Conservative Senators Stop Weaponization of Child Abuse Bill Against Parents Opposed to Abortion, ‘Transgenderism’ for Children

In a rare show of bipartisanship last week, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed a bill to combat child sexual abuse material online and establish reporting requirements for online platform providers. The bill also reactivated a decades-old provision obligating certain organizations and professions to report suspected child sexual abuse. But it wasn’t just the bipartisanship of the bill’s passage that made it notable. It was what it took to get to bipartisanship in the first place.

While it was originally littered with problematic language that opened loopholes for tracking and reporting religious entities and parents who might object to “gender transition” procedures or abortions for minor children, conservative senators worked hard across the aisle to make the bill one that both parties could support.

Sponsored by Senate Judiciary Chairman Dick Durbin, D-Ill., the Strengthening Transparency and Obligations to Protect Children Suffering from Abuse and Mistreatment Act, or the “STOP CSAM” Act (S. 1199), creates a user-friendly system for reporting and removal of child sexual abuse material online.

It requires that all internet platform providers report occurrences of child sexual abuse material on their platforms to law enforcement’s cyber-crime tipline within 60 days of discovery. It also creates a civil cause of action against both the perpetrators who create the material and the online platforms that host it if they fail to report the material to the tipline.

STOP CSAM updates the 1990 Stop Child Sexual Abuse Act, which laid the foundation for child abuse reporting, but senators saw a need for certain updates to address new technologies being used to promulgate the prohibited material.

While the central goal of the bill is laudable, the original text contained certain noxious provisions, including the expansion of the definition of child abuse to include “psychological abuse” (including “coercion” or “intimidation”) without clearly defining those terms. As the parent of any teenager will tell you, minors feel “coerced” a lot. We can think of a few who feel coerced into taking out the trash or keeping curfew, for example.

The dangers associated with such an expanded definition of “abuse” aren’t theoretical. Medical journals have already called for parents to be held criminally liable if they refuse permission for their children to get what is euphemistically known as “gender-affirming care” (genital-mutilating surgeries, puberty blockers, and other harmful “transgender” procedures). State delegates in Virginia have introduced legislation to criminalize parents who don’t agree to such procedures.

Additionally, under the STOP CSAM’s original text, parents who choose to counsel teens away from having an abortion could potentially have been flagged for physical abuse under these expanded definitions.  

Existing federal law establishes robust child abuse reporting requirements on federal lands and in federally funded or contracted facilities. It also establishes certain categories of professionals required to report suspected abuse—those who would naturally engage with children in the course of their work, such as medical personnel, mental health professionals, teachers, and law enforcement officials.

Beyond that, certain child abuse reporting requirements were narrowly extended only to individuals involved with youth athletics. As Durbin joked in the mark-up of the bill (the committee’s amendment process), existing child abuse reporting requirements applied to baseball teams but not the Cub Scouts. What he didn’t mention was that his original text tried to expand these requirements to many new entities, including religious schools, but not public ones.

The original text of S. 1199 would have expanded the child abuse reporting requirements set up in the 1990 law to any entity that received $10,000 or more in federal funding at any time in history. However, it specifically carved out formula grants to states, and that would have excluded public schools that receive federal grants from these reporting requirements. What’s more, “federal funding” in the original bill text included any grant, contract, subsidy, loan, or insurance received through the federal government by any entity, including faith-based entities.

Therefore, any religious school that received funding from, for example, a reduced-fee school lunch program could be required to report any employees who provide “religious guidance” regarding the harms of abortion or transgender treatments as committing child abuse. Or, for example, if parents take their child to a therapist who participates in the Affordable Care Act insurance program, the therapist might be forced to report those parents if they seek to prevent their minor child from undergoing a medically unnecessary, “gender-affirming” double mastectomy if the therapist considers it “coercive.”

Thankfully, Sens. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Ted Cruz, R-Texas, realized the impact this language could have on well-meaning parents and organizations or employees who provide “religious guidance” and were able to secure a delay in the bill’s mark-up to discuss the problematic provisions.

After a few weeks of negotiations and drafting of various amendments, these senators were able to secure an agreement between Durbin and Sen. Lindsey Graham to apply an appropriate fix. Ultimately, the bill passed out of committee by a vote of 20-1, picking up co-sponsorships from Cruz and Sen. Josh Hawley along the way.

