Monday, March 18, 2024

The ‘TikTok ban’ is not what you think

"For anyone who bothers to read the bill, rather than copy-pasting highlighted snippets of the text to support an absurd narrative, the proposed legislation is demonstrably clear and specific, limited to the prohibition of "foreign adversary controlled applications." "Foreign adversary" is defined as a country "specified in section 4872(d)(2) of title 10, United States Code."

What does this mean? This legislation applies only to North Korea, China, Russia, and Iran. That's it."

Ian Haworth

Read my full column on the Washington Examiner website.

NoVA GOP News

The 7th Congressional District Republican Committee will hold their Convention to elect three (3) members to the Republican Party of Virginia State Central Committee and one (1) Presidential Elector this Saturday, March 23.


Current 7th CD Chairman Ben Hazekamp went unchallenged in his re-election bid and will serve another two-year term. NVRBF Board Member, former Prince William County GOP Chair and RPV Chairman of the Year, Tim Parrish, is running for re-election to the State Centrai Committee.


The Convention will be held at Riverbend High School, 12301 Spotswood Furnace Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22407. Registration begins at 8:00am. You must have registered to become a delegate to attend.

Gary Bauer: Media Malfeasance

Media Malfeasance


The leftist media, which is constantly lecturing the country about "disinformation," engaged in an orgy of disinformation this weekend. They took a statement Donald Trump made about the dangers the American auto industry faces from communist China, and attempted to turn it into a threat of widespread violence.


Here's the exact quote that Trump said:


"If you're listening, President Xi, . . . -- he understands the way I deal -- those big monster car manufacturing plants that you're building in Mexico right now . . . you're going to not hire Americans and you're going to sell the cars to us, no.

 

"We're going to put a 100 percent tariff on every single car that comes across the line, and you're not going to be able to sell those cars if I get elected.


"Now if I don't get elected, it's going to be a bloodbath for the whole -- that's gonna be the least of it. . . It's going to be a bloodbath for the country. That will be the least of it. But they're not going to sell those cars. They're building massive factories."


The context is obvious. Trump was speaking specifically about the auto industry during a rally in Ohio, one of the top three states when it comes to auto manufacturing jobs. He was warning that unless he is elected and there are serious policy changes, there will be a "bloodbath" in the car industry and many lost American jobs.


CNN, MSNBC, and other media outlets ran wild headlines like this: "Trump Suggests 'It's Going To Be A Bloodbath' If He Loses The Election," promoting the hoax that Trump was "threatening political violence."


Here's a montage of progressive leaders, consultants, and pundits literally using the same word over and over. But it's okay when they do it. This is not just bad journalism. It is dangerous.


Moreover, there has been a plethora of violent rhetoric from the left against Trump and saying things that are intended to result in violence against him and his supporters. (Here and here.)


By the way, the dishonest people twisting Trump's words are the danger to America, and they are also cowards. MSNBC morning host Joe Scarborough was among the many leftists who falsely claimed that Trump was threatening violence. But Scarborough quickly retreated and deleted his post after Elon Musk called him out for being "extremely misleading."




Leftist Narrative Falling Apart


The leftist narrative pushed by the Stalinist January 6th Committee that Donald Trump plotted an insurrection is falling apart. Of course, all the left-wing media outlets are ignoring the mounting evidence.


It is worth repeating that no one, including Donald Trump, has been charged with the crime of engaging in an insurrection. That's because there was no insurrection.


There are multiple people (here, here, here, and here) who have testified that they were in the room when Donald Trump requested the deployment of the National Guard in advance to stop any potential violence. There was concern that the leftists we saw throughout the summer of 2020 would attack his supporters, who were coming to Washington, D.C., to peacefully support him.


Now, do you call out the National Guard when you're planning a takeover of the government? Of course, not.


Remember the absurd claim promoted by Liz Cheney, Adam Kinzinger, and the January 6th Committee that Trump lunged at his driver and attempted to take control of the vehicle when the Secret Service refused to take the president to Capitol Hill so he could "lead the insurrection"?


Well, the driver of the vehicle testified before the January 6th Committee and told them that the story was totally false. But Cheney, Kinzinger, and their progressive allies spiked that information so it would not get out.


Republicans conducting an oversight investigation of the January 6th Committee also revealed that the committee attempted to destroy evidence.


I believe there is a strong case that members of the January 6th Committee need to be prosecuted.

Weekly Wrap-Up with Congressman Byron Donalds – March 18, 2024

Last week my office was hard at work on Capitol Hill holding the radicals in the Biden administration accountable and delivering upon meaningful solutions on behalf of our Southwest Florida community, the State of Florida, and the American people.

 

The week began with another unfortunate reminder that Joe Biden's economic policies are failing our nation. The newly released February 2024 CPI report confirmed that inflation is up 3.2% and a total of 18.6% since Joe Biden took office. Also since Joe Biden took office, average weekly earnings are down 4.2%, average year over year inflation is 5.6% and some of the largest price increases include air fare up 31.4%, natural gas up 30%, baby formula up 29.6%, electricity up 28.4%, pet food up 22.7%, groceries up 21.2%, public transport up 20.8% and rent up 20%. Reminder: This cost-of-living crisis is a direct result of Joe Biden's trillions of dollars in reckless overspending during the 117th Congress.

 

As the week, progressed another bombshell report was released regarding the House Administration Committee's investigation into Nancy Pelosi' now-defunct January 6th Select Committee. According to investigators, the January 6th Committee improperly deleted records and hid key evidence from the American people. The committee also colluded with the now-infamous Georgia District Attorney Fani Willis and promoted false testimony. This committee was a media farce used to go after President Trump and I look forward to the House Administration Committee's subsequent findings. 

 

Later in the week, shocking developments occurred on the floor of the U.S. Senate. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer recklessly meddled in Israeli elections and called for the ouster of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. President Biden later confirmed that he had spoken with Schumer before he gave his speech and was supportive of his sentiments. This is completely inappropriate and out of line. Israel fighting for survival against genocidal terrorists who just committed the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. America must stand with Israel. Note that Schumer constantly warns of interference in U.S. elections but willingly interfered in Israel's elections. We should not be trying to replace the leaders of our allies, especially as they're facing existential threats to their existence.

 

Furthermore, I joined colleagues in addressing national security concerns. The Logan Act forbids private citizens from engaging in unauthorized negotiation with foreign governments. John Kerry engaged in backchannel communications with Iran during the Trump administration. We cannot have former officials backchannelling with our greatest adversaries and I joined my colleagues in demanding answers. Illegal alien crime is also a key national security concern affecting our nation. Just days ago, a member of our Southwest Florida community was sexually assaulted by an illegal alien. Americans throughout all corners of our nation are bearing the perilous consequences of Joe Biden's open border crime wave. I stand with Rep. Buchanan (R-FL) to ensure that all illegal aliens who have been convicted of sexual assault are deemed immediately deportable. These shocking and completely avoidable crimes must come to an end.

 

As your Congressman, you have my commitment to work on your behalf and restore order and proper governance to The People's House. 

 

Legislative Updates

February 2024 Inflation Numbers Released

Last Monday, February inflation numbers were released. Inflation was up 3.2%. Here are some of February's largest increases:

  • Frozen drinks up 27.2%
  • Car insurance up 20.6%
  • Sports tickets up 11%
  • Fabric/Clothing supplies up 11%
  • Accounting services up 9.8%
  • Nonprescription medicine up 9.3%
  • Senior care up 9%
  • Baby formula up 8.8%
  • Veterinarian services up 7.9%
  • Outpatient hospital services up 7.9%
  • Vending machines/Food trucks up 7.7%
  • Financial services up 7.1%

 

Since Biden became president this is our reality:

 

  • Inflation up 18.6%
  • Average weekly earnings down 4.2%
  • Average year over year inflation 5.6%
  • Air fare up 31.4%
  • Natural gas up 30%
  • Baby formula up 29.6%
  • Electricity up 28.4%
  • Pet food up 22.7%
  • Food up 21.2%
  • Public transport up 20.8%
  • Rent up 20%

 

Initial Findings Report From The Investigation Into The January 6th Committee Released

A new initial findings report from the House Administration Committee's Oversight Subcommittee chaired by Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA) reveals:

 

  • The Democrats' January 6th Committee deleted records
  • The Democrats' January 6th Committee hid evidence from America
  • The Democrats' January 6th Committee colluded with DA Fani Willis
  • The Democrats' January 6th Committee promoted false testimony

 

Find the full initial findings report HERE.


 
The Progression Of A Liberal Euphemism
The Biden administration is now referring to illegal aliens as "newcomers."
 
This is the progression of a liberal euphemism:
 
1) Illegal Alien
2) Illegal Immigrant
3) Undocumented Immigrant
4) Immigrant
5) Migrant
6) Newcomer
 
NOTE: If a noncitizen enters the US unlawfully & without authorization, they're by definition, an "ILLEGAL ALIEN." Stop with the semantics.

 

Donalds Attends House Financial Services Full Committee Hearing

Congressman Donalds attended a full committee hearing of the House Financial Services Committee entitled, "Bureaucratic Overreach or Consumer Protection? Examining the CFPB's Latest Action to Restrict Competition in Payments."
 
See the Congressman's remarks here or below:
Video
 

Donalds Attends Subcommittee On Economic Growth, Energy Policy, & Regulatory Affairs Hearing

Congressman Donalds attended a hearing of the House Oversight & Accountability Committee–Economic Growth, Energy Policy & Regulatory Affairs Subcommittee entitled, "The Power Struggle: Examining the Reliability & Security of America's Electrical Grid."
 
See the Congressman's remarks here or below:
Video
 

Donalds Joins Buchanan To Fight Illegal Alien Crime in Southwest Florida

Just days ago, a member of our Southwest Florida community was sexually assaulted by an illegal alien.
 
Americans throughout all corners of our nation are bearing the perilous consequences of Joe Biden's open border crime wave.
 
I stand with Rep. Buchanan to ensure that all illegal aliens who have been convicted of sexual assault are deemed immediately deportable.
 
These shocking and completely avoidable crimes must come to an end.
 
See Daily Caller exclusive HERE.

 

CBDC Is A Dangerous Threat To Freedom

CBDC would give the federal government absolute control over your money.

 

This is a dangerous threat to freedom.

 

It is critical that we work to protect the American people from government tyranny & that we never allow the creation of CBDC in America.


 

Hunter Biden Refuses Invitation After Begging For Public Hearing

In December, Hunter Biden declared to the world, "I've chosen. I'm here to testify at a public hearing...What are they afraid of? I'm here. I'm ready."

 

The House Oversight & Accountability Committee subsequently scheduled Hunter a public hearing.

 

Now Hunter refuses our public hearing.

 

The American people demand truth & accountability for Biden family corruption.

Video
 

VP Harris Deflects From Democrat Lawfare: Let's Check The Tape

Despite radical Democrats committing the most egregious lawfare in American history, Kamala Harris just tried to shift blame.

 

Let's check the tape...

Video
 

Update from Dr. Rand Paul - March 18, 2024

Dr. Rand Paul Leads Letter to Sec. Mayorkas Requesting Information on Illegal Immigrant Charged with Murder of Augusta University Student

Recently, as Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC), along with Senators Ron Johnson (R-WI), James Lankford (R-OK), Rick Scott (R-FL), Josh Hawley (R-MO), and Roger Marshall (R-KS), all members HSGAC, sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas requesting additional information on Jose Antonio Ibarra. Ibarra faces charges related to the murder of Laken Hope Riley, a nursing student at Augusta University on the campus of the University of Georgia.

ImageThe letter describes reports indicating Ibarra was previously apprehended by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in 2022 near El Paso, Texas, but was released into the country through parole. The letter also details the recent media reports outlining Ibarra's multiple prior encounters with state and local law enforcement, including charges of reckless endangerment of a child in New York City and a misdemeanor shoplifting citation in Georgia. Despite consistently demonstrating a clear disregard for U.S. law, Ibarra was never taken into ICE custody.
 
In the letter, we express that the tragic death of Laken Hope Riley raises serious questions about the ability of DHS to effectively secure our homeland. As a result, we request that DHS provide all documents and records related to Ibarra and all communications DHS, CBP, and ICE had with each other along with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies regarding Ibarra.
 
You can read the full letter to Sec. Mayorkas HERE and read more about our efforts HERE.
 
Dr. Rand Paul Fights to Protect the Constitution, Stands Against Authoritarian TikTok Ban
 
This past week, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on a bill to ban the popular social media app TikTok.
 
The passage of the House TikTok ban is not just a misguided overreach; it's a draconian measure that stifles free expression, tramples constitutional rights, and disrupts the economic pursuits of millions of Americans.

Image

With an iron fist, Congress dictated an unrealistic and narrow path for divestment, effectively banning TikTok and ignoring its substantial investments in data security.
 
This act is not securing our nation—it's a disturbing gift of unprecedented authority to President Biden and the Surveillance State that threatens the very core of American digital innovation and free expression.
 
In a free country, the more information the better. If you don't like something, you don't use it. Emulating Chinese communism is not the way to combat Chinese communism. And I for one will not stand for this brazen power abuse from the Surveillance State.
 
I joined Tucker Carlson to discuss my efforts, you can watch our interview HERE.

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Interest of Justice: Scientific Integrity Act Bill Gains More Support In US Congress

Will US Federal agencies that fund, conduct, or oversee scientific research ever be constrained by this much needed Science Integrity Act?

On March 7, 2024 there was a flurry of activity with many more co-signers joining.

Learn more about the US Science Integrity Bill below:

This bill is desperately needed.

IOJ is in the middle of arguing with all the US Health agencies to start a science integrity dispute on PCR and the gene therapy called covid vaccines, and is close to filing and figuring it out, BUT THE SCIENCE INTEGRITY DISPUTE PROCEDURES ARE SCREWED UP!!!!

Looks like the bill aims to solve the biggest problem:

Right now there is not a clear process for dispute resolution consistent with the scientific integrity policy…

This is a BIG problem. Science integrity matters. So does having a procedure to give effect to the law!

If we had better procedures for citizens to file science integrity disputes in our nations the UN & WHO would be FIRED… IMMEDIATELY!!!

Thought you may want to know, since the lack of solid science integrity dispute procedures is how they made a fake pandemic and fake vaccine emergency measures last so long…

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H.R.4893 — 118th Congress (2023-2024)All Information (Except Text)

Official Title as Introduced

To amend the America COMPETES Act to establish certain scientific integrity policies for Federal agencies that fund, conduct, or oversee scientific research, and for other purposes.

All Actions (2)

07/25/2023 Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
Action By: House of Representatives

07/25/2023 Introduced in House
Action By: House of Representatives

Listen

There is one summary for H.R.4893. Bill summaries are authored by CRS.

Shown Here:

Introduced in House (07/25/2023)

Scientific Integrity Act

This bill revises provisions regarding the release of scientific research results by federal agencies. 

Each agency that funds, conducts, or oversees scientific research must (1) adopt and enforce a scientific integrity policy that includes certain requirements, such as restricting scientific conclusions from being based on political considerations; and (2) submit such policy to the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) for approval. Agencies must make their policies public, submit them to Congress, and periodically update them with OSTP's approval. The Government Accountability Office shall review implementation of the policies.

Each agency shall

(1) appoint a Scientific Integrity Officer,

(2) establish a process for dispute resolution consistent with the scientific integrity policy, and

(3) establish a specified training program for current and new employees.

Cosponsors (102)

CosponsorDate CosponsoredRep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-18]*07/25/2023Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11]*07/25/2023Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1]*07/25/2023Rep. Beyer, Donald S., Jr. [D-VA-8]*07/25/2023Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]*07/25/2023Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11]08/11/2023Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4]08/11/2023Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-12]09/29/2023Rep. Crow, Jason [D-CO-6]09/29/2023Rep. Barragan, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44]10/19/2023Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26]10/19/2023Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24]10/19/2023Rep. Connolly, Gerald E. [D-VA-11]10/19/2023Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2]10/19/2023Rep. DelBene, Suzan K. [D-WA-1]10/19/2023Rep. DeSaulnier, Mark [D-CA-10]10/19/2023Rep. Garcia, Sylvia R. [D-TX-29]10/19/2023Rep. Grijalva, Raúl M. [D-AZ-7]10/19/2023Rep. Houlahan, Chrissy [D-PA-6]10/19/2023Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2]10/19/2023Rep. Jackson Lee, Sheila [D-TX-18]10/19/2023Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2]10/19/2023Rep. Khanna, Ro [D-CA-17]10/19/2023Rep. Kilmer, Derek [D-WA-6]10/19/2023Rep. Kim, Andy [D-NJ-3]10/19/2023Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8]10/19/2023Rep. Lee, Barbara [D-CA-12]10/19/2023Rep. Meng, Grace [D-NY-6]10/19/2023Rep. Morelle, Joseph D. [D-NY-25]10/19/2023Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1]10/19/2023Rep. Pocan, Mark [D-WI-2]10/19/2023Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5]10/19/2023Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2]10/19/2023Rep. Sarbanes, John P. [D-MD-3]10/19/2023Rep. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA-30]10/19/2023Rep. Spanberger, Abigail Davis [D-VA-7]10/19/2023Rep. Stanton, Greg [D-AZ-4]10/19/2023Rep. Takano, Mark [D-CA-39]10/19/2023Rep. Thompson, Mike [D-CA-4]10/19/2023Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1]10/19/2023Rep. Underwood, Lauren [D-IL-14]10/19/2023Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12]10/19/2023Rep. Wexton, Jennifer [D-VA-10]10/19/2023Rep. Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5]10/19/2023Rep. Bishop, Sanford D., Jr. [D-GA-2]10/19/2023Rep. Harder, Josh [D-CA-9]10/19/2023Rep. Vargas, Juan [D-CA-52]10/19/2023Rep. Blunt Rochester, Lisa [D-DE-At Large]10/26/2023Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1]10/26/2023Rep. Castor, Kathy [D-FL-14]10/26/2023Rep. Davids, Sharice [D-KS-3]10/26/2023Rep. Eshoo, Anna G. [D-CA-16]10/26/2023Rep. Himes, James A. [D-CT-4]10/26/2023Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1]10/26/2023Del. Sablan, Gregorio Kilili Camacho [D-MP-At Large]10/26/2023Rep. Trone, David J. [D-MD-6]10/26/2023Rep. Veasey, Marc A. [D-TX-33]10/26/2023Rep. Raskin, Jamie [D-MD-8]10/26/2023Rep. Blumenauer, Earl [D-OR-3]11/03/2023Rep. Carson, Andre [D-IN-7]11/03/2023Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9]11/03/2023Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9]11/03/2023Rep. Correa, J. Luis [D-CA-46]11/03/2023Rep. Gomez, Jimmy [D-CA-34]11/03/2023Rep. Kuster, Ann M. [D-NH-2]11/03/2023Rep. Lynch, Stephen F. [D-MA-8]11/03/2023Rep. Omar, Ilhan [D-MN-5]11/03/2023Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19]11/03/2023Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12]11/03/2023Rep. Cartwright, Matt [D-PA-8]11/03/2023Rep. Cárdenas, Tony [D-CA-29]11/28/2023Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank," Jr. [D-GA-4]11/28/2023Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]11/28/2023Rep. Pettersen, Brittany [D-CO-7]11/28/2023Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7]01/31/2024Rep. Porter, Katie [D-CA-47]01/31/2024Rep. DeGette, Diana [D-CO-1]02/15/2024Rep. Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4]02/15/2024Rep. Ruppersberger, C. A. Dutch [D-MD-2]02/15/2024Rep. Smith, Adam [D-WA-9]02/15/2024Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4]02/15/2024Rep. McBath, Lucy [D-GA-7]02/15/2024Rep. Adams, Alma S. [D-NC-12]03/07/2024Rep. Boyle, Brendan F. [D-PA-2]03/07/2024Rep. Casten, Sean [D-IL-6]03/07/2024Rep. Leger Fernandez, Teresa [D-NM-3]03/07/2024Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2]03/07/2024Rep. Meeks, Gregory W. [D-NY-5]03/07/2024Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6]03/07/2024Rep. Pallone, Frank [D-NJ-6]03/07/2024Rep. Sánchez, Linda T. [D-CA-38]03/07/2024Rep. Scott, David [D-GA-13]03/07/2024Rep. Sherman, Brad [D-CA-32]03/07/2024Rep. Strickland, Marilyn [D-WA-10]03/07/2024Rep. Torres, Norma J. [D-CA-35]03/07/2024Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-28]03/07/2024Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [D-FL-25]03/07/2024Rep. Scanlon, Mary Gay [D-PA-5]03/07/2024Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2]03/07/2024Rep. Schrier, Kim [D-WA-8]03/07/2024Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2]03/07/2024Rep. Pressley, Ayanna [D-MA-7]03/07/2024


Committees (1)

Committees, subcommittees and links to reports associated with this bill are listed here, as well as the nature and date of committee activity and Congressional report number.

The Family Foundation: Major Disappointment: Gov Enshrines “Same-Sex Marriage” in Va Law

Sadly, last week Governor Youngkin signed HB 174 (D-Henson) into law, which establishes for the first time in our state Code the formal recognition and enforcement of so-called "same-sex marriage."  Aside from the obvious and numerous worldview implications of redefining the bedrock institution of marriage in law, HB 174 will jeopardize conscience and religious protections for those who officiate weddings, and it further embeds the dangerous and false notion that "sex" and "gender" are separate categories of human identity.

 

Since the bill arrived to the Governor's desk more than 7 days prior to adjournment of the General Assembly, he was required either to sign, veto, or offer amendments to the bill, or else take no action and allow it to automatically become law without his signature. Despite our lobbying the Governor to either veto or at least amend the bill, he chose to affirmatively put his signature on it.

We urged the Governor to amend the bill if he would not veto it, including to strike the problematic word "gender" (since "sex" was already listed), but he declined. We also suggested amendments to strengthen religious protections for everyone performing wedding ceremonies, but the Governor signed the bill as is.

 

Among the other things the new law does, it forces local clerks of court and their deputies to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples even if doing so violates their conscience, similar to what was forced onto Rowan County, Kentucky clerk Kim Davis, who was thrown in jail and continues to face lawsuits for not signing her name to a license for a same-sex couple. She was afforded no religious accommodation whatsoever, and neither does this new law provide any religious accommodations for Virginia clerks.

 

The new law also broadly declares that "marriages shall be recognized in the Commonwealth regardless of the sex, gender, or race of the parties." But it doesn't say that only the government "shall recognize" same-sex "marriages" in the Commonwealth. Does this now mean that every individual and entity, including religious organizations and churches, must recognize same-sex "marriages" as valid marriages in every context? The implications of this directive are potentially vast and problematic.

 

Moreover, the bill pretends to protect churches and clergy from having to perform same-sex or transgender "marriage" ceremonies in violation of their faith, by offering a fig leaf statement of protection. But in fact, if anything, it only diminishes and calls into question existing protections. The language purports to protect only religious organizations and clergy (but not anyone else with religious or conscience objections), and then only when "acting in their religious capacity." But it's anyone's guess what that means or how it might be scrutinized by those who would seek to target churches and pastors and attempt to have them officiate a same-sex ceremony. While we still contend the Constitution protects people in this regard, this statute may unfortunately lead to onerous lawsuits to validate those rights.

 

Still, one of the worst parts of this bill is that it further injects the concept of "gender identity" into the law by intentionally and unnecessarily separating the concepts of "sex" and "gender." Without question, the drafters of this bill were seeking to single out and further normalize the problematic construct of gender identity.  Click on the image below (and go to the 28:33 mark) to hear more on this topic.

While we remain grateful to the Governor for his good and helpful actions on other bills, it's important that we make you aware of his disappointing action here. Natural marriage is – and always will be – essential to maintaining the Commonwealth and world we all want to live in, and which God has created for human flourishing. We can never forfeit marriage and think that we can affect meaningful and lasting change in all the other social ills we face. (i.e. Over 85% of Virginia abortions are to unwed mothers.) Therefore, even when our laws become corrupted and distorted, we can and must still strive for a culture that values and upholds natural marriage as a foundational pillar of civil society. For the sake of our own generation and especially the ones to come, we must double down on our efforts to uphold marriage.