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Anoka-Hennepin School District Loses Court Case on Sex-Separated Bathrooms
On September 28th, the Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 that the state's largest school district, Anoka-Hennepin, must allow students to use restrooms and locker rooms on the basis of their gender identity rather than their biological sex. Last year the parents of a student identified as N.H. alleged that the school had discriminated against their daughter, who identifies as a male, by telling her not to use the main boys’ locker room. The school provided a separate locker room for her because she was not comfortable using the girls’ locker room.
Although the school made accommodations for N.H without compromising the privacy of other students, this was not enough. Unfortunately, the Appeals Court has determined that privacy for all students in locker rooms is discriminatory and that students should be required to share intimate spaces with members of the opposite sex.
Judge Matthew Johnson dissented with the court’s ruling, pointing out the obvious, that “the anatomical differences between transgender boys and cisgender boys are relevant for the obvious reason that they are visible when boys shower or change clothes in shared spaces.” Acknowledging that boys and girls are different should not be controversial, nor should a common-sense policy protecting the privacy of all students be viewed as “discrimination.” Adolescence is awkward and difficult without forcing students to shower and change in front of a member of the opposite sex. The court’s ruling disregards the privacy rights of Minnesota’s students.
Anoka-Hennepin spokesperson Jim Skelly noted that the federal government found the school district’s actions to be satisfactory and told the press that the school district is considering next steps, which could include an appeal, a settlement, or trial.
[Share this piece by Patience Griswold at The Family Beacon]
This is a crucial election year, and after our amazing fundraising dinner, we raised enough funds (hopefully!) to send copies of our Voter Guide to every church in Minnesota that requests them - that's thousands and thousands of guides!
Do you need our voter guide for your church or a community group? You can use this form to request our 2020 guide in bulk. We're asking for a suggested donation to cover our processing and shipping fees. You can also donate here to support our work informing Minnesotans about what's at stake this fall! We have no time to lose - early voting has already begun!
Do you need a voter guide personalized just for you? Use mnfamilyvoter.com to see exactly which candidates will be on your ballot, and where they stand on the issues.
PULPITS & POLITICS Ep. 5: What are common misconceptions about politics and politicians?
I'm pleased to share with you the fifth video in our PULPITS & POLITICS video series about Christian political engagement.
We brought pastors together earlier this year to speak with one of our elected officials (Rep. Jim Nash of Waconia) about what biblical citizenship looks like. The resulting conversations became a series of seven videos, which we're releasing one at a time for our supporters.
The fourth video features Pastor Joe Rigney of Cities Church in St. Paul. Joe was also recently appointed the second president of Bethlehem College and Seminary in Minneapolis. The title is What are common misconceptions about politics and politicians? This question may be of interest to you, someone in your family, or someone in your church. Click here to watch the video. If the video is helpful to you, FORWARD it to a friend or family member!
There are two remaining videos that we'll share over the coming weeks:
- How is politics a calling for Christians?
- What is the cost of being a Christian politician?
Additionally, there are four videos we've already featured. Click the video title to watch each one.
For Abortion to Become Unthinkable, Roe Must Go
The nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court has brought renewed attention to the urgent need to overturn Roe v. Wade. Over 61 million babies have lost their lives to abortion since the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade ruling, with the U.S. committing an estimated 98 abortions per hour. This is an evil that must be stopped, which means that ending legalized abortion is absolutely necessary. As Abby Johnson pointed out when she spoke at Minnesota Family Council’s annual dinner in September, in order to make abortion unthinkable, we must make it illegal. The appointment of a justice who recognizes the humanity of the unborn is an important step in that direction.
Tragically, our society often fails to grasp the true horror of abortion. The pro-life movement is frequently met with the glib response, “Don’t like abortion? Don’t get one!” as if abortion was merely a matter of personal preference, like a tattoo or a haircut, rather than the destruction of a human life. Because abortion is legal, people often assume that it is morally acceptable, or if nothing else, morally neutral. By legalizing abortion, the Supreme Court rendered a moral opinion on abortion, creating an uphill battle in the fight to build a culture of life. As long as abortion is legal, it will be treated as if it morally acceptable.
The Supreme Court precedent set by Roe v. Wade and its companion case Doe v. Bolton prevents states from making abortion illegal, which means that in order to ban abortion in the United States, Roe v. Wade must be overturned, but that will not be the end of the fight for life. As Breakpoint pointed out last year, “Even if Roe is completely overturned, most Americans will still live within driving distance of a state where abortion will be legal.” When Roe is overturned, the fight against legalized abortion will move to the state level, where several states, including Minnesota, have court rulings claiming that abortion is protected under their state constitution, as well. Those rulings will also have to be overturned and laws protecting the lives of the unborn will need to be passed.
Making abortion illegal is a vital step in protecting the unborn, but the pro-life movement must also work to make abortion unthinkable. We must replace a culture of death with a culture of life, where human life is cherished at all stages. We must build a culture that offers compassionate support to women and families in difficult circumstances, that sees children as a blessing, and that rejects the terrible lie that women need abortion. The work of the pro-life movement will not be finished when abortion becomes illegal, but making abortion illegal is a necessary step as we move toward making abortion unthinkable, and in order for that to happen, Roe must go.
[Click here to SHARE this news on The Family Beacon]
Christianity and Wokeness Event TOMORROW
We're excited to share this event in Minnetonka on Saturday featuring Dr. Owen Strachan. Given everything that has gone on this year, this is a much-needed call for churches to cling to the true Gospel. Tickets are still available at $15/person. Event description:
This event seeks to equip Christians to understand and rightly engage subjects like race, ethnicity, Critical Race Theory (CRT), justice, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Dr. Owen Strachan will compare "wokeness" to scriptural theology, helping attendees to understand that CRT—like related ideology—is a distinct system from biblical Christianity. Ultimately, this event seeks to help Christ's church to be salt and light by training attendees to speak the truth in love on divisive matters.
Talk 1: What Are the Major Claims of Wokeness?
Talk 2: How Does the Bible Present Ethnicity?
Talk 3: Why Is Wokeness an Ungodly System?
Talk 4: How Should We Understand History?
Lunch Provided
Question & Answer
This event is hosted by Redeemer Bible Church, in partnership with Christ Church—Twin Cities, and Riverview Baptist Church in West St. Paul. Click here to buy tickets.
You can also livestream the event online.
Educating and Equipping Parents on the Transgender Trend
Get Your Copy of the Minnesota Parent Resource Guide! The Parent Resource Guide sheds light on the consequences transgender ideas have on kids' lives, while equipping parents to play a positive role in creating a truly welcoming school community.
Responding to the transgender trend with truth and compassion starts with the Parent Resource Guide. Get your copy HERE today and invite a friend to do the same! Click to order your copy today:
Support MFC When You Shop Online - now on mobile!
Did you know that when you shop with Amazon Smile, Amazon makes a donation to Minnesota Family Institute at no cost to you? This is one of the easiest ways to support our mission of advancing life, family, and religious freedom in Minnesota! Now available in Amazon's mobile app!
Thank you for sharing Minnesota Family Council’s vision for strong families and communities through Christ. As we approach a momentous election, we need your support now more than ever. Click here to give now. We are grateful for your partnership with us through prayer and financial support.
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