National Education Association Pro-Gay, Pro-Abortion Stances Rile Religious Right

At its annual convention this month, the National Education Association voted on two “culture war” issues: Gay marriage, and abortion. The Right isn’t pleased with either outcome.

According to LifeSiteNews.com, the NEA brought forth two resolutions to its membership at its convention in San Diego.

Despite protests that the group’s involvement in same-sex “marriage” was causing a loss in membership, delegates at the meeting adopted an action plan strengthening the NEA’s support of homosexuality with a vow to support same-sex “marriage” or civil union legislation.

Specifically, the resolution stated the group would support the enactment of same-sex “marriage” laws, and fight both state and federal constitutional or statutory provisions defining marriage as between a man and a woman.

This resolution was supported by roughly 2/3 of the delegates. On abortion:

NEA delegates at the July 1-6 meeting voted 69-31 to reject an amendment stating the union had “no position” on abortion, which would have invalidated a resolution professing the group’s support for “family planning, including the right to reproductive freedom.” While the NEA technically holds a “neutral” position on abortion, this amounts to promoting a women’s ability to choose

As Bob Chanin, outgoing General Counsel for the NEA stated,

We are not paranoid, someone really is after us.

Why are these conservative and right-wing bastards picking on NEA and its affiliates? I will tell you why: it is the price we pay for success. NEA and its affiliates have been singled out because they are the most effective unions in the U.S. . . . attacks by conservatives and right-wing troops will continue.

Chilling words from a man who has been doing battle for years. And he’s right, the attacks will continue and will likely intensify. Conservatives have a new plan of attack, and it’s not the culture war. It’s the economy, stupid.

Obama’s stimulus package was either too much (according to some) or too little (according to others). Support for more is dwindling, both in Congress and on Main Street. Many moderate folks — myself included — aren’t horribly impressed with Obama or socialism. (I am even thinking about getting one of these.)

Come the 2010 elections, many people will see voting for a right-winger as their only way to protest the nationalization of our economy. Social issues will be of lesser import. Meanwhile, as in all hard times, religiosity is on the rise . . . making those Godly candidates more attractive. Their scapegoating of “sinners” instead of decades of misguided economic policy for the economic climate — as Sally Kern of Oklahoma has tried to do — sounds good to voters. It’s not their fault that they lived beyond their means; the economy is in trouble because of homosexuals and abortionists!

Gird your loins, folks. It’s going to be a rough few years to come.

Where will we be then?

Related articles:

1. Debate on abortion should be about education, not religion
2. American Humanist Association files Amicus Brief Challenging National Day of Prayer
3. Government plans on abortion advice risk anti-abortion groups replacing pro-choice providers
4. Obama Featured on Chicago Anti-Abortion Rights Billboards
5. Education White Paper: more state-funded ‘faith’ schools, and compulsory worship and Religious Education remain unreformed

Mike Daniels is co-editor of Secular News Daily.

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