Story Archives 2007

19 Important N.C. Stories of 2007
As we close out the year 2007 and look foward to the new year, it is a good time to pause and reflect on some of the issues that have developed in North Carolina over the past year. (December 31) more

Congress Renews Abstinence Funding
Congress closed out its 2007 session on Wednesday, December 19, by renewing federal funding for abstinence until marriage education programs. (December 21) more

Bill Would Ban Most Gambling On Military Bases
A bill introduced in the U.S. House last week would ban almost all gambling on U.S. military bases around the world. (December 20) more

Agency Proposes Condoms for Teens
Under new rules proposed by the North Carolina Commission for Public Health, applicants seeking grants from the State to teach high-risk teens about sex would be forced to abandon authentic abstinence until marriage education and replace it with comprehensive sex education. (December 19) more

Former Sheriff Charged in Video Poker Conspiracy
A former Sheriff of Buncombe County and three of his deputies have been charged with taking bribes to cover up an illegal video gambling operation in western North Carolina, according to an indictment released December 13 by federal officials. (December 18) more

Teen Drug Use Down
The number of high school students reporting use of illegal drugs continues to decline, according to a study from the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research. (December 17) more

DHHS Promotes Comprehensive Sex Ed
A notice has gone out from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announcing a proposed rule change for grants given by DHHS to outside groups that provide pregnancy prevention programs either in public schools or in another community setting under the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Initiative. (December 14) more

Study Reports Rise In Teen Birth Rate
Underlining the need for more abstinence education in public schools, a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) reports that teen birth rates in the United States increased last year for the first time since 1991. (December 14) more

U.S. House Recognizes Christian Christmas
In a nearly unanimous vote, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a resolution on December 11 recognizing the importance of the Christmas holiday and Christianity’s integral part in the founding of America. (December 14) more

Rhode Island Court Preserves Marriage
Marriage will remain a heterosexual institution in Rhode Island, at least for the time being, after the Ocean State’s highest court, on December 7, rejected an attempt by a lesbian couple to have their “marriage,” which was solemnized in Massachusetts, legally ended in Rhode Island. (December 13) more

Wilmington Lawmaker Indicted
A state representative from Wilmington was indicted Monday, December 10, on five felony counts of obtaining property by false pretenses and one count of felonious obstruction of justice. (December 11) more

Congress Strips Hate Crimes From Defense Bill
A provision that would have expanded federal hate crimes laws to include “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” as protected categories was stripped from the 2008 Defense Authorization Bill before the measure passed the U.S. Congress last week. (December 10) more

N.C. Lottery to Introduce New Drawing
The North Carolina lottery plans to introduce a mid-day drawing for Carolina Pick 3 sometime this spring, according to comments made by lottery executive director Tom Shaheen during a December 5 meeting of the State Lottery Commission. (December 7) more

Environmental Impacts of Divorce
A new study from Michigan State University has reached a notable conclusion—rising divorce rates around the world contribute to environmental decay. (December 6) more

The Sweet Deception of "The Golden Compass"
One of the most anticipated movies of the Christmas season, “The Golden Compass,” may appear to be a harmful fantasy adventure aimed at young adults, but many Christian scholars are warning parents about the film’s atheistic themes and dangerous messages. (December 5) more

Texas Court Upholds Unborn Death as Murder
In an opinion handed down on November 21, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has upheld a Texas law that recognizes an unborn child as a legally protected “individual.” (December 4) more

Lottery Officials Attempt to Boost Sales
Lackluster lottery sales have led North Carolina lottery officials to seek more lottery ticket outlets and to design lottery games with Christmas themes in an attempt to attract more potential ticket buyers. (November 30) more

Bill Sponsor Honored By Pro-Homosexual Group
State Representative Rick Glazier, the primary sponsor of the pro-homosexual “Bullying Bill,” was recently honored by a statewide pro-homosexual lobbying organization for his efforts during the 2007 Legislative Session on this legislation. (November 29) more

