THE REAL NEWS
The R.E.A.L. WOMEN of BC Newsletter
AUGUST 1997 BOX 39068,
REDEFINITION OF SPOUSE
Your Provincial Board and chapters around the province have been actively engaged in making British Columbians aware of the existence of Bills 31 and 32, which have redefined the word spouse to include individuals of the same sex. Bill 31, "Family Relations Amendment Act, 1997" and Bill 32, "Family Maintenance Enforcement Amendment Act, 1997," redefine spouse with the intention of acting as a catalyst to eventually enabling the redefinition of marriage at the federal level of law and government to include homosexual couples.
These amendments identify what was formerly a common law relationship as the newly coined term "marriage-like." "Same gendered" relationships are included in the new "marriage-like" definition. However, homosexual relationships are not "marriage-like." The Supreme Court of Canada stated, "marriage is by nature heterosexual." The Supreme Court determined in Nesbitt and Egan that homosexual couples undoubtedly provide mutual support for one another, but that homosexual relationships are not "marriage-like."
NEWS FROM VICTORIA
A group of REAL Women continue to meet in Victoria. The May meeting was attended by Dr. Keith Martin, MP. He addressed various issues and answered questions. Lively discussions followed his departure. The June meeting was concerned with the provincial governments Bill 31 and ways to make the "conservative" voice heard. Members contacted Cabinet Ministers, MLA’s, friends and neighbors, to express their concerns and get the word out on the NDP’s initiative to change the definition of spouse to include same sex couples. Members of the study group are not meeting over the summer, but they hope to form an official chapter in September or October; they also wish to thank their meeting hosts for their hospitality
TOLERANCE FOR SOME ONLY
In Victoria, on June 16 Parents for Healthy Children (PHC) hosted a meeting featuring Marion Howlett and Kari Simpson at the Princess Mary Restaurant. The following report is a compilation of reports from four members and non-members who were at the restaurant that eventful evening.
As early as several days before the event, another group (Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International) which had a regular banquet booking at the facility in a room with windows, was notified that the Princess Mary had received threatening phone calls from someone unhappy that a room (even the windowless ballroom) was being rented to PHC. On June 16, media
personnel were at the Princess Mary before five p.m. laying cables and setting up for what was to be a media event. By the time the FGBMFI banquet started at 6:30 p.m. it seemed the building was surrounded by homosexual activists carrying signs and looking angry. The jostling, gesticulating, shouting crowd pressed themselves up against the windows of the banquet meeting, believing that this meeting was the PHC meeting. In the frenzy of the protest one man was trying to start chants on a bullhorn, and many were smacking the windows of the Princess Mary with their signs. The banquet attendees had a centre stage view on the actions of the homosexual demonstrators, and felt under siege for their beliefs. The building was heavily barricaded from the inside and out, and access to all rooms was tightly controlled by security personnel, police and locked and barred doors. By 7:15 the PHC meeting room was full and many concerned citizens were unable to enter the building as homosexual activists had infiltrated the meeting. Once the PHC speakers started, the activists heckled and disrupted the meeting by shouting slogans and hurling obscenities. The Victoria police were there to give protection and several plain clothes police attended the meeting. After the PHC meeting was over, homosexual activists tried to intimidate departing attendees by shouting at people and following them to their cars. Some brave pro-family men and women were successful in engaging individual activists in rational debate, where the angry rhetoric gave way to discussion. The many flaws in their logic were obvious as discussion took place on a one to one basis. The activists, who said they were there to protect kids struggling with their sexual identity from being called names, were themselves calling names; those who spoke of tolerance were completely intolerant of "scary Kari Simpson" and whoever was deemed to be her supporter. When all was finally over, the Princess Mary parking lot was littered with placards which were a final reminder of the tone set by the homosexual demonstrators of the evening.EDITOR’S Note:
One of the great needs which REAL Women of BC seeks to fulfill is the training of our members to know our arguments and to be able to articulate them calmly, clearly and logically in stressful situations. It is only on a one-to-one basis such as this that hearts may be changed and seeds of truth be planted.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
RELIGIOUS LEADERS IGNORED
A July 10th, 1997 News Release in Vancouver announced that Leaders of the Catholic, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Protestant and Sikh communities expressed "deep concern over the redefinition of spouse" and expressed "joint affirmation of the sacredness of marriage". The release went on to say these "spiritual leaders, human rights advocates, and eminent theologians . . . are calling on the government to dialogue with them . . . " to no avail.
