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"Life Views"
British Columbia Parents and Teachers for Life Website

What immediately follows is the April , 2010, issue; and following it on the page is the March, 2010, issue of a bulletin sent out by e-mail (usually monthly) to members and other pro-family, pro-life supporters anywhere the world. If you fit into one of those categories and wish to receive our bulletin, please e-mail us (executive ["at" sign] BCPTL.org) your request to subscribe, with your name, postal address, and the e-mail address you wish the Bulletin to be sent to, and your statement that you are pro-life and pro-family. Previous issues of the Bulletin are also available and can be sent to you by e-mail.

Links to other websites are given as found in the original bulletin, but you should be aware that with the passage of time a number of these links may expire (and will no longer work)

British Columbia Parents and Teachers for Life
E-Mail Bulletin

April, 2010

A Message to Our Members and Other Pro-Family Individuals and Organizations:

Please visit us at our website: www.bcptl.org
E-mail address: executive@BCPTL.org
Facebook page: B.C. Parents and Teachers for Life
Phone (voice a E-mail and fax): 604-512-9594.

To ensure that you receive future issues of this Bulletin, please add ListMaster@bcptl.org to your "safe senders" list.

We appreciate your taking the time to read the BCPTL monthly E-Mail Bulletin. If you find the bulletin informative and helpful, we would be grateful if you would e-mail it to others. If you know of anyone who would like to be put on our e-mail distribution list, please let us know. If you are responsible for a website where the link would be relevant, you might like to link to our website at www.bcptl.org . We would be happy to hear that you have done that.

If you are receiving this "second-hand" and would like to ensure that you get this bulletin on a regular basis, and you are pro-life and pro-family, you may subscribe (free). To do so, go to: http://www.bcptl.org/bulletin.htm and follow the instructions at the top of the page.

The BCPTL E-Mail Bulletin comes in two forms: in the body of the e-mail message, and also as an attachment. Some subscribers have been have difficulty reading the Bulletin easily because it is excessively wide for their screens, and have found that it is easier to read the Bulletin in attachment form.

Contents of This E-Mail Bulletin

1. Bullying in Schools

2. Action Items: We Can All Stand Up for Life and Family

3. News and Views from Internet and E-Mail Sources

4. Pro-Life and Pro-Family Events

Bullying in Schools

The sad and sometimes tragic effect of bullying in schools is something that all who care about the young should acknowledge, and that all who are in a position to do so should take action to

prevent. Students are bullied for many, many reasons. Sometimes it is for the colour of their hair, sometimes for their racial characteristics, sometimes for their religious or moral scruples, sometimes for their perceived sexual orientation. The result of the bullying may cause years of psychological difficulties--or difficulties which are never solved.

Every parent should teach his child never to bully, and should seek to make sure his own child is not suffering from the results of bullying. Schools should provide civilized environments where the so-called law of the jungle does not prevail. Only schools with orderly discipline motivated by compassionate concern are likely to be free from the scourge of bullying. In some cases, of course, schools are in communities where bullying is fostered by the conditions outside the school, but this does not excuse the schools from vigilance against bullying within their walls. Something can be done, surely, to help students see the shamefulness of bullying and the honour of standing up for the underdog.

Once again, in British Columbia schools and in schools in other parts of North America, pink shirt day was promoted this month. It was lamentable to see that the BC Teachers' Federation once again promoted this day exclusively as a day to combat "homophobia" and actually discouraged its use as a means of combatting school bullying in general. On a BCTF website we read these words of advice to teachers regarding "Think Pink Day," which was scheduled for April 14th:
"Discuss the true origins of the Day of Pink. It is not a generic day to stop bullying." Some of the rest of the suggestions on the same BCTF web-page would suggest that the purpose of "Think Pink Day" is as much or more about legitimizing homosexuality than about preventing bullying. Teachers of primary students are advised, "Talk with students about the real meaning of the word gay (i.e. two men who love one another and live together as a family)." Now that surely partakes more of the nature of deceitful propaganda than of enlightenment.

Does this sound familiar? If you have been a regular reader of the BCPTL website or of this Bulletin, it may be because you remember an editorial that appeared last year and is still on our website, entitled "Do Only Some Students Deserve to be Protected from Bullies?" (at http://www.bcptl.org/#bullies). You may want to take a look at that editorial, which gives further detail on the use of a day ostensibly about combatting bullying for the intellectual bullying of innocent students.

Action Items: Supporting the Pro-Life Movement

The pro-life, pro-family movement is a volunteer movement. Those who are involved are active because of their belief in the importance of the cause. Basically it is a movement of amateurs, not professionals. In the defence of life and family, there is a place for all those who care about the issues.

In this issue of the BCPTL E-Mail Bulletin, there are a number of activities that need the support of many to succeed. Besides contributing to the cause, participation in some pro-life activities has its own immediate reward: the sense of camaraderie that comes from being part of a group of people with the same goals. The National March for Life in Ottawa and the regional marches for life that are planned should bring together thousands of pro-lifers. The “Springtime Auction” in Surrey, British Columbia on April 30^th, sponsored by Surrey-Delta Pro-Life with auctioneer Bill

Vander Zalm, is an example of a local event that should be most enjoyable—if it is like other auctions the former premier has conducted on behalf of the pro-life cause.

The pro-life, pro-family movement needs the involvement of all of us in one way or another. If you are not already actively involved, and share the beliefs that motivate those who are, please ask yourself what you can do to help. You will find that whatever you do, it can be rewarding, both for others whose lives are affected by your efforts, and for yourself.

News and Views from Internet and E-Mail Sources

Note: We pass on the items and opinion in this section for your information. Not all opinions expressed will necessarily coincide with those of BC Parents and Teachers for Life, the publishers of this e-bulletin.

