Abortion `could triple risk of breast cancer` July 14, 2010 An abortion can triple a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer in later life, researchers say. Florida Again Leads Attendance at World`s Largest Marriage Conference July 9, 2010 Over 1,600 attendees are gathering this week for the “Smart Marriages” conference, the world’s largest annual gathering of marriage educators. CHURCH BULLETIN - Pro-Life bill HB 1143 June 3, 2010 This flyer about the Pro-life bill HB 1143 is made available to churches in Florida. Abortion bill sidelined as proponents inundate governor`s office with calls for approval May 28, 2010 Through Thursday, Crist`s office had received 20,018 calls, e-mails and letters urging him to sign the bill. Abortion Provision Nears Florida Gov. Crist`s Desk May 22, 2010 HB 1143, passed by the Florida Legislature on April 30, could be presented to Gov. Charlie Crist any day. Then Crist will have 15 days to decide whether to sign it, veto it or allow it to become law by default by not signing it. Rubio Speaks at Florida Family Policy Council Dinner May 16, 2010 Rubio delivered a 17-minute talk that focused on what he said is the intertwined nature of social, moral and economic well-being. Urge Governor Crist to SIGN HB 1143 May 5, 2010 Please contact Governor Crist today and respectfully urge him to sign this landmark pro-life bill into law. Abortions Declining in Florida April 14, 2010 Statistics released last week from Florida Right to Life, compiled from data gathered by the state Agency for Health Care Administration, show that Floridians are having fewer abortions. Chances appear better this year for abortion limits, school prayer and school vouchers. April 13, 2010 Voter dissatisfaction in Florida and nationally are contributing to the ideological shift, said John Stemberger. "It`s been four years since anything`s been gotten done to advance the causes of life or family or religious freedom," he said. Hospitals say they will heed Obama rule on gay, lesbian visits April 13, 2010 President Obama`s order that hospitals must stop denying patients visits from gay, lesbian and unmarried partners defuses a bitter dispute, but may not solve it. Several abortion bills await in Tallahassee March 15, 2010 John Stemberger, of the Florida Family Policy Council, said he`s delighted to see this year`s show of anti-abortion initiatives."There`s a frustration, I think, in the social conservative community, that Legislature has not been responsive," he said. Florida Ponders Tax as Tool to Aid Family March 9, 2010 A bill that aims to expand the state’s film incentive program — an effort to attract jobs, which is likely to pass — would add language limiting a proposed 5 percent tax credit to productions that do not exhibit or imply nontraditional family values. Will legislators gamble away state`s future? Feburary 8, 2010 The newest plan to save Florida involves turning it into Nevada. Line the state with casinos, rake in the billions and live tax-free ever after. It`s enough to make the conservatives in Tallahassee swallow their principles and sit down to deal. It sp House panel kills Seminole pact, approves gambling changes January 15, 2010 A House panel unanimously shot down a gambling deal between the state and the Seminole Tribe on Thursday. Crist and the Seminoles said after Thursday’s vote that they still believe an agreement palatable to the Legislature can be reached. Not everyone is happy with the poker boom. November 29, 2009 Gambling critics like the Florida Family Policy Council say the game`s greater social acceptance is largely a result of aggressive PR efforts."It`s being promoted as something that`s sexy and adventurous and cool," said John Stemberger. Jackson Memorial employees deny anti-gay bias November 25, 2009 Three Jackson employees gave their side of a case that spawned anti-gay discrimination accusations. Marriage Is Hard October 8, 2009 A new generation of leaders is trying to reclaim the high ground by asserting publicly what everyone who has ever been married knows: marriage is hard. Parental Bypasses Spur Call for More Abortion Guidelines September 23, 2009 A new Florida Senate report shows that close to 600 girls turned to state courts for permission to have an abortion without telling their parents last year, with almost all the requests granted. Court Hears Appeal Of Florida Gay Adoption Ban August 26, 2009 The hearing drew activists on both sides, including John Stemberger, president of the Florida Family Policy Council that favors keeping the law. Stemberger insisted there is ample evidence that children do better in a heterosexual household. Are lottery machines too tempting? August 13, 2009 Coming soon to a Lottery