Cumberland Co. Schools Say No to Bibles
Private groups will no longer be able to leave Bibles or any other “proselytizing texts or materials” in Cumberland County elementary schools after public school officials caved in to pressure from a disgruntled mother and the American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina. (November 28) more

Federal Abstinence Funds Available to N.C. Schools
The N.C. Department of Public Instruction has notified public school Superintendents and Abstinence Until Marriage Program Coordinators across North Carolina that federal abstinence funds for the first quarter of 2007-08 are available. (November 27) more

"Dolly" Scientist Rejects Human Cloning
In a decision that is sure to have a significant impact on the debate over destructive human embryonic stem cell research in the United States and abroad, the British scientist responsible for cloning Dolly the sheep has decided to abandon controversial “therapeutic cloning” methods in favor of ethical research using adult stem cells. (November 21) more

Study Shows Abstinence Program Effective
Almost two months after Virginia Governor Tim Kaine issued a budget amendment requiring his state to reject $275,000 in abstinence education funding from the federal government’s Title V Program, new research is showing the effectiveness of Virginia’s abstinence initiatives. (November 20) more

N.C. Court Upholds Child Porn Conviction
The North Carolina Court of Appeals upheld the conviction of a man for possession of child pornography on his computer. (November 19) more

Charter School Law Revisions Proposed
A commission designed to study the effectiveness of North Carolina’s charter school program has issued an initial proposal recommending that the N.C. General Assembly and State Board of Education approve more flexible guidelines for the creation of new charter schools. (November 16) more

Sex Offender Challenges GPS Monitoring
A federal lawsuit was filed on November 2 by a registered sex offender challenging North Carolina’s new law requiring that the worst sex offenders wear GPS monitoring devices. (November 15) more

CDC Report Shows Increase in STDs
The United States saw an increase last year in infection rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, according to a newly released report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (November 14) more

Analysis Shows Birth Control Reports Misleading
Recently, the Associated Press reported that the majority of adults in a recent AP-Ipsos poll favored the distribution of birth control to children in public schools. (November 13) more

New Jersey Rejects Unethical Stem Cell Research
Advocates of public funding for human embryonic stem cell research were dealt a significant defeat on Tuesday, November 6, when New Jersey voters rejected a bond measure that would have appropriated $450 million to embryonic stem cell research over a 10-year period. (November 9) more

U.S. House Passes E.N.D.A.
A bill that would enshrine “sexual orientation” as a protected class under federal employment non-discrimination law passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday, November 7, but fell well short of the two-thirds majority necessary to override a promised presidential veto. (November 8) more

Study Links Concurrent Sex and HIV
A new study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill indicates that men who have multiple sexual relationships at one time are contributing to the HIV epidemic in the United States. (November 6) more

Seventh Circuit Upholds Legislative Prayers
The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals refused to hear a challenge to the Indiana General Assembly’s practice of conducting public prayers before each of its sessions. (November 5) more

N.C. Lottery Players Defecting
The North Carolina lottery may be less than two years old, but better odds and bigger prizes continue to lure Tar Heel players across state lines to purchase lottery tickets in Virginia and South Carolina, according to the Charlotte Observer. (November 2) more

U.S. Supreme Court Asked to Limit Damages
The U.S. Supreme Court has been asked to limit the amount of damages that can be collected by a wronged spouse in an action for alienation of affections. (November 2) more

Court Hears Child Pornography Arguments
The First Amendment was on trial against internet child pornography on Tuesday, October 30, before the U.S. Supreme Court. (November 1) more

Student Can Oppose Homosexuality at School
A student who was required to attend homosexuality “diversity training” at his Kentucky school can proceed with a lawsuit seeking damages against school district officials for implementing a policy forbidding him and other students from sharing their Christian beliefs on homosexuality. (October 31) more

Cherokee Political Contributions Unreported
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, which operates North Carolina’s only gambling casino, made over $175,000 in political contributions over the past two years, $58,000 of which tribal leaders failed to disclose to the North Carolina State Board of Elections, according to the Asheville Citizen-Times. (October 29) more

