Podcasts about Religious Freedom Restoration Act

One religious freedom case at the Supreme Court isn't getting the sort of attention as others, despite how it's uniting groups that often disagree. So, why did the justices sound so skeptical in the courtroom? Amanda and Holly review this week's oral arguments in Landor v. Louisiana Department of Corrections, which involves the remedy available to a man whose religious freedom rights were violated when he was in prison. The violation isn't in question, so why is the remedy? Amanda and Holly review the details in this case, play audio from key moments in the courtroom, and discuss the statute that protects prisoners' religious freedom rights: The Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000.     SHOW NOTES Segment 1 (starting at 00:35): RLUIPA, RFRA, and this case Amanda and Holly previewed the Landor case earlier this season – watch their conversation on BJC's YouTube channel.    BJC joined a diverse group of organizations on a friend-of-the-court brief in this case on the side of Mr. Landor – click this link to read the brief and see the groups who found common ground.   RLUIPA is the acronym for the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, passed by Congress in the year 2000. The acronym is often pronounced "Re-loop-ah." RFRA is the acronym for the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993, pronounced "Riff-rah." For more on the 2020 decision in Tanzin v. Tanvir, read this article on our website: Supreme Court rules RFRA allows monetary damages against federal officials    Segment 2 (starting at 11:05): What happened in the courtroom? Arguments on behalf of Mr. Landor The Supreme Court heard Landor v. Louisiana Department of Corrections on Monday, November 10. Visit the Supreme Court's website to read a transcript or hear the audio from the courtroom.  We played four clips from oral arguments in this segment.  Zack Tripp's opening statement, representing Mr. Landor (from 00:15-2:02 in the audio of the arguments) Exchange between Justice Samuel Alito and Zack Tripp (from 20:00-21:25 in the oral arguments) Exchange between Justice Sonia Sotomayor and Zack Tripp (from 23:35-25:56 in the oral arguments) Exchange between Justice Elena Kagan and Libby A. Baird, assistant to the solicitor general (from 1:06:38-1:07:38 in the oral argument)   Segment 3 (starting at 31:31): What did the state of Louisiana argue? We played one clip from the oral argument during this segment: Exchange between Justice Elena Kagan and Ben Aguiñaga, the solicitor general of Louisiana (from 1:38:33-1:40:26) Read more about the arguments in this article by Amy Howe for SCOTUSblog: Court appears skeptical of prison inmate's religious liberty claim Video of our episodes are now on YouTube! Click here for the season 7 playlist.  Do you want special emails about the show? Click here to sign up for our email list!  Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC's generous donors. Your gift to BJC is tax-deductible, and you can support these conversations with a gift to BJC.

Landor v. LA DOC | 11/10/25 | Docket #: 23-1197 23-1197 LANDOR V. LA DEPT. OF CORRECTIONS DECISION BELOW: 82 F.4th 337 CERT. GRANTED 6/23/2025 QUESTION PRESENTED: Congress has enacted two "sister" statutes to protect religious exercise: the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 (RFRA), 42 U.S.C. 2000bb et seq ., and the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA), 42 U.S.C. 2000cc et seq . In Tanzin v. Tanvir , 592 U.S. 43 (2020), this Court held that an individual may sue a government official in his individual capacity for damages for violations of RFRA. RLUIPA's relevant language is identical. The question presented is whether an individual may sue a government official in his individual capacity for damages for violations of RLUIPA. LOWER COURT CASE NUMBER: 22-30686

A new report from the Napa Legal Institute ranks Michigan and Washington as the worst states for protecting religious nonprofits. The 2025 Faith and Freedom Index evaluates laws across all 50 states for religious liberty and regulatory freedom, citing issues like the Blaine Amendment and lack of a Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Washington's ranking highlights limited legal protections for faith-based organizations and employment practices guided by religious beliefs. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/report-michigan-washington-worst-on-religious-nonprofit-protections/ #WashingtonState #Religion #FaithAndFreedom #ReligiousLiberty #NapaLegal #Nonprofits #FaithBased #LegalRights #USSupremeCourt #ReligiousFreedom

My guest this week is Clementine Kruczynski who uses a unique "private law" and "private trust" approach to establishing legally protected entheogenic churches. While I've featured lawyers who seek to apply Religious Freedom Restoration Act legal exemptions for creating entheogenic churches, Clementine promotes an entirely different route and is thus sharing with the listening audience a new way of thinking about legal protection. Clementine offers both individual consulting as well as classes and workshops on the topic and you can find out more about her services and approach at her website, www.themindofclementine.com 

In this amped up episode, Matthew “Whiz” Buckley, a U.S. Navy TOPGUN fighter pilot turned founder of the Sacred Warrior Fellowship, reacts to a landmark legal victory for religious liberty and why it's reason for both celebration and vigilance. A federal judge ruled that Singularism, a small entheogen-based faith community in Utah, has its sacramental use of psilocybin protected under Utah's Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The court blasted the state's actions as “offensively broad,” “ironic,” and tantamount to harassment, ordering the return of sacramental psilocybin seized in a controversial raid.For Whiz, who served 15 years defending the Constitution, this is more than a legal win, it's a frontline moment in the battle to protect the First Amendment. As the judge noted, true religious freedom must protect unfamiliar faiths as fiercely as familiar ones, and sincerity of belief - not tradition - is the key criterion.Through the lens of Sacred Warrior Fellowship, Whiz explains how this precedent strengthens protections for entheogenic churches across the nation. The message is clear: stand down for now, but keep your powder dry. Government overreach can appear without warning, and when it does, he'll be ready to fight again.

Ed Bonderenka and callers speak with Erin Mersino, Vice President and Chief of Supreme Court and Appellate Litigation for Advocates for Faith and Freedom about cases they are pursuing at the district and SCOTUS level to protect our liberty.Erin has won and litigated many cases in our nation's highest courts, including before the United States Supreme Court and most of the federal circuit courts of appeal including the Second, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh, and D.C. Circuits. Erin has worked on some of the most influential legal issues in our present day, including the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act under the Commerce Clause, the legality of the HHS Mandate under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, and the scope of the First Amendment's Free Exercise clause.  Erin obtained the second injunction in the nation against the Obama Administration's HHS Mandate. Some highlights of her career include convincing Judge Easterbrook of the Seventh Circuit during oral argument to decide in her favor when he was disposed not to and arguing before 17 judges of the Sixth Circuit sitting en banc.  Recently, Erin won a several weeks long trial in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas in Austin.  Erin has represented many high-profile Catholics and Christians, notably winning multi-million dollar cases for clients Tom Monaghan and Bill Donohue of the Catholic League.

Ozturk v. Hyde, et al., No. 25-1019 (2d Cir. May 7, 2025) and Mahdawi v. Trump, et al., No. 25-1113 (2d Cir. May 9, 2025)habeas; transfer of noncitizens; INA § 241(g); venue; jurisdiction; INA § 242(a)(2)(B)(ii); INA § 242(g); INA § 242(b)(9); other jurisdiction stripping provisions; government motion for stay; government motion for mandamus  Matter of Choc-Tut, 29 I&N Dec. 48 (BIA 2025)bond; burdens; DUI; criminal court findings Sandoval Argueta v. Bondi, No. 23-60080 (5th Cir. May 9, 2025)crime of child abuse; attempt; Loper Bright; no requirement for actual minor; INA § 237(a)(2)(E)(ii); motion top reconsider from abroad; judicial estoppel; DHS concessions Calvary Albuquerque Inc., et al v. Rubio, et al., No. 24-2066 (10th Cir. May 6, 2025)doctrine of consular nonreviewability; Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA); R-1 religious visa; renumeration or payment for B-1 work; fraud or willful misrepresentation; statutory interpretationSponsors and friends of the podcast!Kurzban Kurzban Tetzeli and Pratt P.A.Immigration, serious injury, and business lawyers serving clients in Florida, California, and all over the world for over 40 years.Cerenade"Leader in providing smart, secure, and intuitive cloud-based solutions"Demo Link!Click me too!Stafi"Remote staffing solutions for businesses of all sizes"Promo Code: STAFI2025Click me!Want to become a patron?Click here to check out our Patreon Page!CONTACT INFORMATIONEmail: kgregg@kktplaw.comFacebook: @immigrationreviewInstagram: @immigrationreviewTwitter: @immreviewAbout your hostCase notesRecent criminal-immigration article (p.18)Featured in San Diego VoyagerDISCLAIMER & CREDITSSee Eps. 1-200Support the show

In Kennedy v. Braidwood Management, Inc. the Supreme Court will consider "Whether the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit erred in holding that the structure of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force violates the Constitution's appointments clause and in declining to sever the statutory provision that it found to unduly insulate the task force from the Health & Human Services secretary’s supervision."In Kennedy v. Braidwood Management, Inc., several Christian-owned businesses, along with six individuals in Texas, brought suit alleging that the Affordable Care Act's preventative services coverage requirement was illegal and unconstitutional. They contend it violates the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, as the ACA required them to fund preventative services that conflicted with their religious beliefs, and that it violates the Constitution’s Appointments Clause, given the controlling effect of a non-appointed advisory body over which preventative treatments were required. Given those issues, the case sits at an interesting intersection of health law, religious liberty law, and administrative procedure, and the Supreme Court is set to hear oral argument on April 21, 2025.Join us for a Courthouse Steps program where we break down and analyse how oral argument went before the Court.Featuring:Timothy Sandefur, Vice President for Legal Affairs, Goldwater Institute

Every remaining state without a RFRA law should follow suit and codify religious freedom protections from state overreach. Constitutional expert, lawyer, author, pastor, and founder of Liberty Counsel Mat Staver discusses the important topics of the day with co-hosts and guests that impact life, liberty, and family. To stay informed and get involved, visit LC.org.