Canadian Parliament Rejects Legalized Assisted Suicide. [April 21, 2010]

The Canadian Paliament today overwhelmingly voted down MP Francine Lalonde's 3rd attempt at legalizing assisted suicide and euthanasia in Canada. The final vote tally was 228-59, with a good number of NDPers, including leader Jack Layton who was recently diagnosed with cancer, and Liberals joining Conservative MP's in bringing the bill down. Kelowna/Lake Country MP Ronald Cannon voted against the motion, as did MPs Colin Hayes and Stockwell Day. The debate over Bill C-384 has been going on for a few months, revealing that although a majority of Canadians seem to support the idea, substantial confusion and concern over euthanasia and assisted suicide in Canadian society persists. Several letters in the April 21 edition of the National Post responding to Lalonde's final plea for support expressed both support and opposition for the bill and touched on key points in the debate.
[from Marlon Bartrom of Kelowna Pro-Life]

Earth Day may be over, but this article is of ongoing relevance:

Celebrate Human Life this Earth Day.

The child: nature's greatest gift of all.

Earth is a beautiful place. Everywhere, natural wonder surrounds us. Gorgeous lakes and rivers, pristine mountain valleys, vast golden prairies, and countless other treasures demand our respect, our awe, and our stewardship. Protecting our environment is important for so many reasons, not the least of which is to ensure that future generations have fresh air and water to live with. It is this concern that fed the rise of conservationism and environmentalism in the 60’s and 70’s, and ultimately the green movement that is so influential today. Perhaps coincidentally, abortionism also gained much steam at this same time, but more on that in a moment.

Whereas conservationists were concerned primarily with ensuring the abundance of natural resources for future human generations, environmentalists became more concerned with the well-being of plants, animals, and the ecosystems in which they live in and of themselves. Today, many greens have taken things to the next level and have elevated concern for those natural entities above their concern for human life, even pitting the two against each other. Many people in today’s green movement, including in the United Nations Population Fund, now see human beings as the enemies of Mother Earth.

They believe the Earth is in imminent danger of becoming grossly overpopulated (or that it already is) and action must be taken to drastically slow birth rates and curb population growth around the world. Such actions invariably consist of widespread contraception, family planning, and of course, abortion. This is where environmentalism has become dangerously anti-human life and, as if by default, a sort of vehicle for abortionism. It’s as if the mighty Culture of Death has slowly but surely engulfed the environmentalist movement and now uses it to spur the abortionism on to greater and greater depths.

Recently, we have seen this unholy alliance manifest itself. For example, in an editorial bluntly entitled, “The whole world needs to adopt China’s one-child policy,” Diane Francis at the National Post blithely describes the global adoption of China’s brutal one-child policy as “the only way to reverse the disastrous global birthrate.” For those of us who have not been won over by the juggernaut movement we call environmentalism, the rest of Francis’s article reads like the shocking inevitable conclusion of the melding of the abortionism and environmentalism movements: It’s either us or them - “us” being the natural world and its spokespeople and “them” being those dreadful humans - and we will use lethal means to ensure it is “us” who survives.

And then there’s the strange story of Toni Vernelli’s decision to abort her child and then sterilize herself in order to “save the planet.” As if reading from the enviro-abortionism playbook, the studious Vernelli explained that, “every person who is born uses more food, more water, more land, more fossil fuels, more trees and produces more rubbish, more pollution, more greenhouse gases, and adds to the problem of overpopulation.” Hardly a rosier picture of the future generation could one paint.

For Vernelli and the rest of the “abort a child, save the planet” crowd, people are creatures with a mouth to feed, two large feet leaving “carbon footprints” everywhere, and not much else. No minds to create, innovate, or discover; no hearts to love, cherish, or empathize; and no hands to build, aid, or restore. Just climate-changing, planet-destroying consumers. Contrary to Vernelli’s world view, it is precisely the things about people she chooses to ignore that make us the greatest resource on Earth.

        It is human beings who have limitless potential to invent, adjust, improvise and create. It is we who will develop cleaner
        ways to burn coal, more efficient ways to use the sun and wind for power, and better methods of transportation. It is
        people who will develop all sorts of products and technology that will serve to protect the environment and provide for our
        children and grandchildren for years to come (that is, if they aren’t killed before they are born). Moreover, it is human
        beings who will accompany, love, comfort, and provide emotional, spiritual, and physical

nourishment for their brothers and sisters. Yep, the world would be a lonely, desolate, and meaningless place without other people around.

It is for this gift, the gift of human life, we celebrate Earth Day 2010.

Marlon Bartram, 2010.

*******************

We are happy to carry the notice below (regarding a pro-life event of interest to residents of BC’s Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland) on behalf of Surrey-Delta Pro-Life in British Columbia:

Pro-Life Supporters and Auction lovers:

You are invited to come out to a
Springtime Auction,

always a faaantastic time with auctioneer Mr.Bill VanderZalm.

Free admission, entertainment, desserts and more.
Invite Your Friends and Neighbours. Fill a table of 8 or just come
yourself. Great items to bid on--plants, flowers , hotels, dinners
Make it a night out with family, friends or neighbours.

Friday April 30, 7 p.m. at St.Bernadette's Parish 6543-132 Street, Surrey, B.C.
RSVP to Surrey-Delta Pro-Life 604-574-0225 or sdpro-life@telus.net

*******************

LifeSiteNews.com, Tuesday April 21, 2009:

Regional Marches For Life Set For Cities Across Canada

By Tony Gosgnach, Assistant Editor, The Interim

April 21, 2009 (theinterim.com) - The annual National March for Life in Ottawa gets a lot of attention in the Canadian pro-life community and with good reason. This year's event in the nation's capital will be the 12th of its kind and will likely draw almost 10,000 people, if not more than that.