This type of scenario has played out many times before on Capitol Hill but with very different results. In an increasingly polarized Congress, seemingly bipartisan bills addressing commonsense issues like maternal mortality or youth mental health hide obscure textual provisions that have potential widespread, detrimental implications on issues like abortion, gender ideology, religion, and parental rights.

Generally, such provisions that are buried in the text go unnoticed until bills are signed into law. In this respect, getting things done quickly means sacrificing the hard work that ensures things get done “right.”

But the STOP CSAM Act is a perfect example of good political teamwork: Early and clear communication about problematic provisions can lead to truly bipartisan solutions—or at least it can slow the pace of movement of fast-tracked legislation to allow for more deliberation.

It takes members of Congress like Lee and Cruz, however—politicians who are willing to slow down so-called must-pass bills—in order to patiently and deliberately assess the legislation, identify concerns, draft appropriate fixes, and build a coalition for support among committee members.

While it may not be a regular occurrence in the Senate Judiciary Committee mark-up process, bipartisanship is possible.

It just takes determined leaders willing to do what’s right.

source: https://www.dailysignal.com//

source https://thesecondadam.com/conservative-senators-stop-weaponization-of-child-abuse-bill-against-parents-opposed-to-abortion-transgenderism-for-children/

North Carolina Enacts New Abortion Law with Stricter Regulations and Restrictions

In a recent development, Republican lawmakers in North Carolina have successfully overridden the veto of Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and implemented a new law that introduces stricter regulations and restrictions on abortion. The law, known as Senate Bill 20, marks a significant step towards limiting access to abortion in the state. Let’s delve into the details.

The Senate voted 30-20, followed by a 72-48 vote in the House, to uphold Senate Bill 20 despite the governor’s veto. The legislation includes provisions that ban most abortions after 12 weeks, tighten regulations on abortion drugs and clinics, and introduce additional safeguards for pregnant women seeking abortions.

While Gov. Cooper, an advocate for unrestricted abortion, expressed concerns that the law would limit access to abortion for women with lower incomes, living in rural areas, or already facing limited healthcare access, proponents of the bill argue that it aligns with the values of protecting the unborn and promoting the sanctity of life.

Senate Bill 20, though falling short of a six-week ban pushed by some conservative lawmakers, encompasses several pro-life measures that are expected to have a significant impact on the abortion industry in North Carolina. The law reduces the time frame for surgical abortion from 20 weeks to 12 weeks and limits chemical abortion to the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. It also imposes a 72-hour waiting period, expands informed consent and reporting requirements, and introduces stricter regulations for abortion facilities.

Furthermore, the law enhances the safety standards for abortion clinics, aligning them with ambulatory surgical centers. This measure may result in the closure of some clinics that cannot meet the upgraded requirements, similar to the effect observed in Texas when a comparable rule was implemented.

Senate Bill 20 also includes provisions that protect medical professionals who object to participating in abortions on moral, ethical, or religious grounds. It bans partial-birth abortion and abortions sought due to the baby’s race, sex, or Down syndrome diagnosis. The law ensures that doctors provide equal care to babies who survive abortions as they would to any other babies of the same gestational age.

While the law allows for abortions in cases of rape, incest, life-limiting fetal anomalies up to 24 weeks, and to preserve a woman’s life, it does not permit abortions for psychological or emotional conditions. It emphasizes the value of the sanctity of life and prioritizes the health and well-being of both mother and child.

The enactment of Senate Bill 20 reflects North Carolina’s growing efforts to protect the rights of the unborn and promote alternatives to abortion. This law, coupled with recent developments in neighboring states, is expected to have a significant impact on the abortion landscape in the South.

As the discussions around abortion continue, it is essential to approach the topic with respect and empathy for differing viewpoints. Let us engage in constructive conversations that foster understanding and seek common ground while valuing the sanctity of life and the well-being of women.

#NorthCarolina #SenateBill20 #AbortionLaw #ProLife #SanctityOfLife

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source https://thesecondadam.com/north-carolina-enacts-new-abortion-law-with-stricter-regulations-and-restrictions/

Is This Why Transgenderism Is Exploding in American Public Schools?

When Audrey Hale shot her way into Nashville’s Covenant School on March 27 and murdered three adults and three nine-year-old children, attention immediately focused on her “manifesto” as possibly having the answer to the anguished “why?” question.

Hale was clearly a seriously troubled young woman who had previously attended the school. She was also undergoing gender transition drug treatments, a fact that made the contents of her manifesto even more intensely of public interest. Such treatments are typically associated with a psychological condition known as “gender dysphoria.”

