Family sues after daughter banned from wearing mask
A family in Mississippi is suing their child’s school due to religious discrimination. According to the parents Matthew and Jennifer Booth their daughter Lydia was required to wear a mask to attend school. The child wore a face mask with the phrase, “Jesus Loves Me”. School officials later told the child the mask would have to be replaced. The Simpson County School district claims the mask was a violation according to the school’s handbook. the school district prohibits messages on masks and clothing that are political, religious, inappropriate, offensive or disruptive to the school environment. The family is being represented by attorneys with Alliance Defending Freedom. According to attorneys the child has the right to express herself without being disruptive. Attorney Michael Ross pointed out that the school allows masks and clothing with sports logos and the Black Lives Matter logo, so Lydia expressing her faith should be allowed. Attorneys filed the lawsuit on November 3rd; the school district has not commented on the case.
Supreme Court Justice expresses concern for religious freedom
Justice Samuel Alito says he is concerned about religious liberty in the U.S. The Supreme Court Justice voiced his opinion during a rare public address to the Federalist society. The Justice who is a conservative made the comments to the group during an event. Justice Alito says the coronavirus shutdowns and the 2015 court decision on same-sex marriage are the main reasons behind his concern. Alito says states shutting down churches is what he considers an infringement on religious liberty. The justice added that those who are opposed to churches should understand they are taking a hard line approach which was the same approach used in Nazi Germany and Japan in 1945. The justice continued saying “the question we face is whether our society will be inclusive enough to tolerate people with unpopular beliefs.” Supporters of the comments say he echoes the same views as President Trump who in 2017 said he would work to prevent the federal government from bullying and punishing Americans for following their religious beliefs. The president also called churches essential during the covid-19 shutdowns. Critics were quick to speak out against Justice Alito. Senator Elizabeth Warren called Alito’s comments “nakedly partisan”. The online magazine out claimed the Justice was trying to end marriage equality. The comments from the justice were published this week at the same time more state governments including North Carolina are again tightening restrictions or ordering more shutdowns citing covid-19 spikes. Justice Alito has not commented on the criticism.
Malawi announces embassy move in Israel
A third nation has announced plans to move their embassy to Jerusalem. The nation of Malawi is the first nation on the continent of Africa to announce plans to move their embassy to Jerusalem. The majority Christian nation announced their embassy will be moved by June of next year. The nation’s president, a former pastor was congratulated by leaders including Rev. Franklin Graham who praised the decision and asked followers online to pray for Malawi’s president. Malawi’s ambassador to Israel called the decision a bold and significant step. Malawi will join the U.S. and Guatemala who have already moved their embassies to Jerusalem. Eight other nations have also pledged to move their embassies to Israel’s capital.
In our SNBC HEALTH report : oil pulling and oral health
The technique of oil pulling is a method that has seen growing interest here in the U.S. The method of rinsing out the mouth by using oil has been practiced in countries such as India since ancient times according to dentists. This method is a form of mouthwash that literally helps pull bacteria, plaque, and debris from the teeth and gums. The method is considered safer by some dental experts who report oil pulling has little to no side effects, is completely natural, and is just as effective as regular mouthwash. Researchers in Egypt discovered oil pulling helped protect children more from cavities compared to the use of regular mouthwash. The difference in the children’s oral health was found after the study group used the method for just two weeks, three times a day for one minute. Oil pulling in addition to oral health is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and helps with protection from diabetes. The down side of this technique is the time for some people. One dentist Dr. Gerry Curatola recommended the process of oil pulling should last at least 20 minutes each time its done and must pass throughly through the teeth and gums to be effective. The doctor says to use 1 tablespoon of coconut oil for adults and 1 teaspoon for children. He does acknowledge the length of time compared to regular mouthwash, but says that consumers interested in using this method should work their way up to the recommended 20 minutes. (reminder researchers in Egypt did see a difference in children’s oral health with one minute of oil pulling).
ELECTION UPDATE
SNBC NEWS would like to give an update concerning the election. Just a reminder the election is not officially decided until the electoral college certifies the votes from each state on December 14th. The president has won a court case in Pennsylvania. According to CBN News, a lawsuit against the controversial mail in ballot extension was decided in the President’s favor. The state government in Pennsylvania allowed voters who mailed in ballots postmarked November 3rd to be included in the voter count. Those late votes had to arrive by November 9th to be counted. The Secretary of State in Pennsylvania then pushed the date back by three days allowing ballots to be postmarked until November 6th. A justice in the state says the Secretary of State did not have the authority to extend the deadline. There is no update yet on whether those late votes will counted.