 Click here to download the 2024 Utah Eagle Forum Newsletter by Gayle Ruzicka Many of you probably think that most of the work that Utah Eagle Forum does is during the legislative session. Even though we work long, hard hours during the session, that is just a small portion of the work that we do. My work in Utah Eagle Forum is a full time, year-round, unpaid volunteer job. Many others in Utah Eagle Forum also work year-round. We work on many issues that have to do with education, life, the Constitution, elections, energy, food security, health freedom, religious freedom, taxes, protecting children, and any other issues that affect the family. Utah Eagle Forum is a pro family, pro-life organization. We are about God, family and country. We often sponsor events, inviting great speakers to come and educate us on the things that we believe you would want to know about. The most important event that we have is our Annual Utah Eagle Forum Convention. In addition, every month on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, we sponsor Liberty Forum at 10:00 AM, in the Provo Library. We have speakers that include elected officials and leading experts covering all of the issues that we work on. We had several great events this year. One of the events that we sponsored was with Glenn Beck. We had over 3200 people in attendance. I had watched a video called, "My Most Powerful Speech, by Glenn Beck. After watching this video, I was convinced that Glenn should come to Utah and give that speech to all of us. I contacted Glenn and told him that this speech gave people hope and faith in the future, even though there were so many bad things happening around us. His speech was about why America is a covenant nation. Glenn agreed to come. The speech that Glenn gave in Utah was even better than the original one. The title is, "America, a Covenant Nation." This is a must watch for everyone. In his speech Glenn shares his testimony of Jesus Christ and how the covenant we make with Jesus is the answer to saving this nation. The video is available here on our website or on our YouTube channel. Even if you were there, you need to watch it again. Then invite your friends and neighbors to come to your home and watch it with you. Send the link to the video to everyone on your e-mail list. I look forward to being with you on Saturday, January 6, at our 2024 Utah Eagle Forum Convention.   Republicans Have Given Us Some Wins in 2023Originally Published by National Eagle Forum
DECEMBER 21, 2023 Has Congress been Naughty or Nice? Looking back on this session, it’s easy to see the disappointing things that belong on Santa’s Naughty List. But several things deserve positive recognition. In the true spirit of giving, here are some of the “gifts” that Congress gave us this year:
We MUST get out of the United Nations now!
Sen. Mike Lee (R - UT) and Reps. Chip Roy (R - TX) and Mike Rogers (R - AL) have simultaneously introduced the"Disengage Entirely From the United Nations Debacle" (DEFUND) Act. Key Elements of the DEFUND Act:
Contact your Senators and Representatives now and ask them to support this bill and not to send another cent to the UN. Senator Mike Lee: (202) 224-5444 To send an email click here Senator Mitt Romney: (801) 524-4380 To send an email click here Rep. John Curtis: (202) 225-7751 To send an email click here Rep. Burgess Owens: (202) 225-3011 To send an email click here Rep. Blake Moore: (202) 225-0453 To send an email click here Rep. Celeste Maloy: (202) 225-9730 To send an email click here One pager about the bill Full-bill text "No more blank checks for the United Nations. Americans' hard-earned dollars have been funneled into initiatives that fly in the face of our values - enabling tyrants, betraying allies, and spreading bigotry. With the DEFUND Act, we're stepping away from this debacle. If we engage with the UN in the future, it will be on our terms, with the full backing of the Senate and an iron-clad escape clause." - Sen. Mike Lee The Utah Eagle Forum strongly supports the efforts of the Utah Legislature to ensure the safety of children online by implementing the Utah Social Media Regulation Acts of 2023. Here's a comprehensive overview of the legislation:
Legislation Overview: In 2023, the Utah State Legislature passed two landmark bills, SB 152 and HB 311, collectively known as the Utah Social Media Regulation Acts. These comprehensive laws were enacted to address the significant and evolving challenges posed to children and young people by social media platforms. Under SB 152 and HB 311, the state of Utah has taken proactive steps to hold social media companies accountable for their role in safeguarding the well-being of young users online. The legislation introduces a range of measures aimed at protecting minors and ensuring responsible behavior within the digital realm. These measures encompass strict age verification requirements for adults seeking to establish or maintain social media accounts in Utah. Additionally, parental consent is now mandated for users under the age of 18, granting parents or legal guardians a pivotal role in overseeing their child's online activities. Furthermore, social media companies are obligated to provide parents or guardians with full access to their child's social media account, fostering a sense of transparency and accountability. To promote healthy sleep habits, a default curfew setting has been established, which restricts overnight access to minor accounts (from 10:30 pm to 6:30 am); this setting can be customized by parents to suit their preferences. The legislation also introduces stringent safeguards to protect minors from unapproved direct messaging and ensures their exclusion from search results. Importantly, social media companies are prohibited from collecting data from minors, targeting their accounts for advertising purposes, or employing addictive design features that specifically target this vulnerable demographic. The enforcement of these groundbreaking regulations falls under the purview of the Division of Consumer Protection, which is authorized to take administrative or civil actions against companies found in violation of these new laws. Starting from March 1, 2024, individuals and organizations can report violations to the Division, underlining the state's commitment to ensuring the online safety and well-being of its young citizens.  PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 26, 2023 CONTACT: [email protected] Target: Stop “Targeting” Our Kids State and National Groups Unite in Call for Target to Remove/Move Divisive “Trans Pride” Products Group Sending Letter and Petition to Chip and Joanna Gaines Seeking Support to Protect Childhood Innocence  Eagle Forum, joined by a diverse group of national, state, and local activists, is calling on all Americans to make their voices heard by participating in the Stop “Targeting” Our Kids Align Act. This petition drive, directed to Target corporate leadership, peacefully requests that Target move or remove divisive “Trans Pride” items currently sold by the company. The items at issue are those marketed for babies, toddlers, and teens and the “women’s” bathing suits that are made with “tuck-friendly construction” and “extra crotch coverage” to accommodate male genitalia. The petition also asks Target to reconsider donating to GLSEN, a radical organization that advocates that schools withhold information from parents regarding their children’s gender dysphoria and any so-called ‘accommodations’ being provided by the school.
