Friday, September 11, 2015

instaPoll: Kentucky County Clerk Jailed

Congressman Randy Forbes

 

 

Recently, Kim Davis, a Kentucky county clerk, sought an accommodation in issuing marriage licenses bearing her name on the grounds of her religious convictions. This request came after the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges required all states to recognize same-sex marriages – overruling the marriage laws of Kentucky and over 30 other states. A complaint was filed against Kim Davis by a same-sex couple seeking to obtain a marriage license from their county. After Davis refused to sign the marriage license, the judge found her in contempt of court and ordered her to jail where she remained for six days.  In a statement, Davis wrote, "to issue a marriage license which conflicts with God's definition of marriage, with my name affixed to the certificate, would violate my conscience."

Liberty Counsel, the organization providing representation for Davis, cited the Kentucky Religious Freedom Restoration Act as her defense. This statute prohibits the state government from substantially burdening an individual's freedom of religion unless the government both proves it has a compelling interest in doing so, and has used the least restrictive means to do it.

Our nation has a long history of protecting religious freedom for individuals of all faiths by balancing workplace accommodations with the needs and interests of employers. This case has raised a national debate over whether or not the United States, as a free and constitutionally-governed nation, will require those with religious objections to disqualify themselves from certain jobs and public service opportunities, or whether options should be provided that support the rights and beliefs of all Americans.

Question of the Week: In light of Kim Davis' case, which comes closest to your view?

(  ) A government employee should be able to seek reasonable accommodations at work for their sincere religious beliefs that balance rule of law and First Amendment protections.
(  ) A government employee should be required to perform all aspects of the job without accommodation, or else seek other employment.
(  ) I don't know.
(  ) Other.

Take the Poll here.

Find the results of last week's InstaPoll here.

 
 

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Friday, September 4, 2015

VIDEO: I Popped The Question And...





InstaPoll: Israel and the Iran nuclear deal

Congressman Randy Forbes

 

 

Recently, Iran and a U.S.-led coalition of six nations reached a nuclear agreement after years of negotiations. The deal lifts stringent U.S. economic sanctions currently in place on Iran in exchange for certain concessions over Iran's development of nuclear capabilities. Currently, Congress has until September 17th to vote over whether or not it will lift Congressional mandated sanctions on Iran.

There are many critics of the agreement, including Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, who described the deal as a "historic mistake" and an existential threat to the nation of Israel. This year, Prime Minister Netanyahu addressed both Chambers of Congress to warn about the dangers of Iran's nuclear ambitions, contending the deal constitutes a dangerous compromise that risks increasing regional conflicts within the Middle East and empowering greater Iranian aggression towards Israel. He continues to argue that rewarding the terrorist regime in Tehran with hundreds of billions in unfrozen assets will fuel both Iran's efforts to destroy Israel and Iran's terrorism worldwide.

The Obama Administration and supporters of the deal, however, insist it will not hamper relations between the United States and Israel, and instead will effectively provide oversight of Iranian nuclear research facilities and building capabilities.  This is despite the fact that recent reports suggest the IAEA made their own secret agreement with the Iranian government, authorizing Iran to conduct its own inspections with less IAEA oversight – which critics contend undermines any accountability in the deal.

Question of the Week: Do you believe Israel is put at risk with the Iran nuclear deal?

(  ) Yes.
(  ) No.
(  ) I don't know.
(  ) Other.

Take the Poll here

Find the results of last week's InstaPoll here.

 
 

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Friday, August 28, 2015

Do We Need Gun Control Or Thug Control?





Tuesday, August 25, 2015

VIDEO: Progressive John Debates Patriotic John





Thursday, August 20, 2015

InstaPoll: Defunding Planned Parenthood

Congressman Randy Forbes

 

 

Recently, undercover videos were released by the Center of Medical Progress showing Planned Parenthood officials discussing obtaining and processing fetal tissue from abortions to be used for research. In response, the House Judiciary Committee and the House Energy and Commerce Committee have launched investigations into the allegations that Planned Parenthood violated federal law by profiting from this transfer of tissue from unborn children.  Among other things, federal law prohibits, "alteration of the timing, method, or procedures used to terminate the pregnancy" if that alteration is made "solely for the purposes of obtaining the tissue."

Additionally, many lawmakers have called for the government to halt public funding for Planned Parenthood, and instead funnel those federal funds to clinics that can provide a range of health services to women while also respecting the sanctity of life.  Legislation has been introduced both to institute a one year moratorium on Planned Parenthood funding, as well as to permanently ban federal government funding for the organization. 

In the meantime, thirteen states have opened their own investigations into their local Planned Parenthood centers, while several are working to cut off state funding by ending their contracts with Planned Parenthood for services to state residents covered by Medicaid. The Administration, however, has warned states looking to defund the program that they may be in violation of federal law.

Congressman Forbes is a cosponsor of both a moratorium and a permanent ban on federal government funding for Planned Parenthood, and has joined his colleagues in sending a letter to Attorney General Lynch, calling for a full investigation into Planned Parenthood's actions.


Question of the Week:
In light of investigations over allegations that Planned Parenthood profits from fetal tissue sales, do you support halting public funding for the organization?

(  ) Yes.
(  ) No.
(  ) I don't know.
(  ) Other.

Take the Poll here

Find the results of last week's InstaPoll here.

 

 
 

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Monday, August 17, 2015

VIDEO: What's A Constitution Among Friends?