Republicans, Business Leaders Uneasy About Georgia's "Religious Freedom" Bills

Some Georgia Republicans are finding themselves extremely uneasy about the state's "religious freedom" bills.

Spotlight On: Indiana's SB 344, A Flawed Non-Discrimination Bill

Today, the Indiana Senate is expected to take up SB 344, a flawed non-discrimination bill. There are so many reasons to oppose this bill, including that it fails to offer any protections for transgender Hoosiers. But in this post, we’d like to look at the vast and broad religious exemptions in the bill. Although SB 344 may offer some (insufficient) non-discrimination protections, it also would provide a religious trump card to nullify those protections. The bill also contains religious exemptions that would undermine rights and protections guaranteed by other state and local laws and policies.

Spotlight On: Georgia's Discriminatory Religious Exemption Bills

Having trouble keeping up on what is happening in the Georgia General Assembly? Don’t worry, so many bad bills that claim to protect religious freedom have been introduced that it is hard to follow. But we are here to help.  Here is your Georgia cheat sheet: It explains seven of the bills out there that claim to protect religious freedom, but really don’t.

Marine Does Not Have A Right To Display Religious Signs On Government Property, Says Americans United

Disciplinary Actions Taken Against Monifa Sterling Were Appropriate, Church-State Watchdog Group Asserts In Court Brief

Opponents Concerned Over Georgia's State FADA Bill

SB 284, a state FADA that would essentially allow religious non-profits to treat LGBT couples like second-class citizens, is causing concern in Georgia.

Two Bills Will Discriminate Against Virginians And Their Rights To Marriage Equality

This week, Virginia legislators will be hearing two bills that will have the potential to grievously harm all Virginians, especially LGBT Virginians, and their rights to marriage equality.

 

 

"Duck Dynasty" Star Stumps For Ted Cruz, Wants to "Rid The Earth" Of Marriage Equality Supporters

There's more than one reality television star making news in political circles for being hateful today. "Duck Dynasty" star Phil Robertson essentially called for the eradication of marriage equality supporters while touring Iowa for Ted Cruz.

Utah Foster Care & Adoption Bills Two Steps Forward, One Step Back For LGBT Community

Two bills foster care and adoption laws filed in Utah reflect the cautious nature of a state that struggles to split the difference between a vocal LGBT community and the pervasive power of the LDS church.

Indiana's Discriminatory LGB "Civil Rights Bill" May Be Stymied

Yesterday we mentioned that the supposed Indiana LGB civil rights bill that is detested on both sides of the aisle was being advanced. Thankfully, today we can report that it probably won't go much further.

Indiana Advances A Discriminatory Bill Disguised As LGB Civil Rights Legislation

Despite the news that Indiana's RFRA is most likely dead, LGBT Hoosiers are still facing legislation that increase chances of discrimination based on another's religious beliefs.

West Virginia RFRA Hearing Today At 9:30 AM

This morning, starting at 9:30 am, the West Virginia House will hold a public hearing on House Bill 4012, the “West Virginia Religious Freedom Restoration Act.”  West Virginians will be gathering in the House chamber to voice their opinions on this bill.  We have some opinions about this bill, too, and it should come as no surprise by now, that we strongly oppose this bill.

Committee Recommends Removal Of Oregon Judge Who Screened LGBT Marriage Applicants

The Oregon judge who was made infamous for both his screening of LGBT marriage applicants and for having a portrait of Hitler on his wall is in danger of losing his job.

Virginia to Hear Bill that Would Allow Clerks to Refuse to Provide Marriage Licenses

Virginia’s SB 40 would allow clerks and deputy clerks in the state to refuse to issue marriage licenses “[i]f the clerk or deputy clerk has an objection to the issuance of such license on personal, ethical, moral, or religious grounds.” We all know that the couples most likely to be denied a license by clerks under this bill are same-sex couples.

An Indiana Lawmaker Has Some Really Odd Opinions About LGBT Americans

In a bizarre series of statements, an Indiana politician has compared LGBT Americans to murderers, pedophiles, and overweight white people.

Great News: Indiana's RFRA Bill Is Most Likely Dead For The Session

Senate Judiciary Committee chair Senator Brent Steele allowed the bill sponsor, Senator Michael Young, to present his bill but did not allow testimony or a vote, explaining that this is not the year to take on another RFRA bill. 

Spotlight On: Headline-Making RFRA Bills Nationwide

As state legislatures across the country begin their sessions, there are already almost 20 bills in 11 states that would either create or amend an existing RFRA.  Today we highlight RFRA bills that have been making headlines.  

Kim Davis's Delusions Of Grandeur Grow Apace

Kim Davis, in trying to eke out her last 15 minutes of fame, has decided that she was chosen by God to defend the sanctity of marriage.

Missouri Judge Dismisses Claim That State's Abortion Waiting Period Violates Religious Beliefs

A Missouri judge has dismissed a claim by a member of the Satanic Temple that the state's 72-hour waiting period for an abortion violated her religious beliefs.