vendor near you - a faster way to buy more scratch-off tickets. Not a problem for most people but potentially a big issue for those with a gambling problem, advocates say. Calls to Florida gambling hotline are up, study says. They rose 5 percent last year, 46 percent over 4 years. July 17, 2009 A bad economy, the growth of televised poker and expanded gambling in Florida all brought more calls to the state`s hotline for gamblers, according to a new study. NASA goes ‘completely off-mission’ with LGBT Pride Month June 12, 2009 The Acting Administrator of NASA has encouraged agency employees to take part in “LGBT Pride Month,” leading to criticism that the action takes the space agency “completely off-mission” and promotes homosexual activism. Stem cell breakthrough gets closer to the clinic May 28, 2009 The quest for versatile, grow-in-a-dish transplant tissue took a step towards clinical use Thursday when researchers announced they have found a safe way to transform skin cells into stem cells. Gay adoption before Fla. Legislature, courts April 29, 2009 Former state legislator Baxley and other conservatives want the state to maintain its gay adoption ban and support the Department of Children and Families` decision to fight Lederman`s ruling and the Legislature`s decision for a seventh straight year FDA lifts limits on sales of morning-after pill April 23, 2009 The Food and Drug Administration has decided to not fight a judge`s order on the sales of `Plan B` pill. The poster child for marriage amends. April 13, 2009 Iowa is now the poster child for why it is important to have constitutional amendments that decree that marriage is only between one man and one woman. Expert: Gambling fails cost-benefit analysis March 31, 2009 Casino-style gambling under consideration by the Florida Legislature to balance the state budget actually creates more governmental costs than tax benefits an expert in gambling economics told a House panel March 27. John Stemberger: Incentives to prepare for marriage good policy March 25, 2009 Amazingly, Orlando Sentinel columnists George Díaz and Scott Maxwell have mocked, belittled and cleverly misrepresented the efforts of the Florida Family Policy Council in its statewide Strong Marriages Florida campaign. Orlando Sentinel cheap shots family values group March 24, 2009 To read the Sentinel columns, one would think that the bill is the product of some dark plot by the Family Policy Council to have the government stick “its nose into our bedrooms,” as Mr. Diaz wrote. But, of course, the Plakon bill does nothing of th Supreme Court pick blasted by conservatives March 12, 2009 Gov. Charlie Crist`s appointment of Circuit Judge James Perry, who is black, to the Florida Supreme Court cheered civil, gay and abortion rights groups but drew criticism Wednesday from social conservatives who had lobbied for another nominee. Gov Crist Rejects Lawson Most Qualified Candidate for Supreme Court- Appoints Perry March 11, 2009 Today, Florida’s Governor Charlie Crist announced the appointment of Judge James E.C. Perry of Sanford and rejected Judge Alan Lawson for the Florida Supreme Court. Protest over Florida Bar`s bias against state law Feburary 28, 2009 Suit demands organization remain neutral in `gay` adoption fight. Gay Activists And Planned Parenthood Publicly Oppose Judge Alan Lawson And Support Judge James E. C. Perry Feburary 19, 2009 Florida`s leading gay activist organization, Equality Florida, along with other liberal and homosexual advocacy groups, are strongly lobbying Governor Crist against appointing Judge Alan Lawson, who most conservatives believe is the most qualified ca FL Family Group Hopes to Cut Divorce Rate Feburary 5, 2009 Evangelicals in Florida have a plan to cut the divorce rate there 10 percent by the year 2012.It`s part of a three year marriage movement called "Strong Marriages Florida." New Statewide Campaign Launched to Strengthen Marriages Feburary 3, 2009 The Florida Family Policy Council along with other pro-family groups and supporters from around the state today announced the launch of “Strong Marriages Florida,” a new statewide campaign to help strengthen marriages in Florida. Florida lawmaker prods gay adoption fight January 30, 2009 She doesn`t have much hope of changing the Legislature`s mind on gay adoption, but a South Florida senator is determined to keep the debate going until the controversy is resolved by the Florida Supreme Court. On this day, 36 years ago... January 22, 2009 On this day, 36 years ago, the United States Supreme Court decided the case of Roe vs. Wade. As a result, we have legally poisoned, dismembered and slaughtered millions of unborn children. Instead of being the safest and most secure place on earth, Stemberger Named as One of Most Admired Persons in 2008 December 30, 2008 Steven Strang, owner and founder of Charisma magazine and Creation House Publishing recently named the "Eight People I Admired Most in 2008. " John Stemberger, President of the Florida Family Policy Council was named on the list of eight for his str Florida Pro-Family Leaders Decry Expansion of Gambling As Remedy For State`s Economic Woes December 18, 2008 The Florida Family Policy Council led a coalition of pro-family leaders today before the Capitol City Press Corps to remind the legislature and the public about the social costs and negative impact of gambling upon families and communities. New Survey Shows Fewer Problems at Home and at School for Children With Intact Married Families that Worship Weekly December 16, 2008 A new study released today by the Florida Family Policy Council finds that children have fewer problems at school and home when they live with both biological parents and frequently attend religious services. Miami judge rules against Florida gay adoption ban November 25, 2008 Florida`s strict law banning adoption of children by gay people was found unconstitutional Tuesday by a state judge who declared there was no legal or scientific reason for sexual orientation alone to prohibit anyone from adopting. Florida`s Gay Adoption Ban Challenged in Miami Case November 18, 2008 Rekers and Schumm argued that lawmakers were justified in excluding gay people from adoption because research shows that they are at greater risk of developing a host of impairments that can harm children, such as mental illness, alcohol or drug abus True Colors: Gay Leaders Plan a `National Day of Protest` in Response to Marriage Victories November 13, 2008 While the rest of the country is planning for a national day of Thanksgiving in November, radical gay leaders around the nation are planning a “National Day of Protest” on Saturday, November 15, 2008, coming to a city near you. Florida bans same-sex marriage November 6, 2008 Supporters of Florida`s amendment to ban same-sex marriage hailed its passage as a victory for conservative values while those who opposed the narrowly approved measure vowed to continue their fight. ‘Kissing cops’ lawsuit settled September 1, 2008 The federal civil rights lawsuit brought by Florida Family Policy Council against a Sunrise police officer for harassment of marriage amendment supporters at the 2006 Promise Keepers conference was resolved last week. Crist selects Charles Canady to the Florida Supreme Court. August 28, 2008 Conservative groups hailed the decision. John Stemberger, President of the Florida Family Action called Canady one of the finest judges in the state, and said Governor Crist should be ‘applauded and thanked for his outstanding selection Attorney General Bill McCollum Joins Legal Brief With Nine Other Attorney Generals Asking California High Court to Halt May 15 Homosexual Marriage Ruling May 30, 2008 Religious Group Questions Fla. Judicial Ethics Code May 23, 2008 Today, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will hear a case that tests how far states may go in telling judicial candidates how to deal with public interest group questionnaires they receive during campaigns. Urgency about the Florida marriage amendment May 22, 2008 "...Florida’s citizens and not unelected judges should decide the future of marriage,” John Stemberger told me, reacting to the California ruling. Webster Leaves Legislature with family, principles, faith intact May 8, 2008 Recognized by pro-family organizations with many awards, including...[the] Florida Family Policy Council (which named its annual award for him and gave him the first award in 2006), Webster has sponsored numerous bills defending family values. Gambling Expansion Stopped;Ultrasound and Evolution Bills Die May 6, 2008 Editorial Summary of the 2008 Legislative Session Vote Thins Evolution Bill`s Odds April 29, 2008 [Rep] Hays said he thinks his version is the better one, but he will try to pass the original bill. Senate passes evolution academic freedom bill, 21-17 April 23, 2008 The Florida Senate adopted today 21-17 a bill to permit academic freedom for teachers and students addressing evolution in Florida’s public schools. Abortion bill moves ahead in legislature April 2, 2008 A pregnant woman must receive an ultrasound and be given the option to look at the image before having an abortion in Florida, under a bill that advanced Wednesday in the Legislature. The Academic Freedom Bill Passed Out of its First Senate Committee March 27, 2008 The purpose of the bill is to protect public school teachers who present scientific evidence critical of Darwinism and evolution. House panel considers