Study Measures High Cost of Dropouts
High dropout rates among North Carolina high school students cost the state $169 million annually in lost tax revenue, lower earning power, and increased public assistance expenses, according to a new study commissioned by Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina. (October 25) more

ENDA Vote Looms In U.S. House
The U. S. House of Representatives is poised to vote on a controversial measure, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), that would prohibit discrimination in hiring and employment practices against people on the basis of “sexual orientation” and “gender identity.” (October 25) more

California Bans Traditional Family
On the same day he vetoed a bill that would define marriage in California as the “union of two persons,” Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed four bills into law on October 12 favorable to the homosexual lifestyle. (October 23) more

Florida School District Bans Sex-Based Clubs
One school district in Florida has solved its problem of whether to allow clubs promoting homosexuality to meet at its schools by adopting a policy banning all sex-based school clubs. (October 23) more

NC Children Doing Better and Worse
While the number of teen pregnancies in North Carolina declined over the last five years, alcohol and drug abuse remained at “unacceptably high levels” among adolescents, according to the 2007 N.C. Child Health Report Card. (October 18) more

Criticizing Gender Identity Could Lead to Jail
Britain's ruling Labor Party government has announced plans to introduce a new "hate crimes" law that would result in jail terms of up to seven years (more than the average penalty for rape) for "incitement to hatred" against homosexuals, according to The Times Online. (October 17) more

Court Says Incentives Are Constitutional
In a long-awaited decision, the North Carolina Court of Appeals ruled today that economic incentives offered to Dell, Inc. in 2004 do not violate the North Carolina Constitution or the U.S. Constitution. (October 16) more

Union County Updates Sex Ed Materials
According to the Charlotte Observer, the Union County Public School system is currently in the process of updating sex education materials that will be used in the classroom to instruct children in grades 4-12. (October 16) more

Sectarian Prayer Continues In Fayetteville
The Fayetteville City Council will apparently continue to offer sectarian prayers at open meetings, even after a city attorney warned elected officials to avoid frequently including the name of Jesus Christ in public invocations. (October 15) more

Homosexuals Seek Divorce In Rhode Island
In a controversy that could lead to the recognition of same-sex “marriage” in the nation’s smallest state, the Rhode Island Supreme Court heard oral arguments on October 9 in a complaint filed by two lesbians seeking to have their “marriage,” which was solemnized in Massachusetts, legally ended in Rhode Island. (October 12) more

Sexually Dangerous Persons Can't Be Held
In an opinion filed on September 7, 2007, Judge Earl Britt of the Federal District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina ruled that the federal government has no constitutional authority to indefinitely institutionalize sexual predators who might pose a danger to society or who cannot control their behavior. (October 11) more

Religious Freedom Cases Declined by Court
The U.S. Supreme Court began its fall term on October 1, by declining two religious freedom appeals from New York and California, allowing the lower court rulings to stand. (October 8) more

U.S. Court Says Transsexuals Not Special
A three-judge panel of the Tenth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals upheld a lower court decision on September 20, 2007, ruling that transsexuals are not a specially protected class of workers under a federal nondiscrimination employment law. (October 5) more

Sex Offenders Can Be Kept From Parks
In an opinion issued on October 2nd, the N.C. Court of Appeals upheld the right of a local town to ban registered sex offenders from public parks. (October 4) more

Group to Tackle Child Deaths
The N.C. Child Fatality Task Force met yesterday to discuss its latest figures on child deaths in the state. (October 2) more

Abstinence Education Funding Extended
In a victory for abstinence education advocates, President Bush signed legislation into law over the weekend that extends, until December 31, 2007, the federal government’s Title V Abstinence Education Program. (October 1) more

U.S. Senate Votes for "Hate Crimes" Amendment
On Thursday, September 27, the United States Senate passed an amendment to a Defense spending bill that would add “actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity” to the classifications receiving special protection under federal “hate crime” laws. (September 28) more

