Archive - Tom Strode
USCIRF urges recognition of new religious freedom violator
The U.S. Commission on International Freedom urged for the first time that Uzbekistan be designated by the State Department as one of the “countries of particular concern,” a category reserved for governments that have “engaged in or tolerated systemic and egregious violations of religious freedom.” The USCIRF also deleted India from its list of countries recommended for CPC designation. more »
By Tom Strode - May 13, 2005
Topic: Citizenship, Human Rights, Religious Liberty
ERLC endorses bill targeting domestic sex trafficking
The ERLC is supporting legislation designed to combat domestic sex trafficking by targeting the demand side of the illicit trade.
The End Demand for Sex Trafficking Act, H.R. more »
By Tom Strode - May 13, 2005
Topic: Family, Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Citizenship, Human Rights, Legislation
Stem cell bill passes House but falls short of override
The House of Representatives passed a bill May 24 to provide federal funds for stem cell research that destroys embryos but fell about 50 votes short of the two-thirds majority that would be needed to override a promised presidential veto. more »
By Tom Strode - May 13, 2005
Topic: Life, Stem-Cell Research, Citizenship, Legislation
Senate compromise prevents showdown on filibusters
Seven senators from each party reached an agreement May 23 that prevented the Republicans from potentially changing the Senate’s rules to break filibusters over judicial nominees. more »
By Tom Strode - May 13, 2005
Topic: Citizenship, National
High court lets ban on sidewalk counseling stand
The Supreme Court dealt another defeat to the efforts of sidewalk counselors who try to change the minds of women seeking abortions.
The justices announced April 18 they would not review a lower court ruling affirming a Massachusetts law that bars communication with people within a certain distance of abortion clinics. more »
By Tom Strode - Apr 29, 2005
Topic: Life, Abortion, Citizenship, Christian Citizenship, Religious Liberty
HHS works to prevent live-birth abortions
The Department of Health and Human Services apparently is getting serious about preventing live-birth abortions.
New HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt announced April 22 the department has acted to strengthen compliance with the Born-alive Infants Protection Act, a 2002 law that provides legal protection to fully delivered babies, even when they are intended to be aborted. more »
By Tom Strode - Apr 29, 2005
Senate panel OKs two; filibuster showdown may be near
The Senate Judiciary Committee approved April 21 two female nominees whose consideration by senators could trigger a showdown over judicial filibusters. more »
By Tom Strode - Apr 29, 2005
Topic: Citizenship, National
House votes to outlaw interstate abortions for minors
The House of Representatives approved April 27 by a large margin a bill to prevent interstate abortions on minors without parental notice.
The House voted 270-157 for the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act, which would outlaw the transportation of a minor by a non-parent or non-guardian to another state for an abortion when the girl’s home state requires parental notification or consent. more »
By Tom Strode - Apr 29, 2005
Topic: Family, Life, Abortion, Citizenship, Legislation
ERLC no longer supports church free-speech bill
The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission has pulled its support for a bill it says no longer protects the free speech rights of churches.
The ERLC announced April 25 it would not back the latest version of the Houses of Worship Free Speech Restoration Act, H.R. more »
By Tom Strode - Apr 29, 2005 - (1)
Topic: Citizenship, Christian Citizenship, Church and State, Legislation, Religious Liberty
Appeals court upholds Ten Commandments display
The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, which is based in Chicago, has upheld a Ten Commandments display that is similar to one currently being considered by the U.S. more »
By Tom Strode - Apr 15, 2005
Topic: Citizenship, Christian Citizenship, Church and State, National, Religious Liberty, Social Issues