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State Efforts Against Gender Transition Procedures 0:06 Good afternoon. I'm Victoria Marshall and welcome to a special edition of the Washington Watch news desk. State level efforts to protect minors from the harmful effects of gender0:17 transition procedures maintained their forward momentum throughout 20 24. Here to explain is Joshua Arnold, a senior writer for the Washington stand. Joshua, thanks0:29 for joining me.0:31 Happy to be here, Victoria.0:33 So first, Joshua, please explain what states are doing and why.0:38 Sure. States are concerned that doctors are providing children with gender transition hormones and surgeries, not because it's the best science, but because of the0:50 profit motive involved. These include puberty blockers, cross sex hormones like testosterone for girls and estrogen for boys, that cause harmful side1:02 effects and can't actually make someone's biological sex change. So what the states have done is pass laws that prohibit the use of these1:14 drugs, which have other legitimate uses, prohibit the use of these drugs for these procedures. Arkansas passed the first of these laws in 20 21 called the Save Adolescents from1:26 experimentation or safe act. And since then, 26 states have passed them with the most states passing them last year in 20 23.1:36 Wow. That's awesome. So what has happened with these laws over the past year? Have they been challenged by courts or some civil rights groups?1:43 As expected there have been many challenges brought to these laws. We're now in sort of the the legal battle phase of watching these laws play out. So the1:55 eighth circuit struck down Arkansas's law, but then the sixth circuit upheld, similar laws in Tennessee and Kentucky. Those that was in 20 23. What has happened this year is that other2:07 courts have weighed in. So the eleventh circuit and the seventh circuit have also ruled in favor of states having the ability to pass these laws. In addition, the sixth2:19 circuit case has made its way up to the Supreme Court. The Department of Justice under the Biden administration intervened to challenge the law and appeal to the Supreme Court in the case known as2:31 US versus Scrimetti.2:34 So the judges heard that case on December fourth just recently. Did the justices give any indication about how they might rule on that Tennessee law?2:46 That's right. Those oral arguments went for an, a surprisingly long time, over 2 hours. And, as might be expected, justice, Sotomayor2:59 and justice Jackson, 2 of of the progressive judges on the court, were very, opposed to the Tennessee law that would protect minors from, gender3:10 experimentation. However, on the other side, justices, Alito and Thomas seem to be in favor of the law. Justices Roberts and Kavanaugh seem3:22 to stake out a a kind of middle position, that would still favor the state's ability to regulate by simply saying that court should stay out of it. The other 3 justices, justices3:34 Kagan, Gorsuch, and Barrett were a little bit more reserved in, their comments. In fact, justice Gorsuch didn't participate in the oral arguments at all. He didn't ask3:46 any questions. And he was interestingly the author of the Bostock opinion in 20 20 that, dramatically increased the scope of LGBT3:57 issues in in American jurisprudence. So we'll have to wait for, later this, next year probably in June is when the decision will come down, to see what the final4:09 count is and and what the court finally decided to say. It would largely fortify the state laws that are similar to Tennessee's against, against challenge, which Tennessee has4:21 has a pretty good law that covers a lot of issues. So that will cover most of the laws that are out there. Right?4:27 Thank you so much, Joshua, for your time. That's today's segment. Thanks so much for joining us today for a special edition of the Washington Watch news desk. Up next is Washington Watch with Tony Perkins. We'll see you4:38 next time with more news.Christmas Reflections and Middle East Updates 4:52 From the4:53 heart of our nation's capital in Washington DC, bringing compelling interviews, insightful analysis, taking you beyond the headlines and sound bites into conversations with our nation's leaders and newsmakers,5:05 all from a biblical worldview. Setting in for Tony is today's host, Jody Heise.5:12 Good afternoon, and welcome to this Christmas Eve edition of Washington Watch. I'm Jody Heise, senior vice president here at the Family Research Council and president of FRC Action. It is an5:24 honor indeed as always to be filling in for Tony, and so glad to have you with us on this Christmas Eve as well. We've got a lot coming your way on the program today. Of course, it's Christmas around the5:36 world. People are preparing to celebrate what happened in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago in the Holy Land. Yet the Holy Land today remains a center of political5:48 turmoil, both domestically and internationally. Israel has been at war now for more than 14 months. And as we now fix our eyes on Emmanuel,6:01 god with us, our hearts are also with those in the Middle East where the situation has been changing so much for the people in that region. So on this special edition,6:13 I'll have a couple of guests joining me from Jerusalem. Chris