In this episode of Right to Life Radio, John Gerardi and Jonathan Keller tackle the topic of the day: defunding Planned Parenthood, unpacking the complexities of federal funding through Medicaid and the potential effects of a Republican-led reconciliation bill. They explore a Supreme Court case that could allow states to exclude Planned Parenthood from Medicaid, discuss the organization's reported financial struggles, and critique the abortion movement's priorities. With sharp commentary and a touch of humor, the episode offers a pro-life perspective on a contentious topic.

It's Wednesday, April 9th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark and Adam McManus Ugandan Muslim husband kills newly converted Christian wife A Muslim man in Uganda stabbed his wife to death after she converted to Christianity last month. Forty-one-year-old Nasiimu Mirembe was the mother of six children. She put her faith in Christ on March 21st after hearing the Gospel from a friend. On March 23rd, she attended a church service for the first time. Tragically, her husband attacked her on her way home from church.  Mirembe's friend told Morning Star News, “Immediately he started slapping his wife. I started screaming and shouting for help. [He] then removed a long knife and started cutting her with it.” She died from her wounds the next day. Psalm 116:15 says, “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints.” Church attendance up in United Kingdom A new report from the Bible Society found that church attendance is growing in the United Kingdom. Twelve percent of adults in England and Wales attended church at least monthly last year, up from 8% in 2018. Young people, especially young men, are leading the growth. Sixteen percent of 18 to 24-year-olds attend church monthly, up from 4% in 2018. Church attendance by young men grew from 4% to 21% over the same time period.  In Titus 2:1, 2, and 6, the Apostle Paul wrote, “Speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience. … Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded.” Supreme Court blocks reinstatement of fired federal workers for now In the United States, the Supreme Court on Tuesday blocked an order that the Trump administration rehire 16,000 federal employees who were let go in mass firings aimed at dramatically downsizing the federal government, reports The Associated Press. The justices acted in the administration's emergency appeal of a ruling by a federal judge in California ordering that the probationary employees at six federal agencies be reinstated while a lawsuit plays out because their firings didn't follow federal law. Appearing on NBC News, legal analyst Danny Cevallos spoke to the practical fallout of the Supreme Court decision on the 16,000 federal workers who were let go. CEVALLOS: “When it comes to these probationary workers, functionally, if they're not being reinstated for a certain period of time, they're going to go find other work. So, this is one of those situations where a stay in this case may eventually lead to them just going off and getting other jobs, and they may never return, even if they someday are entitled to return.” President Trump boosts coal production President Donald Trump signed an executive order yesterday to boost coal  as an energy source. The order allows some older coal-fired power plants to stay online instead of being retired. This comes as data centers, artificial intelligence, and electric cars increase the demand for electricity in the U.S. The order also removes some restrictions on coal mining and encourages coal leasing on U.S. lands. Georgia passed Religious Freedom Restoration Act Last Friday, Georgia became the 30th state to enact a Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The act protects people from unjust government punishment for living out their faith. Greg Chafuen with Alliance Defending Freedom said, “Our laws should protect the freedom of every person to live and worship according to their faith. This law provides a sensible balancing test for courts to use when reviewing government policies that infringe upon the religious freedom rights of Georgians.” IRS ends investigation into church praying for school board candidate First Liberty Institute announced Monday that the Internal Revenue Service ended its investigation of a church in Florida recently. New Way Church in Palm Coast, Florida came under investigation after praying for a local school board candidate during a service last year. Jeremy Dys with First Liberty Institute said, “We are pleased that the IRS not only closed its investigation, but affirmed that this church's activities of praying for political candidates during its church service do not threaten its tax-exempt status.” Planned Parenthood closes 3 Michigan abortion mills Planned Parenthood of Michigan announced last Wednesday that it will close three locations in the state. Appearing on Fox 2 in Detroit, Michigan Planned Parenthood President Paula Greear was upset. GREEAR: “A lot of people have reached out to me, and they are angry and they are hurt. And you know what? We are too!” The abortion group blamed funding cuts by the Trump administration.  GREEAR: “They are trying to do everything to defund Planned Parenthood.” Young pro-lifers have been praying outside one of the abortion mills for years. Kevin Weed, the headmaster for St. Michael High School in Petoskey, Michigan, told CatholicVote, “Many people are attributing the closing to the Trump administration's cutting of funds, which I'm sure makes a big difference. Our students have been praying there, and those prayers have been answered. However that came to be, we're just happy that this facility is closed.” Space flight around Earth's poles And finally, a cryptocurrency billionaire and his crew of three people completed the first space flight around the Earth's poles last week. Chun Wang is a Chinese-born investor of Malta, the island country located in the Mediterranean Sea between Sicily and North Africa. The bitcoin billionaire funded the mission aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule.  The crew launched last Monday and returned Friday. Together, they accomplished the first crewed orbit over the north and south poles. Before the launch, Chun said, “My own journey has been shaped by lifelong curiosity and a fascination with pushing boundaries. As a kid, I used to stare at a blank white space at the bottom of a world map and wonder what's out there. … We hope our mission will further inspire later people to do the same.” Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Wednesday, April 9th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Subscribe for free  by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Sponsored by WatersEdge: Invest with purpose? With WatersEdge Kingdom Investments, you can! We offer great rates that multiply your resources and build churches. Learn more at: https://bit.ly/3CxWtFzTop headlines for Tuesday, April 8, 2025We delve into Idaho's latest measures to uphold women's-only spaces, examining the implications for transgender rights and safety. Next, we turn to Florida, where the IRS has concluded a high-profile investigation into a church accused of jeopardizing its tax-exempt status, shedding light on the intersection of religion and tax law. Plus, we discuss Georgia's newly enacted Religious Freedom Restoration Act, making it the 30th state to pass such legislation, and explore how this trend influences the broader conversation on religious liberty nationwide. 00:11 Idaho expands ban on trans-identified men in women's spaces01:10 Texas AG sues San Antonio over funding ‘abortion tourism'02:02 IRS ends probe of church that prayed for school board candidate02:56 Sponsor Message WatersEdge03:54 Georgia becomes 30th state with Religious Freedom Restoration Act04:42 Most immigrants vulnerable to deportation are Christian: report05:41 YWAM responds to allegations of spiritual abuse: 'deeply sorry'06:32 'House of David,' 'The Chosen' among Amazon Prime's top 10 showsSubscribe to this PodcastApple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsOvercastFollow Us on Social Media@ChristianPost on TwitterChristian Post on Facebook@ChristianPostIntl on InstagramSubscribe on YouTubeGet the Edifi AppDownload for iPhoneDownload for AndroidSubscribe to Our NewsletterSubscribe to the Freedom Post, delivered every Monday and ThursdayClick here to get the top headlines delivered to your inbox every morning!Links to the NewsIdaho expands ban on trans-identified men in women's spaces | PoliticsTexas AG sues San Antonio over funding ‘abortion tourism' | PoliticsIRS ends probe of church that prayed for school board candidate | U.S.Georgia becomes 30th state with Religious Freedom Restoration Act | PoliticsMost immigrants vulnerable to deportation are Christian: report | PoliticsYWAM responds to allegations of spiritual abuse: 'deeply sorry' | World'House of David,' 'The Chosen' among Amazon Prime's top 10 shows | Entertainment

In this episode, Scot Turner and Buzz Brockway discuss the current legislative session in Georgia, focusing on the Reigns Act, the Promise Scholarship funding, and the ongoing debates surrounding school choice and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. They express their anxieties about the budget negotiations and the political theatrics that have characterized this session, while also emphasizing the importance of legislative oversight and the implications of proposed bills on education and religious freedoms. In this conversation, Scot Turner and Buzz Brockway delve into the implications of the Pastor Protection Act and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) in Georgia, discussing its limitations and the ongoing debate surrounding anti-discrimination laws. They explore the societal pressures that prevent discrimination, the political fallout from recent legislative actions, and the controversy over taxpayer funding for gender transition surgeries for felons. The discussion also touches on the impact of tariffs on trade and the precedent set by presidential powers in declaring emergencies.

Georgia lawmakers made big moves this week pushing forward the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, a ban on cell phones for students in K-8,and a pay raise for Governor Brian Kemp. Meanwhile, a state House committee is also hearing a proposal to ban all abortions in Georgia, but that measure has opponents on both sides for different reasons. Plus, we examine another new federal slashing plan that cuts jobs from the Atlanta-based CDC. And we interview the new head of the Southeast's department of the Environmental Protection Agency. And how the dismantling of the Department of Education could eliminate a farmworker program in Georgia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Peach Pundit, hosts Scot Turner and Buzz Brockway discuss a range of topics legislative updates on speed zone cameras, tort reform, the Promise Scholarship, and the implications of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. They also explore the future of transportation with EVTOL technology and share insights from Scot's experience at the Georgia Supreme Court. The conversation emphasizes the importance of engagement with listeners and supporters in the political landscape of Georgia.

The conversation covers a range of political topics, including the current state of global leadership, economic concerns related to tariffs and trade, and the challenges of childcare with State Senator Brian Strickland. The speakers discuss bipartisan efforts to address these issues, the implications of the death penalty, and the introduction of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Additionally, they touch on the controversial use of speed cameras and the political rumors surrounding upcoming elections.

