Former students lose case against state
Four former high school students have lost their appeal against the state of Connecticut. The former female athletes sued after they say they were forced to run in track events against biological males. The male athletes identified as transgender and were allowed to race against females in the state of Connecticut. State officials claimed the two transgender students were protected under state and federal laws to participate in those races. During the athletes’ time racing against biological females, they broke 17 state records and won 15 state titles in the women’s categories. One female student that raced against the two athletes came in third repeatedly; that student, Chelsea Miller, wrote in an article for USA TODAY how the experience negatively affected her mentally and emotionally. The female students were represented by Alliance Defending Freedom. Senior Counsel Christiana Kiefer released a statement saying in part, “Every Woman deserves the respect and dignity that comes with having an equal opportunity to excel and win in athletics, and ADF remains committed to protecting the future of women’s sports.” 18 states in the US have passed laws banning any athlete that is not a biological female from participating in women’s sports.
Actor threatens lawsuit over library ban
Actor Kirk Cameron says he will “assert his constitutional rights” following what he calls discrimination. Cameron, who is a Christian and outspoken about his faith, was denied the opportunity to host story hour events at public libraries across the US. The story hour events were to promote an upcoming book entitled ‘As We Grow’. Cameron says most of the library officials that rejected the tour claimed they and Cameron’s beliefs did not align, or that they were not interested. The book is according to Cameron is about Biblical wisdom, and teaching children about how to grow according to the fruit of the spirit mentioned in Galatians 5. Cameron says he is prepared to take the case to court. The libraries that rejected the event are the same ones that allowed Drag Queen Story hours. These events feature men dressed in women’s clothing reading to young children. One library rejected Cameron’s request by commenting that they were a “queer friendly library”. Cameron and Brave Books Publishing have sent letters to some of the libraries along with a free copy of the book for patrons that desire to read it. Kirk Cameron’s sister Candace Cameron Bure recently was criticized by secular media and several celebrities for leaving Hallmark Channel due to the network’s recent addition of same-sex characters and storylines. Cameron-Bure cited her faith and desire to work for a company that promotes traditional marriage as her reasons for parting ways with Hallmark.
UK Supreme Court rules against silent protests
The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom has ruled against demonstrators who protest in front of abortion clinics. The court ruled that the Northern Ireland government can ban or censor protests in front of abortion clinics, even if they are silent prayer demonstrations. Protestors are now limited to a 328-foot distance and cannot offer help to potential patients, which includes distribution of materials. Those who violate the law could be arrested and fined a three thousand dollar fine for trespassing. The UK division of Alliance Defending Freedom released a statement saying peaceful protest activities should not be criminalized. The British government is working on a similar law. Violators of that law could face up to two years in prison. The Scottish government is also expected to pass a similar law in that region.
SNBC HEALTH Report: A new study finds Aspartame may have more than just long-term physical effects on the human body
Researchers are advising consumers about possible issues associated with artificial sweeteners in particular aspartame. This artificial sweetener has been marketed as an alternative to white sugar to promote a healthier lifestyle. Researchers at Florida State University’s college of medicine noted the breakdown of aspartame in the human body results in “potent” effects. The research team studied mice feeding the animals the same amount of aspartame found in six to eight cans of diet soda daily. The study found the mice developed anxiety-like behaviors related to their dependency on the sweetener. Researchers commented in the report that this chemical dependency was unexpected at the rate it developed. They also noted that treating the mice with an anxiety medication was the only thing that helped the addictive nature of the animals’ response. In addition to this observation, researchers noted aspartame altered the part of the animals’ brains that regulate fear and anxiety response. This disruption was reported in subject’s offspring for at least two generations. Researchers believe headaches, seizures, migraines, weight issues, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes are linked to the consumption of artificial sweeteners. They advise eliminating these sweeteners from your health regimen.