In addition, the group sent a letter to Chip and Joanna Gaines, the creators of the Magnolia Home line of products sold in Target stores, requesting their assistance in reaching Target management. The letter states in part, “We are asking you — as parents, Christians, and creators of beautiful home goods — to contact top management at the Target corporation and ask them to remove all the so-called “Trans Pride” merchandise that is targeted to children and teens and move the rest of the LGBTQ+ merchandise from the front of the store so families can choose whether to encounter these items. We also ask that Target reconsider funding an organization that openly advocates the destruction of the parent/child relationship.” The Align Act also contains a petition citizens can sign urging the Gaineses to speak out on their behalf. Glenn Beck, American media personality, political commentator, author, and co-founder of Blaze Media expressed his support for this effort in the following statement: “American families are leading the way again. Together with Eagle Forum, its state affiliates, and many other state and national groups, they have mobilized to stand for God, Country, Families, and common sense. Americans do not burn cities down, threaten or silence those with differing views. However, they do demand common sense and decency. That is why I support the Align Act to petition the leadership of Target to reconsider their promotion and placement of the divisive “Trans Pride” products in their stores. Women all over the country are giving up one of their favorite places to shop — Target. With Peace, Love, and determination women and men from all walks of life choose Truth over convenience. Did God make you the way you are, or did He make a mistake? Should our girls bind their breasts or boys ‘tuck it’? Chip and Joanna have been fearless in their faith and in defense of Families. I hope they join this effort and do not remain silent as their partner Target abandons truth and their loyal customers for the Wall Street Hedge funds that demand you kneel at the feet of the ESG gods. This movement is the beginning of the end as we each choose to stand for Truth, God, and our families in Love, compassion, and courage.” The Align Act “Target: Stop Targeting Our Kids” and the petition asking Chip and Joanna Gaines for their help can be found at TellTargetStop.com or www.AlignAct.com/go/Target. ###  After fifty years of Title IX protecting women’s and girls’ access to education, sports, and privacy, the Biden administration is erasing what it means to be female and turning Title IX on its head. The Department of Education decided to change the definition of ‘sex’ to include sexual orientation and gender identity. This means that biological men can play in girls’ sports teams and have access to their private spaces. Parents of minors do not have to be informed about these changes and any opposition could have severe consequences.
Eagle Forum joined the Title IX Network to team up with like-minded groups to restore the original intent of Title IX. This Thursday, January 26th, we will meet with multiple members of Congress in Washington, D.C., to ask them to advance bills that protect girls, women, and parents from this dangerous rewriting of not only womanhood but language. We need you to echo these concerns and solutions to your elected representatives from the grassroots. We, along with the Title IX Network coalition, are asking Congress to:
Your voice is so important because you are the one who holds your representatives accountable. Our goal is to have Eagles from across the country flood the offices of House Members right after coalition lobbies this Thursday. The message is simple — we will not stand for the elimination of the definition of ‘female’ that will lead to real harm to women and girls! Contact your Representative and Senators now and ask them to restore the original intent of Title IX!  URGENT ALERT!