In the years before the signing of the U.S. Constitution, framers like James Madison and Thomas Jefferson were vocal about the idea that a person's civil rights should not depend on their religious opinions. They believed everyone should be free to profess and argue for any view on matters of religion and that no one's legal rights should depend on those views.   Their words laid the foundation for the First Amendment, which Thomas Jefferson described as “a wall between the separation of church and state.” Since then, several attempts have been made at the federal level to expand these protections. For example, in 1993, Congress adopted the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which was later overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1997.   More recently, states responded by passing their own versions of this law despite Constitutional protections for religious freedom enshrined in the First Amendment. Some believe the states' actions were thinly veiled responses to the U.S. Supreme Court's 2015 ruling requiring all states to legalize same-sex marriage and recognize same-sex unions from other states.   These legal battles over religious freedom aren't isolated incidents. They impact many parts of U.S. society, including the workplace. Increasingly, more employees are bringing their faith into the workplace, expecting greater accommodations. Research shows that religious discrimination is growing faster than claims of gender or racial discrimination at work. Recognizing the U.S. workforce is composed of people who hold many different faith and non-faith beliefs, it begs the question:   Does faith belong at work?   To help us explore this big question, I'm thrilled to introduce you to Jelisa Dallas, CEO of Go Brace LLC. Jelisa equips individuals and organizations with the emotional intelligence required to break barriers, bolster belief, and build behaviors that optimize life for true belonging. Jelisa has a background in education and has developed resilience programming for nonprofit organizations, historically underrepresented communities, and for-profit and public institutions.   During our conversation, you'll: Discover how to cultivate “true belonging” for all employees, regardless of their religious beliefs or lack thereof. Learn why religious discrimination is rising and access practical strategies to help organizations minimize risk. Gain insights to respect personal religious beliefs while limiting the risks of creating a hostile environment for those with different beliefs by focusing on organizational values.   This conversation is designed to support visionary leaders like you and those on their way to joining us. Savor this insightful talk, and if you're looking for more ways to connect with inspiring leaders like Jelisa, be sure to join the Belonging Membership Community. This community of practice is committed to putting our values of belonging, collective care, and collaboration into action. Members have the unique opportunity to connect with guests like Jelisa for 1:1 laser coaching sessions.   Join the Belonging Movement by subscribing to our newsletter: www.rhodesperry.com/subscribe Learn more about Go Brave LLC: https://jelisadallas.com/ Thanks for growing our #BelongingMovement!

In this episode, Joe interviews Veronica Lightning Horse Perez: therapist, speaker, author, activist, and co-chief proponent for the Natural Medicine Health Act of 2022 (Prop 122); and Sean McAllister: attorney specializing in the regulatory, health care, business, and religious freedom aspects of psychedelic medicines, and one of the drafters of Prop 122. This episode was recorded live at the Plant Medicine Cafe in Denver, CO – which served as an unofficial Prop 122 headquarters – and cohosted by Meaghan Len, co-founder of the U.S.' first ayahuasca church, Sanctuary of the Sovereign Heart. They dive into the details of Prop 122 and discuss why it's the most freeing legislation we've seen, but also very complicated in the clash between an expensive regulated side and a risky and ambiguous decrim side. While the implementation process continues, they've learned that there is still a huge need for public education, and that one of the most important tasks now is to be hyper aware of how legislators will try to change what people already agreed on. They discuss: The Federal vs. state legality issues we still see even after such sweeping legislation The huge gap in understanding why Indigenous communities are upset and why they need to be included in all discussions The Religious Freedom Restoration Act and the complications of religion when many of us simply feel spiritual The natural vs. synthetic fallacy and the future of churches offering a synthetic sacrament The ontological shock many have after a big experience and why churches and community are needed to help guide people and more!  For links, head to the show notes page.

Today, I'm joined by Juan Pablo Capello, co-founder and former CEO of New Life Health, a telehealth ketamine therapy service launched in 2021. Juan Pablo has raised concerns about low standards of care in telehealth ketamine, making this a timely conversation about the opportunities and challenges in this growing industry. In our discussion, Juan Pablo shares how his early experiences with Wachuma inspired his interest in psychedelics for mental health. We address key topics, including the potential for ketamine addiction, the impact of Matthew Perry's death on the psychedelic community, and the surprising role of insurance companies in shaping telehealth standards. We also explore the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, Juan Pablo's work with the Eagle Condor Church, and how integration is best approached as a community effort. Juan Pablo is a seasoned entrepreneur who co-founded a leading Latin American crowdfunding platform and a creative campus in Miami's Wynwood Arts District. As the former CEO of New Life Health, now part of Beckley Waves, he continues to engage in work that bridges innovation, care, and community in the psychedelic space. Timestamps (06:00) Juan Pablo's background in Chile and his experience with Wachuma (11:30) Why ketamine is used in mental health treatment (21:00) Is ketamine addictive? (25:00) Matthew Perry's death as a wake-up call for the ketamine community (36:00) The surprising regulatory influence of insurance companies (41:00) The Religious Freedom Restoration Act and the Eagle Condor Church (53:00) The lack of integration in traditional psychedelic therapy contexts (57:00) Integration as a community-driven process Links Juan Pablo Cappello - PAG Law PLLC Matthew Perry's Death Shows Ketamine Industry Needs a Wakeup Call Nue Life | At Home Ketamine Therapy

Mat Staver is founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel. Mat is a constitutional attorney with three landmark cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. He is an author and the host of the radio broadcasts Faith - Freedom and Freedom's Call.--Discussion began with Mat informing listeners that Liberty Counsel is celebrating 35 years as an organization. In light of that, Mat looked back at some critical cases that Liberty Counsel was a part of that have helped Americans retain their religious freedom.--Next up was news concerning Iran who recently launched hundreds of missiles at Israel. Mat believes that Israel must take decisive action. He thinks they will and that this latest attack by Iran opens the door for Israel to take out the nuclear reactors and cripple Iran. He sees Israel as a liberator for those who want out from under the ayatollahs and terror groups, even many in Iran who want to see such regimes toppled.--Mat sees VP Kamala Harris as left of left -radical on abortion and LGBTQ- yet he believes Governor Tim Walz may be even further to the left. Mat reminded listeners how Harris raided the home of David Daleiden to stop the videos in 2015-2016 regarding the trafficking of human body parts by Planned Parenthood from being delivered to the public. She wants to pass a bill that would allow abortion through all nine months of pregnancy, wants to pass the so-called -Equality Act- that would repeal the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, she's the -Border Czar- yet never really visited the border while allowing many illegals to cross the border.

Mat Staver is founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel. Mat is a constitutional attorney with three landmark cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. He is an author and the host of the radio broadcasts Faith - Freedom and Freedom's Call.--Discussion began with Mat informing listeners that Liberty Counsel is celebrating 35 years as an organization. In light of that, Mat looked back at some critical cases that Liberty Counsel was a part of that have helped Americans retain their religious freedom.--Next up was news concerning Iran who recently launched hundreds of missiles at Israel. Mat believes that Israel must take decisive action. He thinks they will and that this latest attack by Iran opens the door for Israel to take out the nuclear reactors and cripple Iran. He sees Israel as a liberator for those who want out from under the ayatollahs and terror groups, even many in Iran who want to see such regimes toppled.--Mat sees VP Kamala Harris as left of left -radical on abortion and LGBTQ- yet he believes Governor Tim Walz may be even further to the left. Mat reminded listeners how Harris raided the home of David Daleiden to stop the videos in 2015-2016 regarding the trafficking of human body parts by Planned Parenthood from being delivered to the public. She wants to pass a bill that would allow abortion through all nine months of pregnancy, wants to pass the so-called -Equality Act- that would repeal the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, she's the -Border Czar- yet never really visited the border while allowing many illegals to cross the border.

Mat Staver is founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel. Mat is a constitutional attorney with three landmark cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. He is an author and the host of the radio broadcasts Faith & Freedom and Freedom's Call.Discussion began with Mat informing listeners that Liberty Counsel is celebrating 35 years as an organization. In light of that, Mat looked back at some critical cases that Liberty Counsel was a part of that have helped Americans retain their religious freedom.Next up was news concerning Iran who recently launched hundreds of missiles at Israel. Mat believes that Israel must take decisive action. He thinks they will and that this latest attack by Iran opens the door for Israel to take out the nuclear reactors and cripple Iran. He sees Israel as a liberator for those who want out from under the ayatollahs and terror groups, even many in Iran who want to see such regimes toppled.Mat sees VP Kamala Harris as left of left (radical on abortion and LGBTQ) yet he believes Governor Tim Walz may be even further to the left. Mat reminded listeners how Harris raided the home of David Daleiden to stop the videos in 2015-2016 regarding the trafficking of human body parts by Planned Parenthood from being delivered to the public. She wants to pass a bill that would allow abortion through all nine months of pregnancy, wants to pass the so-called "Equality Act" that would repeal the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, she's the "Border Czar" yet never really visited the border while allowing many illegals to cross the border.

