Current Events Archives

Focus President Jim Daly on the Nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh

Focus on the Family is pleased to support the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh as an Associate Justice of the U. S. Supreme Court. As a former law clerk to the retiring Justice Anthony Kennedy, with a long resume of public service as well as private legal experience, Judge Kavanaugh is a top-drawer candidate to replace his former boss on the nation’s highest court.

A graduate of Yale and Yale Law School, Judge Kavanaugh has served in the Solicitor General’s Office, as well as in the George W.

Topics: Current Events Tags: events, pop culture July 9, 2018 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Focus on the Family President Jim Daly on the Retirement of Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy

We congratulate Justice Anthony Kennedy on the announcement of his retirement, and note with appreciation his 30 years of service to the country as Associate Justice, and the nearly 13 years prior to that serving on the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

After becoming Focus’ President, I had the privilege of meeting with Justice Kennedy. Although we occasionally differed on the issues, sometimes strongly so, when we met I found him to be quite personable and was impressed with his dedication to the Court and to his duties there.

Topics: Current Events Tags: events, policy June 27, 2018 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

VIDEO: A Win For Life and Free Speech at the Supreme Court

We’re grateful to learn of today’s Supreme Court decision in the free speech case of NIFLA v. Becerra.

This case was a textbook example of government overreach. Thankfully, the court overturned a dangerous encroachment of our time-honored First Amendment freedoms of speech and religion.

No person should be compelled by government to speak a message contrary to their beliefs. Yet, that is exactly what the California legislature did, in an attempt to force pro-life pregnancy care centers to promote the availability of free and low-cost abortions.

Topics: Current Events Tags: events, policy, pro-life, religious liberty June 26, 2018 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Thoughts on the Border Crisis

The controversy at the southern border continues to churn. Like many of you, I’ve been following its many twists and turns, straining to gather reliable information and, at times, struggling to separate the fact from the fiction. There is a lot of bad and biased information out there. To be sure, emotions are running high on both sides, a consequence of the very real human concern and the highly partisan nature of our times.

As I’ve previously indicated, separating children from their parents can be harmful and traumatic.

Topics: Current Events Tags: family, kids, policy June 19, 2018 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Video: Our Trip to the Masterpiece Cake Shop

Topics: Current Events Tags: events, faith, homosexuality, policy, religious liberty June 13, 2018 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

2 Minute Video: Explaining the Masterpiece Cake Shop Ruling

I’m currently on a plane flying back home from a visit with friends of the ministry. While I was changing planes in Chicago, I asked my colleague, Bruce Hausknecht, to break down in shirt-sleeve English Jack Phillips’ victory today at the Supreme Court.

Without a doubt, today’s Supreme Court decision recognizes that religious freedom is still entitled to its pre-eminent place among our constitutional guarantees.

I’ve been saying for some time that the conflict between LGBT rights and religious freedom doesn’t have to be a win-lose.

Topics: Current Events Tags: events, policy, religious liberty June 4, 2018 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Masterpiece Cake Decision is a Victory for Religious Respect

I’m delighted to hear of the 7-2 Supreme Court victory today for Jack Phillips and his bakery, Masterpiece Cakeshop.

It’s been a long time in coming.

No one should be forced to violate their faith in order to earn a living, and Jack, who I’ve met and consider a friend, just wants to be free to live out his faith in his chosen profession.

As Jack has said on several occasions, this case was never about refusing to serve gay people.

Topics: Current Events Tags: events, policy, religious liberty June 4, 2018 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

An Open Letter to the People of Ireland

Dear Ireland:

As the son of an Irish father and as the president of America’s largest Christian family ministry, I write this letter with a heavy heart.

Based on the snapshots of your jubilant and celebrating citizens that American media outlets are currently publicizing, one might think congratulations are in order.

But they would be wrong.

In fact, rather than offering my compliments for a victory, I am offering my deepest condolences.

Last week’s landslide vote to overturn your country’s abortion prohibition marks the tragic beginning of a culture of death for the Emerald Isle.

Topics: Current Events Tags: policy, pro-life May 30, 2018 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Remembering the Fallen and Their Families on Memorial Day

Freedom comes at a high cost.

Today we want to pause and reflect with gratitude on all the brave servicemen and women who have died defending freedom. We honor those who have fallen and offer a humble and heartfelt “thank you” to every family who has lost a husband or a wife, a mom or a dad, a son or a daughter, or even a friend or a neighbor.

Thank you for your loved one’s sacrifice … and for yours.

Topics: Current Events/ Family and Home Tags: broadcast, events, faith May 28, 2018 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Guest Post: Your Teen Wants to Watch “13 Reasons Why”? Here’s How to Respond

By: Danny Huerta

Friday’s release of the second season of 13 Reasons Why, the popular teen television drama, is bound to generate enormous interest – and controversy.

According to a Northwestern University study, the show’s highly-rated first season on Netflix significantly increased conversations among teens on difficult topics, but not necessarily in positive or healthy ways.

The same study also revealed that almost 80% of teens and young adults who watched the show felt it helped them understand the ripple effect of their behaviors, but it didn’t necessarily inspire them to reach out and repair relationships with those they hurt.

Topics: Current Events Tags: entertainment, parenting, pop culture May 23, 2018 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura