Michael Peabody

Marriage Proceedings: Making Sense of the Same-Sex Marriage Cases (Liberty Magazine)

By |

On June 26, 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court issued two highly anticipated rulings in same-sex marriage cases. First, the Court ruled that the federal government has to legally recognize the marriages of same-sex couples in those states that have legalized them. In a second decision, the Court declined to hear an appeal in defense of a California ballot initiative that had banned same-sex marriage on grounds that the nongovernmental party bringing the appeal lacked standing. For reasons discussed below, both decisions represent incremental steps that will ultimately lead the Court to consider whether same-sex marriage should be a right nationwide.

Marriage Proceedings: Making Sense of the Same-Sex Marriage Cases (Liberty Magazine) Read More »

Washington Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Whether State Law Requires Religious Accommodation

By |

Washington state law prohibits employers from discriminating against employees in compensation or terms or conditions of employment because of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, veteran status, or disability. This case raises the issue of whether a failure to make reasonable accommodation for an employee’s sincere religious beliefs is implied in the statute.

Washington Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Whether State Law Requires Religious Accommodation Read More »

How Would An Attack on Syria Affect the Religious Liberty of the Syrian People?

By |

By Michael Peabody – Despite serious public opposition to involvement in another quagmire in the Middle East, chances are the United States will soon be involved in the two-year-old civil war in Syria. While there are many questions regarding how this will help or hinder national foreign policy aims, few have considered how a shift in power could affect the religious freedom of the people of Syria.

How Would An Attack on Syria Affect the Religious Liberty of the Syrian People? Read More »

Into the Minefield: US Supreme Court to Consider Legislative Prayer in October

By |

This October the United States Supreme Court will hear arguments in Town of Greece v. Galloway, a case that could change the way that prayers are conducted in legislative proceedings. The Court will determine whether city council rules, which do not openly discriminate against non-Christians or permit prayer to be used to promote a particular religion, are unconstitutional when most of the people offering the prayers are Christians.

Into the Minefield: US Supreme Court to Consider Legislative Prayer in October Read More »

iStockPhoto.com

“The Price of Citizenship”? New Mexico Supreme Court rules Christian must photograph same-sex ceremony

By |

Yesterday, the New Mexico Supreme Court ruled that the First Amendment does not protect a photographer’s decision not to photograph a same-sex commitment ceremony even if it would violate the photographer’s deeply held religious beliefs.

“The Price of Citizenship”? New Mexico Supreme Court rules Christian must photograph same-sex ceremony Read More »

Serious Commitment to Faith is Par for the Course for 2013 UC Davis Athletics Hall of Fame Inductee

By |

Although Bishop was the UC Davis scholar-athlete of the year in 2007, and was phenomenally successful on the course, even without Saturday play, he eventually gave up a promising career as a professional golfer in favor of a medical career because he knew that he could not continue to keep the Sabbath from sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday and participate in professional tournaments.

Serious Commitment to Faith is Par for the Course for 2013 UC Davis Athletics Hall of Fame Inductee Read More »

No upside for babies – NIH should withdraw funding for research on cannabis use during pregnancy

By |

An NIH-funded study at the University of Washington is intended to determine whether there are adverse effects of cannabis use by pregnant women on infants. The best case scenario is if the baby develops normally to the point of matching the “control group” that was not exposed to marijuana. At worst, they might be born underweight, have cognitive and behavioral disorders, or develop physical brain abnormalities identified in imaging studies, or fail to survive.

No upside for babies – NIH should withdraw funding for research on cannabis use during pregnancy Read More »

Two Supreme Court Decisions Narrow Scope of Employers’ Title VII Liability

By |

By Michael Peabody – On Monday, June 24, 2013 the U.S. Supreme Court issued two 5-4 decisions that will make it more difficult for plaintiffs to prove that their employers violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VII is the federal law designed to protect employees from discrimination on the basis of factors such as race, sex, and religion.

Two Supreme Court Decisions Narrow Scope of Employers’ Title VII Liability Read More »

Scroll to Top