Equality Act passes in the US House of Representatives
The Equality Act has been passed by the House and is now up for debate in the US Senate. The controversial bill was introduced in 2019 by Representative David Cicilline. The bill would ban discrimination against people based on sexual orientation and gender identity. President Biden had previously promised the bill was one of his top legislative priorities during his campaign. Biden praised the vote saying that he commended the congressman who introduced the law. Biden went on to say in a statement that LGBTQ+ citizens deserve civil rights protections from the federal government which are, “long overdue”. If passed this would be added as an amendment to the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Long term the bill would affect the church by possibly forcing employees who do not share the same beliefs or identify as LGBT to be accepted if they apply for jobs. The bill would force allowing those who identify with the opposite gender access to public locker rooms and restrooms. Medical professionals would also be forced to treat a child who wanted to change their gender without parental consent no matter how young. The bill would also make it illegal to refuse service, lending systems, housing, education and protection from being fired based on their lifestyle. Only 5.6 million people identify as apart of the LGBTQ community out of 382.2 million people in the US population. A group of Rabbis in the US also released a statement saying the passing of this law could potentially pose an infringement on the rights of Jewish Americans who actively practice their faith.
Pastor arrested for holding in person services
A pastor in Alberta Canada has been arrested for violating pandemic restrictions. Pastor James Coates of Grace Life Church was arrested for holding in person services. The service according to local officials was in violation of Covid-19 restrictions. According to the pastor’s attorney the church was issued an order by the city health services inspector in December. The city officials ordered the church to obey the following rules: anyone on their campus must were a mask, social distance and occupancy stay at 15 percent or less. The health department then filed a complaint in court last month to force the church to obey the order. The pastor was arrested after a church service was attended by 400 members. Pastor Coates was arrested on February 14th according to reports. Officials say they offered Pastor Coates to be released if he agrees to stop holding church services in person. He has refused citing his call as a minister and is currently still in jail according to his attorney. Church representatives called the Alberta government restrictions “dystopian” and said they obey God first, not the government. The statement further pushed for citizens in Canada to have their civil liberties restored to them.
Christian World News: Pakistan, India, China
In Christian World News: two men were arrested in Pakistan for blasphemy recently. The two men in their 20s were accused by a group of Muslims after they were seen reading the Bible and discussing it between each other in a public park. According to the report the Muslims demanded the two men leave the park claiming they were in violation of the law to which they refused. After the group asked for some Christian material from the two men they later returned to the park accusing the one man remaining at the scene of blasphemy. The second man was arrested at his home. Both are currently in jail awaiting trial. Christian advocacy groups say blasphemy laws are regularly abused in Pakistan by those seeking revenge or for religious persecution against Christians…
In India a couple was forced out of their home and village for their Christian faith. The couple recently converted to Christianity last year and say they have been bullied and harassed by other villagers. The chief of the village demanded the couple abandon their faith, which they refused. Jaga Padiami says he told the chief he and his wife will not leave Jesus no matter what. The couple were forced to leave the village just a week later. The incident was reported to the local police, but so far no charges have been filed…
Violations against Christians continue in the nation of China. Government officials are now using Covid-19 as an excuse to raid the churches and homes of Christians. Government officials now claim worship services, prayer events, religious funeral services, and even religious meetings in homes among family members are in violation of social restrictions. A Christian in that nation confirmed the persecution reporting last year police forced their way into her home claiming she was holding an illegal meeting. According to Christian watchdog groups in the nation, the Chinese government wants all citizens to pledge loyalty to only them and no other source including religious beliefs.
SNBC HEALTH : the health benefits of eating black pepper
This spice is one of the most commonly used seasonings in the US second only to salt. The easy access to black pepper may cause consumers to overlook how beneficial it is to the human body. Pepper in particular black pepper is called the King of Spices. It is the leading variety of pepper sold making up 70 percent of sales in the spice market. Black pepper has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It according to scientist helps aid in the prevention of illness such as liver disease and atherosclerosis. It benefits in cardiovascular health assisting in the reduction of inflammation in the body. Black pepper promotes brain health and fights against issues that may lead to diabetes. It fights against cancer, assists in the absorption of other nutrients, and has several other benefits according to researchers. Researchers advise purchasing black pepper in its natural state as peppercorn and using a pepper mill or grinder to receive the full nutrients from the spice.