VCY: Homefront Alerts: Recent Episodes
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The Milwaukee Common Council will soon be voting on Proposed Ordinance #171760, an ordinance which would prohibit the practice of "conversion therapy"You can view the proposed ordinance at https://milwaukee.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=3357011&GUID=67C62217-450C-4E3B-BBC5-8A9792F911C1&Options=&Search=The American College of Pediatricians has helpful information about gender identity issues in children at https://www.acpeds.org/the-college-speaks/position-statements/sexuality-issues/gender-identity-issues-in-children-and-adolescentsThe Milwaukee Common Council has their next meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at 9:00am.You can contact your Milwaukee Alderman with the following phone numbers:Districts Alderman Phone1 Ashanti Hamilton 286-22282 Cavalier Johnson 286-37873 Nik Kovak 286-37654 Robert Bauman 286-37745 Jim Bohl 286-38706 Milele Coggs 286-29947 Khalif Rainey 286-28638 Bob Donovan 286-35339 Chantia Lewis 286-376710 Michael Murphy 286-376311 Mark Borkowski 286-376812 Jose Perez 286-286113 Terry Witkowski 286-853714 Tony Zielinski 286-376915 Russell Stamper 286-2659City Clerk/Common Council Main Switchboard: 286-2221Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett: 286-2200 Listen to VCY America online! Go to http://www.vcyamerica.org
Very quietly several members of the Milwaukee County Board sponsored Resolution #14-332 on April 3, 2014 which forces every contractor with Milwaukee County to comply with new “non-discrimination policies” relating to sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.
Further, the ordinance provides that operations at General Mitchell International Airport as well as county buildings cannot discriminate on the basis of “sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression”. The wording implies that people who are biologically one gender have access to restroom and other facilities of the opposite gender if that is their “identity” or “expression”. A public hearing was held on April 10, 2014 with no opposition. The full County Board is slated to vote on this Ordinance on April 24, 2014. You can read the full ordinance through the County’s site here .
To contact the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors with your views you may call (414) 278-4222. For direct phone numbers to the Supervisors you may click here . Listen to VCY America online! Go to http://www.vcyamerica.org
According to the La Crosse Tribune, the Freedom From Religion Foundation is urging the La Crosse Police Department to discontinue their police chaplains and instead replace them with secular counselors. You can read the article here . According to this account the Police Chief, Ronald Tischer has referred the matter to the City Attorney. To share your views you may contact: Police Chief, Ronald Tischer City Attorney, Stephen Matty Listen to VCY America online! Go to http://www.vcyamerica.org
In an effort to redefine marriage, some Wisconsin legislators are circulating a proposed Joint Resolution LRB-0414/1 to Repeal Wisconsin’s Marriage Protection Constitutional Amendment. A memo was sent to all Wisconsin legislators this morning and to various media outlets with the proposal.
Promoting the redefinition of marriage in Wisconsin are Senators: Tim Carpenter, Kathleen Vinehout & Mark Miller; and Representatives JoCasta Zamarripa, Chris Taylor & Melissa Sargent.
You can read Senator Carpenter’s news release here . Joining in their efforts is Fair Wisconsin which actively worked to stop the Marriage Protection Amendment from being added to our State’s Constitution. You can read Fair Wisconsin’s press release here .
