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OPINION PIECE
For Immediate Release - May 28, 2009

Media Interviews  
NDFA Executive Director Tom Freier
tfreier@ndfa.org
701-364-0676; 701-471-0477 cell
www.ndfa.org

North Dakota Family Alliance (NDFA)

Executive Director Responds to Side Effects of SB 2278

Tolerance vs. Endorsement

With approximately one thousand (1000) bills introduced into each legislative session in North Dakota, it is understandable that only a few come to be recognized by the bill number, absent the title or description.  SB 2278 was such a bill during the 2009 legislative session.  It passed in the senate, but was defeated in the house.

Introduced to provide protection from discrimination, the bill added ‘sexual orientation and transgender' to the current criteria, race, color, religion, physical disability, as well as others.  Proponents primarily argued that homosexuals should not be in fear of losing their jobs or housing because they are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender.  They should be treated with respect, tolerance, and equality, as should all be in this great land we call America.

As the legislative days passed, the proponents' emphasis on arguments dealing with employment and housing weakened, while those centering on respect and tolerance heightened.  The politically correct definition of tolerance was invoked.  True tolerance should not only mean respect, but approval, support, and endorsement.  Gone was Webster's traditional definition of tolerance meaning to recognize other's beliefs and practices without sharing them or being in agreement with them.

Proponents sought to lump together those subscribing to the traditional definition of tolerance and those subscribing to the politically correct definition of tolerance, giving the impression of greater support.  Some even, especially those from out of state, began labeling opponents as homophobes and bigots.  So much for tolerance.   

What started as a request for respect and tolerance for individuals practicing homosexuality became a movement for recognition of same-sex relationships.  In reality it sought to legitimize same-sex relationships, knowing that this recognition would directly oppose the will of the people of North Dakota who passed the constitutional marriage amendment in 2004 by a 73% majority.

As the bill came to a vote on the house floor, and was defeated by a vote of 54 to 34, the very important aspects of the bill came to light.  Special protections based on chosen and changeable behaviors and conduct is contrary to other protected classes such as race, color, and national origin which are immutable.  North Dakota Family Alliance (NDFA) believes our DNA is set at birth, and even pro-gay mental health groups say that people have the ability to choose their own path-when it comes to sexuality.  Studies reference various factors leading to gender confusion, including; absence of father/male role model, sexual abuse and trauma, self hatred and envy, and the breakdown of societal and historic sex-role distinctions.

The legislature began to consider the very serious side effects of passing SB 2278, such as: how it might affect private businesses and individuals; if our religious organizations would be protected; how it might affect public accommodations, including public rest rooms; and in general, the protection of our religious liberties.

There was a great amount of concern about how this issue could affect our children, schools, and education in general.  If we look at other states such as California, we can see the chaos it has created by promoting the concept that gender is fluid and changeable.  In the name of diversity and tolerance, children are no longer viewed as male or female, based on biology, but on subjective feelings and desires.  In the formative years of a child, this causes great confusion and harm, and to purposely indoctrinate our young children is a grave matter.  Sexuality is a tremendously important issue, and these discussions should originate in the home.

As evidenced by what is happening around the country and the world, we know this issue will continue to generate adamant debate.  Activist groups claim homosexuals are born as such and have no ability to return to a heterosexual lifestyle.  We disagree.  Numerous organizations such as Exodus International and Love Won Out, have demonstrated great success in helping thousands gain freedom from unwanted same-sex attractions.  As a society and as a people, we should reach out to offer assistance. 

The NDFA, as a Christian-based organization, is unashamed in referencing our Cornerstone, and the foundational values and scriptural teachings which have determined our stance on this issue.  While other Christians and non-Christians may offer different views, we stand firmly on the premise that marriage should be between one man and one woman.

While our religious tenets may have a great deal to do with how we feel, this is also a societal issue.  As history records, for a society to survive, it needs a firm and strong foundation-the family is that foundation.  The societal cornerstone of that foundation is marriage between one man and one woman.

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Interview Talking Points

·    Contents of Bill SB 2278

·    Story of a similar bill's consequence for a Christian photographer refusing to photograph a same-sex commitment ceremony in New Mexico; fines and appeals are now occurring

·    2009 NDFA "Faith, Family & Freedom" event (Feb 10, 2009)

·    North Dakota is Focus on the Family's (Dr. James Dobson) 36^th state to have a family public policy organization in place through the NDFA

·    Other statewide issues of importance to family values that the NDFA addressed in the 2009 ND legislative session

·    The NDFA's track record of involvement with family issues concerns in this past session, as well as their success rate in the previous session

·    Successes the NDFA has experienced to help uphold marriage in North Dakota as being between one man and one woman

The North Dakota Family Alliance is a Christian-based statewide non-partisan organization that exists to strengthen families, protect family values and defend religious freedoms by educating and empowering citizens. NDFA is online atwww.ndfa.org, and is located in Fargo, ND at 3220 18^th Street South, Suite #8.

Copyright © 2009 North Dakota Family Alliance