Lumbee Recognition Bill Pending in U.S. Senate
Legislation that would grant the Lumbee Indian Tribe full federal recognition and possibly pave the way for casino gambling in Eastern North Carolina is still pending in the U.S. Congress. (September 27) more

Math Scores Improve Slightly
North Carolina public school students in the fourth and eighth grades are performing at or slightly above the national average in reading and math, according to the latest results of the biennial National Assessment of Educational Progress. (September 27) more

Lottery Revenue Fails to Make Significant Impact
In contrast to claims by gambling advocates that government-sponsored lotteries provide vital revenue for public education, an investigation by CBS News has found that funds generated from state lotteries cover just a “fraction” of overall education spending. (September 25) more

NC Child Death Rate at Record Low
North Carolina’s child mortality rate reached an all-time low in 2006, according to the N.C. Child Fatality Task Force. (September 20) more

Marriage Victory in Maryland
In a stunning defeat for proponents of same sex-marriage, the Maryland Court of Appeals (the state’s highest court) issued a decision on September 18, 2007 affirming marriage as a union between one man and one woman. (September 20) more

US House Considers Pro-Homosexual Bill
A bill currently pending in the U.S. House could force organizations and businesses across the country to hire, promote, and compensate employees regardless of their “sexual orientation.” (September 19) more

Students to Unite in Prayer "At the Pole"
On Wednesday, September 26, 2007, millions of students across the United States, including many in North Carolina, will get up early to gather around their school flag poles with their peers to pray for their their families, their friends and their nation. (September 19) more

Study Finds Homosexuals Can Change
Men and women engaged in the homosexual lifestyle can overcome same-sex attractions without suffering psychological harm, according to the findings of a four-year study announced last week. (September 17) more

US Senate Approves Foreign Abortion Funding
Abortion providers in foreign countries could receive federal funding from the United States under an amendment passed on September 6 by the U.S. Senate. (September 14) more

Furr Replaces Almond in NC House
In its first official act after convening for a special session on September 10, the North Carolina House announced that Ken Furr had replaced Representative David Almond in State House District 67. (September 13) more

Governor Signs New Incentives Bill
North Carolina Governor Mike Easley avoided the first veto override in state history this week, and instead signed into law a bill that makes $60 million in corporate incentives available to large employers in North Carolina. (September 12) more

CDC Finds Increase in Teen Suicide
Following over a decade of steady decline, the number of teen suicides rose by eight percent between 2003 and 2004, according to a new analysis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (September 11) more

Special Veto Session Called By Governor
Governor Mike Easley has called the North Carolina General Assembly back to Raleigh, on Monday, September 10, to consider his veto of a corporate incentives bill. (September 7) more

New Adult Stem Cell Source Discovered
Researchers at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, a part of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, have discovered a population of adult stem cells they believe have the ability to treat muscle injuries and diseases. (September 7) more

Board of Education Swears in New Members
Two individuals appointed by Governor Mike Easley to the North Carolina State Board of Education were recently sworn in. (September 6) more

Court Upholds Sex Business Restrictions
The North Carolina Court of Appeals has upheld a Pitt County ordinance that forced four sexually oriented businesses in the county to shut down. (September 5) more

Marriage Under Fire in Iowa
Iowa’s law stating that "only a marriage between a male and a female is valid," was temporarily struck down last week after a state district court judge ruled in favor of six homosexual couples who sued to have the act declared unconstitutional. (September 4) more

SC Video Poker Suit May Continue
A lawsuit challenging South Carolina’s 1999 ban on video poker will continue after a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit determined on August 29 that the federal courts may hear the case. (August 31) more

NC Judicial Appointment Lauded By Pro-Homosexual Group
Governor Mike Easley’s appointment last week of Judge John Arrowood to the North Carolina Court of Appeals has received the praise of Equality North Carolina, a statewide pro-homosexual organization. (August 31) more

