Court disappoints pro-lifers with abortion ruling
WASHINGTON (BP)—Pro-life leaders expressed deep disappointment with the U.S. Supreme Court’s refusal Monday, June 29 to uphold a Louisiana law designed to protect the lives and health of women by requiring hospital admitting privileges for doctors who perform abortions. In a 5-4 decision, the high court ruled the law—which mandated a physician must have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of a facility where he or...
ERLC commends Trump order on child welfare
WASHINGTON (BP)—The Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) has commended President Trump’s new executive order to bolster the country’s child welfare system. The president issued the order June 24 for the purpose of enhancing the foster care and adoption system through reforms that include: —Pursuing strong partnerships between government agencies and faith-based, community, private and public...
Religious liberty questions remain after court’s ruling
WASHINGTON (BP)—The U.S. Supreme Court left multiple questions regarding religious liberty unanswered but provided some hope in its landmark decision for gay and transgender rights, said advocates for the First Amendment freedom. In a 6-3 opinion Monday, June 15, the high court ruled the category “sex” in Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act encompasses “sexual orientation” and “gender identity,”...
Supreme Court ruling draws criticism
WASHINGTON (BP)—The U.S. Supreme Court issued a watershed decision on gay and transgender rights today, June 15, by finding longstanding, non-discrimination protections in federal workplace law cover “sexual orientation” and “gender identity.” The justices ruled in a 6-3 opinion the category “sex” in Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act applies to homosexual and transgender employees. Chief...
State Department: Wins, losses for religious freedom in 2019
WASHINGTON (BP)—International religious freedom experienced both gains and losses in 2019, Trump administration officials said upon the release of the U.S. State Department’s annual report on the issue. While countries such as Sudan, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Uzbekistan made progress, the persecution of religious adherents persisted in China, Nigeria and other societies, reporters were told Wednesday, June 10 in a news...