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NEW AND RENEWED MEMBERSHIPS AND DONATIONS We extend a warm welcome to all those members who have joined us and a heartfelt thank you to those who have renewed their membership. As you know, we could not continue in our work if it was not for the generous support we receive from all you wonderful people. A special thank you to all those of you who have been so generous with extra donations. It is appreciated more than any words could ever say. Thank you also to all of you who keep us informed by sending us copies of interesting articles and copies of your letters that have been published in the papers. Keep up the good work! |
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE!!!!
The National Board of Realwomen at their last conference decided that it was necessary to raise the membership fee. Starting in January of l998, the fee will be $20.00 for individuals and families, and $25.00 for groups. As many families often struggle on a single income, it was decided that the membership fee for families and individuals would be the same. Additionally, it was also decided to change membership to run from January through to December each year, rather than from the month the member signed up. This just simplifies matters for administration purposes. The provincial board therefore decided that members are signing up now may still receive the $15.00 membership fee, however, it will lapse in December. Starting in January, the fee will be $20.00 and $25.00, respectively.
BOARDMEMBERS ELECTED AT CONFERENCE IN MAY 1997
Doris Darvasi, President
Laurie Geschke, Vice-President/Secretary
Irene Burrell, Treasurer
Lillian Middleton, Membership Secretary
Mary Anna Kaiser, Kelowna Chapter Representative
Lisa Petruic, Abbotsford Chapter Representative
Doris Rankin, Mail Liaison
Hilda Krieg, Director
Donna Zoretich retired as our treasurer, a position she has held for several years. We thank Donna for her faithfulness and all her help.
BC CONFERENCE: MAY 1997
As always, the people attending this year’s conference, held in Kelowna, had a wonderful time, felt encouraged and went home with renewed vigor to continue to stand tall for the family. The setting was lovely, right by the lake; even if the weather was not quite cooperative the surroundings brightened the mood. The speakers were informative and inspiring. The Saturday evening event was wonderfully relaxing and a lot of fun. During the AGM the following Resolutions were passed by the members of REAL Women of BC:
#1- that WHEREAS the Supreme Court of Canada has stated that: "Parents delegate their parental authority to teachers and entrust them with the responsibility of instilling in their children a large part of the store of learning they will acquire during their development;" and
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT REAL WOMEN OF BC CALL UPON THE BCTF AND ALL TEACHERS OF THIS PROVINCE TO RESPECT A FAMILY’S RIGHT TO INSTILL AND UPHOLD THEIR VALUES, WHICH INCLUDE THEIR CULTURAL TRADITIONS, RELIGIOUS AND/OR MORAL BELIEFS AND TO RESPECT THE PARENTS’ RIGHT TO CHOOSE WHETHER OR NOT THEIR CHILD(REN) RECEIVE INSTRUCTION OF ANY SORT PORTRAYING ANY OR ALL VARIATIONS OF A HOMOSEXUAL LIFESTYLE AS NORMAL OR ACCEPTABLE.
WHEREAS Section 95(2) of the British Columbia School Act states: "The highest morality shall be inculcated"; and
WHEREAS the 1988 Royal Commission on Education stated: "that neither the provincial school system, nor the helping agencies of government should usurp in any way the a priori rights and responsibilities of parents and the family in providing for the overall care of the young"; and
WHEREAS parents are universally recognized as having primacy in the education of their child(ren), and that all participants in the process of education fulfill their duties only with the parents’ consent and authorization;
#2- that WHEREAS the voters of British Columbia are responsible for casting their democratic vote in an election in the wisest direction available to them, based on their deeply held beliefs and convictions; and
WHEREAS the government of British Columbia and of Canada have set up institutions and associations to govern areas of public interest (i.e.: school and hospital boards); and
WHEREAS all voters of British Columbia deserve to have their vote in these public and private institutions and associations respected by the government, regardless of their cultural background or official minority status;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT REAL WOMEN OF BC CALL ON THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT TO NOT DISMANTLE DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED PUBLIC AND PRIVATE INSTITUTIONAL BOARDS, BE THEY SCHOOL BOARDS OR HOSPITAL BOARDS AND WHERE THEY HAVE BEEN DISMANTLED TO RE-INSTATE THEM IMMEDIATELY.
