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Policy Papers
We are on the cutting edge of providing research on public policy issues that affect the family to policy makers at the state, national and local levels. Our policy papers are thoroughly researched and pull together the information needed to make good decisions. Citizens and legislators find our information timely and informative. Check out our most recent policy papers listed below by date published or select the subject category to the left that you would like to examine. Clicking on the title of the paper will initiate the process of downloading the paper in the PDF format.
Charter School Checkmate:
North Carolina's Success Despite Institutionalized Opposition
Education researcher Terry Stoops discusses policies which continually deny charter schools the freedom and support they need and deserve to meet the incredible demand for quality education in North Carolina. (Summer '10) more
The Silent Killer:
What It Means for Sex Education in North Carolina
Mary Summa, J.D., unveils the calculated efforts of the Euthanasia Movement to justify, promote, and legalize the abhorrent practice of killing both the willing and unwilling using an utilitarian valuation of human life. (January 2010) more
The Healthy Youth Act:
What It Means for Sex Education in North Carolina
The future of AUM education in North Carolina depends on two key factors: 1) the willingness and ability of AUM educators to teach the requirements of the Healthy Youth Act (HYA) in a manner that does not promote sexual activity; and 2) the willingness of school districts and local communities to continue to support and fund authentic AUM programs. Both factors hinge on an understanding of the HYA in the broader context of current North Carolina law regulating sex education instruction. This paper provides an analysis of the HYA, including what remains intact from the 1995 law, along with an examination of the most controversial provisions of the HYA that could be used to challenge AUM programs. October 2009
U.N.dermining the Family:
How Certain U.N. Conventions Undermine Family and Sovreignty
While social science has conclusively demonstrated that the married, two-parent family that worships weekly is the healthiest by every measure, Patrick Fagan and others argue that certain U.N. committees urge society, in the name of human rights, to undertake policies that drive it in the opposite, harmful direction. July 2009
Connecting the Dots of the Homosexual Agenda:
The Effort to Revolutionize Sexuality, Gender, and the Family
Alysee ElHage shows that seemingly unrelated issues relating to sexuality in society and government are actually interconnected and work together to further an expansive homosexual agenda. May 2009
Why Not Same-Sex "Marriage?":
Response to 10 Arguments for Same-Sex "Marriage"
As the debate continues about a North Carolina marriage amendment, Daniel Heimbach thoughtfully respons to ten of the most-used arguments for homosexual marriage. March 2009.
2009 Session Preview:
What to Expect When the General Assembly Returns to Raleigh
John Rustin explores policy issues likely to come up for debate as lawmakers return to Raleigh on January 28 for the General Assembly's 2009 Session. January 2009.
The "Right" to Read:
Should Intellectual Freedom Trump Parental Rights in Libraries?
Alysse ElHage investigates the policies of the American Library Association that make obscene and objectionable materials available to children through public and school libraries. November 2008.
General Assembly Votes: Selected Votes from the 2008 Legislative Session
This paper includes recorded votes by members of the North Carolina General Assembly on a variety of issues during the 2008 legislative session. October 2008.
The California Effect:
Why Same-Sex "Marriage" Might Be Coming to NC Sooner Than You Think
Paul Ribeiro analyzes the California Supreme Court decision on same-sex marriage and shows how the California Supreme Court could help bring same-sex marriage to North Carolina. September 2008.
Clamping Down on Charter Schools:
North Carolina's Charter Schools Face an Uphill Battle
Matt Lytle looks into the charter school movement in North Carolina and shows how charters face increasing opposition from state laws and regulations. July 2008.
Churches and the Political Process:
Guidelines for Education, Lobbying, and Political Campaign Activity
Tami Fitzgerald details what is and is not acceptable political activity for churches according to the Internal Revenue Service. May 2008.
In the Name of Safety:
How Homosexual Activists are Using Anti-Bullying Policies to Gain Acceptance
Alysse ElHage explores ever increasing efforts to impose the homosexual agenda on North Carolina’s public schools and families. March 2008.
In Vitro Fertilization: Assisted Reproduction Technology Continues to Raise Questions
Alysse ElHage explores the technologies employed in assisted reproduction and analyzes the benefits and risks associated with creating human embryos through in vitro fertilization. January 2008.
Celebrating the Birth of Christ: In Public School and Public Square
The Alliance Defense Fund provides valuable insight into the forms of religious expression that are allowed in the public schools and in the public square during the Christmas season. November 2007.
