Judge Blocks New York From Enforcing Restrictions on Religious Gatherings
Jul 3, 2020
A federal judge on Friday ordered New York's places of worship to be treated the same as businesses when it comes to coronavirus restrictions in a ruling that criticized Mayor Bill de Blasio and Gov. Andrew Cuomo for encouraging protests while simultaneously limiting outdoor religious gatherings.
U.S. Supreme Court Says Religion Ban in Montana’s Education Tax Credit Program Is Unconstitutional
Jul 3, 2020
In a 5 to 4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that a provision in Montana’s Constitution prohibiting state aid to religious organizations could not prevent taxpayers from obtaining a state tax credit for contributions made to private parochial schools that are used to provide scholarships for eligible students when a credit is available for contributions made to other types of private schools.
Florida Legislature Passes Bill Requiring Parental Consent for Minors to Have Abortion
Jul 3, 2020
Girls under the age of 18 are now required to receive parental permission before having an abortion under a bill signed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. This legislation prevents a doctor from performing an abortion on a minor unless the doctor has received a notarized, written consent form signed by the minor's parent or legal guardian.
Seventh Circuit Rules Illinois Can Restrict Churches to 10 People
Jun 26, 2020
The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Illinois’ Covid-19 stay-at-home orders on Tuesday, refusing to issue an injunction against Governor Pritzker’s decision to limit indoor religious gatherings to no more than 10 people.
Tennessee Legislature Passes Fetal Heartbeat Bill; Planned Parenthood, ACLU File Lawsuit
Jun 26, 2020
Last Friday, an emergency lawsuit was filed against the state seeking to enjoin the implementation of a bill passed by the Tennessee legislature that bans abortion at ten different stages of fetal development, beginning with the detection of the heartbeat.
Trump Administration Defends Idaho’s Transgender Athletics Legislation
Jun 26, 2020
Earlier this month, dozens of groups and hundreds of athletes urged the NCAA to pull tournament events out of Idaho in response to the legislature’s passage of the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, which bans transgender females from competing in women’s sports.
Governor DeWine Signs Bill Expanding Religious Freedom in Ohio Public Schools
Jun 26, 2020
Ohio has enacted legislation aimed at increasing religious freedom rights for students in public schools, including the use of religious content by students in school assignments.
Tennessee Legislature Approves Governor’s “Laddered” Abortion Bill
Jun 19, 2020
After telling the public for weeks that it would only take up certain bills and it had no intention of taking up abortion legislation, at midnight last night the Tennessee Senate voted to suspend its rules to immediately take up Senate Bill 2196/House Bill 2263, the Governor’s bill creating a “laddered” approach to abortion restrictions.
Boy Scouts to Require Diversity and Inclusion Merit Badge for Rank of Eagle Scout
Jun 19, 2020
The Boy Scouts of America said Monday night it stands with the Black Lives Matter movement and plans are in the works for a badge related to diversity and inclusion that will be required to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout going forward.
Planned Parenthood Officially Endorses Joe Biden for President
Jun 19, 2020
Planned Parenthood has officially endorsed Democrat Joe Biden for president. Acting President and CEO Alexis McGill Johnson called the election a life-and-death issue. “This election is a fight for our country’s very survival,” she said in a press statement while praising Biden for his longstanding support for reproductive rights. “Joe Biden is the only candidate in this race who will stand up for our health and our rights.”
