The Family Beacon

This week, the legislative session is over, but they'll be back for a special session! And, I discuss a critical new case filed by True North Legal and Alliance Defending Freedom. Finally, we talk about the presidential ambitions of three Minnesotans: Dean Phillips, Amy Klobuchar, and Tim Walz.

The Family Beacon podcast returns with big news from the State Capitol as the end of the session approaches! Becca Delahunt joins Moses Bratrud with critical updates about life, family, and religious freedom issues in Minnesota. We discuss:Cuts to aid for nonpublic school studentsMobile sports gamblingHomeschooling restrictionsVaccine exemption removal - big update!And much, much more!Becca also discusses Minnesota Family Council's 2025 Annual Dinner this past week and we encourage supporters to take advantage of our $250,000 matching challenge and make a gift to support our work before June 1. Go to mfc.org/donate - every contribution helps!

Reuploading this great conversation due to an audio error when it was first recorded. Enjoy---Director of Public Policy Rebecca Delahunt guest hosts the first episode of season five, joined by special guest Jennifer Lahl of the Center for Bioethics & Culture. As a renowned bioethics expert, Jennifer shares about the often overlooked harms that gestational surrogacy poses to unborn children and their mothers along with other grave bioethical concerns. Get the facts, stand for truth!

This week marked a critical deadline for legislation at the State Capitol in St. Paul, and Policy Director Becca Delahunt joins us this week to update us on the bills we've been following this legislative session, and tells us what will happen as the Legislature enters its final, busiest stage.WATCH: Becca testifies against the ERA: https://youtu.be/vF-lKvbm0DYWATCH: Renee Carlson of True North Legal testifies on the ERA: https://youtu.be/kLtfzg45oNoUPDATED: Our bill tracker has now been updated so you can track some of the bills that matter most: mfc.org/billtracker.

Minnesota Family Council stands against the so-called Equal Rights Amendment, a bill that would, among other things, create constitutional protection for every individual to "self-identify" according to their own "gender identity or gender expression."A 10 Commandments display at the Capitol was vandalized this week. Plus, we dive into an issue that affects every family, church, and future generation: Artificial Intelligence. What impact will AI have on our families and our souls? Get the facts, stand for truth. UPDATE: The ERA legislation did NOT pass out of committee on Thursday.

Your hosts discuss how while new numbers show that homeschooling has reached an all-time high in Minnesota, Governor Walz wants to slash funding for private schools and homeschoolers. Plus, there's a new Ten Commandments display at our State Capitol that is, thankfully, much better than the Satanist display erected around Christmas. Get the facts, stand for truth!

Renee Carlson of True North Legal joins the Family Beacon to give a high-level overview of the girls' sports issue. Your hosts break down the top arguments used by the opposition, and Renee helps us understand how to respond to these myths with winsomeness, giving us the facts so that we can stand for truth on this crucial issue.

A bold dad takes an impassioned stand against allowing males into girls' sports in a MN school district. Plus, a cultural commentator Moses interviewed last year is interviewed for the New York Times. Does his thesis about Christianity and culture need to be updated for the Trump era? Get the facts, stand for truth!

This week, an incredible rally featuring Riley Gaines, Renee Carlson, and other public figures brings hundreds of people to the State Capitol to protect girls' athletic opportunities. The Preserving Girls' Sports Act failed to pass in the MN House after all 66 Democratic members voted against it. Plus, the U.S. Senate votes on this important issue. Get the facts, stand for truth!

