Written by Don ByrdOn Monday, Representative Diane Black (R-TN) introduced the Health Care Conscience Rights Act of 2013, H.R. 940. This bill would amend the Affordable Care Act to exempt all employers and organizations from the contraception mandate if they have a religious or moral objection. The Tennessean reports conservative Tony Perkins, the head of the Family Research Council, believes the bill should be attached to other legislation for leverage.
Written by Don ByrdDespite opposition from civil and religious liberty groups including the Baptist Joint Committee, the U.S. House last month approved a bill that allows public funding of churches through FEMA grants following natural disasters like Hurricane Sandy. Today, a NYTimes editorial makes the case against the bill and urges the Senate not to pass it on to the President.
Written by Don ByrdLast week, I posted about Kentucky House Bill 279, legislation raising the level of judicial scrutiny for government action placing a burden on religious exercise. If this bill becomes law, enforcing a law against an individual whose religious exercise is burdened by it will require the government to demonstrate a compelling interest.
On Friday the commonwealth’s House passed the measure 82-7.
Written by Don ByrdBy a 2-1 vote, a panel of the Colorado Appeals Court has upheld the state’s school voucher program, reversing the trial court’s determination that it violates provisions of the state’s Constitution. The court relied heavily on the reasoning of Colorado Supreme Court’s 1982 decision in Americans United, which rejected a challenge to a similar program to the Choice Scholarship Program (CSP) currently being considered.
Written by Don ByrdSo many religion-themed bills are being proposed and advanced in state legislatures these days, it’s hard to keep up.
In Texas, a resolution was introduced Monday (pdf) that says the legislature “support(s) prayers, including the use of the word ‘God,’ at public gatherings as well as displays of the Ten Commandments in public educational institutions and other government buildings.”
In North Carolina, meanwhile, a bill would add a Bible study elective to the public school curriculum.
Written by Don ByrdThe Tennessee legislature is trying again to pass a bill that would allow student groups on college campuses discriminate in membership on the basis of religion. The last attempt was vetoed by Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam, who explained that the state shouldn’t be mandating to private institutions rules regarding student organizations.