General Assembly Votes: Selected Votes from the 2007 Legislative Session
This paper includes recorded votes by members of the North Carolina General Assembly on a variety of issues during the 2007 legislative session. October 2007.
Myths and Misconceptions: Behavioral Genetics and Homosexuality
Douglas A. Abbott, Ph.D., Professor of Child Youth and Family Studies at the University of Nebraska, writes about the misconceptions regarding the existence of a "gay gene." September 2007.
Paving the Way for the Thought Police
Alan Sears, president of the Alliance Defense Fund, writes about the chilling effect that special rights legislation, also known as "hate crimes" will have on free speech and the ability of citizens to engage in truthful conversation about homosexuality and other issues. July 2007.
Abstinence Until Marriage. or Comprehensive Sex Education
Abstinence Education has been criticized by some as not being "comprehensive" enough. Alysse ElHage writes about the difference between Abstinence Education and Comprehensive Sex Education and why Abstinence education is not only the best alternative, but is more "comprehensive" than Comprehensive Sex Education. May 2007.
Hype v. Hope: Real Promise in Adult Stem Cells
David A. Prentice, Ph. D explains why adult stem cell treatments hold the promise for the present and the future and how policy makers and the public do not know the whole truth about stem cell research and its near cousin, cloning. March 2007.
Aborting N.C.'s Future: A Look Back and Where We Stand Today
This paper is a broad overview of abortion in North Carolina, beginning with a brief profile of abortion in the state, a look at its history and current abortion policy, and what needs to be done at the legislative level to move the state one step closer to a future where every unborn child is safe from the threat of abortion. January 2007.
Gay Straight Alliance Clubs: How Homosexual Student Organizations Harm our Schools
While claiming to be harmless clubs that offer support to struggling youth and fight harassment, Gay Straight Alliance Clubs promote a message of sex and homosexuality that puts public school students at risk while undermining parental moral and religious teachings. This paper explains why North Carolinians need to be aware of the dangers of GSAs and prepared to develop policies and laws that prevent GSAs from endangering children. November 2006.
Saying "I Don't" to Marriage: Is North Carolina Turning It's Back on Marriage?
Marriage amendment legislation has languished in the General Assembly for three years in a row, making North Carolina the only state in the South where legislative efforts to put a marriage amendment on the ballot have consistently failed. To understand why, it is important to explore the history of the amendment in North Carolina, the main arguments against it, and why amending the state constitution is a necessary first step to preserving marriage for future generations. September 2006.
General Assembly Votes: Selected Votes from the 2006 Legislative Session
This paper includes recorded votes by members of the North Carolina General Assembly on a variety of issues during the 2006 legislative session. August 2006.
Intelligent Design: Are We Here By Accident?
In the ongoing debate over the origin of the universe, controversy has emerged over the legitimacy of the theory known as “intelligent design.” Many in the scientific community have rejected intelligent design as mere religion and disqualified it from serious scientific consideration. But is intelligent design just religion disguised as science? This paper will explain what intelligent design is, how some in the scientific community are characterizing it, how it differs from creationism and what it contributes to the search for scientific answers. June 2006.
Taking a Stand: Why Christians Should Be Involved in Public Policy
Why is it important for believers to speak out on cultural issues and to get involved in political activity? Should Christians even be involved in the first place? Is it really the proper role for Christians to be engaged in this way? These questions have been debated for years, and not just by secular pundits—some in the religious community have raised similar questions. This paper will address the basis of and justification for Christian involvement in cultural issues and public policy. May 2006.
Conscience Clause Protection: Should Pharmacists Have a Right to Choose?
Depending on the policies of their employer, pharmacists can be forced to dispense medications that violate their religious beliefs, such as emergency contraception. Refusing to dispense emergency contraception and to refer a customer to another pharmacist who will do so—even for moral, religious or ethical reasons—could mean the loss of a job. Do pharmacists have a constitutional right to refuse to dispense medications that violate their moral, religious and ethical beliefs? This paper will explore that question, and discuss why emergency contraception—and the issue of abortion—is at the center of the debate over pharmacist conscience clauses nationwide. April 2006.
Is the Lottery a Tax? Generating Revenue through State-Sponsored Gambling
Lottery supporters have not traditionally referred to the lottery as a tax. In fact, is has often been promoted as an alternative means of raising money for the state. However, because the purpose of the North Carolina lottery is expressly to raise revenue for the state, and because a portion of the gross revenue is kept by the state to fund public programs, the lottery imposes a tax on any player who purchases a ticket. This paper will explain the lottery tax and why it is a poor way for the state to raise money. March 2006.
Public Policy Index: The NCFPC's Policy Resources 2004-2005
Through the years, the North Carolina Family Policy Council works to offer timely and insightful resources on policy issues important to the families of North Carolina. Periodically, the Policy Council receives requests for previously published materials. As a service to our readers, this paper is an index of the policy papers and radio programs that have been published and produced over the past two years. February 2006.
Lottery Lawsuit: Insuring the Integrity of the Legislative Process
A lawsuit has been filed in Wake County Superior Court asking the court to find the Lottery Act unconstitutional and to enjoin the N.C. State Lottery Commission from taking any further action to establish a lottery in North Carolina. The purpose of this paper is to explore the basis of the lawsuit in order to help the citizens of the state understand why it is important. January 2006.
Why Families Matter: The Need for Husbands and Wives—Fathers and Mothers
Given the current attacks on traditional family values, it is now more important than ever to understand why the family works and how it benefits the culture. This paper surveys social science research to demonstrate that marriage is an intrinsic good and the essential basis for the family, which is the fundamental building block of society. November 2005.
General Assembly Votes: Selected Votes from the 2005 Legislative Session
This paper includes recorded votes by members of the North Carolina General Assembly on a variety of issues during the 2005 legislative session. October 2005.
Strengthening Marriage: How Public Policy Can Reinforce the Foundation of Society
This paper will explore why marriage is important to society, describe the condition of marriage nationally and in North Carolina, and explain several proposals for strengthening marriage through public policy. September 2005.
Expanding Indian Gambling: Could Harrah's Casino Become N.C.'s Atlantic City?
Recently, leaders of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians have proposed to amend their tribal-state compact with North Carolina. This latest amendment would once again expand the parameters of gambling allowed by the compact. The purpose of this paper is to examine the current framework of the tribal-state compact, analyze currently proposed changes, and evaluate the potential effects of the requested expansion. August 2005.
Woman's Right To Know: The Importance of Informed Consent in Abortion Cases
Too many women decide to have an abortion without having proper information about the procedure, its effects, or its alternatives. In response, states across the nation have passed legislation strengthening informed consent requirements for women considering an abortion. This paper examines the components of Women’s Right to Know statutes, including legislation introduced in North Carolina, and explains why it is a reasonable solution for ensuring that women receive the information necessary to make an informed medical decision. July 2005.
Living Together: How Cohabitation Undermines Marriage and the Family
A dangerous social trend is growing in prevalence and popularity in North Carolina and across the country. It’s called cohabitation, and in spite of the fact that it significantly lowers the chances for a successful marriage and raises the odds that children will spend at least part of their lives in poverty and be more vulnerable to abuse, more Americans are choosing to cohabit than ever before. This paper reviews how cohabitation negatively affects marriage and the family and explains why North Carolina’s law prohibiting cohabitation should remain the standard in this state. June 2005.
Hazardous to Teen Health: The Reality of Comprehensive Sex Education
This paper examines the reality of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and shows why it threatens the overall well-being of young people. Understanding the reality of CSE requires looking beyond the vague and misleading rhetoric used by advocates to the radical ideology it is based upon. It is also important to examine the hazardous messages in some popular CSE curricula. April 2005.
Losing the Lottery: Why the State Should Not Enter the Gambling Business
For more than 20 years, North Carolina lawmakers have rejected a lottery, and rightfully so. There is a mountain of evidence showing that a lottery is bad public policy because it creates multiple social and economic problems. After all, the lottery is gambling. And if gambling becomes the accepted public policy of this state, there will be negative consequences. This paper reviews these consequences, including the social and economic issues, as well as the constitutional case against a statewide referendum. March 2005.
Video Gambling: Why A Total Ban Is A Safe Bet
Attempts to regulate video poker continue to prove ineffective as more and more machines are operated illegally. The only solution to the problems caused by video poker machines is to ban them statewide. The following paper will examine the problems with video poker and explain why a total ban is best for North Carolina. February 2005.
The Alternative to Embryos: Successes of Non-Embryonic Stem Cell Treatments
Debates in the popular media tend to ignore and obscure the medical breakthroughs made by adult stem cell research—success that has conspicuously eluded embryonic stem cell treatments. This paper discusses some of the remarkable treatments that are taking place through adult stem cell research and the promise such research holds for better health. January 2005.