But another phenomenon has been growing out of the success of the national march and that is a series of regional Marches for Life in provinces across Canada. Intended for those who want to make a pro-life statement, but do not have the time or resources to make the trek to Ottawa, these marches are taking place in virtually every province except Ontario and Quebec and, like the national one, have been increasing in size and complexity as time has gone on.

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Campaign Life Coalition B.C. president John Hof says the province's March for Life will be taking place in the capital of Victoria . . . . [Thursday, May 13—corrected date; see “Events” at the end of this bulletin].

"We had one last year and it was tremendously successful on the steps of the legislature in Victoria," he said of the first-time event that attracted almost 1,000 people on short notice and with little preparation. "We're getting really good enthusiasm and response, such that we're probably going to have a very, very good turnout at this year's march. . . .

More information can be obtained by calling (604) 534-4828. . . . .

[Readers seeking information regarding other regional marches, may find the following contact information useful:

Alberta, E-mail: coeli@telusplanet.net or donna.clarkson@shaw.ca.

Saskatchewan: Call (306) 352-3490 or 1-888-842-7752.

Manitoba: Contact CLC Manitoba president Maria Slykerman at (204) 452-2459.

New Brunswick: Call: (506) 459-8990 or 1-888-796-9600 or e-mail: nbrl@nb.sympatico.ca.

Nova Scotia: Call (902) 861-1982

Newfoundland-Labrador:
There are two marches. For the main one, call (709) 579-1500 or e-mail: nlfriendsforlife@nl.rogers.com. For information on a march for the Marysville area of Newfoundland, call: (709) 279-3580. ]

National Post editorial board: Explicit sex education program planned for Ontario

April 21, 2010,PM by Kelly McParland

Ontario is poised to inaugurate a new and explicit sex education curriculum in September. According to a detailed outline posted on the Ministry of Education’s website in January, children in Grade 3 will for the first time learn about “invisible differences” between people, including those of gender identity and sexual orientation, while Grade 6 and 7 students will receive information about “vaginal lubrication” and “anal intercourse.”

Reaction to the initiative from a “family-focused” coalition upholding traditional Judeo-Christian sexual morality was predictably, and fiercely, combative. “[Y]ou’re talking about a very personal and sensitive area and dealing with kids so young I believe that it will end up infringing on their thought processes and their desires and ability to make correct choices,” said Reverend Ekron Malcolm, director of the Institute for Canadian Values. . . .

You don’t have to be religious to recognize the incompatibility of early instruction around sexuality with, dare we say it, the “settled” science around the “latency period” of childhood. In this schema, the second sexual phase in children following infancy and early childhood, from the age of six to twelve, is a period in which direct sexual energies fall dormant. During this phase, the child gathers his inner resources and develops mental and physical strength for entry to young adulthood. Only at adolescence do hormonal changes create the appropriate psychological context for absorbing ideas about “gender identity” and sexual ethics in a meaningful light. Until that time schools should butt out of sex education. . . . .

If there were longitudinal, peer-reviewed studies attesting to the benefits of exposing children in the latency period to sexuality-charged curricula, we might be open to more experimentation along the lines proposed by Ontario’s Ministry of Education.

There being none, we see the program as a political vehicle for special interest groups obsessed with “social justice,” who perceive entrenchment of their libertine agenda in public school curricula as the quickest and most efficient route to detaching children from morality-based sexual values.

In the end, we are on the side of the children, and feel that prudence and parental privilege should be the watchword. Today’s world is so highly sexualized and the gateways to inappropriate images and message so ubiquitous, parents have their work cut out for them keeping their children in a state of innocence (a word one can scarcely say anymore without ironic airquotes). To everything there is a season. Ontario should back away from this ideologically-driven program, acknowledging the right of children to be children as nature made them.

National Post

[Read the whole article on the National Post website at
http://network.nationalpost.com/NP/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2010/04/21/national-post-editorial-board-explicit-sex-education-program-planned-for-ontario.aspx. ]

Angry parents plan sex-ed protest [in Ontario]

But Premier Dalton McGuinty stands by the new curriculum . . .

Ontario elementary schoolchildren will learn more detailed sex education in earlier grades under a new province-wide curriculum that begins this September.

The revised curriculum, to be taught in all school boards in Ontario, also means for the first time, children will learn about "invisible differences" such as sexual orientation and gender identity in Grade 3.

In addition to learning about healthy relationships, self-esteem and the value of delaying sexual activity, students will learn about some potentially controversial issues such as:

* In Grade 6: personal pleasure in masturbation, vaginal lubrication and wet dreams.

* In Grade 7: sex acts such as oral sex and anal intercourse.

Some parents and educators don't support such explicit teachings about sexuality.

Protest details are not yet available. For more details about the group protesting the curriculum, visit www.stopcorruptingchildren.ca

- With files from Canadian Press

Excerpts from the 2010 Physical Education and Health curriculum document for teachers:

                Grade 3: Describe how visible differences ... and invisible differences (e.g., learning abilities, skills and talents, personal or cultural values and beliefs,
                 gender   identity, sexual orientation...) make each person unique, and identify ways of showing respect for differences in others.

                Teacher prompt: “Sometimes we are different in ways you can see. Sometimes we are different in ways you cannot see – such as how we learn, what we think,
                 and what we are able to do. Give me some examples of things that make each person unique.” (p.110)

Grade 6: Describe how they can build confidence and lay a foundation for healthy relationships by acquiring a clearer understanding of the physical, social, and emotional changes that occur during adolescence.

Teacher prompt: “Having erections, wet dreams, and vaginal lubrication are normal things that happen as a result of physical changes with puberty. Exploring your body by touching or masturbating is something that many people will do and find pleasurable. It is common and is not harmful and is one way of learning about your body.” (p.159)

Grade 7: Identify ways of preventing STIs, including HIV, and/or unintended pregnancy, such as delaying first intercourse.

