(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.

(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.

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.

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.

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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

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.

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.

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.

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.