Homosexual Indoctrination: How Safety Is Used to Promote Homosexuality in Schools
Homosexual advocacy groups are training teachers and students, and homosexual student clubs are forming in schools across North Carolina, where controversial topics, such as transgenderism, are being favorably presented. The majority of these efforts are taking place outside of the sex education classroom under the guise of creating “safer,” more “inclusive” schools. This paper shows how homosexual activists are using safe schools initiatives and diversity education to get into the classroom to promote dangerous messages about sex and gender, and how these efforts threaten parental authority, religious freedom and free speech. December 2004.
Protecting Marriage: North Carolina Law and the Preservation of Marriage
The ongoing controversy over a Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA) highlights the fact that the issue of same-sex marriage has moved front and center in the American political landscape. Opponents of the FMA in Congress have said that the issue should be left up to the states. Meanwhile, proponents say that it is necessary to protect the states. At the same time, opponents of a constitutional amendment at the state level have said that North Carolina's laws are sufficient to protect marriage, while supporters say that North Carolina's marriage laws are vulnerable to redefinition by the courts. This paper examines the status of North Carolina law, discusses why marriage is vulnerable to redefinition by an activist court and explains why an amendment to the North Carolina Constitution is necessary to protect marriage. November 2004.
Domestic Partner Benefits: Chipping Away at Marriage and the Traditional Family
To put it simply, the homosexual agenda stretches far beyond its current rallying cry for same-sex marriage and tolerance in the public square. It all comes down to the definition of family. This paper discusses the tool of "domestic partnerships" in the push by homosexuals to win acceptance, legitimization and celebration of their behavior. October 2004.
General Assembly Votes: Selected votes from the 2004 legislative session
This paper talks about some of the issues considered by the North Carolina General Assembly in the 2004 session, gives the recorded votes of each member on a variety of issues, and offers suggestions for further research. September 2004.
Sexual Degradation: How Pornography Destroys the Family
Pornography is not “harmless adult entertainment” as the porn industry claims. Inside the world of pornography, sex is public, no relationship is sacred, and no one's body—not even a child's—is innocent. True, not everyone who views porn will become a sexual addict or a sexual predator. The most pernicious effects of pornography are more subtle, and result from the powerful influence it exerts over the hearts, minds and souls of individuals, and in the damage it does to intimate relationships. July 2004.
Getting Involved: Guidelines for Churches in Legislative or Political Activity
This paper considers the role of the church and its duty to speak for truth in the realm of the government. It also provides guidelines for churches and pastors on how to be involved while staying within the restrictions of the law. For the purposes of this paper, church involvement in the public policy arena includes: pastors speaking to their congregation about public policy issues, churches encouraging their congregants to take a stand on these issues and churches encouraging their congregants to exercise their right to vote. Though the following discussion is directed to the church as an organization, implicit within it is the duty for every individual Christian to be involved. June 2004.
Defining Marriage: What's Wrong With Letting Same-Sex Couples Marry?
This paper addresses numerous fallacies in the arguments for same-sex “marriage,” and exposes many reasons why homosexual sex is harmful, unhealthy, and extremely high-risk behavior. It also reveals why same-sex relationships are inherently unstable and not suitable for marriage. Accordingly, those who genuinely seek the best for their fellow citizens and the stability of our society will be compelled to promote healthy and stable marriages and to reject the affirmation of same-sex relationships. May 2004.
A Lottery Education: Dispelling the Education Lottery Myth
When selling the idea of state-sponsored gambling to the people in a state, one of the most often cited beneficiaries of lottery dollars is education. But behind the images of big money and perceived public good, the realities of a lottery are very different from the images sold to the people. This paper addresses the realities behind the promises of an “education lottery” and explains why state-sponsored gambling will have the opposite effect on education in North Carolina than the public is led to believe. April 2004.
Indecent Exposure: Protecting Families From Offensive Programming
The increasing amount of offensive programming on television and radio has left many parents feeling frustrated, and wondering what—if anything—can be done. As broadcasters continue to push the limits of decency, citizens need to understand the role of the FCC, the applicable laws, and the impact of media ownership, as well as the public's critical responsibility to help protect the airwaves from obscene and indecent content. March 2004.
Lumbee Casino Gambling: Would Another Casino Be Good for North Carolina?