One big theme at the Minnesota legislature this year is protecting women. Today our Director of Public Policy Rebecca Delahunt joins us to get behind the headlines and talk about our work protecting women and children in Minnesota. Get the facts, stand for truth!Show notes:1. MN House of Representatives Public Safety Finance & Policy Committee on HF435   - Part 1: https://youtu.be/rU7uWX0fcyg   - Part 2: https://youtu.be/_SeR6VXxzNM2. Former DOC employee Alicia Beckmann's testimony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzf_uifv2bg3. Rebecca Delahunt's written testimony in support of HF435: https://www.house.mn.gov/comm/docs/m1T0EaKYSk2_VQfaa9TE1g.pdf

Renee Carlson of True North Legal, alongside our Director of Public Policy Rebecca Delahunt and many allies, defended integrity and fairness in girls' sports in the Minnesota House this week. Our policy team brought in experts and additionally testified in favor of HF12, the bill that would ensure that only girls are playing on girls' teams in k-12 schools. Renee joins us this week on the Family Beacon podcast to discuss. Note: This episode was filmed before Attorney General Ellison released his legal opinion claiming that the President's Executive Order violates the Minnesota Human Rights Act.Watch testimonies from the HF12 hearing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGtwBfWCrDg

With session underway and House Democrats showing up for work, Minnesota Family Council advocated for your values in five key ways through public policy at the Capitol this week. MN Attorney General Keith Ellison has joined a federal lawsuit that seeks to stop an executive order signed by President Trump which protects kids from the surgical and chemical mutilations. Plus, the U.S. Department of Education is investigating the MN State High School League after it announced plans to violate Trump's Executive Order protecting girls' and women's sports. Get the facts, stand for truth.

Trump's actions since taking office have left his supporters thrilled and his opponents reeling. But what is actually going on in D.C., and how is it advancing the work of defending life, family, and religious freedom throughout the nation? Get the facts, stand for truth!Note: Since the filming of this episode, Democrats in the MN House have agreed to a deal from House Republicans that makes Leader Lisa Demuth the Speaker of the House. Read more here: https://www.mfc.org/familybeacon/kqdu92fhp4fwpguho2zb9c1fo7wqrf

Our Director of Public Policy Rebecca Delahunt joins the podcast to discuss what has already been an extremely eventful legislative session here in St. Paul. Rebecca explains Minnesota Family Council's 2025 policy priorities and breaks down the confusing situation at the Capitol. Get the facts, stand for truth! Additional resources: Age Verification of Digital Pornography Companies 1. "Pornography Industry is Profiting off Innocent Children" Star Tribune article by Renee Carlson and Brittany M. Jones: https://www.startribune.com/pornograp... 2. Amicus Brief submitted by True North Legal and Kansas Family Voice to SCOTUS supporting protection of children from digital pornography in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton: https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPD... 3. "Parents Can't Fight Porn Alone" First Things article by Clare Morell and Brad Littlejohn: https://firstthings.com/parents-cant-... Recent national research on teens and pornography: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/site... "Equal Rights Amendment" 1. "In Minnesota, Push for ERA Threatens Freedoms, Equality" National Review article by Rebecca Delahunt & Renee Carlson: https://www.nationalreview.com/2024/0... 2. Watch MFC Testimony: House Rules & Legislative Administration Committee, March 6, 2024:    • House Rules and Legislative Administr...   3. Watch TNL Testimony: House Rules & Legislative Administration Committee, March 6, 2024:    • House Rules and Legislative Administr...   4. Read MFC Testimony: House State & Local Government Finance and Policy Committee, March 2, 2023: https://www.house.mn.gov/comm/docs/or... Surrogacy 1. "What Rights Are Owed to Children?" MFC article by Rebecca Delahunt: https://www.mfc.org/familybeacon/what... 2. "Uncovering the Truth about Surrogacy" Interview with Jennifer Lahl of the Center for Bioethics & Culture:    • Uncovering the Truth About Surrogacy   3. Watch MFC Testimony: House Judiciary Finance & Civil Law Committee, March 19, 2024: https://x.com/becca_delahunt/status/1...

This week on the Family Beacon, Moses interviews Katy Faust, the founder and president of Them Before Us, an organization that advocates putting the needs of children first. That aligns with Minnesota Family Council's mission to ensure that families thrive according to God's design. Katy talks about how we can put children first in every political debate and how that is the only way to safeguard their future and ours. 