Teacher prompt: “Engaging in sexual activities like oral sex, vaginal intercourse, and anal intercourse means that you can be infected with an STI. If you do not have sex, you do not need to worry about getting an STI.”(p.180)

[See the whole article on TheSpec.com at http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/755262 . ]

Day of Silence, Day of Truth Make Bid to Influence the Nation's Youth [report from the U.S.A.]

[From CitizenLink, April 12, 2010]

[The "Day of Silence" is promoted in British Columbia by the BC Teachers' Federation. We have no knowledge of the "Day of Truth" being promoted in this province so far.]

by Kim Trobee, editor

'It's time for an honest conversation about the biblical truth for sexuality.'

One of the nation's largest gay-activist groups, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), is promoting its annual Day of Silence on Friday.

Daryl Presgraves, public relations manager for GLSEN, said the event encourages kids to take a vow of silence for the day to highlight what the group calls "safer" schools. . . .

But a closer look at the materials being distributed to educators and students shows there is more than an anti-bullying message being pushed.

For example, GLSEN's data sheet for kids called "How to Get What You Want—With an Ask!" encourages students to use the Day of Silence to get a "queer-friendly prom," as well as homosexual-themed books and teacher trainings in their schools.

. . . .

Candi Cushman, education analyst for Focus on the Family, said the event turns kids into political lobbyists for GLSEN's adult-driven agenda.

"We agree that every student should be protected from bullying and harassment," she said, "and that no student should be hurt or ridiculed, no matter who they are or what they believe. But parents need to be aware that the Day of Silence unnecessarily politicizes and sexualizes the school environment, paving the way for classroom lessons that advocate and normalize things like same-sex marriage and cross-dressing."

One alternative would be to allow kids to participate in the Day of Truth.

The Day of Truth is sponsored by Exodus International and promotes a respectful dialogue among students on the issue of homosexuality. This year's theme is "Get the Conversation Started." Students will be handing out cards between classes that read:

"People with differing, even opposing viewpoints, can freely exchange ideas and respectfully listen to each other. It's time for an honest conversation about the biblical truth for sexuality. Let's get the conversation started!"

[The whole article from which the above was selected is found on CitizenLink at http://www.citizenlink.org/CLtopstories/A000012435.cfm .]

Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission Seeks Supreme Court Case against Catholic Activist

By Patrick B. Craine

REGINA, Saskatchewan, April 1, 2010 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has announced their intention to take their case against Bill Whatc, a Christian fighting the encroachment of homosexualism, to the Supreme Court of Canada.

Whatcott told LifeSiteNews (LSN) Thursday that the SHRC has informed his lawyer, Tom Schuck, of their intention to appeal the February 25th decision of the Saskatchewan Court of Appeals.

[The complete LifeSiteNews article is published on our website at http://www.bcptl.org/rights.htm#SHRC .]

Pro-Life and Pro-Family Events

An Invitation to Help Us Inform Others of Pro-Family, Pro-Life Events

In this E-Mail Bulletin we regularly carry brief announcements of pro-life, pro-family, non-denominational , non-partisan events. If you are responsible for advertising events such as we have mentioned, feel free to send us brief advertisements of them for free publication, at our discretion, in this E-Mail Bulletin

The following information is taken mainly from the rather more extensive pro-life calendar circulated by Bill Van Eldik:

Events arranged by date:

Apr 24 Sat - GARAGE SALE, Holy Cross High School, 16193-88th Ave..Surrey. We would love to turn your unusable surpluses into "treasures for life". NO computers or monitors please. Drop off your items on Friday between 4pm and 8pm at the school. Sale is from 8am to 3 pm on Saturday. We need lots of help and buyers to make it profitable. Please call Surrey Delta Pro-Life 604-574-0225

Apr 30 Fri - Mr. Bill VanderZalm will be the guest auctioneer at this F-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C AUCTION FUNDRAISER! 7:00 p.m. at Bernadette’s Parish, 6543 - 132nd St., Surrey. No admission charge. Delicious refreshments! To donate items please call 604-574-0225 or 604-576-8791.

May 12-14 Wed-Fri - ABORTION: A CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY will be the theme for the thirteenth annual National March for Life. The three-day event will commence with the yearly candle-light prayer procession through the streets of Ottawa to the Canadian Human Rights Monument on Wednesday May 12. On Thursday, Masses will be celebrated at various Catholic churches in Ottawa with corresponding prayer services throughout the city in chuches of other denominations. On Friday, Campaign Life Coalition will be holding the annual Youth Conference at the Hampton Inn. Some of the speakers will include abortion survivor Melissa Ohden and Lila Rose of Live Action Films, among many others. Please contact Yoli at (toll-free)1-800-730-5358 for more information on getting to the National March for Life and/or registering for this year’s Youth Conference.

May 13 Thu - Please join us for our third annual WESTERN CANADA MARCH FOR LIFE in Victoria. Mass at St. Andrew’s Cathedral 12:00 p.m., followed at 2:00 p.m. by March from Centennial Square to Legislature. Speakers will include Most Reverend J. Michael Miller, Archbishop of Vancouver, Jose Ruba, co-founder of the Canadian Center for Bio-Ethical Reform, Minerva Macapagal, president of Capilano University pro-life club “Heartbeat”, Rev. Dr. Robert Fitterer, author and pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Victoria, and others. For further info visit <www.theinterim.com/events>

May 15 Sat Langley Pro-Life Society HIKE FOR LIFE. Meet at Portage Park (corner of 204 St and 51-A Avenue). Registration. begins 9:00 a.m., "Send off" at 9:30 a.m. For info call Langley Pro-Life at 604-534-1195 or e-mail <langleyprolife@shaw.ca>

May 22 Sat - Pro-Life Conference entitled "Freedom to Love" This event has been postponed till further notice. For further info and registration contact Couples for Christ at 604-270-9463 or visit www.bc.cfc.ca - email: cfcvan@cfc.ca

MAY 29 - SATURDAY BOWLING FUN NIGHT for charity (no trophies) 7-10 pm. Group bowling of 6 to a team for a total of 3 games. Adults $25 per person, children under 14 $15. Please Surrey Delta Pro Life office for sign up sheets 604-574-0225. FREE PIZZA!

