| Welcome to the Family Beacon, your source for news and commentary on life, family, and religious freedom in Minnesota and beyond! This week: If this message was forwarded to you, sign up here to get pro-life, pro-family news every week. |
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| A Judge Who Can't Say What a Woman Is Should Not Sit on SCOTUS |
|  | The confirmation hearings in the Senate Judiciary Committee for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson have been a relatively peaceful affair. In comparison to the ruthless attacks on Justice Brett Kavanaugh and Justice Amy Coney Barrett, there has been relative civility surrounding the D.C Court of Appeals judge. While it is likely that Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson will be confirmed, it is good to take a dive into her actual rulings and responses to questioning, not just her resume. Jackson’s stance on abortion has been problematic for most conservatives. In the hearing, she referred to Roe v. Wade as “the settled law of the Supreme Court,” while later acknowledging that if Dobbs v. Jackson overturned Roe then it, too, would be treated as precedent. But in 2001, Jackson was involved in a Massachusetts case dealing with pro-life counselors and their right to assemble outside of abortion centers. She co-authored a decision that allowed the creation of a “buffer-zone” between the counselors and the women entering the clinics. Conservatives have also expressed concern over loud support for Jackson from pro-abortion groups such as Planned Parenthood and the National Abortion Rights Action League (NARAL). A statement from Planned Parenthood stressed that “Judge Jackson will play a crucial role in the direction the court takes in the future.” |
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| So-Called Equal Rights Amendment Mostly Protects Men |
|  | The victory of Lia Thomas, a male swimmer who identifies as a woman, over his female counterparts in the NCAA championship, puts another nail in the coffin of the achievements of the 20th century women’s movement, such as the existence of competitive women’s athletics. While many have cried foul over his victory, the so-called Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) could enshrine unfair competition as a legal right. The bill has already passed out of at least one Minnesota House committee, and may be voted on by the whole House soon. It’s crucial that Minnesotans know what the real cost of the so-called “Equal Rights Amendment” would be. To understand this issue, let’s look at the history surrounding the ERA. It is important to understand the difference between the Minnesota ERA and the United States ERA. In its earliest stages, the United States ERA began as a bill that sought to give women equal protection under the law, saying “equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.” The bill, which was introduced in 1972, was never ratified at the federal level, although federal laws already prohibit sex-based discrimination in various areas such as employment. The Minnesota ERA is a successor to the federal bill, but with a twist. The important distinction between the Minnesota ERA and the ERA of our parents’ generation is the subtle change of language. Equal protection on account of “sex” (male or female) has been changed to “gender,” opening the doors wide open to the chaotic world of gender theory. The problems that this bill presents are obvious. First, while it may seem like an inconsequential semantic change, the inclusion of the purposefully vague “gender” allows for men like Lia Thomas to participate in women’s sports without any legal repercussions. Not only will athletes like Thomas be free to participate in women’s sports at any level, but any action to stop him will be viewed as discriminatory under the law. This was made clear in a statement from United States Rep. Maloney (D-New York), who argued that “[w]ith the ERA, we secure equality under the law for women and all marginalized genders.” |
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| Video: Moses Bratrud Speaks with Liz Collin about Attorney General Debate |
|  | This week, Moses Bratrud, our Communications Director, sat down with Liz Collin of Alpha News to discuss our upcoming Attorney General candidate debate. You can watch that by clicking here or on the thumbnail above. Tickets are $20-$25 for regular admission — buy now so you don't miss out on this event! We're grateful to our cosponsors, AM1280 The Patriot, Freedom Club, and Alpha News. They're helping us bring this event to YOU so that you can hear from these great candidates. And remember, we're conducting a straw poll at the debate to hear who YOU want to see on the ticket next November! Want to see more information about the event before locking in your tickets? Click here! |
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| Sign Your Teen Up for Our Leadership Camp (July 24-29) - Early Registration Deadline Just ONE Week Away! |
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| Promoted: Whose Children Are They? (Show this Film in YOUR Church) |
|  | Click here to watch the trailer for the new film "Whose Children Are They?" and click HERE for instructions on how to host a showing at YOUR church or school. |
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| Promoted: American Awakening: Identity Politics and Other Afflictions of Our Time (March 31) |
|  | AMERICAN AWAKENING: IDENTITY POLITICS AND OTHER AFFLICTIONS OF OUR TIME Presented by Bethlehem College & Seminary - In collaboration with Minnesota Family Council Dr. Joshua Mitchell Professor of Government, Georgetown University Thursday, March 31, 7–9pm Cities Church
St. Paul We have eliminated the modest cost of admission to the series in order to make these outstanding learning opportunities available to a broader audience. Refunds will be issued to those who have already subscribed to one or more lectures. The courtesy of your R.S.V.P., while not necessary for admission, is nevertheless requested such that appropriate plans may be made for seating and refreshments. |
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| Promoted: Sidewalk Counseling Training Seminar (April 26) |
|  | If you can hand someone a brochure, you can help save a life! Learn how to save babies by peacefully reaching out to those entering local abortion facilities. Prayer supporters are also needed and are welcome to attend. Open to Christians of all denominations. No charge. Hosted by the Sanctity of Life Ministry, Bethlehem Baptist Church, and presented by Pro-Life Action Ministries. Ample free parking in the church lot. For more information or to register, contact: [email protected] or call (651) 797-6364. Is God calling you to do more for the unborn? Learn more about sidewalk counseling here. |
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|  | Did you know that when you shop with Amazon Smile, Amazon makes a donation to Minnesota Family Institute at no cost to you? You can support LIFE, FAMILY, and RELIGIOUS FREEDOM while you shop by clicking here (smile.amazon.com/ch/41-1439560) or with AmazonSmile ON in the Amazon Shopping app and AmazonSmile donates to Minnesota Family Institute. Bookmark Amazon Smile in your browser so that Amazon will donate every time you make a purchase! |
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| | Get the Parent Resource Guide 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: |
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| | Thank you for sharing Minnesota Family Council’s vision for strong families, communities and culture through Christ. As we rise to meet challenges at the state and federal level, 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. For life, family, and religious freedom, |
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| John Helmberger, CEO Minnesota Family Council and Institute |
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| | Minnesota Family Council
2855 Anthony Lane S, Suite 150 | Minneapolis, Minnesota 55418-3265
612-789-8811 | [email protected] |
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