Tune in for part two of our interview with demographer Lyman Stone, where he shares solutions to THE critical problem: the lowest birth rates our country has ever seen. Stone explains key ways that the government can address this devastating issue, and emphasizes the important role the church has in building a pro-family and pro-child culture. Get the facts, stand for truth!

Demographer Lyman Stone joins Moses to discuss one of the most important problems facing our country: falling birth rates, the lowest fertility rate on record. Stone discusses how the nation as a whole and the Christian church are being affected by this problem. Don't miss part 2 next week, where Stone offers hopeful, practical solutions to this problem. Learn more about Minnesota Family Council at mfc.org.

Donald Trump stuns a nation, winning a comeback victory. In Minnesota, we've broken the progressive trifecta that gave one party control of St. Paul for the past several years. Plus, we're thrilled to see three huge pro-life wins across the nation–the first statewide pro-life victories since the Dobbs decision in 2022. Get the facts, stand for truth!

Will Trump or Harris triumph at the polls on Tuesday? Moses gives his final prediction & explains how both the U.S. Senate and House look likely to flip. Grace shares how Vice President Harris rejected the fundamental right of religious freedom in favor of abortion. Get the facts, stand for truth!

Under Governor Walz' leadership, the Minnesota DNR is exploring “queerness and nature” for 11-year-olds, and Massachusetts and other states try to redefine what it means to be a parent. Plus, Planned Parenthood is now the biggest provider of cross-sex hormones in the country. Finally, Donald Trump pulls into the lead in key swing states. Get the facts, stand for truth!

Grace shares a new bombshell report from Do No Harm that exposes the truth: nearly 14,000 minors are forever harmed by gender mutilation surgeries, experimental drugs, and procedures. Plus, the presidential race tightens! Moses gives an update on how the race between Harris and Trump is shaping up nationally and in key swing states as we head into the home stretch. Get the facts, stand for truth!

The Washington Post recently argued that Governor Walz has helped make Minnesota the model of a pro-family state, a utopia to be imitated. Grace discusses why this is false. Plus, a new national survey shows that Christians aren't turning out to vote. Moses explores why. All this and more today on the Family Beacon Podcast. Get the facts, stand for truth!

Renee Carlson of True North Legal joins the Family Beacon this week to share the truth about Tim Walz' record on abortion. Tune in now to hear five lies Walz told on the debate floor debunked. Get the facts, stand for truth!

Today on the Family Beacon, Governor Walz is bringing no home-field advantage to the Democratic ticket, with new polls showing Minnesotan independent voters favoring Trump. Plus, a newly-developed “suicide capsule” in Switzerland leads to the death of an American woman and several arrests. Listen now to get the facts and stand for truth! 

In this special episode of the Family Beacon, Moses interviews Senator Paul Gazelka about his much-anticipated new book detailing Governor Walz's FAILURE of leadership during the pandemic and 2020 riots. BOOK: https://a.co/d/4JmoZcT

The Family Beacon podcast has returned from summer break, and wow have things been happening! On today's episode, your hosts breakdown Vice President Harris and former president Donald Trump's first and possibly only debate of this blockbuster election season. Grace discusses an employee in the MN Department of Corrections who quit her job after men were allowed in a woman's prison. Finally, Moses explains an article about “reframing the abortion debate” between an abortionist and a comedian. Get the facts, stand for truth.

This week, we celebrate the 2nd anniversary of the Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, ending 50 years of pro-abortion domination of the U.S. Supreme Court. Grace breaks down where things stand, what we're up against, and how we should respond. And as “Pride Month” comes to an end, we discuss how it seems a lot…quieter?...this year. Moses explains the reasons for this. Get the facts, stand for truth!

After a LGBTQ group called out Mayo Clinic for hosting a doctor who spoke at a conference on the influence of gender in the treatment of arthritis, and the differences in knee tissue between men and women, Mayo virtue-signaled in response. Grace breaks down how the renowned medical center takes a stand against this doctor's views and her additional work in speaking out against men participating in women's sports. Moses explains the political landscape in MN and what we might expect in the upcoming presidential and local elections. Get the facts, stand for truth.

Aaron Renn, author of “Life in the Negative World,” joins Moses on the podcast to discuss the cultural turmoil we find ourselves in. Aaron explains that we now live in a world that is hostile toward Christianity—but this is a relatively new phenomenon. He argues that Christians must rethink our strategies for strengthening the Church (and diversify them) to stand against the world. Get the facts, stand for truth!

Rebecca Delahunt joins the podcast to discuss our major victories in defeating the so-called ERA, physician-assisted suicide, gambling and commercial surrogacy. Rebecca breaks down why surrogacy is in line with human trafficking, and how it puts the desires of adults over the rights of children. She also shares our victory in blocking a bill that would have required all religious organizations to provide coverage for abortion and so-called gender “care.” Finally, learn about how our religious freedoms were restored in the Minnesota Human Rights Act, due to the work of Renee Carlson and allied organizations, along with the prayer and action of many Minnesotans. Get the facts, stand for truth!

Renee Carlson of True North Legal joins the podcast to give you the facts so that you can stand for truth! Renee breaks down the recent developments surrounding the Erosion of Rights Amendment and the Minnesota Human Rights Act. Note: Since recording this episode, Governor Walz signed the bill to restore protections for religious organizations in the Minnesota Human Rights Act!

This week, more than 500 bold Minnesotans filled the Capitol rotunda, rallying against the so-called ERA, which would insert gender ideology and abortion until birth into the Minnesota Constitution, while creating new threats for religious freedom. The rally featured speakers like House Minority Leader Lisa Demuth, Pastor Rob Ketterling of River Valley, and MFC's Rebecca Delahunt and emcee Renee Carlson of True North Legal. Get the facts, stand for truth!

Rebecca Delahunt, our Director of Public Policy, joins the podcast to discuss updates on the surrogacy bill we've been tracking. Plus, she shares more details about the so-called Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). Your hosts share highlights from MFC's Annual Dinner and the giving challenge of $200,000. Get the facts, stand for truth!

Religious freedom is under attack in Minnesota. Renee Carlson of True North Legal along with our state allies have been working to restore legal protections for faith communities that were removed from the Minnesota Human Rights Act. Renee interviews Pastor Rob Ketterling, Lead Pastor of River Valley Church, to discuss why all churches and ministries need to stay informed on this critical issue!

This week, the pope released a document emphasizing human dignity and condemning abortion, euthanasia, so-called “gender reassignment” surgeries, and surrogacy as violating the image of God that all humans bear. But at the same time, we saw former President Trump take a step back from his support for life, indicating he is AGAINST a national law regulating abortion. Get the facts, stand for truth! 

A detransitioner who underwent a double masectomy and now lives with physical health issues from that surgery brings a timely message to our podcast about how mental and physical health are connected. Instead of pursuing risky, experimental and life-altering treatments for gender dysphoria, she shares the needs for a medical protocol grounded in the physical fundamentals of health. Plus, Renee Carlson of True North Legal explains recent developments with the Minnesota Human Rights Act - a bill, that if passed into law, would gut religious freedom in MinnesotaNote: While Minnesota Family Council and our podcast guest, Camille, may disagree on some key issues, we are grateful to work together to protect kids and advocate for detransitioners to receive the care they need! Watch Camille's testimony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1b390DsxVc Watch Renee's testimony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wf6TPWQctE4&t=1s 

Changes to the Minnesota Human Rights Act are putting religious freedom on the chopping block! Renee Carlson of our True North Legal initiative joins us to answer that question and keep you informed. Plus, Grace and Moses break down how if passed, new bills would require ALL Minnesota insurance plans and employers be COERCED by the government to cover so-called gender affirming care and abortion. Get the facts, stand for truth! Note: the Minnesota Human Rights Act hearing was scheduled for Wednesday, March 6th, not Monday. However, all testimony and prepared materials were due on Monday at 10:00 am in order to be considered part of the committee record.

Renee Carlson of True North Legal joins the podcast to discuss her latest brief to the Supreme Court in Idaho v. United States, pushing back on the Biden administration's policy attempting to force emergency room doctors to provide abortions in states where it has been banned. She also discusses the other great work True North Legal is doing in Minnesota and beyond!

A prominent surgeon who performs gender mutilation surgeries recently admitted that they can have devastating complications! Grace explains how these procedures are so dangerous and how at a root this is a conversation about what it means to be human, what limits we have, and who God is. Then, Moses discusses some of the major developments in national politics that took place while we were on our winter break. Plus, hear how to get involved in your local caucus. Get the facts, stand for truth! Daily Caller article & unearthed video: https://dailycaller.com/2024/02/15/exclusive-prominent-trans-surgeon-admits-in-unearthed-video-that-complications-of-genital-surgery-can-be-pretty-bad/ REGISTER NOW for “Rulers Rage, God Laughs” with Seth Dillon: https://www.mfc.org/dinner2024

Rebecca Delahunt, MFC's Director of Public Policy, joins Moses to discuss the start of the legislative session and the biggest items on our 2024 agenda at the Capitol. Becca also breaks down the “Equal Rights Amendment” rally that occurred on Monday. PLUS, hear about our new legislative bill tracker that you can easily use to track legislation on life, family, and religious freedom in real time. Get the facts, stand for truth! Use the billtracker: mfc.org/billtracker Registration is NOW OPEN for “Rulers Rage, God Laughs” with Seth Dillon: https://www.mfc.org/dinner2024

With Minnesota's legislative session starting on Monday, progressives will be holding a rally at the Capitol to advance one of their biggest priorities this year: a constitutional amendment that looks likely to combine radical gender ideology with abortion until birth. Your hosts give you the details on this legislation and this upcoming rally. Plus, Grace & Moses break down the bills we can expect progressives to push in the upcoming session including legislation in favor of physician-assisted suicide, mutilation of children through so-called “gender-affirming healthcare,” and the erasure of women's sports. Get the facts, stand for truth! UPDATE: Since we filmed this episode, legislative leaders have signaled that the so-called Equal Rights Amendment may be voted on by legislators this year, but may not be voted on by Minnesotans until November 2026. Click here to learn more. PRE-REGISTER NOW for “Rulers Rage, God Laughs” with Seth Dillon: mfc.org/dinner2024

Pro-abortion activists are back at it again with attacks on our local pregnancy resource centers. Grace breaks down how recently members of the Minnesota Abortion Action Committee used a projector to shine false messages on a local pregnancy resource center in Minneapolis, calling it “predatory” and “anti-science.” Plus, Moses explains how a Minnesota pharmacist was sued for refusing to dispense an abortion pill due to his religious beliefs. Tune in to hear how our allies at Alliance Defending Freedom are representing this pharmacist in MN court! Finally, your hosts discuss highlights from Season 3 and the return date of Season 4. Get the facts, stand for truth! Resource:New Life Family Services website: nlfs.org

Renee Carlson, Chief Counsel of our True North Legal (TNL) initiative comes on the podcast to discuss how TNL is defending the religious freedom of parents here in St. Louis Park! Plus, Grace breaks down how a boy won a girl's Irish dance competition, and how Irish dance as a tradition and celebration of the differences between men & women is being erased. Finally, Moses shares an update on the abortion pill case at SCOTUS. Get the facts, stand for truth!