May 31 Mon - Mark your calendars for the 12^th Annual Focus on Life™ Gala Dinner! This year EWTN’s Raymond Arroyo will be speaking on the interdependency of media and culture and how that relates to life-valuing work. This is a fundraising evening for the life-affirming television commercials and other media initiatives of Signal Hill and is held
in cooperation with the Archdiocese of Vancouver and the Christian

Advocacy Society. Reserve your tickets by calling 1-877-7SIGNAL or visit www.thesignalhill.com for more information.

Jun 5 Sat - WALK FOR LIFE - June 5, 1 pm - This annual event is to raise funds for Abbotsford Right to Life, as well as to promote public awareness. Participants meet at Sevenoaks Alliance Church, 2575 Gladwin Rd., Abbotsford and can choose either a 4 km or 8 km route. Rain or Shine! Bring the whole family for a fun time - balloons, face-painting for the kids, refreshments served after the walk. For more info call 604-852-4623 or go to www.abbotsfordrtl.ca. (Events page)

Jun 20 Sun - (Fathers Day) - PRO-LIFE SUNDAY - Special collection for pro-life at all churches. Is your church an enthusiastic participant in this once-a-year fundraiser for pro-life? If not, call your pastor, perhaps with an offer to help organize this important event. Call your local Pro-Life society or Right to Life organization for details.

Jul 29-Aug 2 Thu-Sat - AGRIFAIR – July 29- Aug. 2 - Come and visit the Abbotsford Right to Life display booth during the Agrifair. The fetal models attract many people, especially children, and brochures on a variety of topics relating to life issues are available for anyone interested. For more info call 604-852-4623 or go to www.abbotsfordrtl.ca (Events page)

Sep 25 Sat - Annual WALK FOR LIFE, (ALWAYS the last Saturday in September!) sponsored by the Chilliwack Pro-Life Society. Registration 8:30 a.m. Come out for fun & exercise. Free lunch for participants - balloons and entertainment for the kids! Rain or Shine! For more info contact the office at (604)795-3091.

Oct 3 Sun - LIFE CHAIN in communities listed below (All Life Chains are scheduled for the hour of 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. unless indicated otherwise.)

ABBOTSFORD & MISSION DETAILS TO FOLLOW. For info call Abbotsford Right-to-Life Society,
604-852-4623 or e-mail <artl@telus.net>

CHILLIWACK - For details call Chilliwack Pro-Life Society, 604-795-3091 or e-mail <cpcpro@dowco.com>

KELOWNA - 1:30 p.m. Location: corner of Hwy 97 & Gordon Avenue in Kelowna. For signs & details: contact <marlonbart@hotmail.com>

LANGLEY - The Langley Life Chain has been temporarily put on hold, until a new coordinator for this event can be found. Interested? Call (604)534-1195, or e-mail <langleyprolife@shaw.ca>

SURREY-DELTA Location: from 84th Ave to104th Ave along King George Hwy. For signs & further details call Surrey-Delta Pro-life at 604-574-0225 or e-mail <sdpro-life@telus.net>

VANCOUVER - We will meet at Women's and Children's Hospital along Oak St. at about 29 th Ave. and Elizabeth Bagshaw abortuary on the south side of 1100 W. Broadway (outside the bubble zone) from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (National Life Chain has asked us to increase our time by half an hour). All church groups and individuals are invited to help make this a large grassroots movement in solidarity with other Life Chains across North America. Please arrive 15 min. early to find parking and be in position by 1.30 p.m. Feel free to bring a lawn chair if necessary for the elderly and infirm. Please bring signs from previous Life Chains, if possible. Please spread the word and we ask each recipient to forward this announcement to their e-mail list and/or their church/group bulletin contact. For more info. signs, location contact Betty Green at 604 733-6266 or call Pastor John Kaptein (backup) call. (604)708-1142 (home).

Nov-Dec - SALE OF CHRISTMAS CAKES - the major Annual Fundraising event for Campaign Life Coalition through all Christian Churches. To order call your pastor or church pro-life contact. Church reps call Joe Fernandez, tel (604)729-1925, or e-mail <jobfern@telus.net> (Greater Vancouver, Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley).

Current and Ongoing Events:

Members of Richmond Right To Life meet for prayer the first Saturday every month at 8:00 a.m. at Debeck House, 8660 Ash Street, Richmond. We would be delighted to have anyone with pro-life concerns join us. Info: 604 274-5433.

Join with other pro-lifers for a weekly INTERDENOMINATIONAL PRAYER MEETING every Thursday morning from 9-10 at Abbotsford Right to Life office, #100A - 32660 George
Ferguson Way, Abbotsford.

Info:
604-852-4623.

WEEKLY PRAYER SERVICE FOR THE UNBORN (Interdenominational) Friday morning 10:00 at Gianna House, 2027 East 44th Ave. Followed by picketing 12:00-1:00 at Everywoman’s abortuary, 2525 Commercial Drive. Info: Sissy at 604-322-1527, Bill at 604-944-1374, or e-mail <tintypebill@telus.net>

*******************

The B.C. Parents and Teachers for Life E-mailBulletin is sent out from time to time to members and other individuals and organizations we think will be interested in the issues addressed. If you do not wish to receive such bulletins from us, simply e-mail executive@bcptl.org with this message: "We do not wish to receive the BCPTL e-mail bulletin."

NOTE: Please let us know of any change in an e-mail address by contacting executive@bcptl.org with this message:
"Please change the destination address for the e-bulletin from [give old e-mail address] to [give new address]."