Mat Staver is founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel. Mat is a constitutional attorney with three landmark cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. He is an author and the host of the radio broadcasts Faith & Freedom and Freedom's Call.Discussion began with Mat informing listeners that Liberty Counsel is celebrating 35 years as an organization. In light of that, Mat looked back at some critical cases that Liberty Counsel was a part of that have helped Americans retain their religious freedom.Next up was news concerning Iran who recently launched hundreds of missiles at Israel. Mat believes that Israel must take decisive action. He thinks they will and that this latest attack by Iran opens the door for Israel to take out the nuclear reactors and cripple Iran. He sees Israel as a liberator for those who want out from under the ayatollahs and terror groups, even many in Iran who want to see such regimes toppled.Mat sees VP Kamala Harris as left of left (radical on abortion and LGBTQ) yet he believes Governor Tim Walz may be even further to the left. Mat reminded listeners how Harris raided the home of David Daleiden to stop the videos in 2015-2016 regarding the trafficking of human body parts by Planned Parenthood from being delivered to the public. She wants to pass a bill that would allow abortion through all nine months of pregnancy, wants to pass the so-called "Equality Act" that would repeal the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, she's the "Border Czar" yet never really visited the border while allowing many illegals to cross the border.

Psychedelics in palliative care has become an exciting new framework for people looking to ease anxiety and embrace spirituality, but the concept is not as simple as just providing a substance. In this episode, Joe interviews Livi Joy: Director of Health and Safety, Existential Palliative Ministry Lead Facilitator, and more at Sacred Garden Community (SGC). As she screens applicants for SGC (and Beckley Retreats), she talks a lot about the process and the safety measures that are absolutely necessary when using psychedelics in palliative care – especially under the framework of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Does the patient have at least one strong support person? Do they need to start or increase therapy? Does their home need to be rearranged due to possible fall risks? How will certain medications muffle their experience? Are they truly physically healthy enough to be able to handle a powerful journey? And also, is the sacrament always necessary? She discusses: How preparation questions for a journey are often in line with preparation for death Why it's important to provide these experiences for people far from the dying process itself What Sacred Garden's core tenant that everyone can have an experience with the divine means to her Atheism and the complications that arise when discussing spirituality and consciousness: Who's really in charge? How psychedelics can help with understanding and preparing for death, but our culture is too death-phobic too embrace it and more! For links, head to the show notes page: 

* Guest: Pete Sepp - President of National Tax Payers Union - (NTU) is the Voice of America's Taxpayers, mobilizing elected officials and citizens on behalf of tax relief and reform - NTU.org * NTU Suggests Reforms to House Energy and Commerce Privacy Bill. * Tell Your Senators: Taxpayers Need Relief Now - The Tax Relief for Families and Workers Act would benefit American taxpayers and stimulate economic investment. * Agriculture Committee Should Make Significant Changes to Farm Bill - Bryan Riley, NTU.com * NTU Urges “YES” on H.R. 4763, the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act - Nicholas Johns, NTU.org * Catholic Group Sues Biden Administration Over 'Blatant Violation of the First Amendment' - Jack Davis, WesternJournal.com * The Knights of Columbus are fighting the Biden administration so a Catholic Mass can be said over the honored dead on Memorial Day at Poplar Grove National Cemetery in Petersburg, Virginia. “The policy and the decision blocking the Knights of Columbus from continuing their long-standing religious tradition is a blatant violation of the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act,” John Moran, Partner at McGuireWoods, said in a statement. * The National Park Service is way out of line. This is the kind of unlawful discrimination and censorship RFRA and the First Amendment were enacted to prevent,” said Roger Byron, senior counsel at First Liberty. * We filed suit against the National Park Service. We'll be in court on Thursday. Please join us in praying for a quick and favorable resolution. * The motion notes that federal policy lumps religious services with demonstrations and bans on the grounds they could be disruptive, violating the atmosphere of a cemetery.

Bible2School is on a mission to redefine how America thinks about religion during the public school day. ‘Separation of church and state' does not mean our children need to leave their faith at the front door of the school. In this previous episode, we heard from Sr. Counsel Matt Sharp from Alliance Defending Freedom, who discussed some of the rights students have to express their faith in public school. Now, this conversation zeros in on 5 specific ways we can encourage our kids to express their faith with others while in school! As we learn to teach our kids how to openly express their faith with others, they'll start growing into leaders who make a lasting impact for God's kingdom on earth! There's nothing more inspirational than hearing stories of bold faith in action, especially in the lives of children. Are you ready to hear 5 ways kids can express their faith with others during their school day? Let's go!   MATT SHARP serves as senior counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom, where he is the director of the Center for Legislative Advocacy and focuses on state and local legislative matters. Since joining ADF in 2010, Sharp has authored federal and state legislation, regularly provides testimony and legal analysis on how proposed legislation will impact constitutional freedoms, and advises governors, legislators, and state and national policy organizations on the importance of laws and policies that protect First Amendment rights. He has testified before the United States Congress on the importance of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Sharp has also worked on important cases advancing religious freedom and free speech. He has won cases upholding the rights of students to form religious clubs, invite classmates to church, and even perform a religious song at a school talent show. He authored an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of nearly 9,000 students, parents, and community members asking the Court to uphold students' right to privacy against government intrusion. Sharp earned his J.D. in 2006 from the Vanderbilt University School of Law. A member of the bar in Georgia and Tennessee, he is also admitted to practice in several federal courts.   Resources Alliance Defending Freedom Website Alliance Defending Freedom on FB Alliance Defending Freedom on IG Alliance Defending Freedom on X Bible2School's FREE Guide: God Was NOT Taken Out Of Public Schools!   Next Steps Episode #138 - 4 Ways Children Can Express Their Faith in Public School  Share this episode with a friend Engage with us on FB and IG

According to a 2023 Bible2School study of parents with children attending public school, 94% feel it's important that their children express their faith while in school, but only 68% feel that they can do this legally. Matt Sharp, senior counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom, aims to equip parents to embolden their kids by discussing 4 ways they can express their faith in public school. As we learn about our kids' religious rights, we can help their confidence grow so their boldness will inspire others to follow their lead and make a kingdom impact on earth as it is in heaven! Ready to hear 4 ways your child can express their faith in public school? Let's go! MATT SHARP serves as senior counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom, where he is the director of the Center for Legislative Advocacy and focuses on state and local legislative matters. Since joining ADF in 2010, Sharp has authored federal and state legislation, regularly provides testimony and legal analysis on how proposed legislation will impact constitutional freedoms, and advises governors, legislators, and state and national policy organizations on the importance of laws and policies that protect First Amendment rights. He has testified before the United States Congress on the importance of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Sharp has also worked on important cases advancing religious freedom and free speech. He has won cases upholding the rights of students to form religious clubs, invite classmates to church, and even perform a religious song at a school talent show. He authored an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of nearly 9,000 students, parents, and community members asking the Court to uphold students' right to privacy against government intrusion. Sharp earned his J.D. in 2006 from the Vanderbilt University School of Law. A member of the bar in Georgia and Tennessee, he is also admitted to practice in several federal courts. Resources Alliance Defending Freedom WEBSITE Alliance Defending Freedom on FB Alliance Defending Freedom on IG Alliance Defending Freedom on X Bible2School's FREE Guide: God Was NOT Taken Out Of Public Schools! Next Steps Share this episode with a friend Engage with us on FB & IG Rate & Review on your favorite podcast channel

The Feminist Buzzkills are in FULL rage mode this week as our heads are still spinning from Arizona's latest assault on people with a uterus. The ghouls on Arizona's Supreme Court ruled that an 1864 abortion ban will be enforced in less than TWO WEEKS. Plus, what does it mean when three judges agree that Indiana's near-total abortion ban does in fact violate Hoosiers' religious freedom? And the anti-abobo clowns Ohio try to push a whole new pile of nonsense on their constituents. Listen to Moji and me drag it for the stank filth that it is.  Need all the deets? We got you. Need to let your primal scream out? We got you on that too.GUEST ROLL CALL: Dr. Tracy Weitz, Professor of Sociology and Director for the Center on Health, Risk, and Society at American University in DC is Buzzkilling with us! She's THE SMARTEST person we know when it comes to all things abortion – data, shitty policies and all. *chef's kiss.*PLUS! Hilarious comedian and award-winning writer, Laurie Kilmartin, who you probably recognize from “The Late Late Show with James Corden” is here! We shoot the shit with her on her new special “Cis Woke Grief Slut,” saying “abortion” on stage, disrupting the writers' room boys club, and more! Times are heavy, but knowledge is power, y'all. We gotchu.  OPERATION SAVE ABORTION: You can still join the 10,000+ womb warriors fighting the patriarchy by listening to our five-part OpSave pod series and Mifepristone Panel by clicking HERE for episodes, your toolkit, marching orders, and more. HOSTS:Lizz Winstead @LizzWinsteadMoji Alawode-El @MojiLocks SPECIAL GUESTS: Tracy Weitz IG: @Tracy_Weitz / TW: @TracyWeitzLaurie Kilmartin IG/TW: @AnyLaurie16 ROE-CABULARY: RFRA - Religious Freedom Restoration Act NEWS DUMP:Alabama Doctors Deny Woman an Abortion Despite Fetal Anomaly Exception: ‘It's Not a Black and White Issue'Meet the Republican Attorneys General Wreaking Havoc on Abortion AccessArizona Can Enforce an 1864 Law Criminalizing Nearly All Abortions, Court SaysIndiana Appeals Court Uses Mike Pence's Religious Liberty Law to Block Abortion BanOhio Bill Would Penalize Governments for Supporting Abortion ServicesOhio Local Government Fund GUEST LINKS: The Turnaway StudyAmerican University: Tracy Weitz Laurie Kilmartin WebsiteLaurie's Special: ”Cis Woke Grief Slut”The Jackie and Laurie Show EPISODE LINKS:“No One Asked You” Doc in MinneapolisImpact with Kristin Hady4/16 Action: How to Bust Abortion Stigma Like a BossSIGN: Mifepristone PetitionBUY: Reproductive Rights Wall Art!EMAIL your abobo questions to The Feminist BuzzkillsAAF's Abortion-Themed Rage Playlist FOLLOW US:Listen to us ~ FBK Podcast Instagram ~ @AbortionFrontTwitter ~ @AbortionFrontTikTok ~ @AbortionFrontFacebook ~ @AbortionFrontYouTube ~ @AbortionAccessFrontTALK TO THE CHARLEY BOT FOR ABOBO OPTIONS & RESOURCES HERE!PATREON HERE! Support our work, get exclusive merch and more! DONATE TO AAF HERE!ACTIVIST CALENDAR HERE!VOLUNTEER WITH US HERE!ADOPT-A-CLINIC HERE!EXPOSE FAKE CLINICS HERE!GET ABOBO PILLS FROM PLAN C PILLS HERE!When BS is poppin', we pop off!

Top headlines for Friday, April 5, 2024In this episode, a shocking incident where a hospital's grave mistake led to an unwanted abortion, sparking outrage and heartbreak. We also explore the controversy surrounding the University of South Carolina's women's basketball coach, who is under fire from an atheist group for publicly expressing her faith after a triumphant tournament run. Lastly, we discuss Iowa's recent step to safeguard religious freedom rights with the enactment of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act by Governor Kim Reynolds.Subscribe to this PodcastApple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsOvercastFollow Us on Social Media@ChristianPost on TwitterChristian Post on Facebook@ChristianPostIntl on InstagramSubscribe on YouTubeGet the Edifi AppDownload for iPhoneDownload for AndroidSubscribe to Our NewsletterSubscribe to the Freedom Post, delivered every Monday and ThursdayClick here to get the top headlines delivered to your inbox every morning!Links to the NewsMedics perform abortion on wrong woman after hospital mix-up | World NewsSpeculation grows amid search for pastor's missing wife | U.S. NewsFFRF files complaint over basketball coach's 'proselytizing' | Sports NewsGateway Seminary announces new president to replace Jeff Iorg | Education NewsSBC lost over 1,200 churches in 2022, data shows | Church & Ministries NewsReligious Freedom Restoration Act becomes law in Iowa | Politics News4 pro-life protesters found guilty of FACE Act violations | Politics News

Iowa Republicans send 'religious freedom restoration' bill to governor's deskIowa Public Radio, By Katarina Sostaric, on March 1, 2024https://www.iowapublicradio.org/state-government-news/2024-03-01/iowa-republicans-send-religious-freedom-restoration-bill-to-governors-deskThe discussion revolves around the contentious issue of whether religions should be banned in light of recent events highlighting discriminatory practices under the guise of religious freedom. The proposed Religious Freedom Restoration Act in Iowa has sparked concerns that it could legalize discrimination against LGBTQ individuals under the pretext of protecting religious beliefs. Critics argue that such legislation distorts the concept of religious freedom, potentially infringing on civil rights and equality.Participants in the conversation express strong opinions regarding the perceived erosion of human rights in favor of religious beliefs. They decry the trend of prioritizing religious freedoms over individual rights, citing examples of discrimination in various sectors such as healthcare, employment, and education. There's a shared sentiment that these legislative efforts represent a dangerous trend towards theocracy and undermine the separation of church and state.The dialogue delves into the complexities of bigotry, acknowledging its existence but also highlighting its societal roots. Participants suggest that bigotry is often a learned behavior fueled by fear and scarcity, perpetuated by societal structures such as capitalism. They emphasize the importance of fostering critical thinking and empathy to combat bigotry rather than resorting to bans or prohibitions.While some express frustration with the persistence of discriminatory practices, others advocate for a more nuanced approach focused on education and dialogue. They argue that banning religion would be counterproductive and antithetical to principles of freedom and tolerance. Instead, they advocate for promoting secular values and encouraging rational discourse to address harmful beliefs and practices.Overall, the conversation reflects a deep concern for the protection of individual rights and the need to confront bigotry and discrimination in all its forms. While participants express frustration with the current state of affairs, they remain hopeful that through education, dialogue, and advocacy, progress can be made towards a more inclusive and equitable society.The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.12.4 featuring Scott Dickie, Infidel64, Richard Allen and Jason Friedman

It's Thursday, March 28th, A.D. 2024. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard at www.TheWorldView.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark Persecution continues against independent Chinese church International Christian Concern reports police in China raided a church earlier this month for the second time in recent weeks. Police arrested 18 members of the Fuyang Maizhong Reformed Church in the Anhui Province. The arrests included a church elder, named Chang Shun. Officials harassed church members as they were in a prayer meeting and confiscated phones and computers.  The church has notably refused to join the Three-Self Church which is state controlled.  China is the 19th most difficult country worldwide in which to be a Christian. Thailand House approves homosexual faux marriage In Thailand, lawmakers approved a bill to legalize faux homosexual marriage. The country's lower house of parliament approved the measure 400 to 10 yesterday. Thailand's Senate and king must also approve it. If the bill goes into effect, Thailand would become the third Asian country and the first Southeast Asian one to legalize vile passions.  Worldwide fertility rates declining A new study by The Lancet evaluated global fertility rates. Outside of Africa, the report projects every region will see fertility rates fall below the replacement birth rate of 2.1 by 2040. Regions that have already fallen below the replacement rate include South Asia, Latin America, Central and Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia.  The U.S. fertility rate has fallen by half since 1980 and is expected to drop between 1 and 1.3 this century. Democrat Senator Joe Lieberman, former VP candidate, died Joe Lieberman, a longtime Democratic senator from Connecticut who became the first Jewish-American to be nominated on a major party's ticket, died Wednesday, reports Politico.com. He was 82. Lieberman's family stated that he died “due to complications from a fall.”  Halfway through his 24-year Senate career, Lieberman was chosen as Al Gore's running mate for the 2000 presidential election. The ticket lost one of the closest elections in American history to George W. Bush and Dick Cheney. On December 12, 2012, he delivered his farewell speech from the Senate floor. And he challenged his Senate colleagues to lead toward fiscal solvency. At the time of Senator Lieberman's speech in 2012, the country was $16.3 trillion in debt. Today, we are $34.6 trillion in debt. It has doubled in just 12 years. The need for fiscal solvency has never been greater! West Virginia, Utah, and Idaho passed religious liberty laws Several states in the U.S. approved religious freedom measures. Last Friday, West Virginia's Republican Governor Jim Justice signed Senate Bill 503 into law. It would protect student groups, including Christian ones, that require members and leaders to hold to its beliefs. Last Thursday, Utah's Republican Governor Spencer Cox approved Senate Bill 150. The measure would put protections in the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act into state law. And, on Monday, Idaho's Republican Governor Brad Little signed House Bill 578. It would protect faith-based adoption agencies from government discrimination. Pastors doing better than general public A new study by the Hartford Institute for Religion Research found that pastors are faring better than the general public.  Researchers noted, “The survey shows that a majority of clergy seem quite healthy. The overall level of health and wellness exhibited by clergy is impressive–even given the level of the pastoral discontent uncovered in our earlier report.” Pastors scored higher than the public the most when asked about understanding their life purpose.  In Philippians 3:14, the Apostle Paul wrote, “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Credit card debt soared to $1.1 trillion Credit card debt in the U.S. reached $1.13 trillion during the fourth quarter of 2023. That's an increase of $143 billion compared to 2022. Credit card debt reached $1.3 trillion as of January. That averages to $10,848 per household.  WalletHub noted that credit card debt is nearing its peak from 2008, saying, “After adjusting for inflation, total credit card debt in January 2024 was actually 10% below the all-time record for the month but still roughly 6% higher than last year.” Retailers giving employees Easter off Several big retailers are giving employees the day off this coming Resurrection Sunday. TJX, which runs TJ Max and Marshalls, will close its stores this Sunday. A spokesman said, “We consider ourselves an associate-friendly company and we are pleased to give associates the time to enjoy Easter with family and friends.” Warehouse stores like Costco and Sam's Club are also closing this Sunday. Other retailers closing on Easter include Target, Publix, and Macy's department stores. 40 Days for Life saved 266 babies since Valentine's Day And finally, the 40 Days for Life campaigns report saving 266 babies from abortion since February 14th. The group shared recent stories of life from around the world. In Boston, one pro-life volunteer used a photo of a baby spared from abortion last year to help a mother change her mind about a late-term abortion. The picture has helped save six babies this year. And in Glasgow, Scotland, volunteers held a sign offering help for parents to decide to keep their baby. The local team said, “All Heaven rejoices! This goes to show you how life is held in a precarious balance.” Proverbs 24:11 says, “Deliver those who are drawn toward death, and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter.” Close And that's The Worldview in 5 Minutes on this Thursday, March 28th in the year of our Lord 2024. Subscribe by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

According to a recent Barna study, pastors are becoming slightly more comfortable with Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a tool for some uses in the church but remain wary of its role when it comes to personal relationships. Iowa and Utah are the latest states to pass legislation protecting religious freedom from governmental intrusion, with related legislation active in Georgia and four other states. And, maybe you're interested in using a commentary to help in your study of God's Word. A commentary is a book written by a scholar that provides additional perspective and background information on a Bible passage or topic.