On this special episode of the Family Beacon Podcast, guest Representative Walter Hudson joins Moses! Rep. Hudson shares what inspired him to run for elected office, his experience in local politics, and his main priority of fighting for liberty in Minnesota's laws. Moses and Rep. Hudson discuss the danger of apathy in Christian churches with regard to the public square, how freedom of speech and protecting kids are not incompatible, and what it really means to pick up your cross & follow Christ. All this and more on the Family Beacon podcast this week! Get the facts, stand for truth.

Moses and Grace interview MFC's incoming President & CEO, Jeff Evans, who shares his vision for our organization. Jeff explains how under John's guidance, MFC became more gospel-focused and also John's personal impact on him through strategic mentorship. Under Jeff's leadership, our partners can expect continuity of our vision and mission: we remain joyfully dedicated to advocating for life, family, and religious freedom. The fight is just getting started. Get the facts, stand for truth.

Moses is back! Your hosts highlight Renee Carlson of True North Legal joining MOMS, Mothers Offering Maternal Support, during oral arguments over MOMS' right to intervene in a case defending parents' rights to defend the best interests of their children. Grace discusses the tragic death of UK baby Indi Gregory who was taken off life support by a hospital against the wishes of her parents. Moses breaks down recent polling that shows Gen Z support for same-sex “marriage” plummeting. Why is this the case? Tune in to find out. Get the facts, stand for truth!

We saw some losses this week in elections across the country. John Helmberger (MFC CEO) and Jeff Evans (incoming MFC CEO) join Grace on the podcast to discuss the disappointing election results and consider what it means for the pro-life movement going forward. John shares that the law is a moral teacher and how that applies to the abortion debate. Jeff explains how we as pro-life Christians can winsomely act with courage, faithfulness, and shrewdness. Then, Grace, John, and Jeff break down what happened in Ohio and Virginia, share what went wrong, and what we can learn as we seek to build a culture of life in Minnesota.

Cohost of the Family Beacon Podcast and MFC Director of Strategy, Moses Bratrud shares about the threats that face Minnesotans and how we as Christians can respond. He shares the three things that should be the Northstar of our politics: protecting life from the moment of conception, seeing God's design for marriage and family honored and lived, and the upholding of religious freedom. Moses gives us action steps so that we can stand for truth!

Moses explains how Governor Youngkin has encouraged Republicans to embrace a 15 week ban on abortion, transforming VA into a national litmus test that is likely to shape the 2024 elections. Plus, he shares how MN Rep. Dean Phillips is launching a longshot bid to challenge President Biden for the Democratic nomination for President. Grace breaks down how our Attorney General has joined other states in suing Meta for targeting youth by deliberately making their apps addictive for children. Finally, your hosts discuss  how strong Christian Mike Johnson becoming the new House Speaker is a major win for life, family, and religious freedom!

Grace shares how Britney Spears' heartbreaking history of being pressured by her boyfriend into an abortion is a tragic reality for too many women. Moses breaks down a new poll on how the expected race between President Biden and former President Trump might shape up in MN, plus a new lawsuit in our state that is attempting to keep Trump off the ballot. Finally, Grace explains how Roseville schools are training teachers to conceal gender transitions from parents. Get the facts, stand for truth! Referenced Alpha News article: https://alphanews.org/exclusive-roseville-guidance-coaches-teachers-on-concealing-gender-transitions-from-parents/

Moses shares a biblical perspective on what is happening in Israel, and how we must pray for the innocent civilians on both sides of the war. Grace breaks down rallies that have happened in the Twin Cities this week, including supporters of Israel and some Minnesotans flying the Hamas symbol. Your hosts explain how there is no excuse for supporting the pure evil of the terrorist group Hamas. Plus, Grace and Moses discuss how MN's new social studies standards have sparked controversy and how YOU can make a difference today. Get the facts, stand for truth. Instructions on how to take action against the new social studies standards found here: https://alphanews.org/controversial-social-studies-standards-set-for-final-round-of-public-comments/?