ultrasound requirement before abortions March 20, 2008 All women seeking an abortion would first have to have an ultrasound and be given the opportunity to view the results under a measure approved by a Florida House committee Thursday. Editorial: Judicial candidates hide behind Florida Bar`s restrictive free-speech canon March 19, 2008 As long as the Florida Constitution provides for election of judges, the electoral process must be open and transparent. Democracy demands it. Ben Stein In Tallahassee to Support Academic Freedom Bill March 12, 2008 To a packed press room, Ben Stein made the case for freedom of speech and the ability for public school teachers to be able to discuss the full range of scientific evidence related to biological and chemical evolution. John Stemberger Interviewed Regarding Science Standard`s Decision Feburary 20, 2008 Florida`s State Board of Education has voted to use the term "scientific theory of evolution" when referenced in textbooks and classroom instruction. Board of Education Approves Evolution Science Standards with Symbolic Change Feburary 19, 2008 Coalition releases letter opposing science standards Feburary 14, 2008 [John] Stemberger said the proposed standards on evolution are “poorly worded, they are not scientifically neutral, and they do not lend themselves to scientific criticism. By their own wording, they do not permit the free flow of scientific evidence Florida Must Not Teach Evolution As Fact Feburary 11, 2008 Coaltion Insists On Public Hearing for Science Standards Directly Before Decision Makers New Proposed Florida Science Standards Feburary 6, 2008 Miami-Dade slots vote could spread gambling beyond S. Florida January 21, 2008 Roll the dice because predicting what will happen in the new age of gaming now dawning in Florida is a crap shoot. Nobody knows for sure what numbers will come up 2007 Accomplishments December 31, 2007 House: Crist overreached on Seminole gambling deal December 7, 2007 Legislative foes of the deal say Florida law prohibits the kind of games Crist authorized in the deal, another reason they say the deal should be nullified. Conservative family group seeks to expand into South Florida November 16, 2007 One of the state`s leading conservative political organizations is spreading from its northern and central Florida base to make its first foray into South Florida The Victims of Porn October 29, 2007 This week is White Ribbon against Pornography Week—a good time to remind ourselves of how destructive porn is. Plan to Require Evolution To Be Taught in Schools October 24, 2007 For the first time, standards in science have been written that would require Florida public-school students be taught about evolution. School board bans clubs based on sexual orientation October 9, 2007 McCollum: Gambling brings increased crime October 1, 2007 McCollum: State not required to talk blackjack with Indians September 7, 2007 More casinos in Florida seem a sure bet August 7, 2007 From jai-alai to slot machines, Florida has evolved into a gambling state -- and there`s more on the horizon. All Floridians should work against Miami slots referendum July 26, 2007 By Marco Rubio Survey: Gay `Marriage` Opposition Increases; Support for Civil Unions Hits Low July 1, 2007 The percent of the American public that opposes gay “marriage” has significantly increased over the past year, according to the latest national survey released by the nonprofit Pew Research Center. Advice for Florida`s right: `Don`t give up` May 20, 2007 GOP Candidates Talk Social Issues With Conservatives May 20, 2007 Conservative isn`t retreating May 19, 2007 Brownback, Huckabee seek social conservatives` support May 19, 2007 Tax relief? Try gambling May 1, 2007 At Monday`s brief hearing, Nathan Dunn of Florida Family Action criticized the move and the scant public notice of a change he called Fla. House OKs Bill Requiring Waiting Time, Ultrasound Before Abortions April 30, 2007 Policy Council brings civil rights suit against Broward County andCity of Sunrise Police Officer for violating First AmendmentRight to collect Pro-Marriage Amendment Petitions April 26, 2007 Abortion bill adds guardian ad litems April 24, 2007 Supreme Court Backs Ban on Partial Birth Abortion April 18, 2007 The Supreme Court upheld the nationwide ban on a controversial abortion procedure Wednesday, handing abortion opponents the long-awaited victory they expected from a more conservative bench. Adult Stem Cell Funding Bills Clear Panels April 11, 2007 The proposal, unanimously approved by committees in the House and Senate, forbids any taxpayer funding for experiments on human embryos. Instead, it sets aside $20 million for the study of adult stem cells. Diabetics cured by