Thursday concluded 'crossover day' in the Georgia General Assembly, so I spent a little time reviewing what did and didn't float from one chamber to the other, & eavesdrop on some 'night of' interviews from GPB's "Lawmakers" for some insights from lawmakers beneath the gold dome. While listening in, it sounds like there's a realization from Georgia Senate Republicans that their new-fangled subpoena-powered committee will only be empowered to suggest new legislation in reaction to any findings vs having the power to remove a D.A. they don't care for. Also, hear Rep. Stacy Evans blister HB 1105 (the anti-immigrant legislation hastily concocted in recent days. She rightly points out that the thin veil over this bill doesn't hide the fact that women's safety is never a priority when it comes to enacting common-sense gun bills into law. Jeff Graham, executive director at Georgia Equality, joined me to discuss the very real possibility that SB180 - the Religious Freedom Restoration Act - could become law, enshrining bigotry shrouded in "religious rights." We discuss the other wins and losses his organization and its allies racked up this session so far.

A religious freedom bill is passing through the Utah Legislature this session that half of the United States has already taken on. SB150, sponsored by Senator Todd Weiler, is asking for stronger protections of religious practices and stricter rules for the government when infringing on them. When this bill first surfaced 30 years ago, it passed with flying, bipartisan colors. Now, it's facing opposition from people who fear it would allow citizens to ignore the law under the guise of religion. How will it go over in Utah? Joining Boyd from the Sutherland Institute to talk about his recent piece in Deseret New, Bill Duncan.

This is Stephen Colbert from the Gazette Digital News Desk, and I'm here with your update for Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024.According to the National Weather Service, today's weather will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 35. Tonight will remain mostly cloudy, with a low around 25.Shootout with Cedar Rapids police leaves suspect deadCedar Rapids police officers responding to reports of a drive-by shooting Monday morning were fired on repeatedly by the driver of the fleeing suspected vehicle — until five officers returned fire and killed the driver, state investigators said.The names of the officers involved and the person killed were not released Monday by the state Division of Criminal Investigation, which is investigating the shooting. None of the officers was injured.According to the DCI, the episode unfolded during a police chase that went on for miles on the city's east side as the driver fired at pursuing officers on at least three occasions.Iowa outdoor enthusiasts went on the year's first hikeIt was a good day for long-haired dogs, children with puffy coats and Eastern Iowa friends from different cities who met to enjoy nature on the first day of 2024.Hikers of all ages met at the lodge at noon and took off along the Cedar Cliff trail, which winds along the bluff of the Cedar River. Some people strode the full 2-mile, hilly trail, while others stopped at the gazebo to chat with Ranger Luke Wagner. A couple families with small children spent an hour on the riverbank sandbar, digging with sticks and watching the ducks huddled in the frigid water.They all met back at the lodge for cocoa, hot dogs and s'mores roasted over a fire in the massive stone hearth of the 1930s building.Iowa Republicans look to broaden religious freedomIowa's Republican leaders say they are not planning to expand on the list of laws passed last year addressing conservative social issues and regulating gender and sexuality issues in schools, but lawmakers may revive a push for religious liberty protections.State Sen. Dennis Guth, a Republican from Klemme, said Republicans are going to pursue a bill to strengthen religious liberty protections, mirroring the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act.The law, signed in 1993 by Democratic President Bill Clinton, requires that courts apply strict scrutiny, the highest level of judicial review, when considering cases where a person's religious liberty is burdened. It was passed as a reaction to a 1990 U.S. Supreme Court case that was seen as narrowing religious freedoms.

Welcome to the New Year.This is Stephen Schmidt from the Gazette Digital News Desk, and I'm here with your update for January 1, 2024.According to the National Weather Service, your New Year's Day weather in the Cedar Rapids area will be cloudy with a high near 33 degrees.We will have articles previewing the Iowa Legislative session in today's paper and beyond. Here are a few issues I pulled from our coverage.Most Iowa workers are taking home more money from their paychecks as the state collects less income tax — the result of recent tax cuts enacted by the Republican-majority statehouse.Those Republican lawmakers, along with advocates for limited taxes, want to continue cutting and reduce Iowans' taxes even more.The impact of those tax reductions, though, is beginning to show in the state's revenues. There essentially will be no revenue growth from the current state budget year to the next: overall state tax revenue is projected to be just shy of $11.5 billion in both the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years, according to the latest estimates from the state's three-member Revenue Estimating Conference, the panel that projects future state revenues.Before the recently enacted reductions, the state income tax produced nearly half of the state's tax revenue that it spends on such things as education, health care, public safety, infrastructure and the environment.When legislators return Jan. 8 to the Iowa Capitol for the 2024 session of the Iowa Legislature, Republican lawmakers plan to accelerate the state income tax reductions already on the books, with a possible eye toward gradually eliminating the tax altogether.“Financially here in Iowa, we're in the strongest position we've ever been in. And so that makes possible a conversation about expediting those cuts, bringing them up sooner — quicker — and getting those in place for Iowans,” Jack Whitver, the Republican Senate majority leader from Grimes, told the Gazette. Iowa's Republican leaders say they are not planning to expand on the list of laws passed last year addressing conservative social issues and regulating gender and sexuality issues in schools, but lawmakers say they may revive a push for religious liberty protections State Sen. Dennis Guth, a Republican from Klemme, told the Gazette that Republicans are going to pursue a bill to strengthen religious liberty protections mirroring the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act.The law, signed in 1993 by Democratic President Bill Clinton, requires that courts apply strict scrutiny, the highest level of judicial review, when considering cases where a person's religious liberty is burdened. It was passed as a reaction to a 1990 U.S. Supreme Court case that was seen as narrowing religious freedoms.The federal law applies only to the federal government, but at least two dozen other states have passed a version at the state level.Iowa Republicans have considered the bill several times in the past, but it has faced steep opposition from business groups that worried it would discourage people from living and working in the state.Sen. Guth said that the hope is that the business community will be less opposed to the legislation this time around now that similar bills have spread to more states nationwide.

Attorneys for the state and a group of anonymous women argued over abortion and the state's Religious Freedom Restoration Act, or RFRA before a panel of appeals court judges yesterday. Half the country is now in a slightly warmer hardiness zone than they were a decade ago. These zones show an average of the coldest temperature on the coldest night every year for the past 30 years. The Indiana Department of Education says too many third graders who fail a statewide reading test are advancing to fourth grade. The IDOE is working on a new data visualization tool that shows where students are struggling the most. An Indianapolis program the city says will help communities build their infrastructure dream projects has reopened. Want to go deeper on the stories you hear on WFYI News Now? Visit wfyi.org/news and follow us on social media to get comprehensive analysis and local news daily. Subscribe to WFYI News Now wherever you get your podcasts. Today's episode of WFYI News Now was produced by Darian Benson, Abriana Herron, Drew Daudelin and Kendall Antron with support from Sarah Neal-Estes.

We look back at the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and its significance with Dean John Czarnetzky of Ave Maria School of Law, Tom Nash on exorcisms, Matthew Bunson with the latest on Germany and the Vatican, and Joseph and Monique Gonzalez tell the story of an ancient prophecy and its connection to Our Lady of Guadalupe.

We look back at the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and its significance with Dean John Czarnetzky of Ave Maria School of Law, Tom Nash on exorcisms, Matthew Bunson with the latest on Germany and the Vatican, and Joseph and Monique Gonzalez tell the story of an ancient prophecy and its connection to Our Lady of Guadalupe.

This year, we're celebrating 30 years of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). Chuck Schumer and Ted Kennedy sponsored the bill and President Bill Clinton signed it into law. And today at First Liberty, we love the protections that RFRA is still providing for people of faith. For RFRA's anniversary, Kelly Shackelford joins us on this week's Live! to talk about the impact of this law on religious freedom. Kelly will share how this significant piece of legislation became law, discuss historic rulings that have come from it and update you on how RFRA continues to protect religious freedom today.

Thirty years ago today, President Bill Clinton signed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) into law. It was a monumental event in religious liberty law at the time, and it remains part of an even more complex legal landscape of religious exemptions today. Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman look at the standard set by RFRA and discuss how the law has been used in cases dealing with issues ranging from sacramental drug use to application of health insurance regulations. They discuss the non-controversial applications of RFRA, too, and the search for win-win solutions to complicated situations that arise in a religiously pluralistic society.   SHOW NOTES Segment 1 (starting at 00:38): The need for and passage of RFRA Learn more about the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) on BJC's website: BJConline.org/RFRA Holly wrote a column on RFRA for Word&Way's “A Public Witness” newsletter, and you can read it here: Revisiting RFRA 30 years later Read the text of the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act at this link. Amanda mentioned these two “high water mark” cases in the period before 1990: Sherbert v. Verner (1963) and Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972). The 1990 Employment Division v. Smith is the case often known as the “peyote case.” We played audio from Justice Antonin Scalia reading the opinion of the Court from the bench, which you can listen to and read at this link. Watch the signing ceremony for RFRA on November 16, 1993, at this link on the YouTube channel of the William J. Clinton Presidential Library. Holly mentioned this printed resource available on our website, produced for the 20th anniversary of RFRA.    Segment 2 (starting at 14:16): Twists and turns of RFRA over 30 years Amanda mentioned the 1997 case that struck down RFRA as applied to the states: City of Boerne v. Flores. The Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA) has the same standard as RFRA, but it has not been the subject of so many controversies. Holly and Amanda mentioned three other RFRA cases: Gonzales v. O Centro Espírita Beneficente União do Vegetal in 2006 (also known as the “UDV” case), Tanzin v. Tanvir in 2020, and Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores in 2014. Holly wrote about the application of RFRA to corporations in light of the Hobby Lobby decision in 2014: Examining RFRA in light of Hobby Lobby J. Brent Walker, former executive director of BJC at the time, wrote about the Hobby Lobby decision in 2014: Exploring Hobby Lobby's narrow victory   Segment 3 (starting at 32:28): The state of RFRA today Here are additional resources from BJC providing more context on the application of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act: Podcasts: S1, Ep. 06: Stay-at-home orders, religious freedom and RFRA (2020) S1, Ep. 12: Not a charm: Contraceptive mandate returns to the Supreme Court for the third time (2020) S3, Ep. 03: What's going on with religious exemptions to COVID-19 vaccine mandates? (2021) Video: Watch this video of former BJC General Counsel Oliver “Buzz” Thomas discussing the origins of RFRA Resources from BJC on cases: Zubik v. Burwell (2016) Tanzin v. Tanvir (2020) Additional reading: Do states need religious freedom legislation? By J. Brent Walker, 2015 Contraceptive mandate oral arguments shed light on underreported issues by Holly Hollman, 2014 RFRA's constitutionality called into question by J. Brent Walker, 2014 RFRA at 20: A retrospective by Holly Hollman, 2013 Remembering the origins of RFRA by J. Brent Walker, 2013 Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC's generous donors. You can support these conversations with a gift to BJC. 

