Marriage Battles, Answered Prayer & Pro-Life Victory

This week, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to grant review of same-sex marriage cases involving the five states of Indiana, Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin. The decision will allow rogue lower court decisions to silence the clear voice of the people in these states by overturning their state laws on marriage. The court’s decision also ensures the debate over marriage will continue – with Texas being a key battleground – and that Texas, for now, still retains the right to define marriage as one man and one woman.

Texas Values President Jonathan Saenz reacted to the court’s decision: “The decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to not take up the lower court rulings undermines both marriage and the rule of law, and it effectively silences millions of Americans in these states that have supported marriage as the unique union of one man and one woman. But for Texas, the decision today means that the redefinition of marriage will not be forced on our state at this time. The U. S. Supreme Court has simply refused to make a decision on this issue so Texas still retains the right to define marriage as one man and one woman while the marriage cases in Texas and Louisiana are on appeal.” Read full statement.

Take Action: Ask your Texas elected officials to publicly support Texas’ marriage laws and renounce efforts of the Federal Judiciary and Executive Branch to redefine marriage in Texas.

Texas Values was excited to have a big prayer answered this month! After considerable effort and waiting well over a year, Texas Values just received final notice of approval for our 501(c)(3) status from the IRS. Even though Texas Values has been organized and operating exclusively for 501(c)(3) purposes since its inception, allowing contributions to be tax-deductible, our 501(c)(3) approval gives us final confirmation that contributions to Texas Values, both past and present, are tax-deductible.

In recognition of this answered prayer and of the critically important work ahead of us, some of our gracious supporters have offered a time-sensitive matching grant challenge that will double your gift to Texas Values. There is not a more important time to join us in our mission to stand for biblical, Judeo-Christian values by ensuring Texas is a state in which religious liberty flourishes, families prosper, and every human life is valued. In the next 2 weeks, we need your help to take full advantage of our matching grant challenge. Please make a tax-deductible donation today and ensure your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar.

Fifth Circuit Reinstates HB 2 Provision

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has issued a stay on federal district Judge Yeakel’s August ruling against the provision of the Pro-Life Omnibus Bill (HB 2) that requires abortion mills to meet the same safety standards as ambulatory surgical centers. The decision allows the surgical center provision to immediately go into effect for now and forces all abortion mills in Texas not in compliance with these common-sense safety standards to stop operations. A different panel of the Fifth Circuit will conduct a full review of the case and later give a final decision. Please continue to pray that HB 2 is upheld in its entirety!

iPledge Webcast This Sunday, Oct. 12

With more than 75% of Americans calling themselves Christians, it’s time for the Church to rise up and take action to turn the tide in our nation! We have the numbers and we have a voice. If we are silent, we have no one to blame but ourselves for a Godless America. Hear firsthand from Christian leaders, like FRC’s Tony Perkins and Wallbuilder’s David Barton, who are bringing new ideas to Washington and the states. Signup for this Sunday’s webcast or get details about attending at a local church.