NC Supreme Court Says District Must Be Redrawn
The North Carolina Supreme Court handed down a decision last Friday that could cause multiple legislative districts in North Carolina to be redrawn after the 2008 election. (August 30) more

SAT Scores Decline in NC and Nation
After ten consecutive years of increases in SAT scores among North Carolina students, a new report from the NC Department of Public Instruction shows that scores have dropped for the second year in a row. (August 30) more

CDC Finds High Homosexual HIV Rate
Men who participate in homosexual acts with other men accounted for 71 percent of all HIV infections among males in the United States in 2005, according to a recent analysis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (August 30) more

Pro-Family Groups Respond to RU-486 Study
A new study published in the August 16 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine gives an inaccurate picture of the safety of the abortion drug RU-486, according to several pro-family organizations. (August 24) more

Study Says Public Schools "Infested" with Drugs
The presence of drugs and alcohol are “common features of school life” for the vast majority of middle and high school students across the country, according to a new study by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University. (August 22) more

Study Finds Teens Value Family
Teenagers value a relationship with their family as the number one key to happiness and are most likely to view parents as their personal heroes, according to the results of a survey of 13- to 24-year-olds released on August 20 by MTV and The Associated Press. (August 20) more

Poll Finds Most Americans Reject Homosexual "Marriage"
A new poll conducted by the Opinion Research Corporation reveals that a majority of Americans disapprove of legally sanctioning same-sex “marriage.” (August 20) more

Seminary to Teach Homemaking Skills
Women at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary can learn the basics of hospitality, cooking and child-rearing in a new concentration set to debut during Fall 2007. (August 16) more

Fetal Pain Bill Revived in Congress
U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R–NJ) introduced legislation on August 3 that would require abortionists to inform patients of the pain experienced by unborn children during abortion procedures. (August 14) more

2007 General Assembly Session Wrap-Up
With the drop of a gavel on Thursday evening, August 2, the 2007 Session of the North Carolina General Assembly was brought to a close. (August 10) more

Bill Would Harm Abstinence Education
In a move that is causing alarm among pro-life advocates and abstinence education supporters, the U.S. House approved legislation on August 1 that would further erode the rights of the unborn and undermine federal abstinence education funding. (August 9) more

Study Finds Marriage Rate Down
The United States remains the most marriage-friendly nation in the West, but the percentage of Americans who choose to marry is continuing to decline while rates of cohabitation are increasing, according to the latest report from the National Marriage Project at Rutgers University. (August 7) more

Video Poker Ban Arrests Continue
Just days after federal agents arrested 12 people for illegally possessing and operating video poker machines in western North Carolina, law enforcement officials have uncovered another underground video gambling operation in Cumberland County. (August 6) more

"Bullying Bill" Sent to Committee as Session Ends
The 2007 Session of the North Carolina General Assembly was gaveled to a close at 10:45 pm, Thursday night, shortly after the “Bullying Bill” was removed from consideration and sent to a House committee. (August 3) more

General Assembly Passes End of Life Bill
The North Carolina General Assembly has given final approval to a bill that revamps the state's laws regarding end of life care. (August 3) more

Illegal Video Poker Operation Busted
FBI agents arrested 12 people on July 31, including two former Buncombe county Sheriff’s deputies, in connection with an illegal video gambling operation in western North Carolina. (August 2) more

Governor Signs $20.7 Billion Budget
On Tuesday, July 31, North Carolina Governor Mike Easley signed into law a $20.7 billion budget after lawmakers in the General Assembly gave final approval to the spending plan the day before. (August 1) more

Post–Adoption Bill Abandoned
A bill that would weaken the rights and legal standing of adoptive parents was abandoned in a State Senate committee last week after it appeared that the committee might defeat the bill. (July 31) more

Mecklenburg Sees Surge in Syphilis Cases
The number of syphilis cases in Mecklenburg County increased 74 percent in 2005, according to the Mecklenburg County Health Department. (July 31) more

Embryonic Stem Cell Bill Passes House
The North Carolina House has approved legislation that would authorize the use of state taxpayer dollars to fund human embryonic stem cell research. (July 30) more