British Columbia Parents and Teachers for Life
E-Mail Bulletin

For March, 2010

A Message to Our Members and Other Pro-Family Individuals and Organizations:

Please visit us at our website: www.bcptl.org
E-mail address: executive@BCPTL.org
Phone (voice and fax): 604-512-9594.

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Contents of This E-Mail Bulletin

1.  How Far Must Things Go in the Schools Before Parents Act
     to Defend the Young?
2. Defeated: The Push to Have Canada Promote Abortion
3. A Reminder of the 2010 Annual General Meeting of British Columbia Parents and
    Teachers for Life (on April 17^th)
4. Another Reminder: You Can Become a Fan of B.C. Parents
   and Teachers for Life on Facebook
5. News and Views from Internet and E-Mail Sources
6. Pro-Life and Pro-Family Events

How Far Must Things Go in the Schools Before Parents
Act to Defend the Young?

In the section of this bulletin entitled “News and Views from Internet and E-Mail Sources” are two stories that should surely make us ask just how far things must go before right-thinking parents rise in a body to defend the young? In Vancouver, British Columbia, a school board has actually sponsored what amounts to a pro- homosexuality boot camp for kids, as the Vancouver Courier writer describes it. Read the article, and ask yourself, "How did we get to the situation where the citizens' representatives not only allow but facilitate such a conference?"

In Seattle, Vancouver's neighbour to the south, in the United States, a mother finds that her daughter has been sent for a secret abortion without the parent of the fifteen-year-old being informed. This story is not hard for us in British Columbia to relate to, if we realize that the Infants Act makes just such a scenario possible, and legal, in our province: this despite repeated protests which we have made to successive governments.

From what we hear of other jurisdictions in Western Europe and North America, such violations of parental rights and misuse of the schools to corrupt the young are all too common. Individual parents and groups of parents have attempted to make their voices heard on behalf of the young. But their efforts have too often been too little and too late: too little because not enough supporters have been rallied or the action has not been strong enough to match the strength of their opponents, and too late because their opponents had already gained positions of power and influence.

Whatever the reasons for the state of things we have been describing, it is high time for those who support traditional morality to rally in a unified defence of the young. Surely it is not too much to call on those already in positions of leadership who are aware of the situation to join with concerned parents and others in a concerted effort to protect the young from harmful propaganda and moral corruption sponsored by institutions of government.

Defeated: The Push to Have Canada Promote Abortion

It was good news indeed: the failure of the motion on March 23^rd in the House of Commons urging, in effect, that Canada promote abortion in Third-World countries. The motion’s defeat was encouraging to all those who had written the government urging that it stand fast in resisting this attempt to force it facilitate abortion abroad.

It would be even more encouraging if the government would firmly state that abortion-promotion is definitely off- limits for Canadian government agencies.

We encourage you to write your local Member of Parliament either to congratulate him or her for taking a stand against the pro-abortion measure or to express your displeasure with the MP's failure to do so.

A Reminder of the 2010 Annual General Meeting of British Columbia Parents and Teachers for Life

In the February BCPTL E-Mail Bulletin we gave notice that the British Columbia Parents and Teachers for Life will hold our 2010 Annual General Meeting on April 17th at ABC Country Restaurant in South Surrey at 2160 King George Highway starting at 10:30 a.m. (in a room at the south-east side of the restaurant. Reports of the years' activities will be given, and current issues discussed, including the proposed radical changes to teacher education.

The following motion regarding a change to the constitution will be discussed and voted on at the Annual General Meeting: That "Article 4: The Executive" be changed to read, " The members of the executive shall consist of the following officers: president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and as many members at large as the Annual General Meeting may decide." (The current Article 4 reads ". . .and not more than seven members at large.") All attendees are encouraged to stay and order a meal of your choice.

Members of British Columbia Parents and Teachers for Life are again urged to attend this meeting if possible. Pro-family, pro-life guests are welcomed.

If you can, please let us know if you plan to attend.

Another Reminder: You Can Become a Fan of B.C. Parents and Teachers for Life on Facebook

Are you on Facebook? If so, you can support B.C. Parents and Teachers for Life and become a fan. You will then be able to discuss issues online at the Facebook site. Remember, the exact name to use to locate the BCPTL Facebook site is “B.C. Parents and Teachers for Life.”

News and Views from Internet and E-Mail Sources

School board rallies gay activists [in Vancouver, B. C.]

The Vancouver Courier

Published: Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Ever wondered what a gay activist boot camp for kids looks like?

If so, hurry over to Queen Mary elementary in West Point Grey. It's a beautiful old brick building on Trimble Street, home to the purple and gold Royals--and today until 3 p.m--the Dare To Stand Out conference. Billed as a "youth leadership conference for LGBTQ youth and allies," the event welcomes roughly 120 high school students, Grade 8 to 12, from around the province.

During an interview last Friday, Stephen Mulligan, the school board's "anti-homophobia consultant" and driving force behind the conference, said most of the attending students represent student councils or Gay/Straight Alliance student groups. "It allows the kids to do some thinking and some planning of how they might take the information that they learn at the conference back to their school."

So what will the kids learn and take home? What lessons are the taxpayers paying for? According to the conference mission statement, organizers want to "plan a world without homophobia or gender stereotypes."

A world without gender stereotypes. Say it ain't so. I'll miss them. Millions rely on them. Western culture was built on them. But all good things must come to an end.

More importantly, organizers claim the conference targets bigotry--homophobia, to be exact. Obviously, any fruitful discussion about bigotry in public schools must include a diverse panel representing a wide array of cultural backgrounds. To promote tolerance and understanding, differing opinions must be discussed and respected. So who'll speak at the conference? Mulligan and company have compiled an impressive list of speakers, dubbed "advocacy heroes."

