On Friday the Texas Supreme Court discarded a lower court’s ruling that spouses of gay and lesbian public employees are entitled to government-subsidized marriage benefits. The court argued that, although Obergefell v. Hodges requires states to license and recognize same-sex marriages, it does not mandate that states “provide the same publicly funded benefits to all married persons.”
First TV Channel for Women Launches in Afghanistan
The TV station, which focuses on women’s voices and women’s issues, has an all-female staff of presenters and producers.
One Year After Whole Woman’s Health Ruling Little Has Changed
The ruling was welcomed by women and clinics across the country, as dozens of other states had passed hundreds of targeted restrictions on abortion providers since 2010, but the devastating impact of the laws had already been felt by many.
Healthcare Activists Rally as Senate GOP Delays Vote
McConnell’s June 27th announcement to delay the vote came just as healthcare advocates kicked off their three day long People’s Filibuster in an effort to put pressure on the Senators who were considering voting for a bill that would cut $772 billion from Medicaid and $408 billion from insurance subsidies in order to give a tax break to the top 1 percent of American earners and major corporations.
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Supreme Court to Hear Case Regarding Constitutionality of Partisan Gerrymandering
The term “gerrymandering” refers to the redrawing of legislative districts in order to achieve a balance of voters that will elect a specific kind of candidate.
After 45 Years of Title IX, Advocates Hold Briefing on Law’s Successes and Failures
Last week, Title IX – the 1972 legal provision which prevents sex and gender-based discrimination in education – turned 45 years old. In honor of the anniversary, feminist groups briefed Congress on the victories Title IX has won, as well as the ways in which the law continues to fall short.
Feminist Majority Foundation Holds Congressional Briefing on Progress for Afghan Women and Girls
Featured presenters included Dr. Sima Samar, former Afghan Minister of Women’s Affairs and current Chairperson of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission; Gaisu Yari, former advisor to the Afghan Ministry of Women’s Affairs and a masters’ student in International Relations at Colombia University; and Belquis Ahmadi, Senior Program Officer at the United States Institute of Peace.
Black Mamas Matter Alliance Briefs on Black Maternal Health
Despite the fact that global maternal mortality rates have fallen by over a third since 2000, death rates for pregnant women in the United States are on the rise.
Officials Charged with Manslaughter over Flint Water Crisis
Nick Lyon, the head of the Michigan state health department, and four other high-ranking Michigan officials were charged by the Michigan attorney-general with involuntary manslaughter on Wednesday for their failure to maintain a safe water supply in Flint, Michigan.
Senate Republicans Crafting Healthcare Bill in Secret
Republican leaders continue to keep the bill writing process for the Senate’s version of the American Health Care Act, also known as Trumpcare, behind closed doors. It is unclear when the bill will be released to the public.
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Congressional Shooting was 154th Mass Shooting in 2017
Like most perpetrators of mass shootings, Hodgkinson had a history of domestic abuse and battery.
Anti-Abortion Measures to Move Through Missouri Senate
In response, the Committee on Seniors, Families and Children produced a new package bill with three proposals, including provisions mandating unannounced inspections of clinics and further regulations on how to handle fetal tissue post-procedure.
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Supreme Court Strikes Down Sexist Citizenship Law
The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) of 1952 required unwed American fathers to spend at least five years living in the United States in order for their children born abroad to receive citizenship, while unwed American mothers were only required to live in the United States for one year.
Russian Opposition Leader Arrested Amid Anti-Putin Protests
Navalny was sentenced to 30 days in jail for organizing Monday’s unauthorized protests, which drew thousands to the streets. He intends to run for president of Russia in the coming year on a democratic, anti-corruption platform.
Pharmacists in New Mexico Can Now Write Birth Control Prescriptions
Pharmacists can now complete a training program and approval process developed by New Mexico physicians, nurses, and pharmacists in order to prescribe these contraceptives. As a result of this policy, women no longer need an appointment with a physician to receive a prescription. They only have to visit a pharmacy, talk to the trained pharmacist, and can receive such a prescription immediately.
Delaware Moves to Ensure Abortion Remains Legal in State
Last week Delaware became the first state since Donald Trump was elected President to sign into law a bill ensuring abortion remains should Roe v. Wade be overturned.
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New York Passes Landmark Child Marriage Ban
The New York State Legislature passed a bill last week prohibiting the marriage of minors under 17 and requiring those aged 17 to 18 to obtain court and parental approval of marriage.
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Feminists Ignite Fight for Maine Equal Rights Amendment
The Maine ERA was passed by majority support in both chambers, but failed to gain the necessary two-thirds vote in both houses necessary for the measure to be placed on the Maine Election ballot for final passage.
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Civil Rights Coalition Demands Trump Administration Protect Civil Rights
Deeply troubled by the drastic cuts within Trump’s proposed budget, the coalition called upon the administration to, “reverse course, before more individuals and communities are harmed,” with a five point list of actions ensuring the protection of civil rights: enforce the law, preserve existing policies, nominate and appoint qualified individuals, prioritize data collection, and condemn bigotry and violence.
Birth Control Still Not Universally Accessible 52 Years After Griswold Decision
In 1965, the Supreme Court struck down a Connecticut law that made the use of contraceptives and the provision of information about family planning illegal. The case was the first ever to identify a right to privacy in the Constitution.