly ideal.”

q Marriage in the eyes of the children of Philadelphia and beyond will be redefined on that day (Saturday). In their eyes marriage will no longer be just between a man and a woman.

q Homosexual activists will be given a green light to challenge Pennsylvania’s Defense of Marriage Act. This is a political statement to them.

Under Mayor Street’s watch the City of Philadelphia has become even more ‘gay-friendly.’

q After election to his second term, held a Gay and Lesbian Inaugural Ball to raise funds for a homosexual center.

q Supported the ‘Get Your History Straight and Your Night Life Gay’ tourism campaign

q Street spoke at the unveiling of a gay historical marker across from Independence Hall.

q An official acting on Mayor Street's behalf presented a proclamation to ‘Team Philadelphia,’ a group of homosexual athletes competing in the 2006 ‘Gay Games’ in Chicago.

q Mayor Street signed a smoking ban, but ignored the greater threat to his City – the promotion of the homosexual lifestyle and all the health risks involved – including HIV/AIDS which is much more dangerous than smoking.

q But Mayor Street’s legacy will be the City reneging on a 1928 agreement with the Boy Scouts to permit them ‘in perpetuity’ to use a half acre piece of property in downtown Philadelphia. Because of the Scout’s ban on homosexual leaders, the Scouts must now pay $200,000 annual rent or by May 31st vacate the headquarters they built in 1929.

“The Mayor has officiated over less than ten marriages during his two terms as mayor. Even though he is insisting the ceremony is not marriage, homosexual activists are viewing it as a political statement and a giant step forward in their quest for so-called ‘marriage equality.’ Their ultimate goal is the legalization of same-sex marriage and Mayor Street’s decision helped in that effort,” Gramley commented further.

FBI Hate Crimes Statistics Released – Race Still Leads With Sexual Orientation a Distant Third; PA Hate Crimes Down

(Harrisburg) -- FBI hate crimes statistics released again show that it is much more dangerous to be an African-American or religious than it is to be homosexual, the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) noted today. Additionally hate crime incidences in Pennsylvania are down from 115 in 2005 to 97 in 2006.

The newly released FBI stats show that nationally 7,722 hate crimes incidences occurred in 2006 compared to 7,163 in 2005, an 8 percent overall increase. Of these all but two were single-bias incidences in which “51.8 percent were motivated by a racial bias, 18.9 percent were motivated by a religious bias, 15.5 percent were triggered by a sexual-orientation bias.” The numbers more specifically for the top three categories were 4,000 bias motivated incidences dealing with race (of those 2,640 were anti-black), 1,462 dealing with anti-religious bias and 1,196 based on sexual orientation.

“These statistics show 97 hate crime incidences in Pennsylvania in 2006 that is down from 115 in 2005. Proof that we do not need to pass a hate crimes law to replace the one just declared unconstitutional last Thursday. There are already laws on the books to deal with murder, assault and property damage. Passing any hate crimes law gives special protection to certain classes of people, thus creating unequal protection under the law,” commented Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

Intimidation again led the total number of offenses at 2,508 out of a grand total of 9,080. Putting this whole picture into perspective, an estimated 1,417,745 violent crimes occurred nationwide in 2006.

“Throwing all these numbers out for the American people to consume each year, highlights the fact that hate crimes amount to a very small number of overall crimes committed in the United States. The AFA of PA abhors attacks against anyone, but attempts to change laws to give certain groups special protections distracts from the overall goal of law enforcement. Enforce the existing laws, hate crime laws are not necessary and new laws are even less necessary,” further commented Gramley.

(Harrisburg) – Today the Commonwealth Court handed down a decision declaring Pennsylvania’s hate crimes law unconstitutional. Since its passage and subsequent signing into law by then-Governor Mark Schweiker, many had claimed that the bill – H.B. 1493 -- had been passed in an unconstitutional manner. The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide pro-family group, expressed relief about today’s court decision.