WE NEED YOU IN COMMITTEE TOMORROW TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT! The bill that will stop unproven surgeries and hormonal treatment on minors under age 18 will be heard in committee on Tuesday, January 24th, at 2:00pm in the House Building, Room 30, in the House Health and Human services committee. HB 132, sponsored by representative Rex Shipp, will end experimental medical procedures that hurt and sterilize children. Medical doctors and mental health experts will be in the meeting to testify about the dangers of these procedures and why Utah must pass this bill to Protect our children. De-transitioner Chloe Cole will share her story about her journey through puberty blockers, cross sex hormones and a double mastectomy at age 15. We need you to be there please come and support this legislation. Let the committee members know that you expect them to protect Utah’s children by passing HB132. Please email, text and call all the Republican members of the committee and ask them to vote yes to protecting Utah’s children. This bill prohibits a health care provider from performing a medical procedure on a minor for the purpose of attempted sex transitioning or attempted sex change. HB 132 PROHIBITS:
[email protected] 801-289-6699 Rep. Stephanie Gricius [email protected] 801-901-8251 Rep. Marsha Judkins [email protected] 801-669-6962 Rep. Anthony Loubet [email protected] 801-657-0466 Rep. Quinn Kotter [email protected] 385-202-6683 Rep. Robert M. Spendlove [email protected] 801-560-5394 Rep. Steve Eliason [email protected] 801-673-4748 Rep. Tim Jimenez [email protected] 801-560-8061 Rep. Raymond P. Ward [email protected] 801-440-8765  Eagle Forum of Alabama Files Motion in Federal Court to Quash Unprecedented U.S. Department of Justice Subpoena
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SEPTEMBER 7, 2022 MEDIA INQUIRIES CONTACT: [email protected] EAGLE FORUM OF ALABAMA FILES MOTION IN FEDERAL COURT TO QUASH UNPRECEDENTED U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE SUBPOENA DOJ SUBPOENA DEMANDS ALL INFORMATION RELATED TO EAGLE FORUM’S CONSTITUTIONALLY-PROTECTED ACTIVITIES RELATED TO LEGISLATION PROTECTING CHILDREN Non-Profit Organization Targeted and Harassed for Advocating Passage of “Alabama Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act” (BIRMINGHAM) – Today, Eagle Forum of Alabama filed a motion in U.S. federal district court seeking to quash the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) unprecedented subpoena of August 9, 2022 demanding all information related to the non-profit’s legislative activities promoting the Alabama Vulnerable Child Compassion And Protection Act (VCAP) since 2017. “At stake here is the ability of all private citizen advocates and non-profit advocacy organizations to engage in the legislative process regardless of their viewpoint,” said Kristen A. Ullman, President of Eagle Forum. “If the DOJ can weaponize a subpoena, any American can be unduly burdened and prevented from engaging in our democratic republic form of government. Freedom of speech and freedom of association will be squelched.” “This unprecedented, massive demand by the DOJ for information unrelated to the issues before the court is a blatant attempt to intimidate and silence a non-party organization and crush its Constitutionally-protected rights to educate others, petition the government, and speak freely,” said Ullman. “This harassment must be stopped. It’s a shot across the bow of people and groups engaged in the legislative process throughout the nation. If the Department of Justice doesn’t like your viewpoint it may target you next.” “After hearing from citizens in Alabama, including parents, doctors, lawyers, and guidance counselors, about their concerns for otherwise healthy children who want to transition to the opposite sex, we decided to undertake the protection of these vulnerable children and have done so publicly and ardently,” said Executive Director of Eagle Forum of Alabama, Becky Gerritson. “Eagle Forum of Alabama operates primarily by volunteer Alabama citizens. The right to engage in these activities, free of compulsion and harassment, must be preserved.” VCAP became effective on May 8, 2022, following consideration in three successive legislative sessions including seven public hearings and passionate legislative campaigns conducted by proponent and opponent advocacy groups and individuals. Final passage was by large majorities in both Alabama chambers. The constitutionality of Alabama’s VCAP law is the subject of Eknes-Tucker, et. al. v. Marshall, et. al., a lawsuit filed in the US District Court on April 19, 2022. On April 29, 2022, the DOJ filed a motion to join as an intervenor party to the lawsuit. Eagle Forum of Alabama is not a party in this legal action. The DOJ subpoena is broad, intrusive, and meant to harass. It seeks 5 ½ years of information, including all private communications with legislators or anyone else regarding VCAP; every note, meeting minutes, letter, policy goals and strategy effort, speech, presentation materials, research, polling; drafts of the bill or its amendments (which can be found on the legislative website); and documents pertaining to publicly-posted social media and webpages, etc. ### Non-Party Eagle Forum Of Alabama’s Objection To And Motion To Quash Document Subpoena, Or In The Alternative Motion To Modify Subpoena Eagle Forum was founded by Phyllis Schlafly, a dynamic and charismatic leader who inspired countless women and men to participate in the process of self-government and public policy-making so that America will continue to be a land of individual liberty, with respect for the nuclear family, public and private virtue, and private enterprise. For nearly fifty years, Eagle Forum’s network of state organizations has led the charge to mobilize the grassroots to defend the founding principles of the United States. Media Statement
Utah Judge Stone Oversteps in Delaying Law Triggered by SCOTUS Abortion Ruling SALT LAKE CITY--July 11, 2022--The Utah Eagle Forum today declared Third District Judge Andrew Stone’s temporary blockage of SB174, Utah's pro- life trigger law, as legislating from the bench without a single mention of the rights of the unborn babies. Responding to the knee jerk lawsuit by Planned Parenthood, Stone sided with them using the same reasoning as the Supreme Court of the United States did in “Roe v. Wade”, only this time he used the Utah Constitution for his unconstitutional bias opinion instead of the US Constitution. “This is an obvious example of legislating from the bench, in violation of the Utah constitution,” states Gayle Ruzicka, President of the Utah Eagle Forum. “We expected such desperate action from Planned Parenthood seeking to overcome the will of the people and rights of the unborn. But we are shocked and disappointed in this rock-hard liberal judgment and are prepared to continue fighting for full implementation of SB174, which is current law in Utah.” Ruzicka continues, “In our Republican form of government, the people elect legislators to make laws reflecting the will of the people. In this case Judge Stone and Planned Parenthood seek to overrule the people’s vote and subjugate the law to force their agenda. That’s not the way our free government works.” The Forum believes Roe v. Wade was always an unconstitutional ruling by the Supreme Court. The right to abortion does not exist in the Constitution. The Forum affirms that we now have a Supreme Court majority that rules according to correct constitutional and moral principles. In a triumphant day for unborn babies and their mothers, the 2022 SCOTUS ruling affirmed that each state can now decide what laws will govern abortion in their state. About the Utah Eagle Forum The Utah Eagle Forum has been a leader in the pro-life, pro-family movement and is part of the National Eagle Forum founded by Phyllis Schlafly in 1972. The Forum’s mission is to enable conservative and pro-family men and women to participate in the process of self-government and public policymaking so that America will continue to be a land of individual liberty, with respect for the nuclear family, public and private virtue, and private enterprise. For fifty years, Eagle Forum’s network of state organizations has led the charge to mobilize the grassroots to defend the founding principles of the United States. Since 1989, Utah Eagle Forum has been led by Gayle Ruzicka, who has committed her time as President to the defeat of Roe V. Wade SALT LAKE CITY--June 24, 2022--The Utah Eagle Forum today announced a triumphant day for unborn babies and their mothers. An affirming day for the Constitution and a victory for the United States of America, Roe v. Wade, which required that abortion on demand be legal in all 50 states, has been overturned by the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS). Each state can now decide what laws will govern abortion in their state. With the SCOTUS ruling, Utah Eagle Forum is appreciative that Utah has a well vetted pro-life law that is ready to go into effect. The Forum is especially grateful to Senator Dan McCay, the sponsor of this law that prohibits an abortion at any stage of a pregnancy, except under certain circumstances. The House Sponsor of the Utah law is Karianne Lisonbee. Gayle Ruzicka, President of the Utah Chapter of the Eagle Forum stated, “I remember the shock and the pain, almost 50 years ago, when seven Supreme Court Justices voted in support of Roe v. Wade, making abortion on demand legal in all 50 states. Since that time, 63 million babies have lost their lives because of abortion. I am grateful that I have lived long enough to see the end of Roe.” The Forum believes Roe v. Wade was always an unconstitutional ruling by the Supreme Court. The right to abortion does not exist in the Constitution. The Forum affirms that we now have a Supreme Court majority that rules according to correct constitutional and moral principles. Ruzika further states, “Our celebration includes creating support systems for mothers by connecting them with organizations and resources that can provide care and training for both the mother and her baby. These resources can provide a good start and opportunities for a successful future.” On Saturday July 2nd at 2pm, the Forum will join other Utah pro-life groups in a “Celebration of Life” event to commemorate the end of Roe v. Wade and a new era of life for Utah’s unborn babies. This celebration will take place at the Utah State Capitol. About the Utah Eagle Forum The Utah Eagle Forum has been a leader in the pro-life, pro-family movement and is part of the National Eagle Forum founded by Phyllis Schlafly in 1972. The Forum’s mission is to enable conservative and pro-family men and women to participate in the process of self-government and public policy-making so that America will continue to be a land of individual liberty, with respect for the nuclear family, public and private virtue, and private enterprise. For fifty years, Eagle Forum’s network of state organizations has led the charge to mobilize the grassroots to defend the founding principles of the United States. Since 1989, Utah Eagle Forum has been lead by Gayle Ruzicka, who has committed her time as President to the defeat of Roe V. Wade. For more information or questions please contact David Kyle, 801-615-1532 & Rana Williams, 801-688-2755 |
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