Religion & Law

Attorney takes flight, will pray over Ariz. state capitol

Posted on May 06, 2009
An Alliance Defense Fund attorney along with other team members will be volunteering in their personal capacity to participate Thursday in a ?prayer flight? over the greater Phoenix area and the Arizona state capitol to commemorate the National Day of Prayer.

Maine governor signs bill redefining marriage

Posted on May 06, 2009
AP: "Maine's governor has signed a bill making the state the fifth to allow gay marriage."

Sexual Tourism and the Excitement of the Strange: Heterosexuality and the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade

Posted on May 06, 2009
Sydney Law School: "The Sydney gay and lesbian Mardi Gras parade is one of the largest public celebrations of queer sexuality in the world today. This article seeks to understand the attraction of the Mardi Gras parade for heterosexual spectators who feel ambivalent or negative towards homosexuality...

Sex Trafficking Problem in Houston

Posted on May 06, 2009
MyFoxHouston.com: "Every night, right here in Houston, children are being sexually assaulted by strangers. Having sex with a child is a serious crime. It's also a multi-billion dollar business."

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ADF files brief in defense of Boy Scouts at U.S. Supreme Court

Posted on May 06, 2009
The Boy Scouts of America spent millions of dollars to improve portions of two public parks that it leased from the city for a nominal fee . . . yet two couples filed suit simply because they didn?t like the beliefs of the Scouts organization.

U.S. Spent More Than Twice as Much on HIV/AIDS as on Flu in ?06, Despite Almost Five Times More Flu Deaths

Posted on May 06, 2009
CNSNews: "The federal government spent $6.1 billion on influenza-related programs in 2006, less than half as much as the $13.7 billion dollars it spent on HIV/AIDS programs that year, according to figures provided to CNSNews.com by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)...

Ministers storm the hall and vow to oust DC council members over marriage vote

Posted on May 06, 2009
"After the vote, enraged African American ministers stormed the hallway outside the council chambers and vowed that they will work to oust the members who supported the bill . . . security officers and D.C. police were called in to clear the hallway...

Michael McConnell resigns from 10th Circuit to join Stanford Law

Posted on May 06, 2009
"Stanford Law School today announced the appointment of Michael W. McConnell . . . as Richard and Frances Mallery Professor of Law. McConnell will step down from his role on the bench to rejoin the legal academy and direct the Stanford Constitutional Law Center...

?Maine lawmakers OK gay marriage; governor on fence?

Posted on May 06, 2009
AP: "The Maine Legislature has given final approval to gay marriage and sent the bill to an undecided governor

Obama Tries to Stop Union Disclosure: No more sunshine on how worker dues are spent.

Posted on May 06, 2009
Elaine L. Chao writes at the Wall Street Journal: "Fifty years ago, Congress passed the landmark Landrum-Griffin Act to protect rank-and-file union members from malfeasance by union leaders. Senate hearings had uncovered serious corruption and other unethical practices inside the labor movement, and a bipartisan coalition emerged to shine the light of disclosure on union practices...

Michael Savage responds to UK ban: Threatens suit, questions involvement by U.S. Government and role of Islam

Posted on May 06, 2009
"Sixteen people banned from entering the UK were 'named and shamed' by the Home Office today . . . The list includes hate preachers, anti-gay protesters and a far- right US talk show host . . . The list of the 16 'least wanted' includes radio talk show host Michael Savage, real name Michael Weiner...

Senate denies Specter senior committee positions

Posted on May 06, 2009
"Democrats placed Specter in one of the two most junior slots on each of the five committees for the remainder of this Congress, which goes through December 2010."

?States grant more rights to gay couples: Couples? benefits grow, even where marriage banned?

Posted on May 06, 2009
Chicago Tribune: These are serious cases of widespread importance, where we see same-sex couples attempting to use the laws of another state to push their agenda in a state that does not recognize their union," said Jim Campbell, litigation counsel for the Alliance Defense Fund, a Christian legal organization that opposes abortion and same-sex marriage...

Christian group files for appeal of discrimination case

Posted on May 06, 2009
Daily 49er: A nondiscrimination lawsuit against Cal State Long Beach and San Diego State University from 2005 has resurfaced after the former campus Christian group, Every Nation Campus Ministries, filed an appeal in February . . . Alliance Defense Fund is representing the group...

House bypasses governor?s veto to claim Oklahoma?s sovereignty

Posted on May 06, 2009
NewsOK.com: "Although Gov. Brad Henry vetoed similar legislation 10 days earlier, House members Monday again approved a resolution claiming Oklahoma?s sovereignty . . . The resolution states the federal government should "cease and desist? mandates that are beyond the scope of its powers...