It is vital for all Wisconsin residents to share views with your elected officials. To determine who your Senator and Representative is, click here or call 1-800-729- 9829. Listen to VCY America online! Go to http://www.vcyamerica.org
After being passed in the WI Assembly, three pro-life bills continue to be blocked in the WI State Senate. Their fate will be determined shortly as the legislative floor period soon comes to a close. The 3 Bills are: AB-206 – Allows a “Choose Life” license plate in the State of WI with proceeds benefitting Crisis Pregnancy Centers around the State AB-216 – Protects WI taxpayers from having to pay for the abortions of state employees AND will protect many religious institutions from being forced to provide insurance coverage for abortion inducing drugs AB-217 – Prohibits the practice of performing abortions based on the gender of the child To share your views WI residents can make the following contacts: 1) Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald – 1-888-291-3489 or Sen.Fitzgerald@legis.wisconsin.gov 2) Your own WI State Senator at this link or by calling the Legislative Hotline at 1- 800-362-9472 3) Governor Scott Walker – (608) 266-1212 or govgeneral@wisconsin.gov Listen to VCY America online! Go to http://www.vcyamerica.org
As many families begin their Thanksgiving travel, Wisconsin State Senator Fred Risser issued a press release today regarding his proposed legislation to prohibit licensed mental health providers from engaging in sexual orientation change efforts with anyone under the age of 18. He also says his legislation forbids counseling minors for the purpose of changing their sexual orientation. He calls such therapy “a scam”. He also states “gay conversion therapy promotes stigmas and prejudice.”
Senator Risser is presently circulating this legislation for co-sponsorship. You may contact your legislators in Madison with your views at 1-800-362-9472. Listen to VCY America online! Go to http://www.vcyamerica.org
Some things you just can’t make up… Despite crime spiraling out of control in their own backyard, co-sleeping deaths, boarded up homes, gang trouble and high unemployment in the central city, the Milwaukee Common Council carved time out of their Council Meeting to pass a resolution expressing opposition to the anti-gay laws in Russia and calling upon Russian President Vladimir Putin and the nation of Russia to repeal these laws. The Resolution also condemns Russia for banning homosexual adoption and what the Council calls “hate-fueled intolerance”. You can read the full resolution here . This Resolution sponsored by Aldermen: Zielinski, Kovac, Perez & Bauman, passed the full Milwaukee Common Council unanimously today. Listen to VCY America online! Go to http://www.vcyamerica.org
It’s being reported that for three straight years the number of abortions have dropped in the State of Wisconsin, with the latest decline being 4.4% over the previous year. You can read the article from Life News here . Listen to VCY America online! Go to http://www.vcyamerica.org
The Wausau Daily Herald reports that the organizer of what was touted as Wausau’s first Gay Pride parade has canceled the event for Saturday. The organized lamented that having to cancel this parade “has set Wausau back 30 years in the way people think about the gay community.” He also stated that he “will not organize gay pride events in Wausau in the future, though he hopes he has paved the way for others to hold events.” A “March for Equality” is still planned for Wausau on Saturday. Listen to VCY America online! Go to http://www.vcyamerica.org
Wisconsin Congressman Mark Pocan (co-chair of the LGBT Equality Caucus) took to the House Floor this week to Attack ExxonMobile accusing them of having anti- equality policies (against the LGBT agenda). He also spoke in support of ENDA, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act which would force employers to offer new special rights based upon one’s sexual preference. You can see his speech here , and a recent press release here pertaining to LGBT Pride Month. Listen to VCY America online! Go to http://www.vcyamerica.org
Congresswoman Gwen Moore wasted no time in issuing a press release celebrating LGBT Pride Month. She reaffirms her belief that “love is love”. You can read her release here . Listen to VCY America online! Go to http://www.vcyamerica.org
WND Reports that Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke, Jr. received “Constitutional Sheriff of the Year” Award this past Friday at the annual convention of the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association in St. Charles, MO. You can read the article here . Listen to VCY America online! Go to http://www.vcyamerica.org
The City of Wausau will be holding their first ever Gay Pride Parade on June 22nd. The parade is scheduled to start at Marathon Park (a park known where children go to play) and continue to the 400 block in downtown Wausau where a “drag” show will be held.
