Dakota Beacon

September 29, 2009

NDFA Receives Family Champion Award

Focus on the Family Action honors the North Dakota Family Alliance

Washington, D.C. – The North Dakota Family Alliance received the Family Champion Award at the Value Voters Summit in Washington, D.C. NDFA received the recognition from Focus on the Family Action for its successful efforts dealing with pro-family issues during the 2009 legislative session.

“We are humbled by this award and fully recognize the deserved credit belongs to our Creator and the faithful people of North Dakota for their persistent grassroots effort,” said Tom Freier, executive director of NDFA. “It is really a testament to what can be accomplished by a people who believe in a mission.”

Focus on the Family Action annually honors state-based organizations for their work championing the family.

“In the four years we have been giving these awards, we’ve never been more proud of anyone than we’ve been with the accomplishments of Tom Freier and the North Dakota Family Alliance,” said Tom Minnery, senior vice president of Focus on the Family Action. “They represent the very essence of grassroots involvement.”

Focus Action recognized NDFA for its fight against pro-abortion legislation and efforts defeating SB 2278, a bill which would have granted special protections based on sexual orientation.

“While the proponents of SB2278 argued the bill’s intention was protection for individuals from discrimination, it became apparent if the bill were to be passed, it would grant recognition of same-sex relationships, and be in direct conflict the constitutional amendment protecting marriage as between one man and one woman,” Freier said.

Focus Action also touted NDFA’s efforts in passing five of six bills dealing with abortion, including HB 1371, which requires abortion providers to offer women an ultrasound of their preborn baby, and HB 1445, mandating abortion facilities to inform women that the abortion procedure will “terminate the life of a separate, unique, living human being.”

“These bills will have a great influence in better informing pregnant women before they decide whether or not to go through with the abortion.  We were so pleased when these bills passed with such a huge majority” shared Freier.

The North Dakota Family Alliance is a state wide Christian based non profit organization whose mission is to strengthen families, protect family values and religious freedoms.  It is headquartered in Fargo and has been in existence since 1987.  NDFA became associated with Focus on the Family in 2008.