Local authorities initially said the manifesto would be made public in due time, but then the FBI got involved in analyzing the documents that collectively constitute vital evidence in the case.

When the Tennessee Firearms Association and a former local sheriff filed suit seeking to force the release of the manifesto, Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD) officials clamped down and refused to do so, pending resolution of the litigation.

Is there a connection between Hale’s actions and the side effects of transgendering drug treatment? The manifesto may shed light on the answer to that question. Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), whose district includes the Covenant School, thinks there should be an investigation into the possibility of a connection.

I think it certainly warrants some sort of investigation and or hearing into the matter. These are powerful drugs; they have side effects that can clearly be dangerous, if not deadly. And so I think it does call into question whether or not these drugs should be on the market and certainly consideration of the question of should there be further guidance and warnings and stipulations given as to when they are administered or prescribed.

The Tennessee tragedy also focused heightened public awareness of the extent to which the transgenderism movement has achieved a widespread presence in the national media, political and cultural conversations.

Writing for the Capitol Research Center (CRC), Kali Fontanilla describes her experience during a recent debate with a public school teacher and transgendering advocate:

At one point in the debate, I mentioned that students identifying as trans are a rising trend amongst young people, particularly teens. One of the left-leaning teachers who identifies as trans, surprisingly agreed with me. “You’re seeing trends, and I am, too. Last semester when I was teaching, I had a trans kid in every classroom, and I was like, whoa! When I started teaching there was none!”

Fontanilla then provided a graphic demonstration of just how deeply the transgendering movement has penetrated American society:

Historically, gender dysphoria only affected a small percentage of children, less than 0.01 percent, and almost all the cases were boys. Today, the U.S. has seen an estimated 1,000 percent rise in gender dysphoria over the past decade, and the UK has reported a more than 4,000 percent rise in girls demanding gender ‘treatments.’ And 70 percent of ‘sex reassignment’ surgeries were done on girls. And now this teacher admits to having a trans student in every classroom.

A recent viral clip exposed by Project Veritas echoes the same observation. The assistant superintendent of curriculum for the East Meadow School District was secretly recorded admitting, “After the pandemic, we had an explosion of trans kids!” I saw this rise in trans-identifying students during my tenure as a public school teacher in California. As the leftist teacher in the Vice debate described, I saw it go from one trans student per school to one in every classroom.

How to explain this explosion in American public schools?

Fontanilla points to social media pressures as one partial explanation, but much more important are public school teachers and administrators and the Far-Left advocacy groups funding the movement’s training and propaganda resources, especially the Human Rights Campaign (HRC).

Ever heard of HRC’s Thrive Conference? Odds are you haven’t, but the influence of this program is undeniable. Every year, Thrive trains thousands of “youth-serving professionals, including teachers and counselors, on how to ‘create safe, inclusive, and welcoming environments for LGBTQ+ youth.’”

According to Fontanilla, the materials provided by the Thrive event include comprehensive lesson plans now used in thousands of public school elementary and middle school classrooms.

“Lesson titles for some of their kindergarten–2nd-grade lesson plans include ‘Jacob’s New Dress: Understanding Gender Expression;’ ‘They, She, He, Easy as ABC: Understanding Names, Pronouns, and Gender Expression;’ ‘Chimera Butterflies: Non-Binary Animals;’ and ‘I am Jazz: Understanding Transgender Children.’”

Here’s something to think about: Every minute of classroom instruction that is devoted to teaching second-graders about “understanding gender expression” is an hour that is not focused on improving their reading and math skills, the two skills that are the essential foundation of all subsequent learning.

It’s tragic enough that thousands of young American boys and girls are being led to undergo drug treatments and surgical procedures that leave them with irreparable physical mutilation. American society in general is profoundly harmed when generation after generation of public school graduates lack even the most basic knowledge and skills.

Source: https://pjmedia.com/culture/marktapscott/2023/05/13/is-this-why-transgenderism-is-exploding-in-american-public-schools-n1695159

source https://thesecondadam.com/is-this-why-transgenderism-is-exploding-in-american-public-schools/

AUSTRALIA CALLS NATIONS OF THE WORLD TO PRAY & FAST FOR AMERICA 30 APRIL – 4 MAY 2023

“America is still a bastion of hope for the Gospel and for the free world. Each year it is estimated that the USA gives over $70 billion per year in foreign aid to the world from Governmental, private and faith-based institutions … Please Pray & Fast for America between the 30 April – 4 May as you are able. Thank God for America. Pray for revival, repentance and reformation for America. Join with me to pray God bless America!” -Warwick Marsh