#3- that WHEREAS research into the local socio-economic conditions both before and after the opening of casinos in the Atlantic City area shows that the crime rate tripled, forty percent of restaurants in the same area closed, the number of homeless people increased 2000%, property values dropped, welfare rolls increased, and crimes against property increase in unprecedented numbers; and
WHEREAS when gambling-related social costs rise, elected officials are forced to increase local resident taxes; and
WHEREAS gambling availability increases gambling addiction rates; pathological gamblers cost society millions each year in lost wages and costs associated with health and family breakdown as well as crime problems and they cost their families incalculable grief and hardship; and
WHEREAS governments become addicted to the revenues of gambling and when revenues level off, other forms of gambling are quickly approved to satiate the appetite of gambling-revenue hungry governments;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT REAL WOMEN OF BC URGE ELECTED REPRESENTATIVE AT ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT TO OPPOSE THE IMPLEMENTATION OR EXPANSION OF GAMBLING IN THEIR JURISDICTION.
#4- that WHEREAS it is the responsibility of society to protect children and young persons from exploitation and abuse; and
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THE REAL WOMEN OF BC CALL FOR THE CRIMINAL CODE OF CANADA TO BE AMENDED TO SET THE AGE OF CONSENT FOR SEXUAL ACTIVITY BETWEEN ADULTS AND YOUNG PERSONS AT 18 YEARS OF AGE, EXCEPT WITHIN A HUSBAND AND WIFE RELATIONSHIP.
WHEREAS some children and adolescents, both male and female, are particularly vulnerable to sexual exploitation; and
WHEREAS crimes of child molestation and underage prostitution are increasing at an alarming rate across Canada; and
WHEREAS federal and provincial legislation provides special protection for youths under the age of 18 (such as the Young Offenders Act, child abuse laws and legislation prohibiting the sale of alcohol and tobacco to youths under the age of 18;
#5- that WHEREAS each year the federal and provincial governments give grants and contributions to numerous special-interest groups including businesses, labour unions, cultural and sports groups, as well as controversial lobby groups such as radical feminist organizations, Planned Parenthood Federation of Canada and day care advocacy groups; and
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT REAL WOMEN OF BC ENCOURAGE THE FEDERAL AND PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS TO IMMEDIATELY STOP ALL FUNDING TO SPECIAL-INTEREST GROUPS, IN ORDER TO AVOID DISCRIMINATION AND TO ACT JUSTLY AND FAIRLY TOWARDS ALL GROUPS, AS WELL AS DECREASE UNNECESSARY DISBURSAL OF EVER-SCARCER TAX DOLLARS.
WHEREAS in the fiscal year 1994-1995, the federal government’s grants alone to special-interest groups totaled $11 billion; and
WHEREAS the special-interest lobby groups use taxpayers’ dollars to promote their own agenda to the public and to the government with the objective of having their agenda implemented by way of legislation; and
WHEREAS those groups holding opposing views but not receiving government funding are placed at a severe disadvantage in the public debate as well as in influencing the government in regard to promoting an alternate viewpoint;
SUICIDE RATE FOR CHILDREN INCREASES DRAMATICALLY
Society in Canada has changed drastically over the years and many of these changes have been troublesome. Research has been conducted for a number of years to fine out the causes of these problems. Following are some of the trends taking place as released by Statistics Canada:
Studies are being conducted trying to find out what is happening to our children and youth. At the 55th annual convention of the Canadian Psychological Association in 1994 and analysis of the nonparental care was presented. This presentation combined all the studies done in the English language since 1957. The researchers studied the influence nonparental care might have on childhood bonding with parents and thereby influencing children’s behavior in areas such as social/emotional, behavioral and cognitive. Even with the inclusion of such variables as quality of day care, age of entry into nonparental care, family structure and others, it was demonstrated that nonparent care of more than 20 hours per week had a definite negative effect on the children’s social- and emotional development, behavioral adjustment, and bonding. In particular, for children under the age of five, a steady attachment to one person is absolutely essential. A toddler will many times come up to the caregiver (most often the mother) to get a hug for no apparent reason. The child simply wants to know that his environment is safe and secure. Even a so-called high quality caregiver simply cannot make up for the full-time care of a parent. Someone said that "Children need their parents when children need their parents, not when it is convenient for the parents."
It is of extreme importance to educate our provincial and federal government on these findings, particularly, in the light of the push for a national government funded, regulated and controlled daycare program. Such a program will not only cost the taxpayer billions of dollars but will directly harm families, and in particular children, by separating parents and children even more. We need to understand that the best care we can give our children is the care we give them ourselves. Considering that Canada prides itself on its record in the area of children’s rights, it is astonishing that everything seems to be done to not give them what they need most desperately -- their parents.
FAX AND E-MAIL CONTACTS
Every once in a while there are some hot issues that arise and need to be dealt with immediately. For that purpose, we are compiling a list of our members with access to fax machines and e-mail. PLEASE LET US KNOW IF WE CAN GET IN TOUCH WITH YOU THAT WAY. Maybe you have a family member, trusted friend or neighbor whose fax machine or e-mail you can use. We would like to get in touch with you faster than our mail-out allows us. Also, if you are able to pass along messages within your local area, please let us know. We can work faster when we do it together.
BUMPERSTICKER CAMPAIGN The provincial board discussed the possibility of creating a bumper sticker for Realwomen. We would love to see a classy, to-the-point sticker that would draw people’s attention to our organization. We would also like to use a politically correct idea or slogan and use it for our purposes. One idea was "FIGHT CHILD POVERTY - KEEP THE FAMILY TOGETHER’. We would like to know from you what you think about the bumpersticker idea and would love to have your input. If you have a great idea on what the bumpersticker could say, drop us a line at the address on the front page. |
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Summer is almost over and we trust you have had a relaxing time with your families. So far this year, a lot of things have been happening that have been of great concern to all of us. For me personally, it seems sometimes harder to bear than usual. I am at a point where I wished the only thing I had to worry about was the state my kitchen floor is in! The issues relayed in our newsletter this time will greatly affect our society as we know it. We have learned that our government is absolutely not interested in what the public has to say. On the contrary, we have now all become homophobes, bigots, and hatemongerers simply by expressing our views. Our Attorney General felt that after receiving so much "hate mail" (read opposing opinions), he was more than ever determined to change our laws to continue the push to give some Canadians special rights and privileges, because of what they do. So here we all are, while busy trying to make a living and raising our children, standing up for our rights and the rights of our children, just to be bulldozed right over by our elected officials.
However, I think it is time that we pat ourselves and each other on the back. We have, and will continue, to do the best we can to try and make BC a better place to live in. Whatever happens, we will be able to say that we did our best. To help each other out make sure that you encourage one another, work together (it is easier than doing it alone) and celebrate the fact that in the end, we are still the majority. Enjoy some time together with family, friends and neighbors. Keep up your courage and carry on. We are in this together.
NEW COALITION FORMED
In order to have a stronger and more united voice in the fight against the pro-homosexual school curriculum and related matters, a province-wide new coalition has been formed: COALITION FOR THE PROTECTION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS. This coalition includes different organizations as well as individuals who have signed up to add their voices. If you would like to become a member (and we would strongly encourage you to do so). Please contact the Coalition at: Box 34154 5790 175th St., Surrey, BC V3S 8C4, Tel/Fax: (604) 617-3445. The membership fee is $10.00.
There is an excellent brief available for your information: Compassion for the Homosexual Community without Compromising Parental Rights. You can get this brief for $5.00 by contacting the Coalition.
Coalition’s Mission Statement
To ensure that the rights of parents as the PRIMARY GUARDIANS AND CAREGIVERS of their children are clearly understood and recognized
Coalition’s Mandate
Stated Family Values
Marriage is by nature heterosexual. Spouses have the capacity socially and biologically to generate and nurture children of their union. This family unit is the basic BUILDING BLOCK of a healthy society and a strong nation.
My Rights!
(anyone wants to talk about responsibility??)
It seems that a "constitutional right to go topless" battle has begun in Canada. It started last year with the Ontario’s Court of Appeal decision that it was within the bounds of community standards for women to go barebreasted in public places. Families in Ontario have become increasingly frustrated with this ruling as during the summer one can find topless women wherever one goes. On Canada Day, Linda Meyer of Maple Ridge went topless in a public pool. She declared it her constitutional right. The police detained her and she stated that she will sue any and all levels of government if charges are laid against her. On August 13, the police received complaints about a woman cycling topless. Linda Meyer was found cycling topless east on Lougheed Highway. Her actions allegedly made heads turn and the result was a four vehicle smash up. Roxanne James of Ontario’s Keep Tops On (KTO) says "If we don’t take a stand right now, you’re not going to believe the things you will see in five years from now on our streets". Special interest groups and activists have taken our constitutional rights to a level where we have made a mockery of our constitution. They all scream for their rights, but nobody is willing to discuss responsibility. A society can only enjoy true freedom when rights are with balancing responsibilities.
THE STORY OF MOTHER SOCIETY
Seeking wisdom and guidance, three young teenagers trudged up the hillside to the home of Mother Society. They were a little nervous because she was known to be quite strict and severe, wanting only the very best for all young people. She greeted them with a smile and waited for their questions. "Mother Society", the first one asked, "is it all right for us to smoke cigarettes?". "Absolutely not!" she replied. "Don’t you realize that smoking is bad for your health" It can cause lung cancer and heart disease. Your lives are too valuable to ruin in this way". "Puleeze" they begged. "Our friends think smoking is cool and they say it gives them a good feeling. We’ll use filters, besides it makes us feel good". The grand lady became angry and repeated her refusal. "You are quite capable of controlling the desire to smoke. Not only that", she explained, "I feel so strongly about protecting you that I’m going to lay heavy fines on anyone caught selling cigarettes to you. I may even take their licenses away. They need to understand the dangers involved." "Some of our friends are addicted already", worried one of the teens. "We’ll help them stop," she said with feeling. "They can do it with support."
"What about drugs and alcohol?" asked the second one. "No! No!" she cried. "You’ll ruin your lives, fry your brains." "You just don’t want us to have any fun", accused another of the teenagers. But Mother Society explained how important they were to her and she wanted only to protect them. Hanging their heads the teenagers started to walk away when suddenly one of them turned around and called "Is it OK to have sex?" With a smile Mother Society said "Of course it is, my children. It’s just natural". Reaching for a bowl of condoms she added "Just make sure you’re protected". The young people were excited at first and then a little concerned "What if we get pregnant?" "Don’t worry" she said "We’ll take care of you. You can always have an abortion if you want or we’ll give you an allowance to raise the baby." "What about diseases and AIDS?" queried another. "Diseases. Don’t worry your little heads about them. After all, you’ve got protection. Just go out and have a good time." "We thought you’d tell us to wait" they said. "Don’t be silly," she replied. "How could I expect you to control yourselves? Besides, isn’t everybody doing it?" The teenagers thank Mother Society for her advice and walked slowly home. They were quiet, they were confused. She just didn’t make sense.
Taken from A Community Affair, Solving the Problem of Teen Pregnancy & Disease by Marilyn Bergeron
THIS MATERIAL IS PLANNED FOR YOUR CHILD’S CLASSROOM!!
On June 20, l997, the Surrey Teachers’ Association sponsored a showing of the two films "It’s Elementary" and Judy has two Moms." Although the showing was meant for teachers and parents, only about 10 of each attended, the rest of the people were students from universities and from Young Communists of Canada. Murray Warren and Jim Chamberlain, both homosexual activists and primary school teachers, were also in attendance. Altogether, approximately 50 people were there.
The film showed how easy it is to include gay and lesbian issues into the classroom discussions. These topics were discussed in socials and science classes. Also, gay and lesbian speakers were invited into the classrooms to answer questions. In this film, six schools throughout the states were being portrayed as being very inclusive and open toward gays and lesbians. However, when the younger students were asked questions about these issues, most of them did not even know what it meant to be gay or did just simply not care. The students then had to be explained what it was all about. When the kids were asked on how they had spent Mother’s Day, they all responded by saying with mom or grandma. One child was then brought into the classroom to tell the other children on how lucky she was as she got to celebrate Mother’s Day with two moms. The film seemed very manipulative and it was obvious that the goal was to change the children’s thinking. One of the schools ended up celebrating Gay and Lesbian Pride Day and one of their songs was "This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine". After every classroom discussion the teacher asked the students how their thinking had changed. In one Grade 3 class the students were pretend judges to rule whether or not gays and lesbians should be allowed to get married. Although children were allowed to have their opinions, it was obvious that the teacher continued to try and change their minds. After all these discussions, there were definite changes in the children’s thinking and attitudes toward the homosexual lifestyle. There were also several references to religion and all in a very negative connotation.
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The Citizens Research Institute has available for parents a "DECLARATION OF FAMILY RIGHTS" that a parent can use to have his or her child excluded from any teaching or instruction that condones and accepts the homosexual lifestyle as equal to heterosexuality. You can get a copy of the Declaration from:
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Lilith Fair - R.E.A.L. Women is there!
On August 24, the Lilith Fair concert was held on the University of BC campus. This fair is an all female musical festival touring 37 cities in North America. Some women, including several of our own members, decided that this would be a great opportunity to pass on the pro-life message to thousands of women attending the concert.
Approximately 10 women holding pro-life signs, including two that pointed out that Planned Parenthood (PP) and Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF) would benefit from this concert, gathered on a grassy area opposite the lineup for tickets. Literally thousands of women had to pass these women in order to get to the concert. Pictures showing aborted babies were displayed and pro-life literature was distributed. One of the reasons for these women to distribute their pro-life literature was because of the action of two prominent performers, namely Sarah Mclachlan and Joan Osborne, who threatened not to perform at an earlier concert where organizers and owners of facilities objected to having Planned Parenthood on the site distributing their literature and condoms, etc. After the performers’ threat however, the organizers and owners caved in and let PP on the premises.
The majority of the crowd attending the concert were young women. Many of them accepted the pro-life literature that was being distributed but some concert goers came over and objected to the pictures of aborted babies. A women holding one of these pictures was approached by a concert goer who said that the picture was horrific. The Pro-lifer agreed with her but explained that that was what "pro-choice" gave women. She added that if the other woman was not offended by these pictures she should go ahead with her "pro-choice" position but if she felt that what the pictures depicted was horrific that she should become pro-life and fight for the rights of the unborn.
Some concert goers wanted the signs to be put away and tried to cover them up while others actually came up and spat on the signs. One of the signs, over 5 feet, read "Planned Parenthood and L.E.A.F. Lilith-Witches of Abortion Deaths" , was well understood by some of the women attending the concert. These women walked around trying unsuccessfully to stir up the rest of the concert goers with chants. At one point, some concert goers were trying to get the picketers to leave. Fortunately, at that moment a police car was cruising by and the picketers’ right to be on public property was protected. These ten brave women stood their ground, politely yet resolutely passing along the pro-life message. Our own Doris Rankin walked back all by herself to the angry line-up with her picket sign that read "Abortion Pills Kill Babies, Harm Women". We certainly commend these ladies for going into the "hornets’ nest". Well done.
PEOPLE IN LOUISIANA WANT MORE COMMITMENT
The people in the State of Louisiana were overwhelmingly in favor of a new law that was passed this summer. It is the first jurisdiction to go back on the divorce revolution. Now couples in that state can get married under a "covenant marriage" law, permitting men and women to get married for life. The old "no-fault" divorce law is still in effect and people now have the choice under which law to get married. The couple that decides to get married under the new law has to register for a covenant in the process of applying for their marriage licence. The couple must have a notarized document that shows that the couple has received counseling and is fully aware of their long term commitment they are making toward each other. Under the "no-fault" divorce law, either party can file for divorce after a six months separation. With the new law the covenant is considered broken only in case of adultery, serious criminal conviction, violence and sexual abuse. Contrary to the old law, under the new law only the "non-breaching" partner can file for divorce and the other one is found at fault for breaking up the marriage. The law passed the state assembly 98-0, and the senate 37-1. Opposition to the new law came from the left-wing American Civil Liberties Union and the major daily newspapers of the state. However, the papers were swamped with letters of support coming from the people of Louisiana. The pendulum is finally swinging back. We have now realized how detrimental and destructive the "no-fault" divorce laws have been to families and, in particular, to children. Even within Canada voices can be heard that advocate a similar law. But then, we in R.E.A.L. Women have said this for years. Now, finally, others are saying it too and we will work toward changes in our divorce laws.