Mitchell, Middle East Bureau Chief for CBN News, will join me to talk about how this Advent season and the6:25 last have been different for the people in Israel and the Middle East as a whole. And how can we here be praying for our brothers and sisters in the Middle East? And then6:37 I'll be sharing with you a discussion I had with FRC president and, of course, the main host of Washington Watch, Tony Perkins, who joined me from Israel6:48 last week. So what was he hearing while on the ground there? And how should our leaders here in the United States be standing with our closest ally in the Middle East? All that will be coming7:00 up shortly. And then to close out the program, I'll be joined by doctor Jay Johnston, national prayer director and the chaplain here at the Family Research Council. And we'll be talking about how the Christmas season7:13 uniquely provides opportunities for discipleship and for connecting people to the truth. How can Christ followers right now make the most of this time? And how7:24 should that be carried out throughout the year? So we've got a great program lined up for you. And if by chance you miss any portion of it again, always keep in mind that you can catch it by going to our website,7:36 tony perkins dot com, where, of course, not only this edition of Washington Watch, but past editions also are available as well as tons of resources. So be sure to bookmark7:48 that web page. And then let me just say this as well before we jump into it. Family Research Council invites you to join us as our commitment is to continue shining the light of biblical8:00 truth in Washington, DC and beyond. And during these dangerous days in which we're living, FRC literally is serving as a a type of watchman on the wall. We're8:12 here protecting faith and family and freedom from all sorts of attacks coming from every direction. And thanks to a 1 and a half million dollar challenge match, right now,8:25 every dollar you give to FRC, between now and December 30 first, every dollar will be doubled. Folks, let that sink in. This enables you to8:36 double your impact. So we're asking you to come alongside FRC, stand with us, enabling us to continue being a prophetic voice for biblical truth. You can join us by8:48 texting the word light, l I g h t, to 6 7 7 4 2. So together, let's make an eternal impact. Let's continue being the light that9:00 god intends us to be. Alright. As I mentioned earlier, FRC president and the main host of Washington Watch, Tony Perkins, was in Israel last week. And while there, he joined9:12 me to talk about his latest trip and what he heard there on the ground. Here's that interview. Tony, thanks so much for joining us today, and Merry Christmas from Israel.9:25 Well, thank you, Jody. Merry Christmas, and thanks for, thanks for filling in for me. I'm actually for those watching, I am standing just outside of the walls of Jerusalem.9:37 In fact, you can see the city of Jerusalem behind me. And, to my left, you can't see it. But over in the distance is, the little town of Bethlehem where Jesus was born, a little9:49 over 2000 years ago.9:51 That's amazing. Well, Tony, I know you've got a lot of meetings, a lot of things that have been taking place for you there in Israel. But while you're on the ground, what are you hearing? What are you seeing?10:03 What's the the mood like there?10:07 With with Jody, there's a a real sense of optimism, on a couple of things. 1 is I met with, various, leaders in the Israeli mill government and then some of the military10:19 leaders. I met with the, president of Israel, Isaac Herzog, and some of in the foreign policy, foreign, administration foreign, ministry. And10:31 there's optimism, and it's even on the streets. Number 1, because of the elections in the United States and the Trump administration coming into, power is that10:43 given what they did last time in supporting with Israel, there's a great optimism, especially with the backdrop of the Biden administration that they're gonna have a friend once again in the White House. And then10:54 secondly, Jody, the the tables have turned since I was here in March of of this year, where Israel will kinda had their their they were up against the11:06 ropes, so to speak. Now, we see this ring that Iran, they had a proxies around them. Hezbollah, Hamas, and even the Houthis11:18 in Yemen are being have been pounded by Israel. And then, of course, Iran, they're now kind of teetering. It's changed tremendously. And so there's a sense of optimism there as11:30 well as the, you know, by the time people hear this as we're prerecording it, the hostages may have been released, at least some of them. That that deal is very close to11:42 happening.11:43 Yeah. That's what I wanted to ask specifically, the the ceasefire and the hostile noise. You know, Trump, as you mentioned him and the attitude that he is bringing to the table there, he's been very strong11:55 saying that there's gonna be tremendous consequences if the hostages are not released before he's inaugurated. So I'm assuming that really has brought a sense of optimism,12:08 to Israel, but also a little fear and trembling to to the terrorists.12:14 Right. You know, and I thought about that. What I have made that statement, because he's drawing a very bright line, which means he has to follow through on that. What does that