In the midst of the preparations for Thanksgiving and looking forward to the Christmas season, I wanted to express our thanks for you and your support of Concerned Women for America. This year has been one of the strangest I can remember in my lifetime. What a year 2020 has been!
Who would have known that COVID would turn our lives upside down! In March, we sent our staff home to work remotely. With the wonders of technology, we were able to keep moving forward. Through God’s faithfulness and your giving, we were able to stay on a solid financial footing through the months that have followed. On June 1, we returned to our offices. God has protected us, and we have not had any incidences of the virus in our office.
The death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to succeed her on the U.S. Supreme Court provided CWA with an amazing opportunity to reach out to Christian, conservative women across the country. Early in October, we launched the “Women for Amy” bus tour to raise awareness and promote the confirmation of Judge Barrett. Our pink “Women for Amy” bus did over 8,000 miles in twelve states and rallied at 36 different locations. We were able to rejoice in the successful confirmation of Associate Justice Barrett.
The victories we have experienced this year have been made possible as people like you have prayed and lifted us up through the hard battles made even more difficult by the pandemic. Every prayer you have prayed has been felt and appreciated. We could not do what we do without the strong arms of the Lord holding this ministry and giving us the strength and resources we need. You are a huge part of that, and for that, we are thankful.
We look forward to 2021. By then, we should know who the President is, and soon after the first of the year, we will know who will control the Senate. We are already making plans for any contingency which could come out of the final results. We will continue to be engaged both nationally and internationally on our seven core issues and will be working to see that policy decisions which are made are good for our nation and our families. With your support and your prayers, we will continue to do this regardless of who sits in the White House or the U.S. Senate. And for that, we are thankful.
We pray God’s blessings on you and your family as you gather to celebrate Thanksgiving.
For all these things, we are thankful,
Penny Nance
Thanksgiving is deeply embedded in the historical framework of this great nation. While the first Thanksgivings were celebrated by both Virginia and Massachusetts settlers in the New World, November 26, 1789, was the first official Thanksgiving Day. President George Washington set that day apart for the nation to give thanks, and the presidents to follow continued the tradition.
However, it was President Abraham Lincoln who issued the Thanksgiving Day proclamation which prompted the holiday we know and love today.
“It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American people. I do, therefore, invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea, and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a Day of Thanksgiving and Prayer to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens. And I recommend to them that, while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty hand to heal the wounds of the nation, and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity, and union.”
It was a proclamation made on October 3, 1863 — almost exactly in the middle of the Civil War. In a period of time when our nation was most deeply divided and the American spirit of unity was in tatters, our leader asked us to give thanks. As brother fought against brother, our president asked us to set aside a day to recognize the Lord’s deliverance and blessings. It was in the midst of that darkness that President Lincoln implored the nation to come together in prayer for peace, harmony, tranquility, and union.
It’s striking to me that we hold elections in the same month as we celebrate Thanksgiving. Was it purposeful, the timing of those two events? Elections, whether they should be or not, can be so deeply divisive. But we have a built-in reminder, just three weeks later, to put it all aside and give thanks.
So this month, as we move past an election cycle and on to Thanksgiving, choose unity, prayer, and thankfulness. Set aside time to thank God for His deliverances and blessings. Bow with humble penitence for our national disobedience. Commend to our Father in Heaven every American who has become a widow, orphan, mourner, or sufferer this year. Implore our Savior to heal the wounds of our nation and restore peace, harmony, tranquility, and union.
Control of the U.S. Senate hinges on the January 5, 2021, Georgia runoffs between Sen. David Perdue (Republican-Incumbent) and Jon Ossoff (Democrat), and between Sen. Kelly Loeffler (Republican-Incumbent) and Raphael Warnock (Democrat). Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee (CWALAC) is fully engaged in the GOTV and prayer efforts in Georgia for the two U.S. Senate runoff races, and we invite YOU to join in our efforts.
