ReGrouped's blog
Churches Sued for Stance on Homosexuality?
A proposed law in the UK could allow gays to sue a church if he or she felt discriminated against by religious leaders. Included in this would be sermons condemning homosexuality. This comes as an attempt to revise discrimination laws in England, "to protect homosexuals from hostile or humiliating 'environments'"
Democratic "Gay Debate"
On August 9, Democratic candidates, including front runners Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama, are taking part in a televised debate (story here: http://www.accesshollywood.com/news/ah6046.shtml) on solely gay issues. I am unsure what to make of this, on one hand this truly is important, the rights of a group of people who have been pushing for rights, and with still a decent amount of time until primaries, there is still time for debates on other important issues. On the other hand, part of me feels as if it shouldn't be a sole topic of debate, but rather put within a debate alongside other important issues. Should gay issues be debated? Read More »
Abortion Law Reform in Portugal
Women in Portugal now have more access to abortion. An abortion can be performed without question up until the tenth week of pregnancy, less restrictive than the only for complications (week 12), rape (until the sixteenth week) or the life of the mother (no limit). The law also requires women to have a 3 day reflection period before going through with the abortion and that doctors warn of possible physical and psychological health effects. After this and the waiting period the woman may achieve an abortion free of charge at a hospital or go to a private clinic for the abortion, with complete confidentiality. Read More »
New York State Assembly Votes For Gay Marriage
New York's State Assembly has introduced a measure that would make New York the second state to legalize gay marriage. About half a month ago, the Assembly voted for the measure, which moves it along to the state Senate, where it is not expected to even be introduced by the majority leader. It is an uphill battle at his point that at current moment looks as if it will be lost. However, I applaud the state assembly for taking such action even with the knowledge of the fate of the bill. It brings it to the forefront and brings recognition to the issue, espescially when even those against it for religious reasons end up recognizing the bill should be passed as occurred at that time. Read More »
European Court of Human Rights Orders Poland to Pay Up
In 2000 Alicia Tysiac was refused an abortion in Poland by three doctors, although all three said there was a risk of her going blind if she delivered the baby. She took the Polish government to court stating the over-restrictive abortion laws led her to be denied her human rights. The court ruled in favor of Tysiac and ordered the Polish government to pay up $52,000. The Polish government has announced its plan to appeal the decision. Read More »
Philadelphia's Decleration Woes
Just a month ago, Philadelphia's city council made, in my opinion, the horrible decision to throw politics out the window and declare itself a "pro-choice city". Now I think that wasn't to great an idea, and the council realized that to as it soon rescinded said declaration. It would have been better for all involved to have done nothing to begin with. Individual cities should not align themselves with individual political ideologies. Read More »
Next Battle for Gay Marriage Advocates?
Well, since putting the rights of gays to marry in MA has been blocked, it seems that advocates are now, supposedly, preparing for their next battle. It seems that they are taking on a statute from 1913 (supposedly based on a compromise before the complete legalization of interracial marriage) that prohibits people from marrying in MA if the marriage is illegal in their home state. This law had been held up by the court after gay marriage was legalized in MA. Read More »
