Lawmakers approve bill to restrict funds to some independent and religious schools
Lawmakers in the Senate Committee on Education on Friday passed a bill 6-0 that would restrict public funds going to some independent and religious schools.
VISA update: Special ed services at independent schools may be postponed, bill seeks to block tax dollars to some religious schools
The requirement that special education services be provided at all approved independent schools accepting public funds may be postponed once again. Also, S.219 would prohibit tuitioning to any school not in compliance with federal and State antidiscrimination laws.
John Klar: Resurrecting Sunday school in Vermont? The quest to ‘church’ Vermont children
Today’s leftist extremism seeks to morph established religious freedoms such that “separation of church and state” means not a government tolerance, but elimination, of all religions (particularly Christianity) from all public spaces.
Religious exemptions come under fire as vaccine mandates increase
Many thousands of Americans are seeking religious exemptions to vaccine mandates, citing reports that some of the vaccines were developed using aborted fetal cell lines. Objectors also cite anxieties over the vaccines’ effects on fertility, and distaste for authoritarian government mandates.
Pediatricians sue Biden administration for requiring doctors to perform trans surgeries against beliefs
Medical professionals are suing President Joe Biden’s administration over a mandate requiring doctors to perform transgender surgeries in violation of their religious beliefs or medical judgement.
Sununu signs law shielding New Hampshire churches from COVID-19 restrictions
Churches and synagogues in New Hampshire were shut down during the pandemic, as the state limited public gatherings due to COVID-19. But a new law signed by Gov. Chris Sununu on Wednesday will prevent the state or local governments from shutting them down during future public health emergencies.
IRS overturns controversial ruling against Christian group
After major backlash from Republicans, the IRS said Wednesday it overturned a previous ruling that a Christian group did not qualify for tax-exempt status because of its Biblical values.
New Hampshire lawmakers seek protections for houses of worship, Sununu weighs allowing backyard hair salons
A proposal moving through the legislative process would prevent the state or local governments from shutting down religious services during future public health emergencies. Another bill seeks to eliminate the criminalizing of cosmetology without pay.
In pivotal ruling, U.S. Supreme Court removes barrier to protecting First Amendment
The case is a significant win for the First Amendment and protection of religious speech on the campus of a public college. It portends more thoughtful administration of speech policies on campuses.
Maine governor’s restrictions on churches are ‘unacceptable,’ bishop says
Less than 10 churches in Maine will be able to increase capacity under the new ruling, despite the large capacity of churches like the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland and the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Lewiston.
U.S. Supreme Court rules against Newsom, ends statewide in-person worship ban
While the court blocked California from enforcing its total ban on in-person worship in Newsom’s Blueprint, Tier 1 restrictions, it allowed California to impose a 25 percent capacity for houses of worship located in the tier. It also allowed the governor’s ban on singing and chanting to continue, noting that the singing ban could be addressed later.
Americans view religion as an ‘identity,’ not a ‘hobby.’ Policymakers should take note
A new survey has provided unique insights into what faith-based Americans have been thinking about their beliefs in the wake of COVID-19—and how they feel about state officials imposing pandemic-induced lockdowns.