SC State Legislature passes six week abortion ban
The South Carolina State Congress has passed a new law restricting abortions to six weeks. State law previously restricted abortions from 22 weeks to an almost total ban in the state.
The previous law was overturned by the state’s supreme court. This new law will again ban abortion in the state to six weeks after conception. It would allow up to 12 weeks in cases of rape, incest, and medical emergencies. Governor Henry McMaster has signed the bill into law as promised; it is expected to be challenged again in the court system. South Carolina is just one of several states that have restricted abortions since Roe v. Wade was overturned by the US Supreme Court. North Carolina also recently approved a restriction on abortions in the state to 12 weeks.
NC Governor declares S.O.E. over new school choice bill up for vote
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has declared a state of emergency. The controversial move according to critics, was taken to prevent a new North Carolina school choice bill from being passed. Cooper said of his decision, “It’s time to declare a state of emergency for public education in North Carolina. There’s no executive order like with a hurricane or the pandemic, but no less important.” Critics say the governor is a hypocrite attempting to restrict school choice for middle- and lower-income families. One critic pointed out Governor Cooper is trying to ban better school options for others while his daughter attends private school. The bill which is currently before North Carolina’s State Legislature, would allow more promotion of school choice, expands the program financially to 400 million, and would be open to families of all incomes. Cooper claims the bill will seriously cut funding to public schools. Supporters claim parents deserve to give their children the best opportunities whether it’s in the public or private school system.
Retail Giant goes “woke” receives backlash from conservatives
Retail company Target is at the center of another controversy. The company which has expressed pro-LGBT leanings for several years has sparked boycotts from conservatives. The company has now launched pro-LGBT clothing for children and infants called PRIDE kids and baby clothing. Critics expressed their outrage over the line calling it a clear attempt at grooming children. Phrases on the clothing include, “Be Kind, Always Proud, It Takes all Kinds, Just be you and feel the love.” One of the groups protesting the line is an organization called Gays against Grooming. The organization says the children’s clothing line at Target is a form of indoctrination and grooming by using the LGBT ideology. This group along with conservatives are calling for a boycott against Target. The controversial line also includes swimwear and clothing for women that can be worn by men, with featured adjustments for trans and gender fluid customers. Following the controversy Target has now removed the line from the front of its stores. According to reports they have ordered stores to move the Pride clothing items further back from the more prominent display areas in stores. The CEO of Target claims the items were removed from a more prominent display due to threats by conservatives. Critics say the campaign is a part of pleasing the liberal left. Critics are also encouraging a nationwide economic boycott of Target by conservatives. According to business analysts Target has lost a value of 9 billion dollars in just a week from protests so far.
SNBC Health Report: The importance of health and faith
A recent poll and study confirmed the importance of faith to Christians in America. 99 percent of those surveyed agreed that their faith, prayer and studying scriptures benefits their mental health. The survey study was released this year by Grey Matter Research and Infinity Concepts. Researchers found most Evangelical Christians surveyed, strongly believe in the connection of mental and physical health. A 2020 study released by Stanford University compared prayer to “ a form of cognitive behavioral therapy”. The study also noted people who practice religion want to make positive changes. A new similar study was released this year from the US Surgeon General’s office. The study finds a rise in mental health issues mainly in the areas of loneliness and isolation starting in 2020. The same survey found 47 percent of Americans do not belong to a church or religious institution. Experts in the secular and Christian fields commented on the correlation between the absence of faith and a rise in mental health issues here in the US.