INDIANA-RELIGIOUS OBJECTIONS
Indiana Gov. Pence signs religious objections bill
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana Gov. Mike Pence has signed into law a measure prohibiting state and local laws that “substantially burden” the ability of people to follow their religious beliefs.
Supporters say the law seeks to prevent the government from forcing people and businesses to provide such things as catering or photography for same-sex weddings or other activities they find objectionable on religious grounds. But opponents say it could legalize discrimination against gay people.
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) says it will reconsider plans to hold its 2017 convention in Indianapolis because of the legislation. The denomination’s vice president, the Rev. Todd Adams, says the law allows “bigotry and hatred wrapped in the cloth of religious freedom.”
NCAA President Mark Emmert expressed concern about possible discrimination against athletes and others attending next week’s Final Four basketball tournament.
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267-a-10-(Mike Fichter (FIK’-tur), president of Indiana Right to Life, in AP interview)-“deeply-held religious beliefs”-Mike Fichter, president of Indiana Right to Life, says Indiana’s new law protects religious rights. (26 Mar 2015)
< 245-a-05-(The Reverend Todd Adams, vice president of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), in AP interview)-“be treated equally”-The Reverend Todd Adams, vice president of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), says the denomination is reconsidering plans to hold its 2017 convention in Indianapolis. ((cut used in wrap)) (26 Mar 2015) < 246-a-06-(The Reverend Todd Adams, vice president of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), in AP interview)-“bigotry and hatred (second reference)”-The Reverend Todd Adams, vice president of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), says the law legalizes discrimination. (26 Mar 2015) < 244-w-34-(Steve Coleman, AP religion editor, with the Reverend Todd Adams, vice president of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ))–Indiana Governor Mike Pence has signed into law a measure prohibiting state and local laws that “substantially burden” the ability of people to follow their religious beliefs. AP Religion Editor Steve Coleman reports. (26 Mar 2015) < ARKANSAS-ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAWS Arkansas governor says he’d sign religious protection bill LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson says he would sign into law a religious protection measure that opponents have said amounts to a license to discriminate against gays and lesbians in the state. The Republican governor said he supports the latest version of a bill prohibiting state and local government from infringing upon someone’s religious beliefs without a “compelling government interest.” The Senate is expected to take up the legislation Friday. If Hutchinson signs the measure into law, it’ll make Arkansas the second state to enact such a change this year; earlier Thursday, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signed a similar religious protection bill into law. Similar proposals have been introduced in about a dozen states. The legislation is patterned after the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993, and 19 other states have similar laws on the books. AUTOPSIES-RELIGIOUS OBJECTIONS Story of heartbreak powers push to avert autopsies ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — American Indian families are urging lawmakers in Minnesota to allow religious exemptions to autopsies. A House panel unanimously passed a bill Thursday allowing families to object to autopsies on loved ones due to religious concerns. It provides an avenue for autopsies to proceed in several cases, like murder or concerns of infectious disease. A similar bill is proceeding in the state Senate. Winnie LaPrairie says it took court orders and several days of protesting earlier this year to save her husband’s body from an autopsy that would have violated their cultural beliefs. She calls the ordeal heartbreaking. At least eight other states allow religious objections to autopsies. Gov. Mark Dayton says the Legislature should pass a bill recognizing Minnesota residents’ religious beliefs. ATLANTA FIRE CHIEF TERMINATION-LAWSUIT Reed seeks to have former fire chief’s lawsuit dismissed ATLANTA (AP) — The city of Atlanta and Mayor Kasim Reed are asking a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the city’s former fire chief who was fired after self-publishing a book that described homosexuality as a perversion. Kelvin Cochran’s lawsuit said he was fired because he expressed his religious beliefs in the book, which he said he didn’t write in his capacity as fire chief. The lawsuit seeks lost wages, money for emotional distress and for costs associated with finding a new job. Reed has previously said Cochran was fired in January because he gave the book to subordinates at work who hadn’t asked for it. In a court filing Wednesday, an attorney for the city argues Cochran fails to state a valid claim and asks the judge to dismiss the suit. POLICE BEATING-VIDEO Leaders urge patience in Detroit-area police beating probe INKSTER, Mich. (AP) — City, police and religious leaders are urging patience in a Detroit-area community during an investigation into the arrest of a black man who was pulled from his car, repeatedly punched in the head and subdued with a stun gun. The leaders called for calm Thursday in suburban Inkster, where 57-year-old Floyd Dent was arrested in January. Dent says he was innocent and protecting himself, while police counter he refused to pull over, resisted arrest and threatened them. Video of Dent’s bloody arrest first aired on WDIV-TV. More than 50 people protested outside the Inkster police department Wednesday and demanded officers be fired. Police Chief Vicki Yost says she’s confident residents will let the investigation conclude. One officer has been pulled off the street, but she declined to discuss others involved. OBAMA-POPE FRANCIS Obamas to host Pope Francis at White House Sept. 23 WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House says President Barack Obama will host Pope Francis in Washington when the pontiff visits the United States this fall. White House spokesman Josh Earnest says Obama and first lady Michelle Obama will welcome the pontiff as a guest at the White House on Sept. 23. It will be Francis’ first papal visit to the United States. Francis is already scheduled to address the annual United Nations General Assembly of world leaders on Sept. 25. The pope has also agreed to address a joint meeting of Congress on Sept. 24, the first time the head of the world’s Roman Catholics will address Congress. Obama met Francis in the Vatican in March of last year. Earnest said discussions will range from poverty and economic opportunity to immigration and the environment. Francis will also attend the church’s World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia. Sound: 266-v-27-(Steve Coleman, AP religion editor)–The White House says President Barack Obama will host Pope Francis in Washington when the pontiff visits the U.S. this fall. AP Religion Editor Steve Coleman reports. (26 Mar 2015) < VATICAN-HOMELESS Pope welcomes homeless to Sistine Chapel in surprise visit VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis has made a surprise appearance in the Sistine Chapel to welcome a group of 150 homeless people who got a private guided tour, followed by dinner, as part of the pope’s ramped-up charity efforts. Francis told the visitors: “This is everyone’s house. It’s your house. The doors are always open for everyone.” The Vatican announced earlier this week that the Sistine Chapel would close early to the general public on Thursday to allow the private tour for the homeless. Francis’ presence wasn’t announced, and he asked that no images of the visit be released by the Vatican. After blessing the crowd — and asking for their prayers in return — Francis met with each visitor, the Vatican said in a statement. PANAMA-VATICAN SUMMIT Vatican sending diplomat to Obama summit with Latin America PANAMA CITY (AP) — Pope Francis is sending a top emissary to a gathering between U.S. President Barack Obama and leaders of Latin America. Panama on Thursday confirmed that Cardinal Pietro Parolin will attend next month’s Summit of the Americas. But Panamanian Vice President Isabel De Saint Malo dismissed speculation that the Vatican secretary of state would attempt to smooth over tensions between Venezuela and the U.S. that threaten to dominate the meeting. She said the invitation reflects the region’s enthusiasm for the first-ever Latin American pope. Parolin served as the Holy See’s ambassador to Venezuela until 2013 and last year helped broker negotiations between President Nicolas Maduro’s government and the opposition. The Vatican also played a role in secret talks between the U.S. and Cuba to re-establish diplomatic ties. VATICAN-CHILE-BISHOP Pope’s sex abuse commission alarmed by bishop appointment VATICAN CITY (AP) — Several members of Pope Francis’ sex abuse advisory board are expressing concern and incredulity over his decision to appoint a Chilean bishop to a diocese despite allegations that he covered up for Chile’s most notorious pedophile. In interviews and emails with The Associated Press, the advisory board members have questioned Francis’ pledge to hold bishops accountable and keep children safe, given the record of Bishop Juan Barros in the case of the Rev. Fernando Karadima. The five members spoke to the AP in their personal and professional capacity and stressed that they were not speaking on behalf of the commission, which Francis formed in late 2013 and named Boston Cardinal Sean O’Malley to head. CAMEROON-EXTREMISM In shadow of Boko Haram, Cameroon combats extremism at home YAOUNDE, Cameroon (AP) — With radical Islamic insurgents on its doorstep, Cameroon is trying to head off unrest at home by quelling any signs of the extremism that has roiled neighboring Nigeria. In recent months, Cameroon has arrested dozens of imams and their followers accused of promoting radical ideology and collaborating with Nigeria’s Boko Haram militants. But the country is also mobilizing soft power. The government sponsored a conference this week where Islamic and Christian leaders discussed promoting religious tolerance. Earlier this month, Cameroon announced $8 million in grants for young people who start businesses in the north, the country’s poorest region and the one where most Muslims live. Boko Haram insurgents have been fighting the Nigerian government for six years in the hopes of creating an Islamic state. With their own security threatened, Cameroon, Chad and Niger are now attacking the militants inside Nigeria.