“The AFA of PA and others have argued since November 2002 that gutting an agricultural vandalism bill dealing with eggs, milk and fruit trees and making it into a hate crimes bill was not simply wrong but also violated Pennsylvania’s Constitution. Today the Commonwealth Court agreed with us,” commented Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

In June of 2003 Gramley and Fran Bevan, president of Pennsylvania Eagle Forum, were plaintiffs in a similar lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of H.B. 1493. Each was involved in the lawsuit as individuals and not in their official capacities nor representing their respective organizations. In July 2005 that lawsuit was dismissed saying that neither Gramley nor Bevan had legal standing in the case. Only Judge Pellegrini dissented in that decision saying that as citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania both had standing.

Since the initial lawsuit challenging the law’s constitutionality, eleven Christians were arrested in Philadelphia in October 2004 and charged with a hate crime. Seven of these individuals were plaintiffs in the refiled challenge – surely their standing would not be in question!

“All citizens who take our PA Constitution seriously should be grateful for today’s decision. Legislators must follow the rules when creating new laws in Pennsylvania and not gut bills to create something that was never intended by the original authors of the bill,” further commented Gramley.

Only newly retained President Judge Bonnie Leadbetter dissented in today’s decision.

“ . . . we agree with Petitioners that HB 1493 did not retain its original purpose as it moved through the enactment process.” (page 8)

“Therefore, we conclude HB 1493 was altered to change its original purpose and Petitioners are entitled to summary relief on this basis.” (page 9)

Philadelphia Boy Scouts Face a Greater Danger with New Mayor Elect, Pro-Family Group Says

(Philadelphia) – With the election of Michael Nutter to the office of mayor of Philadelphia the Cradle of Liberty Scout Council will be in greater danger now than they are currently under Mayor John Street. The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide traditional values group, expressed great concern for the Scouts today and in a faxed statement to current Mayor John Street asked him to take any steps necessary before he leaves office to stop the eviction of the Scouts and the demand for $200,000 per year in rent.

“In our letter to Mayor Street we asked if he wanted his legacy as Philadelphia mayor to be that he allowed the City to renege on an 80-year agreement and kick out the Boy Scouts. This year has seen 348 homicides in the City of Brotherly Love, the vast majority are poor African-Americans. Why is the City picking on the Scouts which is helping keep kids off the streets -- 75% of those they serve are African-American most of whom live in the inner city,” commented Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.

Mayor-elect Michael Nutter served on the Philadelphia City Council from 1992 until June 27, 2006 when he resigned to run for mayor.

q In 2002 co-sponsored a bill that amended the city’s Fair Practices ordinance to include transgenders

q In 2005 supported the first openly homosexual candidate for the Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia, even though she was not the official Democratic candidate

q As City Council member he supported the City’s efforts to evict the Scouts or demand rent. Even during the final debate one day before elections, Michael Nutter said that he fully supported the city’s actions in demanding $200,000 in annual rent from the Cradle of Liberty Scout Council.

“Mayor-elect Nutter has indicated that he wants homosexual ‘community’ centers to be partially funded by municipal funds. Will some of the Boy Scout rental money go towards groups targeting youth who identity as homosexual, bisexual or trangender as some have indicated they want? The Cradle of Liberty Scout Council issue goes well beyond the city limits of Philadelphia as was indicated by the approximately 134,000 e-mails Mayor Street’s office received shortly after the announcement that the Boy Scouts would be charged $200,000 per year in rent. This indicates how deeply people feel about this outrageous attack on the Scouts,” Gramley further commented.

The AFA of PA believes Michael Nutter needs to look beyond an increased police presence in certain areas of the city, closing down streets, limiting travel in some areas, and ‘stop and frisk’ to help decrease the record number of homicides, He needs to fully support the Cradle of Liberty Scout Council and help them as they help young boys who might otherwise be on the streets -- 75% of which are African American boys in the inner city.