Background: Senate elections are normally staggered in the states. Though not typical, there is a reason why there are two Senate races in the same year and in the same state. Incumbent Sen. David Perdue (Republican) was up for reelection for another six-year term. Georgia law requires a 50% plus one vote for a race not to be thrown into a runoff. Sen. Perdue has a current 49.9% lead over his opponents. Incumbent Sen. Kelly Loeffler (Republican) was appointed to her Senate seat last year by Gov. Brian Kemp to fill the vacancy of retired Sen. Johnny Isakson (Republican). The winner of the Loeffler/Warnock race will run again in 2022.
What’s at Stake with the Runoff Elections
Life – Would flip the Senate to a pro-abortion majority. Ending the filibuster rule requiring 60 votes would mean any bill to promote and pay for abortion could be enacted.
Judges – Even if the filibuster rule stays in place, it only takes 51 votes to confirm judges. Activist judges could be nominated and confirmed, and political court-packing would be possible.
Religious Freedom – Democrats would gut the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and impose government mandates forcing sexual and gender ideology on society through the Equality Act.
How You Can Help:
Travel to Georgia the weeks of November 30 and/or December 7 to assist with Get Out the Vote door to door canvassing and phone banking. You can go anytime your schedule allows, but the two weeks listed are the most critical. We can use you for a day, days, or the entire week!
Do phone banking either in Georgia or remotely from your home.
Organize a prayer event(s) to pray specifically for the Georgia runoff elections.
Volunteer Today:
Click here to fill out the form letting us know of your availability to help with the Georgia runoff races. While this is not a paid position, we can assist in helping you seek out housing options.
In this time of uncertainty, I feel all the more passionately about the exceptionalism of our great nation. In the days that lie ahead, we will peacefully sort through the election results and legally hold accountable any wrongdoing. We will inaugurate a President, and we will work to serve the Lord. My confidence comes not only from the fact that I know we serve a Sovereign God but also that He inspired our nation’s founders to create an ageless Constitution that protects the rights He bestowed. Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution provides for our national defense; it is the men and women of this nation who have selflessly heeded this call to action time and time again, defeating tyrants and protecting our freedoms.
On September 11, 2001, my infant son lay sleeping in his crib in our home three miles from the Pentagon as evil men crashed a plane into the building. This Veterans Day, he has sworn an oath to protect and defend the Constitution. As a member of the Army ROTC and Virginia Corp of Cadets, he is preparing to someday join the ranks of that long line of patriots we call veterans. I am so proud. Today, please join me thanking and praying for our veterans, our active-duty military personnel, and our nation.
CWA’s CEO and President Penny Nance discusses the surge of prolife women elected to serve in the upcoming Congress on The 700 Club. Watch Penny’s interview here.
“Conservative women candidates laid the groundwork early for keeping seats being vacated by male Republican members and flipping seats occupied by liberal women who were beholden to Planned Parenthood and the leftist agenda of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. Their efforts paid off … No amount of money from the left’s political donation machine was enough to win these seats. The power of the conservative message won the day,” stated Concerned Women for America’s (CWA) CEO and President, Penny Nance, in her op-ed for Fox News. Read the entire op-ed here.
Washington, D.C. – Concerned Women for America (CWA) CEO and President Penny Nance had this to say on the news reports that former Vice President Joe Biden is projected to win the election:
“The news media does not get to call the election. We will let the legal process play out, and if former Vice President Biden is the winner, we will congratulate him, pray for him, and engage him to do the right thing on the issues about which we care.
“The hundreds of thousands of conservative women I represent know how to play offense and defense, and we do not shy away from any circumstance.
“One thing is for sure. Our election process needs reforming. It helps no party to have this many Americans show such strong distrust of the process. I am glad to see some senators, like Sen. Josh Hawley, already looking to introduce legislation to safeguard our elections.
“We are looking forward to engaging the president (whether former Vice President Biden or President Trump) and the new Congress, reinvigorated by some incredible new conservative, pro-life women who are sure to make their mark in a positive way for our nation.”
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Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee (CWALAC) is the legislation and advocacy arm of Concerned Women for America. Concerned Women for America is the nation’s largest public policy women’s organization with a rich 40-year history of helping our members across the country bring Biblical principles into all levels of public policy.