There's Janine Fuller, manager of Little Sister's sex shop/bookstore, whose scholarly knowledge of dildo history is sure to stimulate young minds. And Morgan Brayton, a columnist for gay newspaper Xtra! West, who in a 2006 column detailed her experience in a public orgy. Foul-mouthed lesbian comic Kimothy Shaughnessy will make an appearance, as will Vancouver Pride Society president Ken Coolen.

Not only is the speaker list inappropriate for young teens, but much like Coolen's stream of stereotypes on display each summer in the gay pride parade, it provides a narrow view of Vancouver's gay population.

Conference co-architect Jeremy Dias, an Ontario resident who parlayed a human rights commission complaint (and an eventual lucrative out-of-court settlement) into one of

Ontario's most ubiquitous gay lobbying groups, will conduct a "panel discussion on ethnicity, religion and sexuality."

Oddly, Mulligan, the aforementioned anti-homophobia consultant, didn't know who'd join Dias on the religion panel. A pastor? Priest? Rabbi? Imam?

"No, not pastors," cautioned Mulligan. "I'm not sure exactly who makes up that panel."

Speaking of religion. Before the speakers take centre stage, Berend McKenzie, an actor/social commentator, will perform a one-man show in the Queen Mary gymnasium. McKenzie's no stranger to Vancouver crowds. His X-rated puppet show titled Get Off the Cross, Mary! ran at the 2007 Vancouver Fringe Festival. While details of the show aren't worth repeating, it featured raunchy re-enactments of the Last Supper and the Crucifixion . . .

Confused, I contacted school board chair Patti Bacchus, who quickly granted the conference her full--albeit somewhat blind--support. "I haven't looked at it in great detail, but I can tell you that the board is very supportive of the work Steve Mulligan and the folks he's working with are doing."

Indeed. Our democracy depends on citizen participation including organized political activism and advocacy--gay, straight, right wing, left wing, whatever. But there's no room in the public school system for an activist jamboree laughingly veiled as an anti-bigotry conference.

However, on the bright side, Dare To Stand Out offers a revealing glimpse inside the Vancouver School Board and another argument for private schools.

mhasiuk@vancourier.com

[You can read the whole of the immediately-above article in the online version of The Vancouver Courier at http://www2.canada.com/vancouvercourier/news/opinion/story.html?id=541036e5-797d-444b-9631-c892c547b6e5 .]

Dare to Stand Out Conference a Success--According to Pro-Homosexuality Activist Magazine
(commentary from the BC Parents and Teachers for Life website,
regarding an article in Xtra)

The "Dare to Stand Out Conference" was a success, according to the pro-homosexuality activist magazine Xtra (Vancouver section, online, March 26, 2020 edition).

The article, "Dare to Stand Out Conference a success" reveals that besides the Vancouver School Board, four other organizations (Day of Pink, Jer's Vision, Out in

Schopols, and Qmunity Gab Youth) sponsored the conference. It also reveals that "Ten districts and four independent schools sent more than 200 students and teachers" to the conference, according to the Vancouver School Board's "anti-homophobia and diversity" consultant.

The According to Xtra, "Attendees had their choice of one of seven workshops: advocating for change; ethnicity, religion and sexuality; BC's queer history; challenging anti-queer bias; starting a gay-straight alliance; and games, dialogue and interactive theatre to challenge bias."

A Grade Eight Student who attended is quoted as saying:
"I'm going to stop people from ignoring us and I'm going to shove it in their faces and throw it in the air until we have pride flags on every street corner.

"I've never seen so many queer people all in the same area, all out there showing their colours. I'm going to try to work on our GSA because there aren't a lot of members. And our events like pink T-shirt day and Day of Silence aren't very well publicized. So I'm going to work on that."

Seattle Mom: School Sent My Daughter for Secret Abortion without Telling Me

By Patrick B. Craine

SEATTLE, Washington, March 24, 2010 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A Seattle mother is furious after learning that her 15-year-old daughter was sent by her school's health center for a secret abortion, reports ABC-affiliate KOMO.

The mother, identified only as “Jill,” says her daughter was given a pregnancy test at Ballard High School's Teen Health Center, which came back positive. Rather than informing the parents, she said, the center gave the girl a pass and put her in a taxi for the abortuary, all during school hours.

"They just told her that if she concealed it from her family, that it would be free of charge and no financial responsibility," Jill said.

She added that she had signed a consent form allowing her daughter to be treated at the health center, thinking it covered issues like earaches, sports physicals, or even contraception, but wasn't aware they would be arranging abortions.

"Nowhere in this paperwork does it mention abortion or facilitating abortion." she said. "Signing this paper makes me feel like my rights were completely stripped away."

T.J. Cosgrove of the King County Health Department, which oversees the center, explained that Washington state does not recognize parents' opinions on such issues. "At any age in the state of Washington, an individual can consent to a termination of pregnancy," he said.

Contact Information:

Principal Phil Brockman
Ballard High School
1418 NW 65th Street
Seattle, WA 98117
Phone: 206-252-1000
Fax: 206-252-1001
E-mail: pbrockman@seattleschools.org

Liberal motion defeated; no clarity on abortion

March 23, 2010, from thestar.com

OTTAWA – A divisive parliamentary vote designed to smoke out the Harper government's attitude to funding foreign abortions came and went Tuesday with voters none the wiser on Conservative policy — or that of the Liberal Opposition, for that matter.

Liberal MP Bob Rae's motion concerning a maternal health initiative at this summer's G8 summit was nominally supported by all three opposition parties in the Commons, but was defeated 144-138 when a number of Liberal MPs failed to show up for the vote.

Three staunchly pro-life Liberals also voted with the Tories.

Conservatives had called the motion "a transparent attempt to reopen the abortion debate," while steadfastly refusing to clarify the government's position on the matter.

They voted en masse against ensuring that G8 leaders consider a "full range of family planning, sexual and reproductive health options, including contraception" when considering the problem of maternal and child health.