Alison, Liz, and Rebecca are joined by Professor Marci Hamilton, legal icon and leading expert on the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) and extreme religious liberty. Professor Hamilton explains the origin story of RFRA, how it has led us to the emerging theocracy we face, and what Americans can do to reclaim true religious liberty before it's too late.  Submit a question for the holiday mailbag episode here!   Background Professor Marci Hamilton's bio CHILD USA, Prof. Hamilton's think tank FFRF's FAQ on RFRA  Congressional Research Service primer on RFRA   Cases City of Boerne v. Flores (1997) Employment Division v. Smith (1990) Tanzin v. Tanvir (2020)  FFRF's amicus brief, written by Marci Hamilton American Atheists and Center For Inquiry's amicus brief 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis (2023) U.S. Pastor Council (Braidwood Management) v. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (2023) Hosanna-Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church and School v. EEOC (2012)     Check us out on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Our website, we-dissent.org, has more information as well as episode transcripts.

Recently a delegation of Ukrainian interfaith leaders visited the US to plead for more support to defeat Russia. The war has brought leaders of different faiths together to protect religious freedom... which doesn't exist in Russian occupied areas. Boyd discusses the importance of religious liberty as a solution, 30 years after the Religious Freedom Restoration Act was signed. 

Imagine Congress was considering a bill to protect “religious liberty.” Let's say the bill's author openly admitted his intention was to “allow maximum religious freedom.” Maybe he says he's concerned about attempted governmental restrictions on Christian religious expression in particular.  Now imagine what the reaction to such a proposal would be on “X,” formerly known as Twitter. Surely this would be labeled “Christian Nationalism.” Congress would be accused of trying to establish a theocracy.   What if I told you that bill was real, and that it was called the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, and that it was introduced by one Democratic Representative Chuck Schumer and signed into law by President Bill Clinton 30 years ago next month?  It's remarkable how quickly and dramatically the Overton Window has shifted in 30 years. It's important to remember that RFRA was widely supported and uncontroversial up until about five minutes ago. Christians shouldn't be ashamed or bullied into believing that the right to live out our faith is asking too much. The truth remains: Everyone benefits when the government respects “maximum religious freedom.”

Do you know the real story behind Juneteenth or the true essence of the 13th amendment's role in ending slavery? Join us as we debunk popular misconceptions and highlight the unfortunate reality of information control. We dive into how the spread of factually correct information has been met with opposition, masking the truths of our history. But that's not all. We delve into an incredible story that's unfolding in Addison, Texas. A church, established by former slaves, is now at the center of a property rights and religious liberties dispute. The Wessons, a resilient family dedicated to their faith, have been tirelessly negotiating to acquire a special use permit for their church. Yet, their efforts have been repeatedly rejected by the Addison City Council. We dissect the implications of their struggle, reflecting on the Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act and the United States Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act.Joining us for this compelling discussion is Jeremy Dys from First Liberty, who sheds light on the ongoing case and the importance of understanding the Constitution and its principles. We take a deep dive into the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 and the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000, exploring their sponsors and significance. You might be surprised to hear was in support of religious liberty just a couple decades ago. We urge you to listen in, as we explore the intersection of faith, culture, and property rights. Let's challenge our understanding of religious liberty laws, property rights, and the basic principles of the Constitution. Tune in, and let's unravel these crucial issues together.Support the show

A Marietta man was killed in a shooting at an extended stay on South Cobb Drive and another arrested in the early morning incident Wednesday, according to the Cobb County Police Department. Ricky Haney died after being shot in the abdomen while in room 210 of the Cumberland Lodge Hotel.. Wilson said Clarence Mitchell of Marietta, told detectives at the scene an altercation occurred on Tuesday between him and Haney, leading to a separate altercation at 4:40 a.m. Wednesday. Wilson added that the second altercation allegedly led Mitchell to fire a single gunshot at Haney, who died of his injuries after being transported to the hospital. Mitchell was arrested by police and charged with felony murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, Wilson said. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Cobb County Police Tip Hotline. State Senator Ed Setzler, a Republican from Acworth, filed legislation this week he said would expand state religious protections to mirror those imposed by a 1993 federal law. The Religious Freedom Restoration Act, SB 180, borrows from existing federal legislation on religious liberty, and renews the debate over constitutional rights nearly seven years after a previous bill was vetoed by former Governor Nathan Deal. Deal's decision to shoot down the legislation in 2016 came as LGBTQ rights activists said it would effectively legalize discrimination, as the bill would have allowed religious organizations to refuse service if doing so would violate their beliefs, among other measures. Georgia's business community — including the Cobb Chamber of Commerce — commended the veto by Deal. Setzler's new bill enters the General Assembly with significant Republican support out of the gate, as 24 other GOP state senators have already co-signed the measure. Cobb's two other Republican state senators — Kay Kirkpatrick and John Albers — were not listed as co-sponsors. Both told the MDJ they had not reviewed the bill before it was filed. Senator Setzler stated that the law isn't designed to favor one side or another in a question over religious expression, but to serve as a yardstick by which disputes can be evaluated in court. Jeff Graham, executive director of Georgia Equality, said that while freedom of religion is a cornerstone of the country, it is imperative that in the protection of religion that the state not create license to discriminate. McEachern pulled away with a big second quarter, and held off a late Hillgrove comeback, to win 50-43 in the semifinals of the girls Region 3AAAAAAA basketball tournament at Harrison on Wednesday. The Indians outscored the Hawks 13-3 in the second quarter to take control, though Hillgrove eventually closed the gap in the second half and got within one late in the fourth quarter. The win earned McEachern a spot in the today's championship game against North Paulding. Hillgrove will face Harrison in the third-place game. Kalise Hill scored 21 points and Jada Bates added 15 points to lead the way for McEachern. Yolanda Floyd scored 16 points for Hillgrove. McEachern got its quest for a region championship off to a strong start with a 84-56 victory over Marietta in the semifinals of the Region 3 seven a basketball tournament at Harrison on Wednesday. The Indians will play Hillgrove in the championship game, while Marietta takes on Harrison in the third-place contest today. McEachern was boosted by a strong first quarter in which it outscored Marietta 21-12 and it continued to gradually build its lead the rest of the way. Rutgers commitment Ace Bailey led the way for McEachern with 31 points, while Moses Hipps contributed 14 points for the Indians. Jack Bourgeois scored 15 points on five 3-pointers, while Jaiden Mann added 13 points for Marietta. A Douglasville man has been arrested and charged with arson, accused by authorities of starting a fire in Mableton on Tuesday. Sebastian Perez was charged with first degree arson, a felony, according to Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services. As the Arnolds sought to retrieve some belongings from the home, Strong attacked Maurice Arnold with a hunting knife. As DeAndre Arnold attempted to stop Strong from continually stabbing Maurice Arnold, he was injured by Strong, the DA's office added. Police arrived at the scene and arrested Strong after talking to witnesses, according to the DA's office. Maurice Arnold later died from his injuries. Firefighters responded to a commercial fire in the 1300 block of Old Powder Springs Road shortly before 10 a.m. Tuesday. Perez is being held at the Cobb County jail. He is ineligible for bond. Two people were shot and injured at an apartment complex in south Cobb early Thursday, the Cobb County Police Department said. Officers responded to a reported shooting around 1:24 a.m. at the Premier Apartments, located off Riverside Parkway in the Six Flags area, police said. There, they found Phil Ray, 23, of Austell, and Jamari Payne, 19, of Woodstock, with gunshot wounds. One person had a gunshot wound to their left foot, while the other had gunshot wounds to their arm and torso, police said. Ray and Payne were both taken to a local hospital for treatment, where they remain in stable condition, according to police. Police continue to investigate the shooting. Anyone with information about it is asked to contact Cobb police. #CobbCounty #Georgia #LocalNews      -            -            -            -            -            The Marietta Daily Journal Podcast is local news for Marietta, Kennesaw, Smyrna, and all of Cobb County.             Subscribe today, so you don't miss an episode! MDJOnline            Register Here for your essential digital news.            https://www.chattahoocheetech.edu/  https://cuofga.org/ https://www.esogrepair.com/ https://www.drakerealty.com/           Find additional episodes of the MDJ Podcast here.             This Podcast was produced and published for the Marietta Daily Journal and MDJ Online by BG Ad Group   For more information be sure to visit https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com            See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Civil Rights: Does the Religious Freedom Restoration Act compel a categorical exception to Title VII for claims of LGBT discrimination? - Argued: Tue, 07 Feb 2023 15:47:21 EDT