The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in an important religious liberty case this week, Fulton v. City of Philadelphia. Sharonell Fulton and other foster parents who work with Catholic Social Services (whose work goes back 200 years in the city) brought suit after the City of Philadelphia tried to kick them out of the foster care and adoption arena because of their faith.
The city wants to force them to violate their faith and place children with same-sex couples. Concerned Women for America submitted a brief in support of the foster parent’s religious liberty.
This should be a simple case. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits any law prohibiting the free exercise of religion. That is exactly what the city is doing here in trying to prevent Catholic Social Services from serving the poor and needy in the way they have done for centuries.
Lori Windham, of the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, who represented the foster parents put it succinctly for the justices. “The City has no compelling reason for excluding Catholic Social Services, which has exercised its faith by serving at-risk children in Philadelphia for two centuries,” she said in her opening presentation.
The real motivation behind this law, a blatant attack on Christians, was exposed in Court as Justice Samuel Alito asked a simple question: “How many same-sex couples in Philadelphia have been denied the opportunity to be foster parents as a result of Catholic Social Services’ policy?”
To which Ms. Windham responded, “Zero. In fact, Justice Alito, none have even approached Catholic Social Services asking for this approval and endorsement.”
Still, the liberal justices wanted to see a big problem here, suggesting, as they always do, that the situation is akin to Catholic Social Services discriminating against African Americans. But both, Ms. Windham for the foster parents and the federal government who also presented arguments in their support were careful to bring back the issue to what was really before them. “What the City’s trying to do here is tell religious groups who have been doing this prior to when the City got involved, ‘We’re going to exclude you; you can no longer carry out this work unless you take actions that are contrary to your faith.’”
Ms. Windham concluded saying, “In our pluralistic society, a properly functioning Free Exercise Clause is supposed to prevent this kind of unnecessary and harmful conflict. There are children in need of loving homes waiting for them. Neither Philadelphia nor [precedent] should stand in the way.”
Deputy Assistant Attorney General Hashim Mooppan also presented in support of religious liberty on behalf of the United States. He took the argument from where Ms. Windham left off. “Philadelphia has not afforded Catholic Social Services the tolerance of religious practice that is required by the Free Exercise Clause and vital to our pluralistic nation,” he said.
He was strong also in responding to the liberal justices’ contention that this requirement was neutral and did not target faith specifically. He highlighted that the city indeed made many exceptions to their supposed rule, including in law. “[U]nder 55 Pennsylvania Code 3700.64,” he highlighted, “the City requires agencies to consider both familial status and disability in certifying foster children — foster parents. The City has tolerated racial and ethnic-based outreach to — for foster parents. And then the City itself considers race and disability when placing children.”
But now, when it comes to taking into account faith, they want to bully Christian agencies to violate their deeply held beliefs to accommodate the city’s desired preferences.
Radical liberal attorney Neal Katyal represented the City of Philadelphia and tried to persuade the Court that they extended those exemptions at a different stage and so that made it different. It was not persuasive. Justice Alito, again, got to the heart of the matter: “[I]f we are honest about what’s really going on here, it’s not about ensuring that same-sex couples in Philadelphia have the opportunity to be foster parents. It’s the fact that the City can’t stand the message that Catholic Social Services and the Archdiocese are sending by continuing to adhere to the old-fashioned view about marriage. Isn’t that the case?”
Katyal, of course, denied it and tried to deflect to another matter.
The new member of the Court, Justice Amy Coney Barrett, also asked important questions about the ramifications of the government’s actions in this case. She asked Mr. Katyal:
[L]et’s imagine that the state takes over all hospitals and says from now on, you know, we are going to be responsible for hospitals, but we will contract with private entities to actually run them. And so there’s a Catholic hospital and gets a contract with the City to run it. In fact, it’s a Catholic hospital that’s in existence before the state adopts this policy. And its contract with the state provides that there are — in the contract the state gives everyone is that you can get some exceptions for some medical procedures, but every hospital has to perform abortions.