Why Third-Party Standing in Abortion Suits Deserves a Closer Look

Posted on May 06, 2009
Notre Dame Law Review: "This Note aims to help those judges and lawyers apply standing doctrine correctly in a small but important area of litigation: suits brought in federal courts by abortion providers and abortion-performing doctors who assert the interests of their patients, often in addition to their own...

What Do We Have Against Parents?: An Assessment of Judicial Bypass Procedures and Parental Involvement in Abortions by Minors

Posted on May 06, 2009
Georgia Law Review: "The purpose of this Note is to assess the current state of minor abortion law through a tour of judicial opinions, state statutes, and bypass records. The ultimate contention of this Note is that in theory and in practice our judicial bypass mechanisms heavily favor minors, at the expense of parental interests...

SSM and religious liberty discussion at the University of Chicago blog

Posted on May 06, 2009
At the Mirror of Justice, Rick Garnett advises that he is debating several other law professors on this issue.

Cal. Parents Sue School District Over Secrecy Surrounding Lesbian Minister?s Visit

Posted on May 06, 2009
Pacific Justice Institute: "The parents sought more information after learning from their children that a lesbian minister had been invited by the school to speak to math and science classes at Castro Valley High School. According to students, the minister spoke about her lesbian wedding and similar events under the heading 'Out for Good...

Denmark: Every 5th Muslim Wants Sharia

Posted on May 06, 2009
varldenidag.se: A study conducted by the analysis institute Capacent shows that 18 percent of Muslims in Denmark declare they 'agree' or 'completely agree' with the statement: 'Sharia law should be integrated into Danish law'.

Washington: Sex Trade Offers Lessons

Posted on May 06, 2009
The Spokesman-Review: "It?s a shame every Spokane parent was not able to sit in on a discussion held April 23 under the auspices of the Inland Northwest Task Force on Human Trafficking. Portland police Officer Meaghan Burkeen, an expert on the international sex trade, warned that naive towns like Spokane are preferred recruiting places for pimps who draw girls as young as 12 into prostitution...

A real and present threat to religious freedom

Posted on May 06, 2009
James A. Smith, Sr. writes at the Florida Baptist Witness: "The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a bill protecting homosexuals and transgendered individuals from so-called 'hate crimes.' With action on the bill remaining in the U.S. Senate, the president has indicated his intention to sign the bill...

Alan Keyes announces plans to be arrested at ND commencement; urges others to join in protest

Posted on May 06, 2009
Catholic News Agency: "Former U.S. Diplomat Alan Keyes has announced that he will be present at the University of Notre Dame on May 17 and is planning to be arrested for protesting President Obama?s invitation to speak and receive an honorary degree at the ceremony...

Church of Scotland Clergy Oppose ?Gay Minister? Appointment

Posted on May 06, 2009
Christian Post: "As many as one fifth of all Church of Scotland clergy have signed an online petition against the appointment of an openly gay minister."

Americans United Commends Obama For Discontinuing Religious Right-Focused Prayer Event At White House

Posted on May 06, 2009
Americans United for Separation of Church and State: The Rev. Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United, issued the following statement about the Obama decision: ?I am pleased that President Obama has made this decision. The president is required by federal law to declare a National Day of Prayer, but there is no requirement that a special event be held at the White House in observance of this event.

Thomas More Law Center and the Alliance Defense Fund Join Forces to Support Boy Scouts in San Diego

Posted on May 06, 2009
RightSideNews.com: The Thomas More Law Center (TMLC), a national public interest law firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) joined forces to file a friend of the court brief asking the United States Supreme Court to overturn a decision by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals penalizing San Diego Boy Scouts because of their "morally straight" values ...

Indiana: New Haven residents fight sexually themed store

Posted on May 06, 2009
IndianasNewsCenter.com: During recessions, new businesses are usually welcomed with open arms, but some New Haven residents say that doesn't include an adult novelty store. Cupid's Castle LLC received a permit to renovate this building directly across the street from homes ...

Most Firms Now See $160K Starting Salary ?Makes No Sense,? Managing Partner Says

Posted on May 06, 2009
ABA Law Journal: "At his firm, first-years will be making $145,000 instead of $160,000 as of May 1. And second-years will be making $150,000, he tells Above the Law."

Florida drivers won?t get new Christian license plates

Posted on May 06, 2009
USA Today: "Moves to create two Florida license plates with images of a crucified Jesus on one, and a stained glass window and cross on another, have died in the Florida legislature."

?Lesbians to attempt first gay marriage in Russia?

Posted on May 06, 2009
Reuters: "A lesbian couple will try to defy deep-rooted Russian homophobia next week in the first attempt at a gay marriage even though rights activists say it will be rejected outright."

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