Government members claimed the motion included "rash, extreme anti-American rhetoric" because it specifically slammed the policy of former Republican president George W. Bush, whose administration refused for ideological reasons to fund non-governmental organizations that promoted contraception or made abortion referrals.

That U.S. policy was immediately overturned by President Barack Obama when he took office.

For their part, the Liberals failed to use the words abortion or termination of pregnancy in their motion, and Rae danced around the issue when pressed.

"What we can say as a country is we are not going to discriminate against NGOs that advocate on behalf of women, including referrals for abortion services," Rae said outside the House.

So why not include abortion specifically in the motion?

"Well, you know, I don't think it's a matter of . . . abortion under the . . . you know, not a matter of saying abortion is something we're promoting as a policy," said the usually smooth-speaking Liberal.

The result was a mealy-mouthed debate that pandered to various factions while clarifying little.

[To read the whole article, go to http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/783898--liberal-motion-defeated-no-clarity-on-abortion .]

Pro-Life and Pro-Family Events

An Invitation to Help Us Inform Others of Pro-Family, Pro-Life Events

The following information is taken mainly from the rather more extensive pro-life calendar circulated by Bill Van Eldik:

Events arranged by date:

Apr 9 Fri - BENEFIT CONCERT "A Celebration of Life" Friday, 7:30 pm – Abbotsford Right to Life is hosting a benefit concert at Trinity Christian Reformed Church, 3215 Trethewey St., Abbotsford. Performers include Calvin Dyck (violin), Mel Bowker (piano) the Watchmen Four (men's quartet) and others. Tickets are $20, available at King's Music, House of James, Abbotsford Right to Life or at the door. For more info call 604-852-4623 or go to www.abbotsfordrtl.ca (Events page)

April 17, Saturday, 10:30 a.m.: BRITISH COLUMBIA PARENTS AND TEACHERS FOR LIFE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, followed by a meal of your choice (and payment) at ABC Country Restaurant in South Surrey at 2160 King George Highway

Apr 30 Friday (Rescheduled from Nov.21/09) - Mr. Bill Vander Zalm will be the guest auctioneer at this F-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C AUCTION FUNDRAISER! 7:00 p.m. at Bernadette’s Parish, 6543 - 132nd St., Surrey. No admission charge. Delicious refreshments! To donate items please call 604-574-0225 or 604-576-8791.

May 13 Thursday - Please join us for our third annual WESTERN CANADA MARCH FOR LIFE in Victoria. Mass at St. Andrew’s Cathedral 12:00 p.m., followed at 2:00 p.m. by March from Centennial Square to Legislature. Speakers will include Most Reverend J. Michael Miller, Archbishop of Vancouver, Jose Ruba, co-founder of the Canadian Center for Bio-Ethical Reform, Minerva Macapagal, president of Capilano University pro-life club “Heartbeat”, Rev. Dr. Robert Fitterer, author and pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Victoria, and others. For further info visit <www.theinterim.com/events>

May 22 Sat - Pro-Life Conference entitled "Freedom to Love" with Christopher West as main speaker. This will be held at Glad Tidings Church - 3456 Fraser St. Vancouver.This is a once in a lifetime event, that we have Christopher West as main speaker for our Pro-Life event. We pray many can attend. Take advantage of the $30 registration fee (includes workbook) until March 31. After this date, fee is $40/person. For further info and registration contact Couples for Christ at 604-270-9463 or

visit www.bc.cfc.ca - email: cfcvan@cfc.ca

Oct 3 Sun - LIFE CHAIN in communities listed below (All Life Chains are scheduled for the hour of 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. unless indicated otherwise.)

ABBOTSFORD & MISSION DETAILS TO FOLLOW. For info call Abbotsford Right-to-Life Society, 604-852-4623 or e-mail <artl@telus.net>

CHILLIWACK - For details call Chilliwack Pro-Life Society, 604-795-3091 or e-mail <cpcpro@dowco.com>

KELOWNA - 1:30 p.m. Location: corner of Hwy 97 & Gordon Avenue in Kelowna. For signs & details: contact <marlonbart@hotmail.com>

LANGLEY - Along 200th St from 64th Ave to 56th Ave. Signs available at Tim Hortons on Willowbrook Dr starting 1:30. Please arrive 15 min early to find parking and be in position for 2:00 p.m. Those who are

unable to stand for one hour are encouraged to bring a chair. For info: Langley Pro Life (604)534-1195, or e-mail <lifechain@langleyprolife.org>

SURREY-DELTA Location: from 84th Ave to104th Ave along King George Hwy. For signs & further details call Surrey-Delta Pro-life at 604-574-0225 or e-mail <sdpro-life@telus.net>

Current and Ongoing Events:

Join with other pro-lifers for a weekly INTERDENOMINATIONAL PRAYER MEETING every Thursday morning from 9-10 at Abbotsford Right to Life office, #100A - 32660 George Ferguson Way, Abbotsford. Info: 604-852-4623.

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Useful Links to Other Websites

We are, of course, not responsible for the content of external sites. Listing of a site does not imply anything about our agreement or disagreement with particular statements that may be made on such external sites.

Are you pregnant and need help?
Help is available from these centres:
Canada, US, UK, Ireland Pregnancy Centres: Click to find a centre in your area
--or, in Canada or the US call 1-800-395-HELP

Canadian Listing of Pregnancy Care Centres
(an extensive list supplied by "Today's Family News")

Abortion procedures and risks

Abortion: Stop the Cover-up

Asociarion for Reformed PoliticalAction--Education

Campaign Life Coalition

Campaign Life Coalition BC

Canada Family Action Coalition

Canadian Constitution Foundation

CASJAFVA (Canadian & Family Values Association)

Catholic Civil Rights League

Contactmps.com

Courage Apostolate