Legislation
Texas abortion ban stays in force as justices mull outcome
By Mark Sherman — November 17, 2021
They raised expectations of quick action by putting the case on a rarely used fast track. And yet, to date, the court's silence means that women cannot get an abortion in Texas, the second-largest state, after about six weeks of pregnancy.
Protesting Zionism, climate activist group won’t rally in DC with Jewish groups
By Yonat Shimron — October 20, 2021
(RNS) — The statement shocked many Jewish groups who said the position essentially excludes Jews.
Jewish women to march in abortion rights rally
By Yonat Shimron — October 1, 2021
(RNS) — The National Council for Jewish Women will host a special Shabbat morning service at the site of the Washington march Saturday in Freedom Plaza.
Illinois passes legislation to allow student athletes to wear hijab without waivers
By Emily McFarlan Miller — September 24, 2021
(RNS) — The Inclusive Athletic Attire Act allows all student athletes to modify their uniforms in keeping with their religion, culture or personal preferences for modesty.
Infrastructure bill includes energy efficiency grants for houses of worship
By Yonat Shimron — August 11, 2021
(RNS) — Deferred maintenance at aging sanctuaries has become an ever-increasing burden. A $50 million pilot program would award grants of up to $200,000 for energy efficiency.
‘This is our Selma moment,’ clergy leaders announce on eve of 27-mile voting rights march to Austin
By Yonat Shimron — July 27, 2021
(RNS) — On Wednesday (July 28), the Rev. William J. Barber II will lead clergy and laypeople on a four-day, 27-mile march from Georgetown to Austin, Texas, to protest the rollback of voting rights and demand federal action.
Black pastors sign letter supporting compromise bill on LGBTQ equality
By Yonat Shimron — March 16, 2021
(RNS) — They expressed support for LGBTQ civil protections but are asking that the Senate take up a rival bill called Fairness for All, which includes religious exemptions.
This rabbi got Kentucky to adopt an anti-Semitism resolution. But not all Jews are happy.
By Yonat Shimron — March 4, 2021
(RNS) — Rabbi Shlomo Litvin said the resolution may stanch a wave of anti-Semitic incidents in Lexington, Kentucky. Critics worry it could be used to silence free speech by those who criticize Israel.
What’s in store for the Equality Act, and why do some religions want a revision?
By Yonat Shimron — February 26, 2021
(RNS) — The Equality Act likely won't pass in the US Senate, as is. But if the Senate were to include religious exemptions, it might.
Rev. Barber’s Poor People’s Campaign calls for resistance to reopening plans
By Yonat Shimron — May 13, 2020
(RNS) — It is urging Congress, the president and state governors to follow the recommendations of public health experts and not risk a resurgence of the virus, which is disproportionately affecting poor, uninsured, low-wage workers.
Southern Baptist ethicist Russell Moore says churches may apply for SBA loans
By Yonat Shimron — April 15, 2020
(RNS) — In a Facebook Live interview, SBC ethicist Russell Moore said that’s because banks would be issuing the loans, not the government. He also called a decision by Louisville, Kentucky's mayor to ban a drive-in Easter service ‘stupid.’
Ahead of abortion bill vote, Argentina’s Catholic Church moderates its tone
By Veronica Gimenez Beliveau — August 8, 2018
(The Conversation) — The Catholic Church’s response in the face of a groundswell of support from Argentine women seems to be a model for how it is responding to social issues worldwide.
Shane Claiborne: Christians are why the death penalty lives on
By G. Jeffrey MacDonald — August 6, 2018
(RNS) — Wherever Christians are most concentrated in America is where the death penalty has flourished.
Indonesia passes anti-terrorism law after suicide attacks on churches
By Nithin Coca — July 24, 2018
JAKARTA, Indonesia (RNS) — The new law has bolstered support for President Joko Widodo, a moderate Muslim, but some groups say it gives too much power to the state.
Dutch Parliament approves limited ban on burqa, niqab
By Raf Casert — June 26, 2018
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The Netherlands has approved a limited ban on 'face-covering clothing' in public places, including Islamic veils and robes such as the burqa and niqab but not the hijab, which covers only the hair.