The deflection continued. Justice Barret made an important point because as the size of government continues to grow, this sort of anti-religious bullying will only expand to more and more areas. Justice Alito, later on talked about homeless shelters, and one could think of any number of other spaces.
The city’s position is not only that people of faith cannot get government funding to serve the poor in those cases, but that they couldn’t operate at all.
Thankfully, the oral arguments show their position is likely to be rejected by a majority of the Court.
By Amy Lidell, Intern for Concerned Women for America
The fight for life continues as the United States has come together with Brazil, Egypt, Hungary, Indonesia, and Uganda to form the Geneva Consensus Declaration. The virtual signing of this consensus took place on October 22, 2020, to commemorate the commitment of these nations working together to promote better health care for women, preserve human life, strengthen the family unit as the foundation of society, and protect every nation’s sovereignty in global politics. It is every nation’s sovereign right to push back international abortion ideology and pass their own laws regarding abortion.
President Donald Trump, a strong defender of human life, warned the United Nations to stay within its mandate at the 2019 United Nations General Assembly Speech stating, “Americans will never tire of defending innocent life. We are aware that many United Nations projects have attempted to assert a global right to taxpayer-funded abortion on demand, right up until the moment of delivery. Global bureaucrats have absolutely no business attacking the sovereignty of nations that wish to protect innocent life. Like many nations here today, we in America believe that every child born and unborn, is a sacred gift from God.”
Over 76 percent of Americans oppose American taxpayer dollars supporting abortion in other countries. Abortion is not healthcare and is not a legitimate form of family planning. There is only an international right to life. No multilateral organizations should use their power and influence to pressure any country to include or exclude abortion in their national policies. This allows each nation to determine its own path in preserving human dignity, as stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
In connection with the Trump Administration’s Protecting Life in Global Health Policy, the Geneva Consensus seeks to build a global coalition to promote women’s health while protecting unborn life and strengthening the family. Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance (PLGHA) works in conjunction with this policy by restricting funding for organizations abroad that promote or perform abortion.
Although US contractors and subcontractors are not subject to PLGHA (also known as the Mexico City policy), they are held to ensure the compliance of any foreign subcontractors. The Trump Administration has proposed a rule to clarify this responsibility and to expand the terms of PLGHA to cover all international health program contracts, in addition to the global health assistance grants and cooperative agreements under current policy. You can join in commenting in support of this Mexico City Policy Rule at our Action Center by clicking here. The deadline for comments is November 13, 2020.
Progress abounds in the fight for life. We encourage you to continue to pray for wisdom and clarity for our international leaders to continue to step up and find ways to continue to preserve national sovereignty and the individual’s right to life.
You have probably heard it said many times during this election season that this election represents a critical turning point in our history. I believe the results of this election will determine whether or not this Republic will survive as we know it. But I also rest in the knowledge that God places people in positions of authority, and as a sovereign God, He moves them as He chooses. “Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.” (Romans 13:1) “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: He turneth it whithersoever He will.” (Proverbs 21:1)
I can so relate to the story of Esther in the Old Testament. When she was faced with the dire situation facing her country, she said “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. (Esther 4:16)
Like Esther, I am asking you to join me on Monday, November 2, for a day of fasting and prayer for our nation and the situation in which we find ourselves. Would you fast as you can on Monday (whether it be a 24-hour fast or a shorter fast)? I believe that fasting is a way of humbling ourselves before God. As we fast and pray, we acknowledge that He is sovereign over all things, and even though He does all things according to His will, He requires that His people seek His face and His plan.
Please join me on Monday, November 2, as we enter into a time of fasting and prayer for our nation. “ … Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses.” (Nehemiah 4:14)
Your prayer partner,
Penny Nance
CEO and President
Now that Amy Coney Barrett has been sworn in as the 115th justice of the United States Supreme Court, I hope you realize the importance of your vote this coming November 3. There was a time when the U.S. Senate would have confirmed Justice Barrett unanimously. That was the way Justice Antonin Scalia, her mentor, was confirmed, 98–0. By contrast, Justice Barrett was confirmed 52-48. She would have never been confirmed if just a few seats were turned.
This must become a matter of prayer for us as we focus our attention these last few days. Let us pray, not only for the outcome but also that those who are elected would choose justice over partisan bickering.
Republicans control the Senate right now 53-47. Democrats would need to pick up four seats to become the majority. There are 34 Senate seats up for a vote. Of those 34 seats, 22 are Republican, and only 12 Democrats.
Right now, Real Clear Politics has nine races as toss-ups— seven Republicans and just two Democrats. It further has five leaning to remain Republican and three leaning Democrat, with one of them being a pickup from a Republican seat.
As you can see, there is a lot still up in the air as far as the United States Senate’s makeup which will have significant implications for the confirmation of judges.
President Donald J. Trump has had historic victories in appointing constitutionalists to federal courts. Still, the gains would not have been possible without a Senate committed to the swift confirmation of qualified nominees.
The number of cloture votes, which used to be rare in judicial confirmations, and which are practically meant merely to slow down nominees, have surged under today’s hyper-political climate. Seventy-seven percent of President Trump’s judicial nominees were forced to go through a cloture vote. Compare that to just 2.9 percent for President Barack Obama.
Every way you look at it indicates to us that U.S. Senate races are crucial to justice. The media’s focus on the presidential race is, of course, warranted. The two candidates have very different and contrasting plans for our country.
But we must not forget that even in some of the areas where they are promising to do this or that, they will need Congress to act before they can do anything. In the case of judicial nominations, they will need the Senate to exercise its “advise and consent” role.
One troubling idea that is being pushed by the radical left, namely to pack the Supreme Court by expanding the number of justices, would require the House of Representatives and the Senate to pass legislation for the president to sign.
Packing the Court would be damaging to an institution that relies on its institutional legitimacy for its role in our form of government. This is why most elected officials, including Democrats, have opposed the idea for decades. Even Vice President Biden has said we would “live to rue the day” if the Supreme Court was expanded.
Democratic President Franklin D. Roosevelt actually tried to pack the Court in 1937, but he failed when many in his own party opposed him, saying he would turn it into a political weapon.
The American people also rejectcourt-packing. This is why today,Vice President Biden has been reluctant to speak of the plan publicly. He has famously said he will answer the question “when the election is over” which is troubling in its own right.
Many have taken that to mean he will do it. If that is the case, he would need the support of a willing Senate to go along with the plan.
The bottom line is, we must keep the U.S. Senate in focus as we head into Election Day.
Congratulations! Your support and engagement have now helped confirm Justice Amy Coney Barrett to the United States Supreme Court. She was just confirmed by a vote of 52-48 and sworn in by Justice Clarence Thomas. What a picture of hope for our country to see her raise her hand and take her oath from another constitutionalist at the Court.
Our Women for Amy Bus Tour is rejoicing! I want to thank those of you who took the time to come out to rally in support of Justice Barrett. We have a few more stops still, and they are bound to be the most joyous ones yet, as we celebrate this amazing victory.
Your engagement in this nomination will bear fruits for generations to come. Justice Barrett is not only a woman of great faith, integrity, and commitment to the Constitution, she is also now the youngest member of the Supreme Court.
This is a historic day for conservative women. Justice Barrett is an inspiration to millions of young conservative women who are witnessing a prime example of someone who reached the highest pinnacles of her profession without compromising her values.
But the task ahead will not be easy for Justice Barrett. The pressures will only increase as she takes her new position at the Court. So, let me encourage you to continue to keep her and her family in your prayers.
And remember to stay connected with us here at ConcernedWomen.org as we continue to stand together for freedom and justice in our land.
Historic Moment for Conservative Women, ACB Confirmed to the Supreme Court
Washington, D.C. – The United States Senate just confirmed Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the United States Supreme Court by a vote of 52-48. . Penny Nance, CEO and President of Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee (CWALAC), had this to say:
“The conservative women I have been visiting all across the country in our ‘Women for Amy’ Bus Tour cheer loudly for this historic milestone for women. Judge Barret is an inspiration to millions!