look like? I'm not sure12:26 anybody really knows, and I think that's the fear and trembling, that it it it creates that fear and trembling because nobody really knows what that means. But they know that he is12:37 not traditional in the way he deals with these issues, and and generally, what he says, he does. And so there has been a lot of movement, during this week we've been in Israel.12:50 And the officials that we've talked to, they've been very tight lipped about the hostage situation, not wanting to to say anything, go on the record about anything. And so that suggests to me that,13:03 they're very close to reaching some type of a deal that would bring this chapter to a close, bringing some of, if not all, the hostages home immediately or over a13:15 staged process?13:17 Well, it's been 14 months that I'm sure it's just been unimaginable for Israel and the people living there, which of course Israel's been a safe harbor for the Jewish community for13:29 for a long time and for many others for that matter. How has that changed? Have you seen, I know it's been 14 months that it's changed changed drastically, but is it how how is it right13:40 now?13:43 It it's interesting, Jody, because and this is 1 of the things that that I've noticed having as I had been here in March, is that the the the nation hasn't forgotten. They haven't13:55 moved on. It's not like, okay. Well, that was last year. That was 14 months ago. The the nation has drawn closer together. There is laser focus on these hostage. You you14:07 cannot go anywhere and not see posters or billboards, or signs saying bring them home. And and they keep a list. They have pictures of all the hostages that remain. I I was at Hostage14:19 Square during my time here in in Tel Aviv. I met with some of the hostage families. And and so there's a focus that continues to be on these families, and encouraging them,14:31 standing with them, and saying we are going to bring these hostages home.14:36 I can only imagine what kind of national celebration that is going to, spark when those hostages are finally released. It's, it it's got14:48 to be it it may end up being a national holiday of sorts. I can't imagine the joy that is gonna be exhibited when that happens.14:56 When you consider since 19 48 when Israel became a state, you know, they've had wars, 6 day wars. They've had short periods. They've never had this long15:08 of a conflict with this many different nations that they've been focused on, where literally, you know, the the the world was betting against Israel, pushing against Israel,15:20 and Israel has completely turned the tables to where now other nations are trembling, in fearful of what Israel may do. And I do think you're right. I think when those Israel15:32 when those Israelis and and others, there's, others than just the Israelis, there's others being held hostage. When they come home, I think you're going to see a grand celebration.15:43 Well, as we enter into this, last few days before Christmas and by the time this airs, the following, what what is the biggest prayer need as you are out and about with15:55 people there and with the leaders in Israel? How can we be most targeted and specific in praying for Israel right now?16:08 You you know, Jody, first, I think we need to understand the importance of Israel and what took place here and what it means to us as as Christians.16:20 As I said at the beginning, just a stone's throw from where I'm at, Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. The the fact that this is a place where so much of what we16:31 almost everything we read in the bible is found here in Judea and Samaria. And we need to be praying for the peace of this land as as, as Psalm 1 22 encourages us to do or tells us to do. We need to be16:43 praying for prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. I I don't know of another individual in the entire world that is has as much weight upon his shoulder and decisions that are such, consequential decisions16:55 that affect literally the entire world, western civilization. And praying for their peace, praying for the fulfillment of God's word, and for continued revelation of God's power on their17:07 behalf. And the the the spiritual awakening that is taking place here in Israel. Continue to pray that the Holy Spirit would move in a powerful, profound17:19 way as the word of God is fulfilled here in this land in Israel.17:26 Tony, I wanna thank you so much for joining us. Well, thank you specifically for that direct, avenue for us to be praying. And we have, of course, our viewers, our17:38 listeners all over the country right now. You've heard some very specific ways that we can pray. And I wanna encourage every single 1 of you today to take time to take these words that we've heard from Tony17:49 and specifically pray for the prime minister, for Israel, for the peace of Jerusalem, for, wisdom, for spiritual awakening. Let's be very18:01 specific as we pray. Tony, I know you've got a lot to do. Again, I wanna thank you for joining us. You've got a busy schedule. Merry, merry Christmas to you and LaJuana and the family. Safe travels home.18:13 Look forward to seeing you18:16 soon. Alright. Jody, merry Christmas to you as well, and merry Christmas to all all of our Washington Watch viewers and listeners.18:24 Great. Thank you so much. Well, that was my interview last week with Tony who joined me from Jerusalem. And after the break, I'll be joined by another guest from Jerusalem, CBN Middle East Bureau18:36 chief Chris Mitchell. So don't go away. We'll be right back.18:54 During these challenging times for our nation, Family Research Council continues to serve as a watchman on the wall for faith, family, and freedom. And together, thanks to your support, we're making an eternal19:06 impact. 