Controversial respect for Marriage Act passes in US
The respect for Marriage act has passed the Senate and has just passed the US House. The new law will protect same-sex marriage and require states across the US to recognize same-sex marriage regardless of state law. Supporters of this law claim this legislation will also protect interracial marriages and is a victory for equality. The bill passed the senate 62-35; the new law according to officials will not force same-sex ceremonies to be held at churches or for ministers to perform these ceremonies. Critics believe this kind of law will be used for persecution against religious organizations that refuse to host events or provide services for same-sex couples due to religious beliefs. James Lankford a representative from Oklahoma says this bill now law, is an attempt to silence anyone who does not agree with the government because of their faith. The creation of the bill may have been spawned due to the overturn to Roe vs. Wade by the US Supreme Court. Members of the Democratic party claimed other rights maybe at stake and laws needed to be passed to protect same-sex and interracial marriage. The law is expected to be signed according to representatives from the Biden Administration.
G20 leaders propose vaccine passports for citizens of participating countries
Leaders at a large economic summit recently voted on a controversial measure. Members of the G20 meeting held in Indonesia in November voted on several resolutions. These nations including the US have agreed to use these measures in their nations. Among the policies the nations agreed to adopt a new vaccine passport. The new resolution will allow each nation’s citizens to travel with a digital passport verifying they have had certain vaccines including the COVID 19 shot. Supporters of the policy claim the digital passport is a way to help boost tourism and help the world’s economy. Critics called the decision an overreach of government and a violation of individual human rights. The passport would be approved according to standards set by the World Health Organization. The passport could also be used to track a person’s interactions and where abouts when traveling. The G20 summit is made up of the world’s most populated nations. These resolutions are not binding but are considered a kind of treaty among nations that attend. Critics here in the US called the resolution a violation of the US Constitution, HIPPA laws, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Vermont will provide funding for private religious schools
The state of Vermont has agreed to provide funding for religious schools. State officials recently agreed to provide funding for students attending faith-based schools statewide. Officials had previously allowed funding for students in the state to attend private schools if no public schools were available in rural areas of the state. The state banned funding for religious private schools. Alliance Defending Freedom filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of parents, students, and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Vermont. A court recently ruled in favor of the ADF’s clients. The ruling will end a 20-year ban on funding for students attending religious schools in that state. ADF Legal counsel Paul Schmitt called the previous ban unlawful and thanked the local school districts for agreeing to provide the funding. Parents sued for the right to receive funding in the state of Maine concerning a similar rule. That case was appealed to the US Supreme Court which ruled in favor of students receiving the state funding calling the ban discrimination.
SNBC HEALTH Report: the importance of the healthy gut. This time of year has been traditionally dubbed cold and flu season by healthcare professionals. This term is not something we as believers should accept. Our protection starts with two things: the Word of God and a good health regimen. Concerning the natural body Dr. Robynne Chutkan says a strong immune system can be developed with high levels of good bacteria in the intestines. Good bacteria according to the doctor is vital to maintain a healthy immune system. Dr. Chutkan says living organisms found in certain foods help provide the body with good bacteria to fight against respiratory health issues. In addition to these foods fiber rich foods are also helpful to the process of promoting healthy bacteria in the body. Foods such as yogurt, kimchi, kombucha, buttermilk, and pickles are examples of probiotic foods that contain good bacteria. You can also take probiotic supplements but acquiring nutrients through food is usually recommended as a primary source of nutrition.