Indiana Governor Releases Heavily Redacted Records From Post-RFRA Public Relations Firm
Civil Rights Amendment Added To West Virginia RFRA
Last night the West Virginia Senate debated what amendments they would add to HB 4012, their Religious Freedom Restoration Act bill. The bill purports to protect religious freedom, but creates the real threat that it will be used to trump nondiscrimination laws, especially those for LGBT West Virginians. In fact, many pushing the bill support it because it they hope it will allow them to ignore nondiscrimination laws. The bill passed the House and Senate committee with failed attempts to fix this problem.
Twitter Joins Companies In Opposing Georgia FADA
Spotlight On: Missouri's SB 916 and SJR 39
Two pieces of legislation (SB 916 and SJR 39) that would permit discrimination in the name of religion are racing through the Missouri legislature. Both bills were introduced last week and were already approved by Senate Committees. The Senate could debate these bills on the floor as early as today.
Georgia's House Speaker Has His Say On FADA Bill
Celebrities, Businesses, News Outlets, and Others Create Waves in Opposition to Georgia's FADA
How much backlash do Georgia legislators need before they stop pushing legislation that would allow discrimination against LGBT Georgians in the name of religion? You’d think with 400 plus companies and influential CEO’s opposing HB 757 and similar bills they’d be done with it already.
Conservative Group Denounces Georgia's FADA Bill
An Atlanta-based conservative group joins the city's Chamber of Commerce in opposing Georgia's HB 757, claiming that it would limit growth for both Atlanta and the Peach State.
Last Week In Review: February 22–26
NBA Star Grant Hill Opposes Georgia's FADA Bill
More business leaders and social luminaries are opposing Georgia's HB 757 FADA bill, including NBA star Grant Hill.
Undeniable Falsehoods: Religious Right Group Releases New Report On The ‘Persecution’ of American Christians
An up-and-coming Religious Right legal group has a new name and a new look. The Texas-based Liberty Institute has rebranded itself First Liberty, and it has inaugurated its fresh look with a newly-released report that purportedly proves the existence of a wave of hostility toward American Christians.
Former U.S. Justice Department Official And Others Weigh In Against Georgia's FADA
More opposition to Georgia's HB 757 FADA bill has been pouring in. Here are few notable ones, including opinions from a former Georgia Attorney General, Wonkette, and businesses.
The Origins Missouri's SB 916 Are Frightening
The background behind Missouri's SB 916 bill, which would gut the state's Human Rights Act, is based on a sexual harassment and discrimination lawsuit– and that's pretty scary.
West Virginia Senate President Mum On RFRA Bill
West Virginia Senate President Bill Cole has held back his opinions on the state's proposed RFRA bill, HB 4012. The passed the House on February 11.
Salesforce CEO Comes Out Against Georgia's FADA Bill
Marc Benioff, Salesforce CEO and vocal opponent of last year's Indiana RFRA, has come out against Georgia's HB 757 FADA bill. Saleforce, which cancelled events in Indiana following the passage of the RFRA, has a strong presence in Atlanta.
South Dakota's FADA Tabled By Senate Committee
South Dakota's HB 1107 FADA bill has been tabled by the state's Senate Judiciary Committee, effectively killing it.
South Dakota’s FADA Continues to Move Through the Legislature
This morning at 8:00am CST, the South Dakota Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on HB 1107, also known as the Government Nondiscrimination Act. This bill, which already passed the House, is based off of the federal First Amendment Defense Act (FADA). It would allow any individual, business, non-profit entity, or taxpayer-funded organization to ignore any law that conflicts with their religious beliefs that marriage should be recognized only as “the union of one man and one woman” and that “sexual relations are properly reserved to marriage.”
Texas Bakery Refuses To Bake Cake For Same-Sex Wedding
Georgia NAACP President Calls For Community Action Against State FADA Bill
Rev. Dr. Francys Johnson, president of the Georgia NAACP, speaks out against threat that is the state's HB 757 FADA/Pastor Protection Act Bill.
West Virginia City Council Considers Whether To Condemn State's RFRA Bill
The Morgantown City Council is considering a resolution to condemn HB 4012, West Virginia's RFRA bill.