Arkansas
Americans split on businesses turning away gay weddings
By Lauren Markoe — April 2, 2015
(RNS) Americans don't want business owners to discriminate against gays -- but many would exempt those who don't want to participate in a gay wedding.
Beef ban * Witch hunts * Too much Guinness : March’s Religious Freedom Recap
By Brian Pellot — April 1, 2015
An Indian state bans the sale and possession of beef. Tanzanians murder “witches” accused of murdering “magical albinos.” And Ireland nearly outlaws straight marriage, on accident. Who needs April Fools’ Day when reality is this strange?
Supreme Court upholds religious rights of prisoners
By Richard Wolf — January 20, 2015
WASHINGTON (RNS) The court came down decisively on the side of a Muslim prisoner whose beard had been deemed potentially dangerous by Arkansas prison officials. Growing a beard, the justices said, was a Muslim man's religious right.
American Atheists launches anti-Christmas billboards across the country
By Erin O'Neill — December 16, 2014
(RNS) The billboard in Springdale, Ark., is one of a handful posted this month by the group , which is working to drum up attention for their annual convention in April.
Voters pass wage hikes and legal pot, divide on abortion
By Greg Toppo — November 5, 2014
(RNS) Tennessee approved a constitutional amendment that will give more power to state lawmakers to regulate and restrict abortion.
Justice Roberts asks if the case of the Muslim prisoner’s beard is too easy
By Lauren Markoe — October 7, 2014
(RNS) In the first religion case of the Supreme Court season, a Muslim prisoner asks for the right to grow a very short beard.
What happens next in the 20 states that still ban gay marriage?
By Brad Heath — October 7, 2014
(RNS) The U.S. Supreme Court's decision Monday leaves unchanged 20 state laws blocking same-sex unions. Each is already under legal attack, and some judges in those cases had been waiting to see what the high court would do. The court's instruction Monday: Proceed.
Arkansas State removing cross decal from football helmets
By Dan Wolken — September 11, 2014
(RNS) The decals had been added as a way to memorialize a former player and an equipment manager who died this year, the university's athletic director says.
Anti-Shariah movement changes tactics and gains success
By Omar Sacirbey — May 16, 2013
(RNS) After losing steam in recent years, the anti-Shariah movement has scored a string of victories by, ironically, leaving the words "Shariah" and "Islam" out of bills that restrict state courts from considering foreign law.
Arkansas Senate OKs guns in churches
By Doug Stanglin — January 29, 2013
(RNS) The Arkansas Senate has passed a bill lifting a ban on carrying concealed weapon in church, but church leaders would be allowed the final say.
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