[Canberra Declaration] Australia, since 2013, has called the nations of the world to join in prayer and fasting at this time each year for the United States of America. This year the period will be 5 days, from 30 April – 4 May 2023. (Image: Unsplash-Samuel Martins)

April 30 is America’s National Day of Repentance 

May 4 is America’s National Day of Prayer. The theme is “PRAY FERVENTLY IN RIGHTEOUSNESS AND AVAIL MUCH.” James 5:16

Click Here to Watch the Promo YouTube Video 

The National Day of Prayer is a vital part of America’s heritage, as is the USA Day of Repentance. The first national call to prayer was in 1775 when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation.

Kym Farnik, the Prayer Coordinator for the Canberra Declaration said, “In every major conflict since the First World War Australian and American soldiers have died side by side in the battlefields of the world in the fight for freedom. We are still fighting for freedom together to this day, but the fight is now within our own nations. Both America and Australia desperately need to experience revival and reformation. Both countries need to see an awakening to the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. The good news is that the month of May also celebrates Go MONTH, a call for the Christians of the world to pray and share the Gospel with 5 people in the month of May. The simple goal is to reach a billion people with God’s love.”

Warwick Marsh, an Australia Faith & Family advocate said, “America is still a bastion of hope for the Gospel and for the free world. Each year it is estimated that the USA gives over $70 billion per year in foreign aid to the world from Governmental, private and faith-based institutions. People in almost all of the 206 nation states in the world benefit each year in some way from America’s generosity and kindness. We need to pray that this will continue to happen. Please Pray & Fast for America between the 30 April – 4 May as you are able. Thank God for America. Pray for revival, repentance and reformation for America. Join with me to pray God bless America!”

Click Here For More Information…

source https://thesecondadam.com/australia-calls-nations-of-the-world-to-pray-fast-for-america-30-april-4-may-2023/

Watch This Arm Grow Out – Supernatural Miracle!

source https://thesecondadam.com/watch-this-arm-grow-out-supernatural-miracle/

Tucker Carlson: Christianity and Transgenderism Are on a ‘Collision Course’

The shooting at Covenant Christian school in Nashville, Tennessee, has rocked the nation for its targeted nature against Christians, according to the shooter’s own manifesto.

In the wake of this shooting, even those already leery of the mainstream media and the agendas it pushes are alarmed at how major media outlets have turned to defend the transgender shooter and blame Christians for this horrific event.

Across social media, the calls for violence against anyone who attempts to stand in the way of transgender ideologies have only increased in the wake of the murder of six people at Covenant Christian School.

The radical Left in this country is so permeated with hatred for Christianity that the governor of Arizona’s press secretary, Josselyn Berry, was forced to resign after posting an image threatening to shoot anyone she considered a “transphobe.”

Now, Tucker Carlson is shining light on the hypocrisy and lies being spread by the mainstream media.

As reported by the Daily Wire, “Carlson noted at the top that he had been warning prior to the shooting that the entire movement was ‘militant’ and becoming ‘dangerous.’ But after Monday’s massacre, Carlson noted, the ‘insidious’ media coverage compounded the sickening tragedy. He cited ABC News reporter Terry Moran, who linked the shooting to new laws in Tennessee banning chemical and surgical sex change procedures for minors.”

“The State of Tennessee bans the sexual mutilation of children, children get shot to death in a school,” Carlson said. “It’s cause and effect. That’s what ABC News is telling you. That’s not far from justifying mass murder, but others took the next step.”

Since Christians do not believe that gender is fluid, and is in fact binary as created by God in heaven, this creates the true conflict between Christianity and the transgender movement, according to Carlson.

“The trans movement is the mirror image of Christianity, and therefore its natural enemy,” Carlson said. “In Christianity, the price of admission is admitting that you’re not God. Christians openly concede that they have no real power over anything, and for that matter, very little personal virtue. They will tell you to your face that they are sinful and helpless and basically absurd. They’re not embarrassed about any of this. They brag about it. ‘That saved a wretch like me,’ goes the most famous Christian hymn ever written in English.

“The trans movement takes the opposite view,” he continued. “Trans ideology claims dominion over nature itself. ‘We can change the identity we were born with,’ they will tell you…Christians can never agree with this statement because these are powers … God alone possesses.

