Legislation
Florida considers allowing volunteer chaplains in public schools
By Brendan Farrington — February 7, 2024
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — The only requirements of a chaplain participating in a school program would be a background check and having their name and religious affiliation listed on the school website.
Conservative Nebraska lawmakers push bills that would intertwine religion with public education
By Margery A. Beck — February 6, 2024
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — These bills are part of a broader Republican push nationwide to target a variety of culture issues in education, including diversity, equity and inclusion programs and the type of books allowed in school libraries.
California Gov. Newsom backs dam removal projects to boost salmon. Critics say that’s not enough
By Adam Beam — February 1, 2024
EUREKA, Calif. (AP) — Newsom also pledged to continue to work with native tribes, who often refer to the rivers where salmon live as their church.
Church of England leader says a plan to send migrants to Rwanda undermines the UK’s global standing
By Jill Lawless — January 30, 2024
LONDON (AP) — If approved by Parliament, the law will allow the government to “disapply” sections of U.K. human rights law when it comes to Rwanda-related asylum claims and make it harder to challenge the deportations in court.
Greek government says it stands by same-sex marriage pledge even after opposition from the Church
By Derek Gatopoulos — December 22, 2023
ATHENS, Greece (AP) — The legislation would be brought to parliament during the house's current term, which ends in 2027, said government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis.
Indiana’s appeals court hears arguments challenging abortion ban under a state religious freedom law
By Isabella Volmert — December 7, 2023
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The lawsuit argues the ban violates Jewish teachings that “a fetus attains the status of a living person only at birth."
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American evangelicals interpret Israel-Hamas War as a prelude to End Times
By Fiona André — November 17, 2023
(RNS) — Armed conflicts involving Israel are often associated with End Times’ battles by American evangelicals, as many believe the Jewish state will play a role in fulfilling the biblical prophecy.
Wisconsin Senate approves amendment blocking church closures during public state of emergencies
By Associated Press — November 8, 2023
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The amendment comes in reaction to a stay-at-home order Democratic Gov. Tony Evers issued in 2020 to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
As caste bill meets defeat, Hindu Americans on both sides make their voices heard
By Richa Karmarkar — October 11, 2023
(RNS) — In the last two decades, Hindu Americans have mobilized through a number of new advocacy organizations to vote and run for office on issues of particular interest to the faith community.
Faith-based health organizations defend at-risk AIDS initiative from Republicans
By Yonat Shimron — October 3, 2023
(RNS) — Many faith-based organizations opposed to abortion are fighting for PEPFAR, an AIDS program that some Republicans now claim provides abortion services.
Activists prepare for yearlong battle over Nebraska private school funding law
By Margery A. Beck — September 1, 2023
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — If the law is repealed, Nebraska would join North Dakota as the only states not offering some type of public payment for private school tuition.
Muslim call to prayer can now be broadcast publicly in New York City without a permit
By Karen Matthews — August 30, 2023
NEW YORK (AP) — Under the new rules, Adams said, mosques will not need a special permit to publicly broadcast the Islamic call to prayer, or adhan, on Fridays and at sundown during the holy month of Ramadan.
Quran burning in Sweden prompts debate on the fine line between freedom of expression and incitement of hatred
By Armin Langer — August 29, 2023
(The Conversation) — Several countries across Europe are introducing new legislation to curb hate speech against religions, even as they get rid of older blasphemy laws.
How India’s religious violence is becoming a problem for American politicians
By Richa Karmarkar — August 9, 2023
(RNS) — US politicians are under increasing pressure to account for their courtship of Indian Prime Minister Modi, the leader of a strategically important ally and the world's largest democracy.
The Hindus fighting against ‘caste consciousness’
By Richa Karmarkar — July 17, 2023
(RNS) — An ongoing fight in the California Legislature and the courts focuses not on caste discrimination itself but whether efforts to end it only make it worse.
