In today’s News:
Missouri medicaid payment for abortion stays
Yesterday, the Missouri Supreme Court struck down state lawmakers’ efforts to defund Planned Parenthood as a “Clear and unmistakable violation” of the state constitution, the AP reports. By a 6-1 majority, the justices ruled that a state budget law prohibiting medicaid funds to abortion groups is unconstitutional
Biden declares for abortion ‘under any circumstances’
In a statement praising the Supreme Court for striking down a Louisiana law requiring doctors who provide abortions to have admitting privileges at a local hospital, presumptive 2020 Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden announced his support for abortion “under any circumstance,” staking out an extreme position on the issue. Biden, once a self-proclaimed “pro-life Democrat” stood by his personal opposition to abortion as recently as the 2012 presidential election, when he explained, in a debate against then-republican vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan, that he was “personally opposed” to the procedure but felt he had no reason to prevent women from exercising “choice.”
Religious equality scores a win
The Supreme Court sided with a group of families in Montana that challenged a state law which banned scholarship money from being used toward faith-based schools in Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue. the grants were given via donations that were tax deductible. the court ruled that discrimination against non-secular schools is a violation of the free exercise clause of the First Amendment, and that although states “need not subsidize private education,” non-secular institutions cannot be discriminated against in the distribution of such subsidies based on religious ties.
Lutheran students help first responders
In St. Charles, Mo., a cooperative effort of the Lutheran High School of St. Charles County Stem Program, Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis, and a group of individual donors has resulted in the production and delivery of over 5,000 PPE face shields to health care workers, first responders and others. the project, called “help From Home,” began in March and is still underway. David Zilz, director of LHS’ stem robotics team, the Roboteers, explained that, while many groups around the country have been producing 3D-printed headbands for protective face shields, fewer have been performing all the steps needed to assemble and deliver complete, ready-to-wear shields. Zilz added that the “Help From Home” team has been involved in not only producing and assembling the face shields but delivering them as well, all while following social distancing guidelines.
Navy bans indoor religious services
On June 24, the Navy issued an order that banned troops from attending indoor religious services, although other activities such as using mass transit, hosting social gatherings of any size, and participation in protests are all permitted. but the order specifically states that “service members are prohibited from visiting, patronizing, or engaging in . . . indoor religious services.” the Navy’s orders apply to everyone assigned to navy units and vessels including, its chaplains.
