WFA Signs On to Letter in Support of Religious Liberty/”Health Care Conscience Rights” Bill

Along with numerous other pro-religious freedom organizations, Wisconsin Family Action has signed the letter to the U.S. House of Representatives urging the passage of the Health Care Conscience Rights ActImage (HCCRA) introduced by U.S. Rep. Diane Black (R-TN).  Read this breaking press release from our friends at Family Research Council:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 5, 2013
CONTACT: J.P. Duffy or Darin Miller, (866) FRC-NEWS or (866) 372-6397

FRC Urges Congress to Pass Health Care Conscience Rights Act
March 05, 2013

NASHVILLE, TN – Family Research Council (FRC) hosted a news conference at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) annual convention in Nashville, Tennessee today to discuss the need for conscience protections for religious business owners and individuals from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services mandate on abortion-causing drugs, sterilizations and contraceptives. FRC President Tony Perkins and FRC Executive Vice President Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Jerry Boykin were joined by Janet Parshall, radio host for Moody Radio, Bishop Harry Jackson, Jr. of Hope Christian Church and Dr. Richard Land, president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), to discuss the HHS mandate that employers cover abortion-causing drugs, sterilizations and contraceptives in their health insurance plans, even if those employers have religious convictions against such coverage.

During the press conference, Perkins expressed support for the Health Care Conscience Rights Act (HCCRA), introduced yesterday by U.S. Rep. Diane Black (R-TN) to protect the religious liberties of anyone who purchases health insurance, including non-profits, businesses and individuals, as well as providing greater protections for health care workers who refuse to participate in abortion. Rep. Black joined the press conference at NRB by video.

In a letter earlier this week FRC and other organizations urged U.S. House of Representatives leaders to include conscience protection language in the Continuing Resolution (CR) currently before Congress.

Of the conscience bill and the CR, Perkins said:

“We are disappointed that the Health Care Conscience Rights Act wasn’t placed in the Continuing Resolution, but we continue to urge Members to push for its inclusion. This bill’s language must be included in must-pass legislation to ensure that the First Amendment-guaranteed religious liberties of all Americans are protected. Failure to include it will result in thousands of religious organizations being forced to comply or face severe fines for maintaining their religious convictions.”

To hear audio of today’s press conference, click here.

To read the letter to U.S. House of Representatives leaders, click here.

Wisconsin Family Action Files with 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Grote v Sebelius

Press release from Wisconsin Family Action 02/27/2013:

Wisconsin Family Action Files Friend of Court Brief on 

HHS Contraceptive Mandates

Pro-family group files with 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Grote v. Sebelius

MADISON— Wisconsin Family Action late yesterday filed a friend of the court brief in Grote v. Sebelius, a case in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit dealing with the federal abortion pill mandate.

This federal mandate requires that employee health plans, with some limited exceptions, include FDA-approved contraception, even “contraception” that can result in the death of a human embryo. Many religious business owners oppose being forced to facilitate contraception—particularly abortifacients—that are contrary to their religious conscience.

The government has been arguing vigorously that corporations don’t have the right to exercise religion.

Julaine Appling, president of Wisconsin Family Action, notes, “WFA lays out in this brief the legal and philosophical reasons supporting the position that First Amendment religious liberty is not just for purely religious organizations but is also for for-profit corporations run by people who have closely held religious beliefs. The federal government should not be violating the religious freedom of these business owners by mandating that they purchase health insurance that includes abortifacient drugs and even sterilization procedures for their employees.”

Read the brief here.

WFA Files Amicus Brief in Grote Industries v Sebelius

Today, Wisconsin Family Action (WFA) filed a “friend of the court” brief with the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in the lawsuit Grote Industries v. Sebelius. WFA argues that ImageFirst Amendment religious liberty is not just for purely religious organizations but is also for for-profit corporations run by people who have closely held religious beliefs. The federal government should not be violating the religious freedom of these business owners by mandating that they purchase health insurance for their employees that includes abortifacient drugs & sterilization procedures.

Read the court document HERE.

Read more about Grote Industries v Sebelius on the Alliance Defending Freedom Fact Page HERE.

 

Support Religious Freedom; Support Hobby Lobby

Support Religious Freedom; Support Hobby Lobby

Shop in-store or on-line…

Read more HERE

WISCONSIN LOCATIONS:

1800 S. Main St.
West Bend, WI 53095
262-306-0495

3347 Kohler Dr.
Sheboygan, WI 53081
920-453-9416

5415 Washington Ave.
Racine, WI 53406
262-633-0562

1118 South Koeller
Oshkosh, WI 54901
920-426-5377

1140 S. 30th St.
Manitowoc, WI 54220
920-684-5136

5914 75th Street
Kenosha, WI 53142
262-697-4102

3023 Milton Ave. Suite 111
Janesville, WI 53545
608-754-2697

346 N. Casaloma Drive
Grand Chute, WI 54913
920-739-3220

2351 W. Broadway
Monona, WI 53713
608-222-7466      

803 Pilgrim Way, Suite 100
Green Bay, WI 54304
920-497-1598

2380 E. Mason Street
Green Bay, WI 54302
920-406-0860

3525 Rib Mountain Drive
Wausau, WI 54401
715-842-2110

It’s Official: January 5, 2013 is SUPPORT HOBBY LOBBY DAY

HOBBY LOBBY LEADS THE FIGHT FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

“We simply cannot abandon our religious beliefs to comply with this mandate.”

- David Green, Hobby Lobby CEO and founder.

THE STORY:

As of yesterday, January 1, 2013, the New Year is bringing forth tumult instead of happiness for Christian-owned Hobby Lobby corporation. In a steadfast fight for religious freedom, Hobby Lobby announced earlier this year that it cannot in good conscience comply with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) coercive “preventive services” mandate, which forces healthcare providers to provide abortifacients and contraceptives. The Supreme Court denied Hobby Lobby’s request for an injunction while its lawsuit in pursuit of a religious exemption makes its way through the courts.

Hobby Lobby and its owners, David and Barbara Green, now run the risk of being subjected to the HHS mandate’s fines of UP TO $1.3 MILLION PER DAY (effective yesterday, January 1, 2013).

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

Send a note to the Green’s to lend your support and encouragement.  Click HERE to send a “thank you” note to the Green family via The Becket Fund who is representing the family in their lawsuit.

Take part in SUPPORT HOBBY LOBBY DAY on SATURDAY, JANUARY 5.  Patronize your local HOBBY LOBBY store in person or on line.  Make a purchase to show your support for the courageous steps taken by the Green family who now face daily fines for their biblical stance against the provision of the “morning after pill” and other abortifacients to their employees.

Locate your local Hobby Lobby store HERE.

Shop on-line HERE.

Pray for the Green family as they boldly stand for biblical principles and lead the way for religious freedom in the workplace.

BE KIND AND….SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH EVERYONE YOU KNOW —  TWEET, FACEBOOK, EMAIL.

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Wisconsin Family Action says…..THANK YOU!

It’s been quite a journey this 2012 Election.  Through it all, you have stood with Wisconsin Family Action (WFA).  Many of you have made phone calls, knocked on doors, handed out literature, contacted your church, attended events, developed your list of 10, prayed, financially invested in WFA and, importantly, voted.

We are so very grateful for everything you have done.  Thank you–a thousand times, thank you.  We could not have had the largest election effort this organization has ever undertaken without you.  Regardless of the outcome of the election, please know you really have made a difference.  Later we will let you know the breadth of what you were a part of; we think you’ll be impressed and encouraged.

As to the results of yesterday’s election, it is very clear that America and Wisconsin wrote another chapter in their history.  On the national level, among other things,
  • the American people re-elected a president who has consistently been against Christian principles and values and who seems to have no real regard for or understanding of true freedom.
  • Three states (Maine, Maryland, Washington) legalized so-called same-sex “marriage,”
  • One state (Minnesota) defeated an amendment that would have protected traditional one-man/one-woman marriage, and
  • Two states (Colorado, Washington) legalized “recreational” marijuana.
Wisconsin had the “distinction” of sending two openly-gay–and very proud of it–elected officials to Washington:  Tammy Baldwin to the US Senate and Mark Pocan to the US House of Representatives.The national picture and the federal-level races are one thing; but the state-level elections are something else–and are far more encouraging.

You and many other pro-family, pro-life, pro-liberty citizens cast your votes in this election for those state-level candidates who truly align with your values and beliefs, and we see this reflected in the election of 33 out of the 44 Wisconsin Family Action PAC (WFA-PAC) endorsed state-level candidates.  These are strong choices that will uphold the sanctity of life, protect our Constitutional freedoms, and work towards helping families become stronger and independent of government.

These victories are part of holding a conservative majority in our state Assembly (60 Republicans; 39 Democrats) and regaining a conservative majority in the state Senate (17 Republicans; 15 Democrats, with one vacancy in a very conservative district that will be filled in a special election, which means ultimately the split will be 18 Republicans and 15 Democrats.)

Regardless of the outcome of any of the elections, we know that God is still God and that He is still in control–of everything, even of those who were elected who defy Him and His truth.  In the midst of questions and some disappointment about yesterday, we at WFA have a calmness and a sure hope in the God we serve.  We sincerely hope that is true for you, as well.

Yesterday reminds us we have much work to do in Wisconsin and in America.  WFA is up to the task, in part because we know friends such as you are standing with us–and also because we know our work of strengthening and preserving marriage, family, life and liberty is more important now than ever.  We are not discouraged; we are already getting ready for the next round!

In addition, we are encouraged because we know that yesterday–

YOUR VOICE said -
You and tens of thousands of other Wisconsin families value…

  • Life
  • Marriage as God ordained it
  • Traditional families
  • Religious liberty
YOUR VOTE said -
You and tens of thousands of other Wisconsin families support…
  • Strong candidates that share your core beliefs and Christian principles.
  • Your ability to exercise a Christian voice in the polling place.
  • The encouragement of job growth in Wisconsin, and across the nation.
  • Independence from government and the promotion of a strong family unit.
  • The protection of innocent life.
  • The preservation of individual liberties.
Thank you for using your voice and your vote to make a difference.
Wisconsin Family Action congratulates the pro-family, pro-life, pro-liberty candidates who won, and we look forward to working with them on policies that strengthen families in the days to come.  For the full PRESS RELEASE and a message from WFA President Julaine Appling, click HERE.

Only HOURS LEFT! Our FINAL MOMENTS to change America’s history!

In less than 48 hours…..
our nation’s election results will reflect some of the
most important decisions America’s countrymen have ever made!

TOMORROW IS ELECTION DAY 2012

TODAY, WE MUST:

PARTNER!  As your voice in the Badger State, Wisconsin Family Action has stepped up to the plate, rolled up our sleeves, and worked hard this year on behalf of you and your family and tens of thousands of other Wisconsin’s families.  We have had two costly elections, and we need your financial partnership in order to continue to move forward tomorrow, and in the future.  Will you invest in your family, your faith, your freedom by investing financially in Wisconsin Family Action?  Regardless of the outcome of tomorrow’s election, our work on behalf of marriage, family, life and liberty continues.  CLICK HERE to donate, and….THANK YOU!  

PRAY! Pray for our leaders, our country, the election and that Christians would be wholly engaged in this battle for our Constitutional freedoms, and for our precious unborn, traditional marriage, and our families.  The most encouraging news we can give you is, regardless of the outcome of the election, God is still God and He is still in complete control  of everything!

PARTICIPATE!  Did you vote early?  If not, it is imperative, and it is your responsibility, to cast a ballot TOMORROW for the candidates that most reflect your core biblical beliefs. We are called to be excellent stewards of all God has given us, and that includes your vote – your Christian voice – for our future generations.  Click here to find a sample ballot and your polling place.

PROMISE!  Make a commitment to encourage others to be involved in this election.  Call at least 10 friends you know and ask if they’ve voted yet.  Remind them that TOMORROW is Election Day! They have an opportunity to have a say in the direction of our state and nation!  Offer a ride, a word of encouragement, or some of your valuable resources listed below!  Utilize your church directory to remind your church family to exercise their civic, and Christian, responsibility to vote.

YOU HAVE LESS THAN 48 HOURS TO USE AND SHARE THESE RESOURCES:
1.  YOUR voter guide - click HERE!
2.  YOUR WFA-PAC candidate endorsements – click HERE!
3.  YOUR convenient “Do You Have Your 10?” list - click HERE!
4.  YOUR WFA family - call us!  We remain available to help you with any election-related questions you may have!  1.608.268.5074 (in Madison) or 1.866.849.2536

TIME IS PASSING - TOMORROW IS ELECTION DAY
AMERICA’S FUTURE IS COUNTING ON YOU!

 

Brian Sikma of MediaTrackers Opens “Liberty in Peril” Event for Wisconsin Family Action – Waukesha

Susan B. Anthony Tour Draws Crowd of Support…and a touch of Mad City “Madness”

Second stop, Madison, WI – James Madison Park.

As the SBA tour bus arrived, pro-life supporters were on hand to greet the entourage with hand-made signs, pom-poms and applause. Per the usual Madison protocol, hecklers laid in wait, ready to deliver opposition and a bit of (for lack of a better word) “madness.”

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Wisconsin’s Lt. Gov. Kleefisch Supports LIFE on SBA Tour

The Madison stop included guest speaker Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch, whom protesters tried to shout down screaming “Akin, Akin, Akin!” and “Abortion!” or “Shame!,” but Kleefisch was not intimidated by the bullying.  In fact, she stayed her ground, got her message across that abortion is in no way a viable healthcare option, and took time to lend interviews to the local media despite the attempts to shut her down by the handful of opposition.

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WFA’s Julaine Appling (second from left) waits her turn to speak at the SBA Bus Tour in Madison

Wisconsin Family Action’s president Julaine Appling could be heard loud and clear over the liberal scuttlebutt on the fringe of the crowd.  Joining her comrades for the cause of life, Appling resounded a pro-life message with fervor and urgency, asking each rally attendee to bring 10 folks with them to the polls this November.

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Nurse, Jill Stanek, speaks at SBA Bus Tour event in La Crosse, WI

Nurse, Jill Stanek, shared a deeply personal testimony of her prior work experience for a hospital that threw babies out with the trash.  You can watch her testimony HERE.

Other speakers championing for life on the Wisconsin portion of the tour were former Colorado state Senator and House Representative Marilyn Musgrave and Barb Lyons/Sue Armacost of Wisconsin Right to Life.