According to the Wausau Daily Herald , Wausau’s Public Health and Safety Committee recommended approving a permit for the parade. Wausau residents may speak with their alderman on this issue by calling (715) 261-6620. Mayor James Tipple’s office can be contacted at (715) 261-6800. Listen to VCY America online! Go to http://www.vcyamerica.org
According to the Janesville Gazette , the Janesville School Board is considering Domestic Partner Benefits. According to the article, a Committee of the School Board is considering such a proposal and discussions will be held as to whether or not to advance the proposal. For a listing of school board members and their phone/email contacts, you may click here . Listen to VCY America online! Go to http://www.vcyamerica.org
Madison.com is reporting that “adult film star” James Deen is to be the keynote speaker at the Sexual Health Fest at UW-Madison, Sterling Hall, Thursday, April 18th at 7pm. He will be speaking on “the role of pornography in modern sex education”. He is speaking for Sex Out Loud’s month-long series of events “raising awareness for all aspects of sexual health.” Can it be that tax dollars are being spent on porn education? To express your views you may contact your legislators at 1-800-362- 9472 and the UW Board of Regents at (608) 262-2324. Listen to VCY America online! Go to http://www.vcyamerica.org
The Chippewa Herald reported that Wisconsin Congressman Ron Kind has declared his support for “gay marriage rights”. Announcement of the Congressman’s position was revealed on his facebook page , stating: “ My 18-year marriage to Tawni has taught me that we’re both stronger because we love and support each other. I support marriage equality because if two people want to make a lifetime commitment to love and care for one another, then the government shouldn't stand in the way.
As the Supreme Court deliberates the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act and Proposition 8, I’m reminded that throughout history, discrimination has never worked. I have never voted for discrimination, and I look forward to supporting legislation like the Respect for Marriage Act that will help committed same-sex couples gain the same rights as everyone else. Some people Congressman Kind is considering a bid to run for Governor in the State of Wisconsin. To express your views to Congressman Kind you may call his office in D.C. at (202) 225-5506. His Eau Clarie office is (715) 831-9214 and his La Crosse office is (608) 782-2558. Listen to VCY America online! Go to http://www.vcyamerica.org
Wisconsin Voters will go to the polls Tuesday, April 2nd. Two statewide offices are on the ballot including a 10-year term to the Wisconsin Supreme Court and a 4-year term as Superintendent of Public Instruction. VCY offered to interview each of the Statewide candidates. (Simply click on the links to watch the interview with candidates for the Wisconsin Supreme Court): Supreme Court Justice Pat Roggensack Marquette Law Professor Ed Fallone Candidates for Superintendent of Public Instruction: Superintendent Tony Evers (Candidate did not accept invitation for an interview) State Rep. Don Pridemore This election will also offer numerous municipal races which vary depending upon your community. Some of the offices elected include mayor, alderman, circuit court judge, supervisor, treasurer, town chairman, trustee, school board, clerk, school referendum etc. For a sample ballot, click here . For non-partisan voter information on the state-wide candidates you may click here . Be informed. Pray. Vote. Listen to VCY America online! Go to http://www.vcyamerica.org
Tuesday, February 19th is the Wisconsin State Primary. Local races and issues on the ballot will vary depending upon your municipality. However one race that’s on everyone’s ballot is that of Supreme Court Justice. The one who is elected to this 10 year term will render decisions on such issues as Wisconsin’s Domestic Partner Registry, Voter ID, and numerous other issues. Polls will be open Tuesday from 7am-8pm. Voter turnout is anticipated to be less than 10% meaning your vote Tuesday will have a significant impact in narrowing the field of candidates for the April General Election. To view a sample ballot you can use the state’s website here . For non- partisan voter information on the Supreme Court candidates from WI Family Council click here . VCY extended an invitation to each of the Supreme Court candidate campaigns for an interview on IN FOCUS which was carried live on TV and simulcast on radio. The interview with Supreme Court Justice Pat Roggensack can be viewed here . The interview with Attorney Vince Megna can be viewed here . As of this writing, Attorney Ed Fallone’s campaign has not responded to our invitation. For all In Focus programs you can click here . Listen to VCY America online! Go to http://www.vcyamerica.org
A three judge panel of the of the Wisconsin Court of Appeals (Branch 4) released their opinion today that upholds the same-sex domestic partnership registry as being constitutional. This registry was enacted under the Doyle Administration and was challenged in the courts. Julaine Appling (a plaintiff in the case) from Wisconsin Family Action stated, “The people of Wisconsin have strongly affirmed the lifelong, faithful union of a man and a woman as the fundamental building block of civilization. Our system of government serves no purpose if politicians can ignore the will of the people with impunity.” You can read WFA’s full press release here .
Alliance Defending Freedom which represents the case will appeal this case to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Cases like this underscore the importance of the WI Supreme Court Election. The Primary will be held February 19, 2013 and the General Election will be on April 2, 2013. Listen to VCY America online! Go to http://www.vcyamerica.org
The Bureau of Indian Affairs is gathering information necessary for preparing an Environmental Impact Statement in connection with the Ho-Chunk Nation’s application for a proposed casino to be located in Beloit. The proposed action would transfer approximately 33 acres of land from fee to trust status, upon which the Ho-Chunk Nation would develop a casino, hotel, parking and other supporting facilities. According to the Beloit Daily News the plan “includes a 70,000 square-foot casino with 2,000 slots and 50 gaming tables.” The public is invited to speak out at this issue at a public hearing Thursday, December 13th at 6pm at Aldrich Middle School, 1859 Northgate Drive, Beloit. They will take comments until the last public comment has been received. Comments in writing are also welcome. These can be addressed to: Ms. Diane Rosen, Midwest Regional Director Bureau of Indian Affairs, Midwest Region Norman Pointe II Building, 5600 West American Blvd, Suite 500 Bloomington, MN 55347 Written comments must be received by December 26, 2012. If sending written comments, you are to include your name, return address and the following should be written on the first page of your comments: “DEIS Scoping Comments, Ho-Chunk Nation Beloit Casino Project” Listen to VCY America online! Go to http://www.vcyamerica.org
This week the Janesville City Council voted 6-1 to force taxpayers to fund Domestic Partner Benefits for city employees. This applies to both same-sex and opposite-sex partners. The Janesville Gazette reports “the city would pay an additional $10,548 for each single employee who claims a domestic partner”. This new benefit will fall upon the backs of the taxpayers. The lone council member voting “No” was DuWayne Severson. Listen to VCY America online! Go to http://www.vcyamerica.org
Today, Governor Walker wrote to Secretary of Health and Human Services indicating that Wisconsin would not set up a state based health insurance exchange. You can see his letter here . In his explanation available here , he cited four main reasons to for his decision: (1) that the long-term risk to Wisconsin taxpayers is too high; (2) that no matter who sets up and administers the exchange, the federal government makes all the decisions and the final product is the same; (3) that the federal government’s demonstrated lake of cooperation and detail increases the burden and risk to our state; and, (4) PPACA does not allow for a uniquely Wisconsin option. Listen to VCY America online! Go to http://www.vcyamerica.org
Planned Parenthood of WI on their Facebook page announce their will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade. This is the infamous Supreme Court decision which has led to the taking of precious life in the womb through all stages of development. They are soliciting “writers, aspiring writers, or people with a story about how access or lack of access to birth control, family planning, safe or unsafe abortion care affected/affects your life.” They have set December 1st as a day for auditions and their final live Performance on January 27th. (It’s ironic that they bill this as a “live performance” when Roe v Wade sanctioned “death” for the most helpless). Listen to VCY America online! Go to http://www.vcyamerica.org
The Janesville Gazette revealed that Janesville’s City Council will be voting tonight, November 12th on a measure to grant domestic partner benefits to city employees. The resolution provides for both same-gender and those who shack up as opposite- gender domestic partners. Citizens of Janesville would be forced to fund this through their property taxes. The City Council meets Monday, November 12th at 7pm in City Hall, 18 North Jackson Street in Janesville. Phone numbers and email addresses for City Council Members can be obtained by clicking here . Listen to VCY America online! Go to http://www.vcyamerica.org
Despite Wisconsin’s Marriage Amendment passed by an overwhelming number of Wisconsin voters, WI Congresswoman Gwen Moore has decided to ally with the Human Rights Campaign sharing her belief in “same sex marriage”. You can see the video release here . Listen to VCY America online! Go to http://www.vcyamerica.org