CrossPolitic Daily News Brief for Wednesday May 11th, 2022. Intro this clip: https://twitter.com/johnwesleyreid/status/1524032799501697037 Justice Alito’s neighbor decided to blast “Tis So Sweet To Trust in Jesus” as pro-abortion protestors, outside of Alito’s home, shout something about wanting justice? Have you signed up for our show in Arizona…it is next week, what are you waiting for! Folks- we got some exciting news for the happenings going around here at CrossPolitic and the Fight Laugh Feast Network. First, starting May 30th, CrossPolitic will be moving to a daily show, airing every day at 6pm and of course dropping podcasts. Knox has been pushing us to do this for two years, and he has finally won that argument. So, get ready to tune into you number one nightly news and commentary source! Secondly, to make room for all this new production, the Daily News Brief will be going back to audio, which is where a bulk of our Daily News listeners were at anyways. Thirdly, we have a bunch of new club member benefits we are working on, including an updated website club portal and club only social media platform. So, those listeners who have been lingering in the background, join the club, the party is just getting started. And for our thousands of club members, thank you for staying with us, your continued support, and your prayers. We have a lot of work ahead of us, and this very much feels like a further up and further in moment. Now where was I. Oh that is right, the bloodlust for the abortion crowd is insanity, and you will be seeing unleashed insanity if Roe is overturned. After calling the LGBT to arm themselves, the Mayor of Chicago also promised that Chicago would become and abortion sanctuary. The call of violence is spreading and this pass Sunday a molotov cocktail was thrown into the Wisconsin Family Action offices. As the pro-abortion community found out about it, they decided to leave messages, and here is a compilation of some of those messages: https://notthebee.com/article/pro-life-wisconsin “​​(A) radical pro-abortion group named Jane’s Revenge is saying it was responsible and is threatening increasingly violent attacks that extend beyond Wisconsin if its demands are not met, writing, “Wisconsin is the first flashpoint, but we are all over the US, and we will issue no further warnings.” https://www.lifenews.com/2022/05/10/pro-abortion-group-says-it-firebombed-pro-life-office-promises-more-violence-nationwide-our-last-warning/ Plug Did you know that more than 75% of those raised in evangelical, Presbyterian, and Reformed churches don’t pursue any kind of Christian higher education? Surprising isn’t it. Cornerstone Work & Worldview Institute is seeking to provide a new, exciting, and affordable option for Christians. Their mission is to build Kingdom culture in the workplace by equipping their students in a Trinitarian worldview and vocational competencies. Their low-cost full-time program offers integrative course modules, internships, and mentoring so their students can finish debt-free with vocational preparation, a robust faith, and financial potential to build strong godly families and homes rooted in their communities and churches long-term. Visit their website at www.cornerstonework.org to find out more about enrolling. Elon Musk would let President Trump back on Twitter and cited the ban was "foolish to the extreme”. Roll clip: https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/1524085282366177283 Friends, we have tons of military personnel that listen to our shows, and they keep us in the loop about what is going on, on the inside as they fight for their careers against the forced vaccination policies. Well right now there is an important court case in front of a federal district court judge in Omaha, that if the judge would rule in favor of religious exemptions, it would apply to the Air Force nationwide. According to the Omaha World Herald: https://omaha.com/news/state-and-regional/offutt-airmen-ask-judge-to-block-covid-vaccine-mandate-citing-religious-beliefs/article_8e96601c-cd89-11ec-b0a7-1f525a4310d5.html “Three current or former Offutt airmen who have refused the COVID-19 vaccine on religious grounds asked a federal district court judge in Omaha on Monday to stop the Air Force from discharging or otherwise punishing them. Capt. Ian McGee, an RC-135 instructor pilot with the Offutt-based 55th Wing, said he applied for a religious exemption eight months ago but hasn’t received a response from his chain of command. He expects it to be denied, as the Air Force has denied nearly all of the more than 7,800 airmen who have applied for them under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, known as RFRA. McGee said he would give up his nine-year military career rather than be injected with a vaccine tested with cell lines taken many years ago from aborted fetuses. “It goes against my sincerely held religious beliefs as a born-again Christian,” McGee testified. “My resolve is to stay with my relationship with Jesus Christ.” The three airmen are part of a larger group of 36 — including active-duty, National Guard and reserves — who filed suit in U.S. District Court in Nebraska in March seeking to overturn the mandate issued by the Pentagon last August. They argue it is a violation of their First Amendment rights. They are represented by former Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach and a team of lawyers from the America First Policy Institute, a conservative think tank organized last year by several top advisers in the administration of former President Donald Trump. Kris Kobach “blasted the elaborate multi-level review of the applications for religious exemptions, alleging that more than 7,500 have been denied and only 46 granted. And the ones granted were only for airmen who were within six months of retirement.” Be praying for our people in the military. This is stressful on their families, careers, and the mainstream media is giving them no voice. CrossPolitic is glad to do our part! Meanwhile, the Republican Senate is making some chess moves on behalf of our friends fighting in the military. According to the Military Times: https://www.militarytimes.com/news/coronavirus/2022/05/10/bill-would-mandate-honorable-discharge-for-all-troops-who-refuse-covid-vaccine-mandate/ A “proposal — led by Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and backed by 13 other GOP colleagues” Would require Defense officials “to grant honorable dismissals to nearly all troops who refuse the COVID-19 vaccine and grant waivers to troops with “natural immunity” to the virus under new legislation introduced by Republican senators on Tuesday.” It “would also mandate that military leaders “make every effort to retain members of the Armed Forces who are not vaccinated” and broaden religious exemptions for the vaccine mandate.” Cruz said: ““It is absolutely unacceptable that [President Joe Biden’s] administration is trying to coerce our men and women in uniform to violate their conscience and religious beliefs, let alone on an issue as polarizing as the COVID-19 vaccine.” Last month, defense officials told Congress that about 3,400 troops have been involuntarily separated from service for refusing to get the COVID-19 vaccine, mandated last fall for all military members. Of that group, about 70% have received general discharges, a designation that allows them to receive most veterans benefits and potentially rejoin the military at a later date. The other 30% have received honorable discharges. Congress last year forbade military leaders from issuing dishonorable discharges for vaccine refusal.” Lies, Propaganda, Story Telling, and the Serrated Edge: This year our national conference is in Knoxville, TN October 6th-8th. The theme of this year’s conference is Lies, Propaganda, Storytelling and the Serrated Edge. Satan is the father of lies, and the mother of those lies is a government who has rejected God. We have especially been lied to these last two years, and the COVIDpanic has been one of the central mechanisms that our government has used to lie to us and to grab more power. Because Christians have not been reading their bibles, we are susceptible to lies and weak in our ability to fight these lies. God has given us His word to fight Satan and his lies, and we need to recover all of God’s word, its serrated edge and all. Mark your calendars for October 6th-8th, as we fight, laugh and feast with fellowship, beer and Psalms, our amazing lineup of speakers, hanging with our awesome vendors, meeting new friends, and more. Early bird tickets sale now!. Lastly, and I actually like this play here. DeSantis Signs Bill Requiring High Schools to Observe ‘Victims of Communism Day’ https://www.ntd.com/desantis-signs-bill-requiring-high-schools-to-observe-victims-of-communism-day_776951.html According to the NTD: “Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill Monday that requires “Victims of Communism Day” to be observed annually in public high schools across the state. The bill, known as HB 395, requires public schools to tell students about genocides, famines, and persecutions under communist regimes, including the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the Soviet Union. The bill passed the Florida House and Senate unanimously earlier this year. “We want to make sure that every year folks in Florida, but particularly our students, will learn about the evils of communism, the dictators that have led communist regimes, and the hundreds of millions of individuals who suffered and continue to suffer under the weight of this discredited ideology,” DeSantis said Monday morning. The Victims of Communism organization has estimated that communist regimes have caused the deaths of at least 100 million people via political purges, religious persecutions, mass starvation, and other crimes against humanity during the 20th century. Chief among those regimes is the CCP, which is believed to have left around 80 million Chinese people dead.” This is Gabriel Rench with Crosspolitic News. Support Rowdy Christian media by joining our club at fightlaughfeast.com, downloading our App, and head to our annual Fight Laugh Feast Events. If this content is helpful to you, would you please consider becoming a Fight Laugh Feast Club Member? We are trying to build a cancel-proof media platform, and we need your help. Join today and get a discount at the Fight Laugh Feast conference in Knoxville, TN and have a great day. Have a great day. Lord bless

Ok, ok, it's been a full month since the last episode.  But good things come to those who wait!  We are back, and hope you'll tune in as co-hosts Bobby Chesney and Steve Vladeck discuss the latest in national security legal news, including: The questions associated with neutrality and co-belligerency (and especially "qualified neutrality") in relation to US and allied support to Ukraine in the Ukraine-Russia War The Supreme Court's decision to grant a stay in Lloyd Austin v. U.S. Navy SEALS 1-26, in relation to a district court order (based on the Religious Freedom Restoration Act) barring the Navy from enforcing its policy precluding deployment of personnel who refuse COVID vaccination) Another GTMO detainee (Hassan bin Attash of Yemen) cleared for release A guilty verdict against an Islamic State member (a formerly-British citizen who was part of the quartet known as "the Beatles") charged with involvement in the horrific abuse of captives And, yes, lots and lots of crowing over the early-season success of the Mets, along with other frivolity!

Eric Baxter, Senior Counsel for the Becket Fund The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty