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WELFARE LAW PROMOTES ABSTINENCE . . .
The 104th Congress passed the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 in an effort to reform welfare in this country.
As a result of the passage of this law, Title V of the Social Security Act
was amended to provide $50 million a year for "abstinence-only" sex
education programs. State, local, and private sources must supplement the
$50 million from the federal government, for a total of $87.5 million a year
for "abstinence-only" sex education programs. In order for sex education
programs to receive these funds, they must meet eight criteria that were
developed specifically to prevent programs that mix an "abstinence" message
along with a "safe sex" message from receiving any of these funds. In the
past, "abstinence-only" programs have been consistently underfunded and
underutilized in our schools; consequently, the full potential of
"abstinence-only" programs on pregnancy and/or sexual activity reduction has
not been fully realized. Studies have shown, however, that comprehensive
"safe sex" education and condom distribution programs have failed to reduce
pregnancy or sexual activity. The Maternal and Child Health Bureau, an arm
of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), will oversee the
"abstinence-only" education funds. Individual states will receive the
application guidelines in February, 1997; the application deadline is July
15; and funds will be disbursed October 1, 1997. The sex-education network
has raised questions about the meaning of "abstinence-only" sex education as
well as the availability of such programs. Some officials have reported to
the HHS that there are not any programs that will meet the eight criteria.
But, according to the Medical Institute for Sexual Health (MISH) in Austin,
Texas, there are at least a dozen respected "abstinence-only" sex education
programs available. Contact Family Watch for a list of "abstinence-only"
sex education programs. [Education Reporter, Feb 1997, a publication of
Eagle Forum Education & Legal Defense Fund. The Personal Responsibility &
Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, pgs 258-9]
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CHILD REARING AND TAXES . . .
A bill has been introduced in the Oregon State Legislature which links
child rearing and taxes. A summary of Senate Bill 321 states, "Requires
taxpayer with dependents between the ages of one and two years of age to
attend a qualified parent education course within 24 months prior to end of
tax year in order to claim personal exemption credit. Provides exception if
no course is offered near taxpayer's residence. Directs State Office for
Services to Children and Families to identify qualified parent education
course providers and course requirements. Applies to tax years beginning on
or after January 1, 1999." [Summary of Senate Bill 321, 69th Oregon
Legislative Assembly -- 1997 Regular Session, 1/97]
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HOPE '97 TOUR . . .
American Family Association (AFA) and Kerusso Ministries are coordinating
efforts to bring a message of hope to America. This joint project, called
HOPE '97, will counter the growing proliferation of pro-homosexual
philosophy in every area of our culture. In addition, HOPE '97 willprovide information and resources for individuals, and families and friends
of those struggling with homosexuality. HOPE '97 is a year-long project,
which will be highlighted by rallies and seminars in fifteen major U.S.
cities. The keynote speaker for HOPE '97 is Michael Johnston, a former
homosexual and current president of Kerusso Ministries. Michael was an
active homosexual for eleven years until he walked away from the homosexual
culture and rejected his own homosexual identity in 1989. In 1986 he was
infected with HIV and has now developed full-blown AIDS. According to AFA
president Donald E. Wildmon, "Radical homosexual activists are bringing
America to a very significant crossroads. Acceptance or indifference to the
homosexual movement will result in society's destruction by allowing civil
order to be redefined and by plummeting ourselves, our children and
grandchildren into an age of godlessness. Indeed, the very foundation of
Western Civilization is at stake." HOPE '97 is scheduled to be in the
Kansas City area August 1-2, 1997. Other locations: March 21-22, Texas;
April 11-12, San Francisco and 25-26, St. Louis, MO; May 9-10, Chicago and
23-24, Fort Lauderdale; June 6-7, New Orleans and 27-28, Los Angles; July
11-12, Minneapolis; August 1-2, KC and 15-16, Denver and 29-30, Seattle;
September 12-13, Memphis and 26-27, Atlanta; October 10-11, Washington,
D.C. MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW. Locations and time to be announced.
[Clay/Platte AFA Fax Action Alert, 2/25/97]
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WHY HUMANISTS OPPOSE CREATION . . .
According to Ken Ham, Executive Director of Answers in Genesis, humanists
oppose the creation message because it hits at the very foundation of
humanism. "When people build their. thinking on evolution (i.e., that man
decides truth independent of revelation), then ultimately a person can
defend any idea he wants to. In other words, someone could justify abortion
or homosexual behavior for instance. This is NOT to say that evolution
causes these things; but if there is not absolute authority, then people can
logically build any lifestyle they want if they can get away with it in
their culture. When people build their thinking on the Word of God, then
the structure of Christianity and its doctrines, such as sin, marriage,
clothing and so on, can be built. The humanists recognize the foundational
nature of the battle. They are out to destroy the foundation of the
authority of the Word of God beginning with Genesis, which is foundational
to the rest of the Bible. Sadly, much of the Church recognizes that
something is wrong with the culture, and they "shoot" at the issues, and
even at their own foundation, because many have compromised with
evolutionary ideas. Most don't seem to realize that the reason for the
erosion of Christianity and the increase in humanist philosophy is because
of this foundational battle." The PROBLEMS in our culture, i.e., abortion,
homosexuality, divorce, abuse, violence, etc., are really just the SYMPTOMS
of the foundational problems we are facing. [Answers in Genesis, Jan 97
http://www.ChristianAnswers.net]
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