The $200,000 in rent will either prohibit the formation of 30 new Cub Scout packs or 800 needy kids from going to summer camp.

“Mr. Nutter has to decide whether he wants to support the radical homosexuals in his city or the vast majority of his new constituency who does support the Boy Scouts. According to an April 13, 2007 Philadelphia Gay News article only about 5% of the population in the city is made up of homosexuals and bisexuals,” noted Gramley.

Only Four Pennsylvania Congressmen Vote to Protect Pennsylvania Businesses

(Harrisburg) – Wednesday evening brought an outright attack against businesses around the nation – especially small businesses – but only four Pennsylvania Congressmen took a stand to protect those businesses. The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide traditional values group, commends the efforts of Congressmen Tim Murphy, John Peterson, Joe Pitts and Bill Shuster in their vote against the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) which adds ‘actual or perceived sexual orientation’ to federal hiring laws and will affect all businesses with fifteen or more employees.

“H.R. 3685 is yet another effort to force Americans to view homosexuality and bisexuality as normal. Even though the words ‘gender identity’ are not in the bill, under the term “perceived,” in Section 4 transgenders, etc., can still claim protection. What about the other sexual orientations – bestiality, pedophilia and all the others? This will create a litigation nightmare,” Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA said.

Senator Ted Kennedy has said he will introduce this anti-business bill in the Senate. On October 23^rd the White House issued a Statement of Administrative Policy stating that President Bush’s senior advisors would recommend he veto ENDA. The policy statement raised several constitutional concerns.

“It’s a sad day in Pennsylvania history when only four of our nineteen Congressmen have enough courage to stand against a well-funded effort to normalize a lifestyle that has claimed the lives of 300,000 men in the United States since 1981. According to the CDC 71% of all HIV infections among male adults and adolescents in 2005 were men who have sex with men. Where is the courage of the others put into office by their constituency? How will their local business owners and religious communities respond to this attack by their elected officials in Washington, D.C.?” questioned Gramley.

Congress should be working to encourage and help businesses, not set up stumbling blocks to harm them.

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 12, 2007

CONTACT: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355

Two State Representatives Stand for Marriage in Their ‘No’ Vote on Domestic Partner Benefits in Contract

(Harrisburg) – Yesterday’s vote to approve the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) faculty contract was another attack on marriage, the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA), a statewide pro-family group, said today. The group commends the two members of the Board of Governors who had enough courage to do the right thing and vote against the addition of these benefits to the same-sex partners of homosexual faculty members.

“Representatives Matt Baker and Mike Hanna’s vote represents an effort to protect marriage and its unique role in our society. The other elected officials – Governor Ed Rendell, Senator Vincent Hughes, and Senator James Rhoades are wrong and have voted to undermine marriage,” AFA of PA president, Diane Gramley noted.

Additionally, taxpayers will be asked to help fund this attack on marriage through state appropriations for the PASSHE. A request for a 5 percent boost in next year’s appropriations has already been made. If that increase is approved next year's tuition increase will be held to 2.1 percent.

In July the AFA of PA provided information to each member of the Board of Governors about the negative impact of extending domestic partner benefits to same-sex couples. Included in this information was ‘The Hidden Cost of Domestic Partner Benefits.” which states that one California company paid 17.1 percent more for same-sex couples than for opposite sex couples.

“Engaging in homosexual acts is very dangerous – even more dangerous than smoking as smoking only shortens a man’s life by around 13 years, while homosexual sex can shorten a man’s life by up to 20 years. Additional studies show increases in substance abuse, domestic violence, eating and psychological disorders. Those members of the Board of Governors who voted in favor of adding domestic partner benefits are unfairly asking all Pennsylvania residents to foot the bill for the increased costs of providing health care to those who engage in a dangerous lifestyle who also happen to work for the 14 schools that make up the State System of Higher Education,” Gramley stated further.

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