Adult stem-cell treatment April 11, 2007 In a breakthrough trial, 15 young patients with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes were given drugs to suppress their immune systems followed by transfusions of stem cells drawn from their own blood. Legislature backs down from HPV bill April 5, 2007 Responding to concerns they would be infringing on parental rights, lawmakers have backed away from requiring Florida`s middle school girls be vaccinated to prevent cervical cancer. Committee passes dueling bills on stem cell research March 28, 2007 Nathan Dunn, a lobbyist for the legislative arm of the socially conservative Florida Family Policy Council, said doing embryonic research would destroy human life. He called it 24-hour abortion wait advances March 28, 2007 Twenty-one other states, including Georgia, Mississippi and Alabama, already require a 24-hour waiting period. Cervical cancer vaccine bill stalls in Florida House March 20, 2007 A Merck-y Business March 12, 2007 The case against mandatory HPV vaccinations. When you insist that 11-year-old girls receive shots to protect them from dangers attending sexual intercourse, you are sending them a message. In fact, you`re even sending their male peers a message. HPV Vaccine: Too Soon To Be Mandatory March 7, 2007 Moral, Medical and Mental Obstacles Mean It`s Too Early To Require New Vaccine Cervical cancer vaccine for middle school girls debated Feburary 24, 2007 A requirement for young girls to be vaccinated has already been proposed in more than 20 state legislatures HPV Vaccine for Florida`s Girls Delayed One Year Feburary 21, 2007 Florida is one of at least 20 states that are considering making use of the vaccine mandatory for schoolgirls Stem-cell researchers look beyond the embryo Feburary 11, 2007 Some stem-cell researchers and others who closely observe the field think scientists will find viable alternatives to embryonic stem cells that are not morally objectionable. Urban Battleground Feburary 5, 2007 Black History Month: Overall abortion rates are falling, but the black abortion rate remains stubbornly high. Pro-life leaders hope black pastors and a push for more crisis pregnancy centers in large cities can make a difference Crist: Pay for stem cell studies, but not new embryonic research January 31, 2007 Florida targets child porn January 29, 2007 Attorney General Bill McCollum is asking the Florida Legislature for $4.3 million to expand his office`s Child Predator Cyber Crime Unit tenfold. If Florida were its own country, it would rank ninth in the world in child-pornography possession... 2006 End of Year Report December 21, 2006 Exploding the Cannons of Judicial Ethics November 1, 2006 2006 FLORIDA VOTER GUIDES October 24, 2006 Lawyers Debate Judicial Surveys October 19, 2006 Group Proposes Asking Potential Judges` Views on Hot-Button Questions Amendment 3 Seeks 60% October 2, 2006 Many conservative leaders also oppose the measure, including John Stemberger, director of the Florida Family Policy Council. Florida`s Gag Order Prohibiting Judge Candidates from Announcing Views to be Challenged in Federal Court August 28, 2006 Judicial Elections August 1, 2006 Florida Family Policy Council Announces the Florida Judicial Accountability Project July 24, 2006 Family advocacy group will publish and mass distribute the first Florida judicial voter guide which will report information on every judicial candidate on the 2006 ballot. This project is unprecedented in Florida’s history and the FFPC anticipates at least one million copies of the 2006 Judicial Voter Guides will be produced and distributed. Stem Cells Without Moral Corruption July 6, 2006 Congress Can Give Research a Boost Without Supporting the Misuse of Human Embryos Massachusetts Gay Activists Export Marriage Amendment Intimidation Website into Florida June 12, 2006 Local Police Attempt to Block Collection of Pro-Marriage Petitions June 7, 2006 Police Sergeant`s Actions Described as `Unprofessional` and `Bizarre` Floridians to vote in 2008 on banning same-sex marriages March 24, 2006 FCC Study Boosts a la Carte Pricing Feburary 9, 2006 Committee Split Over Consequences of Marriage in Constitution October 22, 2005 Debaters tackle Religious Freedom October 18, 2005 Supreme Court Issues Split Decisions Regarding The Ten Commandments, Mat Staver, President and General Counsel of Liberty Counsel June 27, 2005 Floridians Support Same Sex Marriage Ban June 21, 2005 Many adults in the Sunshine State believe the concept of wedlock should only comprise heterosexual partners, according to a poll by Strategic Vision. 58 per cent of respondents in Florida favor a state constitutional ban on same-sex marriages. The Dark Side of Gambling March 22, 2005