Michael Peabody, Author at ReligiousLiberty.TV / Founders' First Freedom® - News and Updates on Religious Liberty and Freedom

U.S. Civil Rights Commission report gives free exercise of religion second-tier status

By Michael Peabody | September 9, 2016

In a stunning report, U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Chairman Martin Castro attacked the Religious Freedom Restoration Act at both the state and federal level, challenged the terms “religious liberty” and “religious liberty” as code for intolerance, and argued that free exercise rights should yield to other civil rights if they come into conflict.

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Newly Amended SB 1146 Passes California Assembly

By Michael Peabody | August 24, 2016

Yesterday the California Assembly passed SB 1146 (48 to 28 with 7 abstaining), sending the amended higher education anti-discrimination bill back to the Senate for a concurrence vote to take place before August 31.

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SB 1146 Amended to Focus on Title IX Exempt Institutions

By Michael Peabody | August 16, 2016

The California legislature updated SB 1146 yesterday to focus on Title IX-exempt institutions. SB 1146 now includes disclosure and reporting requirements.

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CALIFORNIA: Full assembly will likely vote on SB 1146 before August 31

By Michael Peabody | August 4, 2016

The California Assembly will likely vote on a controversial bill designed to pressure religious colleges and universities to abandon faith-based sexual behavior policies by the end of the month.

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Vetting the Veeps: Pence and Kaine on Religious Liberty

By Michael Peabody | July 22, 2016

This week, both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton have chosen relatively centrist running mates who are not well known outside of their states. Both Trump and Clinton, who have been battling high disapproval ratings and facing a close election in November, have made “safe picks.” But how do the vice presidential candidates compare when it comes to religious liberty?

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Trump promises to repeal ban on church campaigning in GOP acceptance speech

By Michael Peabody | July 22, 2016

Contrary to Trump’s representation, the voices of individual church members, or even church employees, have not “been taken away.” Instead, they may independently advocate for or against any candidates of their choosing, but they cannot use their houses of worship as vehicles for doing so.

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Church sues Iowa for hypothetical gender “law”

By Michael Peabody | July 7, 2016

To put it succinctly, the Fort Des Moines Church of Christ is suing for protection against a threat that does not exist under current law.

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Analysis: Amended version of SB 1146 passes CA Assembly Judiciary

By Michael Peabody | July 1, 2016

The latest version still faces constitutional hurdles as lawmakers seek to control morals policies of religion-based educational institutions.

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Court avoids free exercise minefield of Washington pharmacy case

By Michael Peabody | June 29, 2016

Yesterday, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a case involving a Washington state requirement that all pharmacies must fill contraceptives regardless of the religious objections of the owners.

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California Bill Would Punish Religious Colleges That Discriminate Because of Faith

By Michael Peabody | June 27, 2016

If passed, SB 1146 is unconstitutional because the government is imposing a condition on religious institutions with the intent of pressuring them to compromise their religious beliefs.

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