The purpose of this paper is not to endorse or oppose the services and benefits that come with federal tribal recognition, except to the degree that such recognition authorizes federally recognized Indian tribes to conduct gambling operations. While laws and regulations governing Indian casino gambling are complex, the implications to society are simple and clear. Legalized gambling may result in some economic benefit for a few, but it does so at great expense to countless others. February 2004.
Public Policy Index: The NCFPC's Policy Resources 2002–2003
Over the years, the North Carolina Family Policy Council has offered timely and insightful writings on policy issues important to the families of North Carolina. Periodically, the Policy Council receives requests for previously published materials. As a service to our readers, we have included an index of the policy papers and radio programs that have been published and produced over the past two years. January 2004.
Supreme Judicial Activism: Analyzing the Supreme Court's "Lawrence" Ruling
All laws, regardless of what the Court may state, have moral underpinnings. To say that laws do not (or should not) impose a moral code is nonsensical—laws by nature are a moral code. The legislative process is also the appropriate venue to establish the guidelines for the health, safety, and welfare of the community. It has been firmly established that the act of sodomy causes serious health risks. In Lawrence, the Court made law rather than interpreting the law, and the Court stripped from the people the power to govern themselves. December 2003.
The Essence of Marriage: Why It Is Only the Union of a Man and a Woman
This paper discusses the meaning and purpose of marriage, and why the union of a man and a woman is central to this purpose and best for society. It also looks at how changing the definition of marriage to include homosexual couples would weaken the institution of marriage, and what can be done to protect marriage. November 2003.
Parental Rights: Why they matter and how they're being ignored
Traditionally, there has been little doubt that the authority to determine what is in a child's best interests lies with the parents; however, recent events indicate that this is not always considered to be the case. In the clamor to create policies to protect children, the important role of the parents is often overlooked or minimized. It should be the priority of every government policy that affects children to respect and guard the fundamental rights of parents. Once this foundation is recognized then the work of creating policies beneficial to children can be more reasonably approached. This paper will explore the legal and natural history of parental rights, the current trend away from them, and ways to reverse this trend. October 2003.
A Wall of Separation? The Evolution of the Separation of Church and State
The judicial system has taken the Establishment Clause to the extreme, thus effectively eliminating many rights under the Free Exercise Clause. The irony is that, through an attempt to make sure that no religion is endorsed by the government, the courts have essentially created a new state religion—secularism—that is readily affirmed by many of the decisions our courts make today. This paper shows how, through judicial interpretation, the relationship between the spheres of religion and government has evolved and how those wishing to protect religious freedoms find themselves now fighting this new religion of secularism. September 2003.
General Assembly Votes: Selected votes from the 2003 legislative session
This paper talks about some of the issues considered by the North Carolina General Assembly in the 2003 session, gives the recorded votes of each member on a variety of issues, and offers suggestions for further research. August 2003.
HPV: Why it matters to adolescent sexual health and education
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most important and potentially dangerous STDs of today, especially when it comes to the ongoing debate over adolescent sex education in North Carolina and across the country. As the STD epidemic continues to eat away at the bodies, hearts and minds of teenagers, policy makers and health educators in North Carolina need to acknowledge the serious nature of HPV and look for effective ways to prevent its spread. This paper will present the facts about HPV, discuss why it matters, and show why abstinence from sexual activity until marriage is the only method that can successfully prevent the spread of HPV, as well as other STDs. July 2003.
The Blue Cross Conversion: How It Could Affect North Carolina Families
The proposed conversion of BCBS of North Carolina (BCBSNC) is important to North Carolinians because many families are enrolled in Blue plans. Should the Blues convert to a for-profit company, it could have a detrimental impact on those families who have come to trust BCBS for medical coverage. Not only could the benefit packages change dramatically, but also premiums may increase and the quality of service decrease. In addition, the conversion process could be a financial boon to some BCBS employees, officers, and other company officials. State government representatives could also benefit at the expense of the policyholders because the government will control millions, if not billions, of dollars in a state run non-profit entity that would be established as a result of conversion. June 2003.
Medical Accuracy: The Strategy to Undermine Abstinence Education
There is an effort underway to undermine abstinence education by asking for legislation which purports to require "medical accuracy" in information given to teenagers in sex education programs. But this new campaign is not all it appears. This paper exposes the true agenda behind "medical accuracy" legislation and explains why an abstinence-until-marriage curriculum is the most effective means of reducing premarital sexual activity and teenage pregnancy. May 2003.
Homeschools: The Growth and Success of Home Education
This paper takes a closer look at the growing homeschool movement and how it has fared over the last several years. It includes an examination of the academic performance of these students and the socialization they receive. It also address the best approach for policymakers to take when considering the needs of homeschooling families. April 2003.
Religious Freedom in Schools: Guidelines for Students and Teachers in Public Schools
One of the most contentious and confusing issues involving public education today is the proper role of religious expression in government-run schools. This paper provides information provided by the North Carolina Attorney General's office and the U.S. Department of Education and will be helpful to students, parents and teachers who have questions abouot the legally recognized boundaries of religious activity in public schools and should help to shed some light on what our government has to say on this important subject. March 2003.
2003 Legislative Directory: You Can Make a Difference!
Most citizens greatly underestimate the ability they have to impact the laws and regulations that govern them—especially on the state and local level. This special Legislative Contacts publication will give you the basic information you need to have an effective voice in North Carolina's public policy arena. February 2003.
The After-Effects of Abortion: The Physical and Psychological Impact on Women
Thirty years after abortion on demand was legalized by the United States Supreme Court, pro-life and pro-abortion advocates continue to debate what abortion means for the unborn child. What is often overlooked is how abortion impacts the bodies, minds and emotions of women. This paper examines some of the physical and psychological effects of abortion on women and shows why women deserve more information about abortion before they undergo this medical procedure which has irreversable consequences. January 2003.
Intolerant Tolerance: The Weapon of Moral Relativism
In today's culture the traditional understanding of tolerance has been redefined such that the advocates of a new morality are shutting out those who support traditional family values. The "new tolerance" is not simply a philosophical abstract that is being postulated in the halls of academic institutions, it is the worldview being pushed on society. This paper examines the "new tolerance" and how it is affecting families, schools and public policy. December 2002.
General Assembly Votes: Selected votes from the 2002 legislative session
This paper talks about some of the issues considered by the North Carolina General Assembly in the 2002 session, gives the recorded votes of each member on a variety of issues, and offers suggestions for further research. To see selected votes for other sessions click here. October 2002.
Physician-Assisted Suicide: Examining a Critical End-of-Life Issue
What authority do we have over the termination of our own life? Do we in any way have a particular power or right to make the decision to dispose of our own life? How far is it necessary for us to go in order to protect and sustain our life and the lives of those around us? These are questions that are emerging as the medical community and governments around the world confront a growing movement to legalize physician-assisted suicide. This paper will explore the realities behind physician-assisted suicide, the legal and medical considerations and what the government's role in regulating it should be. September 2002.
Parental Consent for Abortion: How Common Sense Measures Assure Safety for Minors
Should the law require parents to give consent before their teenage daughter has an abortion? In a country where the abortion controversy has polarized much of the nation into two opposing camps, the answer is an overwhelming yes. These laws are a common sense way to ensure that young girls who may be facing a very difficult and potentially life changing decision do not undergo this medical procedure uninformed and without the counsel of parents. This paper factors in the politics, economics and medical risks associated with abortion while defending the need for parental consent laws. August 2002.
State Lottery Bill Analysis: How a lottery would impact North Carolina
Recent debate regarding a state lottery in North Carolina has focused primarily on the strategy of the gambling promoters to use a non-binding voter referendum to leverage financing and support for a state lottery. What is often overlooked is the authorizing legislation that would face legislators if a referendum passed and they were called to a special session by the governor to pass a lottery. This paper examines the issue of a non-binding referendum and also uncovers some of the pitfalls in the actual legislation that would likely be used to put North Carolina in the gambling business. July 2002.
Protecting Marriage: 10 Good Reasons to Preserve Meaningful Tort Laws
There have been a number of bills introduced in the North Carolina General Assembly over the past several years to eliminate the torts of alienation of affections and criminal conversation. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the civil actions of alienation of affections and criminal conversation and points out why the preservation of these laws in an important component of preserving and protecting marriage in North Carolina. June 2002.
Lottery Woes: Talking points on the negative economic and social impact a lottery would have on North Carolina
This issue brief provides a concise treatment of basic arguments against a state lottery. Arguments are pulled from other policy papers and in depth research sources. Updated June 2002.
Let the People Vote? Why a lottery referendum is still unconstitutional
This paper discusses the legal theory and practical application behind the conclusion that a lottery referendum is unconstitutional in North Carolina. The North Carolina Constitution does not provide for a referendum process for legislation on which the General Assembly already has the authority to act. May 2002.
