Satanic temple sues for right to abortions in Texas
Satanic temple has filed a disturbing lawsuit in Texas. The Satanic Temple of Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston filed a lawsuit against the state of Texas recently. The organization claims that the state’s abortion laws violate their religious beliefs and practices. According to the temple’s co-founder and spokesperson Lucien Greaves, the laws in that state are a violation to followers’ beliefs. Greaves claims women who are apart of the satanic temple have abortions and then chant affirmations claiming power over their bodies. The lawsuit claims some abortion clinics in Texas are far away and violate followers rights to have an abortion in a timely manner. The satanic temple spokesperson says he is challenging the Texas state attorney general Ken Paxton to defend his beliefs the same as Paxton would defend the belief of Christians in the state. The Texas state attorney general Ken Paxton has not commented on the case.
Mississippi governor signs competition law to protect female competitors
The state of Mississippi’s governor has signed a law in favor of biological women in state sport competitions. Governor Tate Reeves signed the bill into law this week. The law will allow only biological women to participate in high school and collegiate sports in the state of Mississippi. The bill was passed in response to President Biden’s executive order opening women’s sports up to transgender athletes. These biological men who identify as women have a natural advantage according to medical doctors and scientists. Supporters say competing against biological women and access to locker rooms and other facilities designated for women would be dangerous and unfair. Allowing transgender athletes competing against biological women has also been protested by female professional athletes who voiced the same opinion as medical professionals. Several other states are expected to follow Mississippi. Tennessee, and South Dakota are expected pass similar laws soon. Critics call the bill anti-transgender and prejudice. In protest of these state laws 500 student athletes sent a letter to the NCAA asking the organization not to hold championships in states that pass bans on transgender athletes in sports.
Malaysian court rules in favor of Christians use of the word Allah
The Malaysian supreme court has announced a decision in a case that has spanned over ten years. The court in that nation has ruled that the word Allah can be used in Christian publications, songs, and the Bible. The ruling will end a 35 year ban on the use of the word by Christians. Most citizens in that nation speak more than one language, but in the Malay language Allah is the only word for God. The case started in 2008 after a woman’s Christian materials were confiscated for having the name Allah in them. Christians in the nation previously were victims of attacks by Muslim Extremists who wanted Allah designated exclusively for the Islamic religion. The decision was celebrated by advocates who say the court’s ruling is a reflection of rights for all citizens in Malaysia. Malaysia’s population is 10 percent Christian.
SNBC HEALTH REPORT: face masks and their effect on children
Doctors and researchers are releasing the effects of wearing a face masks on young children. Researchers in Germany launched an online survey encouraging parents to report the effects of lockdowns and mask wearing on their children. Parents reported a range of issues to researchers. Parents reported issues such as irritability, breathing issues, anxiety over attending school, loss of concentration, and fatigue. The numbers for each of these conditions was over 20 percent ; in some cases as high as 60 percent of children experienced issues. The CDC also reported a rise in psychological issues in children. The rise was in direct correlation with their parents who were experiencing stress and psychological issues in 2020.
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychology reported a rise in parents choosing to medicate children last year as a way for the them to cope with stress. These issues have affected education in the U.S. Teachers have reported a drop in children attending online classes or comprehending the curriculum compared to in person learning. Researchers point to the nation of Sweden for a better response to the coronavirus. That nation did not order lockdowns, mask mandates, or schools to be closed. The Swedish government instead asked citizens to use common sense, social distance where needed and encouraged citizens with health issues to stay home.