20 24 has been another year of shining the light for biblical truth in Washington DC. This fall, over 1000 spiritually active, governance engaged conservatives gathered for19:18 the pray vote stand summit to pray for our nation and ensure that the issues impacting SageCons were understood and advanced. Washington Watch with Tony Perkins parked a major19:30 milestone this year. Its 9 hundredth episode and added the Washington Watch news desk, a new production that presents the top news each day from a biblical worldview. The19:41 Washington Stand published 2000 articles of news, commentary, and podcasts in 20 24, garnering over 5000000 views. FRC's outlet for news and19:53 commentary continues to pursue the truth on the issues that matter most to you and your family. And with the launch of the Stand Firm app, you can listen to, watch, and read our content20:05 in 1 simple place. Pray for current issues, stay rooted in the scriptures, and engage the political sphere with a community of believers on our new platform. In 20 24,20:17 FRC shaped public policy and culture, organizing the national gathering for prayer and repentance, where members of congress and Christian leaders came together to seek God's intervention in America.20:30 In May, FRC called upon believers to pray for and stand with Israel by dedicating a portion of their worship services to pray for Israel's peace, prosperity, and protection.20:42 With pray vote stand decision 20 24, FRC and Real Life Network led a powerful evening of election night coverage to analyze the election results and pray that our nation would turn back to20:53 God. We also filmed a transformative educational course, God and government. Launching in January 20 25, this series will explore the biblical and historical foundations of our government,21:06 empowering you to stand confidently in your role as a citizen of heaven and earth. Family Research Council thanks you for partnering with us for another year of standing for faith, family,21:18 and freedom.21:21 Looking to grow closer to God in the new year? FRC's stand on the word spiral bound journal is here to help. Dive deeper into scripture with thought provoking questions, note taking space, and context for each21:32 book and author. This second edition covering Isaiah 2 Revelation will guide you in tracking your journey through God's word while deepening your faith in Christ. Order now at f r c dot org slash21:44 store or text journal to 6 7 7 4 2. Perfect for you and your loved ones.21:54 Well, Merry Christmas. Welcome back to Washington Watch. I am Jody Heiss filling in today for Tony. So glad to have you. And, of course, Christmas was very different last year in the Holy22:06 Land following the vicious attacks by Hamas against Israel on October seventh. And today, there's more than 14 months of the war. And how is the mood now22:18 in Israel this Advent season? And what's life been like for the Israeli citizens during these challenging times? Well, joining me now to discuss this is Middle East Bureau chief22:30 for CBN News and dear friend of Washington Watch, Chris Mitchell. Chris, welcome back to the program. Always an honor to have you.22:39 It's great to be with you, Jody, and, Merry Christmas from the Holy Land.22:43 Well, thank you. I can't think of a better place for Merry Christmas wishes to be coming from, and I appreciate that a great deal. Merry Christmas to you as well. Well, we are pre taping this, so there may22:55 have been some additional developments between now and Christmas Eve. But, let's just start if you can, Chris, with giving us the, latest in terms of the current situation there in Israel.23:08 Well, Jody, the current situation has changed so dramatically at just the last few weeks with the, fall of the Assad regime in Syria, the takeover by many rebel groups, within just about 2 weeks23:20 or less than that. Just remarkable changes. And the changes just keep coming, Jody, you know, whether it was the, the degrading of Hamas and the Gaza Strip or the the way that Hezbollah23:32 really disintegrated, for the last 3 or 4 months. Just these changes have been remarkable. Historic changes, biblical changes, it seems, And, it it's really23:44 hard to keep up sometimes, but we know that, the Middle East is is developing, shaking, moving, and just dramatic, and powerful ways. A reminder to be keep and praying for the23:56 peace of Jerusalem and all the peoples here in the lands.24:00 Absolutely. And, yeah, the change is unbelievable, and we're all just deeply grateful for you've just been a special and powerful voice in keeping us up to speed as to what's24:12 happening. Just in terms of Christmas, Chris, I'm I'm just curious. You've been there in Israel for, quite a while now. How has this advent season been compared to24:24 last year and even the years before October seventh?24:28 Well, you mentioned, 14 months and counting. I I would say that many of the people here in Israel are weary of the war. It's very, very difficult to continue what's going on, and it's almost affected,24:40 every single Israeli person here in the land, whether it's a a son or daughter or cousin, brother that's, in combat and has been fighting whether in Gaza or, up in the north against Hezbollah.24:53 But I also say that, there is just a remarkable resilience of the Israeli people here. And, so this advent season, obviously, it's the Christians here in the land that are marking the birth of Jesus25:04 Christ. And, I would say it's, you know, for many people, regardless of whatever your faith is, a very, very hard time to go through, a very wearying time. But, you know,25:16 as believers in Jesus, we have the hope and that we can look to and remember the birth of Jesus, which is actually just about 5 miles behind me where I'm standing right now, Jody. So, at 2000 years ago, that's25:28 where the, the angels said the good news of glad tidings for unto you is born a savior who is Christ the lord.25:36 Amen. And when we're talking about so many changes taking place around the world and specifically now in Israel, The entire world changed 2000 years25:47 ago, and thank God it continues to this day, through his his grace and mercy. And so I thank you for that reminder. But, you know, it's not just Christians there locally.26:00 I I I'm curious your take on on Christians in Syria and elsewhere in the Middle East. Of course, with the the fall of the brutal Assad regime, I would, I'm curious how26:12 things have changed and what's the sit situation like for other Christians in Syria and other places.26:18 That's a very, very important, issue, Jody. And I think people Christians around the world and the United States in particular, I think need to be aware of what's happening to our brothers and sisters inside26:30 Syria. Now they lived under the Assad regime. It wasn't the best of circumstances by far, but what's happened right now is that, the groups that have taken over, which 1 is called HCS,26:42 the other is SNA, but both jihadi groups sponsored and backed by Turkey, and they wanna implement Sharia law inside Syria. Now what that means for26:54 Christians is that they would basically be second class citizens, and there could be varying degrees of what Sharia law law looks like. But, but it would be a restriction of their faith, their livelihood, perhaps. They27:05 might have to pay what's called the Jizah tax for non Muslims. So it's a very, very important time to be praying for our brothers and sisters and also a time to be talking to, leaders27:17 who have influence and policymakers. People that I've talked to, Jody, that we've been reporting on are saying a lot of this comes from, president Erdogan in Turkey, and,27:28 and they they hope and pray that, he could be stopped. Now try I'll try explain just a little bit what's happening in the western part of Syria that's really been taken over by HTS.27:41 The eastern part is under threat as well. In northeast Syria, over the last number of years has been an autonomous autonomous region where they have set up a democratic form of government where Christians,27:52 Yazidis, Kurds, and Arabs all working together. Now that is under threat by what's this called this group called SNA. And that as well, people need to pray that they could be restrained so that there's28:04 really beacon of hope and freedom and democracy in the Middle East could be preserved from these, Turkish backed groups.28:12 Well, Chris, I I do wanna keep you, if you can, at over the break and come back and continue this this discussion. But it's it's not just the believers there that are going to28:24 experience massive changes. In fact, I many of them have already fled. But what are some of the implications of a new Syrian government for Israel's, as well as the28:36 rest of the Middle East, but Israel in particular?28:40 Well, it it really poses a threat to them, and that's why, in fact, even today, prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Mount Hermon. Mount Hermon is a geographical barrier between28:51 Lebanon, Syria, and Israel. And now Israel, because of all this chaos in the last few months, has taken over the strategic Syrian part of Mount Hermon as well as a buffer zone29:03 between, this new HTS jihadi group, that wants to implement Sharia law in Israel. So long term, it does represent a possible very serious threat to Israel. They have29:15 stated they wanna come here and take over Jerusalem, so that's where their goals are eventually. In the meantime, Israel has been destroying, as much as 80 percent or more of the Bashar29:27 Ashanti military infrastructure. They started right when the rebels took over, and they have continued, to do so so that these, strategic weapons don't fall into the hands of this29:38 jihadist group.29:40 Well, keep keep that thought. We'll come back. After the break, we're gonna continue our conversation with Chris Mitchell. So don't go anywhere. We'll be back in just a moment.29:53 So, if you like to think and you likeShow more In this video 0:06 State Efforts Against Gender Transition Procedures4:52 Christmas Reflections and Middle East Updates29:53 Hope and Prayer in Challenging Times
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