The Case for Abstinence: Why comprehensive sex education sends the wrong message
This paper discusses the rationale behind North Carolina's Abstinence Until Marriage law which requires teaching that "abstinence from sexual activity outside of marriage is the expected standard of behavior for all school-age children" and requires that students be taught that "a mutually faithful monogamous heterosexual relationship in the context of marriage is the best lifelong means of avoiding sexually transmitted diseases." April 2002.
Character Education: Helping our children to develop good character
North Carolina's renewed commitment to character education may prove to be one of the most important and significant education reforms in recent state history. This paper discusses the North Carolina law and provides information for educators who are considering the implementation of the new law. March 2002.
Evaluating Charter Schools: Assessing the charter school evaluation report
The North Carolina charter school law was passed in 1996. Since that time, the number of charter schools has increased to 100, the maximum number allowed by statute. This paper analyzes the Charter School Evaluation Report submitted to the State Board of Education in November 2001. The strengths and weaknesses of the report are discussed and recommendations are made. The question for the education community is not whether to continue charter schools, but how to better assist them. February 2002.
Saying No to Gambling: Excerpts from the 2001 public hearing on a state lottery
This paper contains excerpts transcribed from an audio recording of a public hearing of the House Committee on Rules, Calendars and Operations held on Ocober 1, 2001 at the N.C. General Assembly. Included are Dr. William Friday, former president, the University of North Carolina; Harlan Boyles, former state treasurer; Octavia Rainey, citizen; John Sanders, former director, Institute of Government; Jim Trotter, former general counsel for Governor Jim Martin; Dan Gerlach, director, North Carolina Budget and Tax Center; Bill Brooks, president, North Carolina Family Policy Council; Chris Fitzsimon, executive director, Common Sense Foundation; and Hope Morgan Ward, director of connectional ministries, United Methodist Church. October 2001.
Should Homosexuals Adopt?: Why adoption is not a homosexual "rights" issue
The movement to legitimize the homisexual lifestyle goes far beyond the push to get "same-sex marriage" legalized. Members of the homosexual community are fighting for more than just special classifications under the law—they are fighting to redefine the very meaning of family. The "right" to adopt should not be dirven by a desire to advance an agenda or to satisfy someone's personal desires to parent. Instead, the decision must be based on a careful determination of what is in the best interest of the child—which is to grow up in a home with a married mother and father. August 2001.
The Ten Commandments: Historical education vs. separation
The controversy of posting of the Ten Commandments has become a fixture in the debate on the separation between church and state. This paper discusses the legislation surrounding the controversy, the historical significance of the Ten Commandments, the three prongs of the Lemon test, and what is constitutional. July 2001.
Gambling With Our Future: How a State Lottery will harm children
Everything comes with a price, and a state lottery is certainly no exception. Gambling proponents talk a lot about the programs lotteries can help pay for, such as education. What they fail to mention is the price of a lottery, which can be measured best in terms of the human cost. This paper documents the high cost of a state lottery in terms of its negative impact on the lives of our children. June 2001.
Student Dress Policies: The success of school uniforms and dress codes
The attention given to school dress codes and uniforms has become more and more focused over the last several years. As dialogue increases among parents, students and school officials about what remedies may exist to deal with the problems facing today's schools, student dress policies have moved to the forefront. May 2001
Gambling Addiction: High Stakes, High Costs and Real Victims
In order to achieve an understanding of the far-reaching effects of this addiction and why policy makers should consider limiting the further expansion of gambling, it is important to examine the prevalence of gambling activities, the forms of compulsive gambling, and the social costs of gambling addiction on the family and society. January 2001
Partial-Birth Abortion: An in-depth look at the controversial procedure
This paper explains the controversial abortion procedure known as partial-birth abortion, why it is not medically necessary and how commonly it is practised. The paper also addresses the public policy question of whether or not North Carolina needs its own ban on the procedure. March 2000.
Special Rights for Homosexuals: Why sexual orientation should not be a protected class
Granting homosexuals special rights sends a strong message to society. It says that people who make this lifestyle choice deserve the same legal status and protection as someone who is born black or female or handicapped. By taking the focus off of immoral behavior and making homosexuals victims, gay rights groups engender more support for their lifestyle. For this reason alone, it is vitally important that pro-family citizens understand the danger of granting homosexuals special rights. July 1999
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