legislation
Israel’s parliament passes law requiring yeshiva students’ army service
Church of England to draft new legislation on women bishops
Report: Knights of Columbus are leading funder of anti-gay marriage drives
(RNS) The Knights of Columbus, a wealthy and influential Catholic charitable organization, is a leading funder in efforts to make same-sex marriage illegal in four states that have ballot measures on the issue this fall, according to a coalition of gay rights groups. By David Gibson.
Roman Catholic Church in Scotland campaigns to stop gay marriage
(RNS) The Roman Catholic Church has sent a letter to its parishes across Scotland protesting a political race to legalize same-sex marriages in the province. By Al Webb.
Faith and rights groups call for hate crime hearings
WASHINGTON (RNS) Following a rash of recent attacks, a coalition of more than 150 organizations is calling on the Senate Judiciary Committee to conduct hearings next month on hate crimes and hate groups in the United States. By Chris Lisee.
Missouri prayer amendment passes by wide margin
COLUMBIA, Mo. (RNS) Voters in Missouri overwhelmingly approved a "right to pray" amendment to the state's constitution on Tuesday, despite concerns about the measure's necessity and legality.
Liberal Christian leaders blast GOP tax bill
WASHINGTON (RNS) A coalition of liberal Christian leaders blasted a GOP plan that would extend Bush-era tax cuts for the wealthy while slashing key provisions for the poor. By Chris Lisee.
Anti-Shariah bill defeated in Oklahoma senate
(RNS) The Oklahoma state senate voted Thursday (April 5) to kill a bill that would have prohibited state judges from considering foreign laws, including Islamic law, in their decisions. By Omar Sacirbey.
White House insists contraception talks are on track
(RNS) The Obama administration is pushing back against charges by the nation's top Catholic bishop that talks to create a broader religious exemption from a controversial birth control coverage mandate are "going nowhere," and that White House officials are dismissing the central role of the bishops. By David Gibson.
Senate rejects conscience clause change to contraception rule
Court says pharmacists can’t be forced to dispense morning-after pill
(RNS) A federal court on Wednesday (Feb. 23) struck down a Washington state law that requires pharmacists to dispense the morning-after pill even if it violates their religious beliefs. By Lauren Markoe.
Both sides gear up in N.C. gay marriage fight
WILMINGTON, N.C. (RNS) Here in the only Southern state that does not have a state constitutional amendment banning gay marriage, both sides are gearing up for a fight at the ballot box on May 8. By Amanda Greene.
Ala. bill would move religion classes off campus
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (RNS) A proposed Alabama law would allow churches or ministries to teach a religion class to public school students off campus, if parents and school boards give permission and the churches provide transportation and other expenses. By Greg Garrison.
Sparks fly as House GOP blasts contraception mandate
WASHINGTON (RNS) A House committee holds hearings Thursday that will find the Obama administration guilty of trampling on religious freedom by requiring employers to provide insurance that includes contraception coverage. By Lauren Markoe.
Washington becomes seventh state to legalize gay marriage
SPOKANE, Wash. (RNS) Gov. Christine Gregoire was scheduled Monday to sign legislation to make Washington the seventh state to allow same-sex marriage, although opponents promised a high-stakes fight at the ballot box. By Tracy Simmons.