The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is considering classifying circumcision as a potential form of child abuse in new guidance for prosecutors. This follows concerns from judges and coroners regarding deaths and serious harms resulting from the procedure. The draft document has sparked alarm among religious groups, particularly Jewish and Muslim leaders, who defend the cultural importance of circumcision. Despite the lack of a specific criminal offense for male circumcision, the guidance highlights that the practice, if performed incorrectly, could be a form of child abuse or an offense against the person.
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Judge Dianne Hensley of Waco, Texas, is challenging the constitutionality of marriage equality in a federal lawsuit, claiming the Supreme Court’s decision “subordinated” state law. Hensley, who has refused to perform same-sex marriages citing religious beliefs, argues this position should be protected despite violating state judicial ethics rules. This legal battle follows years of proceedings, including a warning from the Texas Commission on Judicial Conduct and support from the Texas Attorney General. Hensley’s current lawsuit seeks to prevent the commission from investigating or disciplining her for her discriminatory practices, claiming her rights as a Christian are being violated.
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Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), the conservative legal group, has significantly increased its global spending on campaigns, aiming to export its values beyond the US. ADF International’s annual report indicated successes in European courts, with the group focusing on cases involving religious freedom and perceived persecution. The group is replicating its US strategy by supporting individual cases involving Christians and elevating them to higher courts. Critics like True North Research express concern, suggesting ADF uses religious freedom to undermine equal rights, as demonstrated by the group’s involvement in cases across multiple countries, including Finland and the UK.
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Nicaragua has implemented a ban on international visitors bringing Bibles, newspapers, and cameras into the country. This policy, confirmed by a regional bus company, is part of a broader trend of increasing authoritarianism and repression by the Nicaraguan government, which has led to the country’s rise on the Open Doors persecution watchlist. The ban, in place for at least six months, coincides with the government’s crackdown on civil society, including shutting down over 1,300 faith-based organizations since 2018 protests. Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) has condemned the ban, urging the Nicaraguan government to lift it and calling on the international community to support independent voices.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced significant changes to the military’s chaplain corps, citing concerns over a shift towards “new age” concepts and away from traditional faith. He criticized the current spiritual fitness guide for prioritizing secular humanism and ordered its immediate discontinuation. The Pentagon is developing a new program that may alter the recognized religious and belief systems, replacing the existing list of 221 groups. Hegseth aims to streamline the religious affiliation codes, emphasizing spiritual well-being alongside mental and physical health.
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Austria has enacted a new law prohibiting headscarves in schools for girls under the age of 14, a decision made by a coalition of centrist parties. The government frames the ban as a measure to promote gender equality, yet critics argue it could exacerbate anti-Muslim sentiments and may be unconstitutional, especially considering a similar ban was previously struck down. The law, which applies to both public and private schools, forbids “traditional Muslim” head coverings like hijabs and burkas. Consequences for violations range from discussions with school authorities to potential fines of up to €800 for families, with the government emphasizing the goal of empowering young girls.
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Quebec is enacting a new law, Bill 9, to further restrict public displays of religion, including banning prayer in public institutions and on public roads, with fines for violations. This builds upon the controversial Bill 21, expanding restrictions on religious symbols in public sector workplaces to include daycares, colleges, universities, and private schools. The government argues the law is part of its secularization efforts and applies equally to all, however, critics, including religious groups and organizations, condemn the bill, and some are claiming it is discriminatory. The legislation invokes the notwithstanding clause, protecting it from challenges under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and the Supreme Court of Canada is expected to review the legal challenges to this clause.
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Oklahoma Supreme Court tosses Bible lawsuit after education leader declines to enforce mandate
So, here’s the deal: Oklahoma’s highest court has essentially punted on a lawsuit challenging a mandate to keep Bibles in public school classrooms and teach from them. The court, in a 6-2 decision, said the whole issue is now “moot.”
The reasoning is pretty straightforward. The newly appointed state Superintendent of Education, along with the new members of the Oklahoma State Board of Education, have stated they intend to nullify the 2024 mandate regarding Bible usage in schools. Not only that, but these new education leaders aren’t pursuing any of the other mandates issued by the previous superintendent, which would have used taxpayer money to buy classroom Bibles and “biblically-based character education materials.”… Continue reading
Quebec is expanding its secularism laws with a new bill, “secularism 2.0,” which builds upon the existing 2019 law restricting religious symbols in public sector jobs. The new legislation proposes to extend the ban on religious symbols to subsidized daycares and restrict “collective religious practices” in public spaces without municipal authorization. This move follows recent protests and aims to address concerns about religious displays in public areas. The bill has already faced criticism from opposition parties and Muslim organizations, who accuse the government of creating division and engaging in identity politics.
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Texas schools are navigating a new state law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms, leading to varied reactions. Some teachers, like Gigi Cervantes, have resigned in protest, while others, such as Dustin Parsons, view the displays as historical context. Despite legal challenges, including court orders against the mandate, many schools are implementing the law and receiving donated posters. The issue has sparked debate among students, parents, and school staff, raising questions about religious freedom and the role of schools.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood