Wisconsin Family Council

Vacation and staff schedules caused a temporary suspension of Wisconsin Family Council's Family E-Connection last month. During the summer we will publish the E-Connection about every ten days or so. We appreciate your understanding.

Around Wisconsin
.... Zoning victory for Washburn church
The Washburn, WI city council earlier this week repealed an ordinance that prohibited locating churches on commercial property while permitting nonreligious assemblies in the same commercial districts. Chequamegon Community Fellowship requested the assistance of Liberty Counsel after being informed by the city about the ordinance. Liberty Counsel's presentation of the illegality of the ordinance led to the removal of the illegal zoning restriction. Mathew Staver of Liberty Counsel commented, "Local governments may not establish 'church-free' zones. Historically, churches have been viewed as a benefit to society. Churches not only nourish the human soul, they also provide for many daily needs of the community. Local governments must allow churches to minister in every zoning district in order to reach the people." Read more...

.... Governor's refusal of federal dollars setback for WI abstinence-only programs
Governor Doyle refusal of $600,000 in federal funding for abstinence-only education in Wisconsin was the subject of an earlier radio commentary. There is still time to contact the Governor and tell him what you think of his action. You may call his office at 608-266-1212 or use his online email form. Read more...

.... Wisconsin Family Action legislative issues
Two issues Wisconsin Family Action is currently working on with legislators:

— Divorce reform. This would require couples with children to mutually consent to the divorce. Current no-fault divorce law permits either husband or wife to get a divorce, even if his/her spouse does not want it. Other aspects of reform would include extended waiting periods before a divorce is final and a requirement for premarital counseling before couples marry.

— HPV vaccine mandate. Sen. Lena Taylor (D-Milwaukee) has not yet introduced her bill that would mandate that all sixth grade girls be vaccinated against the HPV virus.

Around the Nation
.... Hearings on federal "hate crimes" bill likely within the next month
Both House and Senate "hate crimes" bills are currently awaiting action by the Senate Judiciary Committee. H.R.1592 passed the House last month and S.1105 was introduced in April this year. Talking points from a Family Research Council document are available here. Committee members can be reached through the Capitol switchboard (toll-free 1-877-851-6437 or 1-866-220-0044; or 202-225-3121). Specific contact information for Sen. Kohl and Sen. Feingold follows:

Sen. Kohl
202 -224-5653 (Washington office)
800-247-5645 (toll free in Wisconsin)

Sen. Feingold
202-224-5323 (Washington office)
608-828-1200 (Middleton office)
608-782-5585 (La Crosse office)
414-276-7282 (Milwaukee office)
715-848-5660 (Wausau office)

.... New Hampshire governor signs civil unions law for same-sex couples into law
New Hampshire Governor John Lynch recently signed a bill into law that creates civil unions for same-sex couples that are identical to marriage. New Hampshire joins Vermont and Connecticut in allowing civil unions; Maine offers domestic partnership benefits to same-sex couples; and Massachusetts allows same-sex marriage. [An interesting aside—since same-sex marriage became legal in Massachusetts, the number of same-sex marriages has dramatically declined. The state public health department notes that 6,121 same-sex couples married in the seven months following the ruling in 2005; 1,427 same-sex couples married in 2006; and as of April 26, 2007, there have been just 87 same-sex marriages.] Read more...

.... Traditional marriage under renewed assault in California
Earlier this week the California state assembly passed A.B. 43, a bill that defines marriage as a "personal relation arising out of a civil contract between two persons, to which the consent of the parties capable of making that contract is necessary," amending the previous marriage statute that defined marriage as a civil contract between a man and a women. It is expected to pass the state senate; Governor Schwarzenegger has said he will veto the bill. (A.B. 43 violates the California state constitution which specifically prohibits the Legislature from overturning voter-approved initiative statutes, such as Proposition 22, the Protection of Marriage Initiative, from seven years ago.) Another bill, S.B. 11 would open domestic partnership benefits to any two persons who meet specified criteria. Existing California law gives domestic partners rights and responsibilites given to married couples. Read more...

Around Wisconsin Family Council
.... Legislation of interest to Wisconsin Family Council

.... Family Bulletin Board

1. 40 Days for Life (May 6 through June 15, 2007)
Wisconsin's pro-life community is gathering for 40 days of prayer, 40 days of fasting, and 40 days of vigil at the Planned Parenthood abortion center in Madison. Click here for more information. To participate in the vigil, send email to rcwrl@hotmail.com.

2. Fourth of July Celebration
Come celebrate the birth of our nation at Midvale Baptist Church, 821 S. Midvale Blvd., Madison, WI on July 4th, 2007 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The program includes prayer and special music and a message on God's work in the War for Independence. The Christian Benevolent Society will present the Patrick Henry award to Wisconsin Family Council CEO, Julaine Appling. A potluck luncheon follows the program. Please bring a dish to pass. Midvale Baptist Church and the Christian Benevolent Society will provide hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, potato salad and some beverages. For more information, contact David Paul, davjonpaul@aol.com.

[NOTES on the Family Bulletin Board: Email the article to familyeconnection@wifamilycouncil.org at least two weeks in advance. Please include the name, phone number and email address (if available) of a contact person. You may also fax the information to 608-256-3370.]

[All submissions are subject to editing and will be posted at the discretion of Wisconsin Family Council. Posting on WFC's Family Bulletin Board does not necessarily imply endorsement of events.]

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