“That unwillingness to agree, that failure to acknowledge a trans person’s dominion over nature, incites and enrages some in the trans community,” Carlson said. “People who believe they are God can’t stand to be reminded that they’re not. So, Christianity and transgender orthodoxy are wholly incompatible theologies. They can never be reconciled. They are on a collision course with each other.”

So what are Christians to do as they are targeted for their beliefs by a radical and armed movement opposed to the very nature of God’s design?

Repentance in humility before the Lord should be on the forefront of every Christian’s mind in America today.

With a multitude of verses in both the Old and New Testament extolling the power in repentance before the Lord, Christians must take claim over America and repent for the nation’s sins. This will bear fruit, according to Matthew 3:8, and muster the armies of heaven on their behalf.

Perseverance in the face of persecution was the name of the game for the apostle Paul. Throughout his many travels, Satan tried to stymie his efforts to spread the gospel message to the Gentiles. This saw Paul beaten, imprisoned and eventually martyred for his faith.

Is this not what modern-day Christians can expect when they too preach the message of Jesus Christ?

Making the study of the Word of God a top priority is a need for many Christians in America today. How many hours are spent on social media, watching television or other forms of entertainment compared to how many hours are spent studying the Bible?

This is an imperative for Christians today and is the only foundation that will help protect them from the coming spiritual battles all will face in the coming days. 

source https://thesecondadam.com/tucker-carlson-christianity-and-transgenderism-are-on-a-collision-course/

Senators Blackburn and Hagerty Introduce SAFE School Act to Protect Children From Mass Shootings

U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Bill Hagerty (R.-Tenn.) will soon introduce a bill they believe will help discourage future criminals from approaching school grounds.

Indeed, it is about time school shootings were truly addressed rather than politicized. Such tragedies cannot be allowed to continue.

The big difference between the U.S. and other countries around the world that don’t face the same issues around gun violence, however, is that America’s establishment included the right to bear arms. And, no matter what one might think of this right, the weapons are already here and have been for the past two hundred plus years.

“Weeding them out” is virtually impossible. Even if it were likely to disarm law abiding citizens (and I do not believe it would be, as this would imply taking away basic rights, an action to which, historically, Americans have not responded well), it would not solve the problem of those who would break the law anyway. They would get guns no matter what. Thus, all this would do, given the current circumstances, would be to leave the innocent with no real means of self-defense.

So, how does one solve school shootings in the U.S.? Well, we can take a look at how security is provided to those most valued by society: politicians, celebrities, and other people of importance in any country. With armed guards.

According to a recent press release, Senators Blackburn and Hagerty are introducing the SAFE School Act for this very purpose:

“The SAFE School Act establishes a $900 million grant program that will allow both public and private schools to train and hire veterans and former law enforcement officers to serve as school safety officers, hire off duty law enforcement officers, and provide funding to harden schools and increase physical security.”

Finally, America’s children might also be treated as important to society.

The press release includes the senators’ comments on the matter.

Senator Blackburn said: “I am beyond heartbroken at the shooting that occurred at the Covenant School in Nashville”. She further noted: “No parent should have to endure what these families are experiencing. Schools should be places where children are safe to learn, play, and be children. My legislation with Senator Hagerty will allow both public and private schools to train and hire veterans and former law enforcement officers to serve as school safety officers as well as increase physical security measures to harden schools. By providing these critical funds, we can help protect our precious children and secure our schools.”

Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.)

Senator Hagerty added: “The Covenant School community, the city of Nashville, and our home state of Tennessee have suffered unspeakable, heartbreaking loss this week, and I join the families of the victims and all those affected in mourning this incomprehensible tragedy”. He continued: “The heroic bravery of law enforcement officers and first responders who quickly ran into danger, as well as the actions of teachers, staff, and students who deployed security measures, saved many other lives and underscore the critical role of school-security planning and personnel in the face of depraved, evil acts. That’s why I’ve joined Senator Blackburn in introducing this legislation to provide additional security resources to keep our schools and children safe.”

The bill seems to have the approval of leaders across Tennessee, local, state and federal law enforcement officials as well as school safety advocates and military veterans. Senator Blackburn has introduced similar legislation in the prior Congress also.

It is truly time that this matter was looked at in the context of current realities, instead of being used for political demagoguery or to express wishful thinking. We need more such efforts to keep our innocent children safe. We have to give their security at least the same courtesy we give to our entertainers or to those who preach to us why we don’t need weapons while they themselves make use of them.

source https://thesecondadam.com/senators-blackburn-and-hagerty-introduce-safe-school-act-to-protect-children-from-mass-shootings/