News & Tools for Christian Citizenship ‌ In a world that is ever changing, the redeeming love of our Lord and His calling on our lives has not changed. As His children, we are called to share the good news of the liberty, life, and love that is found in only in Jesus Christ with all those around us. On this National Day of Prayer and every day, we invite you to seek the Lord and to intercede on behalf our nation. Until all have heard and until His Kingdom comes, we must remain faithful servants of our Risen King. ‌ Biblical Marriage, Gender, and Family Proposed MI Adoption Bills Put Children and Families as Risk CTV is monitoring four new bills targeting adoption and traditional families. Three of the bills would repeal religious liberty protections for Christian adoption agencies, who hold objections to placing children in "alternative family environments." A fourth bill legalizes “second parent” adoptions, which allow any second adult to adopt a child if a judge determines it is in the child’s best interest. According to our partners as Michigan Family Forum, "Second parent adoption raises all kinds of legal and familial problems and is a further attempt to undermine our common understanding of the traditional family." To read the legislation stripping adoption agencies of their religious liberty protections, click here.To read the second parent adoption legislation, click here. A Biblical Rebuke of the Equality Act As this bill is still pending before the US Senate, this perspective is valuable for those considering contacting their senators. “Contrary to its name, the Equality Act does not advance equality or stymie unjust discrimination. A careful analysis of the bill’s text reveals that it will accelerate discrimination against tens of millions of Americans whose beliefs about human sexuality and marriage are informed by science and religious convictions. It will mandate conformity to an ideology antithetical to core tenets of the biblical worldview and codify a host of harmful social policies that touch on nearly every facet of life.” Learn more. Judge Tosses Lawsuit Barring Transgender Students in Girls Sports A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit that sought to prevent transgender athletes from competing in girls high school sports in Connecticut. Thankfully, the Alliance Defending Freedom will appeal this decision. Read more. In Defense of the Sanctity of Life The Pro-life Movement is Making Tremendous Gains Nationwide Over 500 pro-life laws have been introduced across the nation so far in 2021! We can be the generation that ends abortion. Read more about the progress in the battle for life. Lubbock Voters Establish a Sanctuary City for the Unborn "Voters in the City of Lubbock approved the Sanctuary City for the Unborn ordinance that seeks to make it illegal to perform an abortion inside city limits. The ordinance that the Lubbock City Council called unconstitutional and unenforceable was put to a public vote through a petition process. The ordinance was the only item on the City of Lubbock's May 2021 election ballot, and it passed on Saturday." Read more. Federal Officers Reverse Limits on Fetal Tissue Research Amid these wonderful strides to protect the sanctity of human life, the US Executive Branch has taken a different direction. In late April, federal officials reversed Trump administration restrictions on using human fetal tissue for medical research. Read more about what this means for the pre-born.  Good Governance & the Rule of Law 6th District US Circuit Court Protects Free Speech This ruling, which is the first of its kind, is a major victory for common sense, which is all too uncommon in our culture today! Concerning the right of a professor to follow his conscience and abstain from using preferred pronouns, “The court went on to clarify that the Supreme Court has recognized that the government may not compel a speaker to affirm a belief with which the speaker disagrees.” Read more. Unlock Michigan Initiative Passes Initial Review The Unlock Michigan was determined to have enough valid signatures, according to the State Bureau of Elections. The petition was moved to the Board of Canvassers for certification, where two members, acting along the lines of a partisan split, refused to certify the signatures that were declared legitimate by the Bureau of Elections. According to Unlock MI, "Court precedent is clear: these Board members had a legal duty to certify [the] petition, but they refused to do their job, wanting to stall the inevitable even longer!" In response, Unlock Michigan is filling a suit with the Michigan Supreme Court. CTV will continue to keep you updated on this important issue to restore the balance of power between our legislative and executive branches. Ongoing Efforts to Restore Election Integrity In Michigan CTV staff is actively working with leaders across our state to restore election integrity in Michigan and continues to monitor proposed legislation and litigation on this important issue. For a broad overview on action taken by our legislators, check out this update from former Secretary of State, now Senator Ruth Johnson. Donate to CTV Citizens for Traditional Values is supported entirely by the generous donations of businesses, individuals, and churches. 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