bill
Religious freedom watchdog, facing recent controversy, awaits reauthorization
By Adelle M. Banks — December 18, 2019
WASHINGTON (RNS) — USCIRF Chair Tony Perkins told Religion News Service that the commissioners are satisfied with the current proposed language but all of them considered the earlier proposal to be 'very problematic.'
New York ends religious exemption to vaccine mandates
By The Associated Press — June 14, 2019
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — The measure follows this year's measles outbreak , which federal officials recently said has surpassed 1,000 illnesses, the highest in 27 years.
Parliament’s action imperils Polish-Jewish relations
By Agnieszka Markiewicz — February 5, 2018
WARSAW, Poland (RNS) — The ultimate cause of the current crisis is that Poland has not sufficiently confronted its past.
Senators want $20 million for JCCs and other faith-based community centers
By Lauren Markoe — March 2, 2017
(RNS) More than 75 Jewish community centers across the nation have received bomb threats since Jan. 9.
France will soon have a new crime: online obstruction of abortion
By Tom Heneghan — December 14, 2016
PARIS (RNS) The bill would allow abortion rights activists to sue websites that promote alternatives to ending a pregnancy or discuss abortion's possible psychological effects.
Ohio lawmakers pass ‘heartbeat’ abortion legislation
By RNS staff — December 7, 2016
Lower courts have struck down similar 'heartbeat' laws in North Dakota and Arkansas, and the Supreme Court refused to hear appeals on those rulings in January.
A ‘birthday card’ for a pastor who builds bridges between Christians and Jews
By Lauren Markoe — September 12, 2016
(RNS) The Rev. Bill Harter is turning 80. A Jewish friend wants to thank him for a lifetime of commitment to a people other than his own.
Religious traditionalists and LGBT activists should check their passions and compromise
By Jacob Lupfer — August 24, 2016
(RNS) A California bill to protect LBGT rights on college campuses has sparked a raucous debate.
Tennessee House fails to override governor’s Bible bill veto
By Joel Ebert — April 20, 2016
Most states require a two-thirds vote to override a gubernatorial veto. Tennessee is just one of six that require a simple majority.
South Carolina bill worries immigration advocates
By Adelle M. Banks — February 11, 2016
(RNS) The current language includes a provision calling for “civil liability for voluntary resettlement organizations arising from the actions of a refugee placed in this state."
Italian senators debate same-sex union bill under Vatican’s watchful eye
By Rosie Scammell — February 2, 2016
ROME (RNS) Discussion of the bill has underscored the Vatican’s declining influence in Italian politics.
Bill to remove Confederate flag clears S.C. Senate, moves to House of Representatives
By Reuters — July 7, 2015
CHARLESTON, S.C. (Reuters) Several Senators spoke of being moved and inspired by the Christian forgiveness displayed by relatives of the Emanuel 9 for the shooter, adding that removal of the flag was the proper way to honor them.
Tennessee House approves bill to make Bible official state book
By Reuters — April 16, 2015
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Reuters) The Republican-controlled state House of Representatives voted 55-38 to approve the Bible as state book.
Gamer convention could leave Indiana over religious freedom bill
By Reuters — March 25, 2015
(Reuters) Seattle-based Gen Con's Chief Executive Adrian Swartout said in a letter to the governor that diverse attendance is important to its annual convention, which it says has a $50 million yearly impact on Indianapolis.
Indiana House passes controversial ‘religious freedom’ bill
By Reuters — March 24, 2015
(Reuters) Opponents called it a "religious discrimination bill" which would allow private businesses, individuals and organizations to discriminate against gays and others on religious grounds.
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