“A conservative, constitutionalist, pro-life woman at the Supreme Court is why we voted for Donald Trump. We congratulate Justice Barrett, and we are praying for her and her family. The task ahead will be a difficult one, but we have full confidence in her abilities as a jurist.
“We must also recognize the incredible job done by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham in cutting through the usual Washington antics and making sure Judge Barrett was given a fair confirmation process. This was not a given. The opposition tried to derail her, even though they knew she was more than qualified for the job. They opposed her for political reasons. But Senate leadership and Republicans in the Senate went to bat for the American people, and they delivered. A job well done.
“But ultimately, we must get back to the source of such a great addition to the Supreme Court: President Donald J. Trump. He has surpassed all our expectations when it comes to judicial nominations, and he has indeed delivered on making the judiciary great again.
“Americans will remember that going into this important election.”
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Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee (CWALAC) is the legislation and advocacy arm of Concerned Women for America. Concerned Women for America is the nation’s largest public policy women’s organization with a rich 40-year history of helping our members across the country bring Biblical principles into all levels of public policy.
Women for Amy Bus Tour Applauds Limiting Debate on Nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett
Penny Nance: “Conservative women across the country celebrate this victory over the religious bigotry of Democrats.”
Washington, D.C. – In light of the Senate vote today to limit debate on the Supreme Court nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett, leaders of the Women for Amy Bus Tour eagerly anticipate a vote on her confirmation Monday evening.
Penny Nance, CEO and President of Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee (CWALAC), made the following statement as she sets off on the final leg of the twelve-state Women for Amy Bus Tour.
“On the eve of the vote to confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the United States Supreme Court, conservative women across the country celebrate this victory over the religious bigotry of Democrats. We applaud Senate Republicans for treating Judge Barrett with respect and moving ahead with her confirmation, despite the Democrats’ resisting their constitutional obligation on political grounds.
“Judge Barrett has demonstrated she has the skills, temperament, and qualifications to serve on the Supreme Court, yet Democrats are fighting her confirmation every step of the way.
“For a party that claims to promote the empowerment of women, Democrats are showing their true colors; they only support women who agree with their political ideology. All others are free to be treated with contempt, as they have done to Judge Barrett.”
Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee (CWALAC) is the legislation and advocacy arm of Concerned Women for America. Concerned Women for America is the nation’s largest public policy women’s organization with a rich 40-year history of helping our members across the country bring Biblical principles into all levels of public policy.
Prepared Remarks by Doreen Denny, Vice President of Government Relations
Confirm Amy Event Following Senate Judiciary Committee Vote Approving Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s Nomination to the U. S. Supreme Court
October 22, 2020
I’m here today on behalf of Penny Nance and all those participating with us as we ride our Women for Amy bus across America.
We’ve logged 3,200 miles since October 6 – starting in Georgia and South Carolina and rolling through South Bend, Indiana, and Iowa among other critical states. Today we’re headed to Texas then Arizona – another 1,500 miles to wrap up our 4-week, 12-state tour.
And I can report that in every place we’ve stopped women are excited and energized about Judge Barrett, soon to be Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.
As Chairman Graham passionately stated: for conservative women, this confirmation is not just about breaking through a glass ceiling, it’s about busting through a reinforced concrete barrier.
Today’s Judiciary Committee action to send Amy Coney Barrett to the Senate for a final vote is a moonshot being witnessed by young conservative women across America who feel they are being censored by a cancel culture. They are wondering if there will ever be a seat at the table for them. Today, the answer is YES – You do not have to compromise your beliefs. Your voice matters. Stand tall and stand proud.
Our daughters, including my own, see in Judge Barrett the strength that comes when a woman of conviction thinks for herself, pursues excellence in her profession, and embraces the values of faith and family that are the unshakable foundations of her life.
We celebrate this moment as a milestone for conservative women who have experienced the disdain and bigotry of the left for far too long. We agree with Judge Barrett in upholding the foundation of our Constitution as the bedrock of our freedoms.
Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee) have played an important role representing our voice and values in this process, and we are especially grateful to have had them on the Judiciary Committee for this confirmation.
There is no woman in America more ready and more qualified to be wearing the robe of an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court than Amy Coney Barrett. She will carry a banner for women of faith across America to the highest court.
Today’s boycott by Senate Democrats is nothing more than a political stunt. Americans know Amy Coney Barrett deserves to be confirmed based on her qualifications and her character. We urge all Senators to exercise their duty to advise and consent on that basis alone and vote YES on her confirmation.
The American people are waiting to receive a Victorious ACB on the Supreme Court with the same spirit they embraced the Notorious RBG.
Washington, D.C. – This morning, after Democrats opted to boycott the vote, the United States Senate Judiciary Committee voted favorably to send Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination to be an associate justice of the United States Supreme Court to the full Senate.
Penny Nance, CEO and President of Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee (CWALAC), had this to say, as she continues to lead the Women for Amy Bus Tour, currently traveling from McAlester, Oklahoma, to Fort Worth, Texas:
“Conservative Women all over this country are energized by the nomination of Judge Barrett to the Supreme Court; we are seeing it first-hand. They are celebrating her with every step she takes, against the tide, to trace her own path to the highest court in the land. What an inspiration she is to millions of young girls watching today. She gives us hope!
“We applaud Senate Republicans for treating her with respect and moving ahead with her confirmation, despite the Democrats’ temper tantrums. They should be ashamed of disrespecting this highly qualified nominee by not even showing up for blatant partisan political reasons. She deserves better.
“But they prove, once again, that they are not the party that promotes and respects women’s rights. They only support women who agree with their political ideology. All others are free to be treated with contempt, as they have done to Judge Barrett today.
“The good news is that, at the end of this process, they too will have to address her Justice Barrett, no matter the theatrics they employ today.”
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Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee (CWALAC) is the legislation and advocacy arm of Concerned Women for America. Concerned Women for America is the nation’s largest public policy women’s organization with a rich 40-year history of helping our members across the country bring Biblical principles into all levels of public policy.
By Doreen Denny, Vice President of Government Relations
Concerned Women for America (CWA) just landed a significant victory protecting the rights of college female athletes under federal law.
The U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR) resolved CWA’s sex discrimination complaint against Franklin Pierce University (FPU) in New Hampshire, finding the college had violated Title IX by allowing a male transgender athlete to compete in women’s sports. The FPU Ravens took home the 2019 NCAA Track and Field Championship national title in the women’s 400-meter hurdles won by an athlete who had previously competed on its men’s team. During the season, the runner identifying as a woman but biologically male-dominated female competition and was celebrated “Women’s Track Athlete of the Week” by the Northeast-10 Conference.
CWA saw in this case and others how the future of women’s sports was at risk and the equal rights of female athletes being infringed. We filed a formal civil rights complaint against FPU in response to this injustice.
Title IX requires equal educational benefits and opportunities for students, including in athletics, on the basis of sex, not gender identity. The federal law extends to any school receiving federal financial assistance, including public K-12 schools and virtually every college and university in America.
OCR agreed with CWA that FPU had violated Title IX equal opportunity protections for female athletes. The university chose to enter a resolution agreement requiring it to “rescind its transgender participation and inclusion policy” and “cease any and all practices related thereto.” This notice is also required to be posted in a prominent location on its website.
For girls fearing their chance to compete on an equal playing field could be erased, this is good news. For female athletes at the high school and college level, insist on your rights under Title IX. Any school that defies federal civil rights law by denying women equal opportunities in athletic programs or forcing women to compete against transgender athletes who are biologically male stands to lose.
The battle to save women’s sports is not over, but the resolution in CWA’s case against Franklin Pierce University is welcome news. It dignifies the importance of our work to protect female status, fairness and safety in sports designated for women and girls.
Both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate have legislation pending to protect female athletes that would further our cause. The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2020 would specifically require in federal law that sex-specific sports for women and girls under Title IX be restricted to females based on biological sex. Please contact your members of Congress and ask them to support this legislation today.
Concerned Women for America’s CEO and President, Penny Nance, had this to say in her latest op-ed on the confirmation of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court, “Judge Barrett deserves a swift confirmation to the Supreme Court, as evidenced by her cross-party appeal nationwide, the endorsement of colleagues and friends from across the aisle, and an impressive appearance at her confirmation hearings.”
Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee Responds to Nationwide Women’s March
Nance: “The liberal left chooses to exclude women with conservative views.”
Washington, D.C. – As participants in this year’s Women’s March prepare to send what they call “an unmistakable message about the fierce opposition” to the confirmation of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the United States Supreme Court, there’s no mistaking this fact: they don’t represent all women. Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee’s (CWALAC) CEO and President Penny Nance has this to say:
“Amy Coney Barrett is going to be the next Supreme Court Justice. She is a woman of character and uniquely qualified for this moment. Her sincere faith, strong marriage, and devotion to family make her an ideal role model for young conservative women who aspire for both family and career achievement.
“Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) is right; soon to be justice Barrett breaks not a glass ceiling but a concrete barrier reinforced by women on the left in order to exclude women with conservative views. No more must women conform to the litmus test of progressivism to sit at the ‘cool kids table.’ Americans reject the religious bigotry and abortion dogma that has been the standard required from women in order to attain achievement in government. The confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court creates a new definition of feminism and creates a seat at the table for us.
“The year 2020 is the year of the conservative woman. While some will be marching to thwart the confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett, Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee is continuing their Women for Amy Bus Tour, where we’ve experienced overwhelming support around the nation in key battleground states for an accomplished, conservative women like her and for the confirmation of soon to be Justice Amy Coney Barrett.”
For information on the “Women for Amy” bus tour, please go here.
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Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee (CWALAC) is the legislation and advocacy arm of Concerned Women for America. Concerned Women for America is the nation’s largest public policy women’s organization with a rich 40-year history of helping our members across the country bring Biblical principles into all levels of public policy.
Contact: Doreen Denny, Vice President of Government Relations
(202) 420-1491, [email protected]
University Forced to Rescind Transgender Policy as Violation of Title IX
after Biological Male wins NCAA Championship in Women’s Track
Action Resolves Concerned Women for America Sex Discrimination Complaint
Washington, D.C. – Today, Concerned Women for America (CWA) received notice that the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has resolved CWA’s civil rights complaint in women’s sports against Franklin Pierce University (FPU). OCR agreed with CWA that FPU’s transgender sports participation and inclusion policy is in violation of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination in educational programs and activities, including athletics, on the basis of sex.
Under the Resolution Agreement, the New Hampshire university, a Division II school in the Northeast-10 Conference, “will rescind its Transgender Participation and Inclusion Policy and will cease any and all practices related thereto.” FPU’s policy is similar to current NCAA policy that reportedly is under review and on the agenda for consideration by the Board of Governors at their October meeting later this month.
Penny Nance, CWA’s CEO and President had this to say:
“This Resolution Agreement is the first victory for college female athletes being forced to compete on an unfair playing field against males claiming transgender status and competing in women’s sports. We thank the Department of Education for upholding Title IX, which was passed into law 48 years ago to give women and girls equal opportunities in sports based on biological sex.
“Transgender policies have turned Title IX on its head, denying the rights of women and girl athletes to compete only against athletes of the same sex and threatening the future of women’s sports. Federal action against Franklin Pierce University is a warning shot to the NCAA and every college and university in America to back off policies that discriminate against female student-athletes and restore fairness and equity in women’s sports.”
CWA’s complaint was filed last year after a Franklin Pierce University student-athlete, who previously had competed on the men’s track team, transitioned to compete as a member of the women’s team and won a national title at the 2019 Division II NCAA Track and Field Championships in the Women’s 400-meter hurdles.
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Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee (CWALAC) is the legislation and advocacy arm of Concerned Women for America, the nation’s largest public policy women’s organization with a rich 40-year history of helping our members across the country bring Biblical principles into all levels of public policy.