Final Push On As Session Draws to a Close
Legislators are putting in extra hours to finish up their work before the 2007 Session of the North Carolina General Assembly adjourns, and a number of controversial bills hang in the balance. (July 27) more

House Appropriations Committee Passes Stem Cell Bill
A bill that would authorize embryonic stem cell research in North Carolina is headed for a full vote on the floor of the North Carolina House after passing the House Appropriations Committee on Thursday. (July 26) more

Lottery Revenue Falls Short of Expectations
The North Carolina Education Lottery’s revenues for state education fell nearly 25% below projected amounts for the first full fiscal year of the state sponsored gambling operation. (July 25) more

Broadcast Decency Bill Passes U.S. Senate Committee
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) would have greater authority to regulate the broadcast of indecent programming under a bill approved on July 19 by the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (July 25) more

Washington State Domestic Partnership Law Takes Effect
Washington State’s new domestic partnership law took effect Monday, allowing same-sex couples who register with the state the ability to receive many of the rights previously reserved for married couples. (July 24) more

U.S. House Passes Bill Funding Abstinence, Family Planning
The U.S. House approved a fiscal year 2008 appropriations bill on July 19 that includes funding for both abstinence education and family planning programs. (July 23) more

N.C. House Debates End of Life Issues
A bill currently pending before the State House Judiciary 1 Committee has raised significant issues regarding end of life care. (July 20) more

Researcher Discovers Ethical Stem Cell Alternative
A biotechnology researcher in Japan reportedly has discovered a method of generating stem cells similar to those taken from embryos without requiring the destruction of human life. (July 20) more

Study Finds Decline in Teen Sexual Intercourse, Birth Rate
More teenagers are abstaining from sexual intercourse and fewer adolescent females are having children, according to a new report by the Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics. (July 19) more

High Point City Council Prohibits Sectarian Prayer
The High Point City Council voted Monday to allow only nonsectarian prayers during Council meetings. (July 18) more

Louisiana Adopts Partial-Birth Abortion Ban
Louisiana lawmakers became the first in the nation to enact a state law banning partial birth abortion since the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a federal ban on the procedure. (July 17) more

U.S. House Extends Abstinence Funding
States will have access to federal abstinence education dollars for at least another three months after the U.S. House approved legislation last week. (July 16) more

Former Speaker Sentenced to 63 Months in Prison
A federal judge, on Wednesday, sentenced former Speaker of the North Carolina House Jim Black to five years and three months in federal prison and fined him $50,000. (July 13) more

Rep. Almond Resigns from N.C. House
State Representative David Almond (R-Stanley) resigned from the North Carolina House on Thursday, July 12 following allegations of “serious, improper behavior.” (July 13) more

House Debates Lottery School Construction Formula
The House Finance Committee approved a bill on Tuesday that would change the manner in which lottery proceeds are distributed to public schools for school construction. (July 12) more

UNC President Calls for End to Lottery Advertising
In a memo to the chancellors of North Carolina’s 16 public universities, University of North Carolina President Erskine Bowles has called for an end to lottery advertising at UNC collegiate athletic events. (July 11) more

Winston-Salem Adds 'Sexual Orientation' to Protected List
The Winston-Salem City Council recently adopted a resolution adding “sexual orientation” to the list of protected traits in its City Personnel Policy. (July 10) more

Study Says Lotteries Undermine State Government Finances
A new study from the Tax Foundation confirms the suspicions of many lottery critics: lotteries are one of the most detrimental state government financing policies. (July 9) more

NCFPC Monitors Governor's School
The North Carolina Family Policy Council is monitoring the films and seminars being offered at the North Carolina Governor’s School, because of objectionable material offered in past years. (July 6) more

Sponsor Abandons Sex Ed Bill, For Now
State Representative Susan Fisher (D-Buncombe) has abandoned efforts to push a controversial bill that would promote contraceptives and “alternative” sexual behaviors in North Carolina public schools. (July 5) more

Video Poker Banned from North Carolina
The culmination of years of work to eliminate from North Carolina what many gambling experts refer to as the “crack cocaine” of gambling, came to fruition on Sunday, July 1. (July 3) more

Duke Study Fuels Stem Cell Debate
The controversy surrounding stem cell research continues in North Carolina with the release of a new survey conducted by Duke University researchers. (June 28) more

Pro-Family Policies Stripped from Foreign Aid Bill
The U.S. House voted down two family-friendly amendments on June 21 designed to support abstinence funding and to prevent the use of taxpayer dollars in overseas abortions. (June 27) more

Fetal Murder Laws Questioned Following Mother's Death
When the body of 22-year-old Kathryn Nielson was found behind a Raleigh gas station on June 12, family and friends mourned two lives. (June 26) more

Study Finds Flaws in Comprehensive Sex Education
A study released June 12 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Administration for Children and Families critiqued nine popular comprehensive sex education curricula. (June 25) more

Bill Banning 'AWOL' Machines Ratified
The North Carolina General Assembly has ratified a bill that will ban the possession and operation of machines in North Carolina that vaporize alcoholic beverages for inhalation by the user. (June 22) more

President Vetoes Stem Cell Bill
President George W. Bush vetoed a bill on June 20 that would have used federal taxpayer monies to fund embryonic stem cell research. (June 21) more

Embryonic Stem Cell Bill Passes House Committee
On June 20, the Science and Technology Committee of the N.C. House passed a bill that would appropriate $10 million in state taxpayer dollars to fund embryonic stem cell research in North Carolina. (June 20) more

Another Effort to Revive Video Poker Fails
A law passed in June 2006 to phase-out the possession and operation of video poker machines withstood a legal challenge in Union County Superior Court—just a few days before the machines will be completely banned from the State. (June 20) more

Hate Crime Legislation May Gag Preachers
Legislation working its way through Congress could muzzle preachers across the United States should it become law. (June 19) more

Massachusetts Lawmakers Block Marriage Amendment
Massachusetts lawmakers voted Thursday to block a constitutional amendment that would allow voters to decide whether to ban same-sex marriage in the state. (June 15) more

Groups Watchful as Governor's School Begins
With the North Carolina Governor’s School set to open on June 17, the Alliance Defense Fund warned they would be monitoring the content of the school’s curricula and programs. (June 14) more

Bishops Oppose Embryonic Stem Cell Research Bill
North Carolina’s Catholic Bishops have penned their opposition to HB 1837—Stem Cell Research Health and Wellness Act, a bill that would appropriate state taxpayer dollars for embryonic stem cell research in North Carolina. (June 14) more

Federal Abstinence Funding in Jeopardy
North Carolina will lose over $1.24 million in federal abstinence education funding if the U.S. Congress does not reauthorize the federal Title V grant program. (June 13) more

Raleigh Charter High School Named One of Nation's Best
For the third consecutive year, Raleigh Charter High School was named one of Newsweek’s “Best American High Schools.” (June 12) more

U.S. House Passes Embryonic Stem Cell Bill
By a vote of 247-176, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill Thursday afternoon that would greatly expand taxpayer funded embryonic stem cell research. (June 8) more

U.S. House Approves Lumbee Recognition Act
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation to grant the Lumbee Indian Tribe full federal recognition, and the bill includes a provision prohibiting the Tribe from conducting gambling activities should the act ultimately become law. (June 7) more

Video Gambling Could Return Under Lottery
If all goes according to plan, video poker machines will become illegal in North Carolina beginning next month, but the lottery could serve as a mechanism to usher video machine gambling back into the state. (June 7) more

Update on Sanctity of Life Legislation
A number of bills that would impact the sanctity of life in North Carolina were introduced in the 2007 Session of the North Carolina General Assembly, but few of them have seen any action. (June 5) more

Post Crossover Deadline Review
This year’s May 24 “crossover deadline” marked a defining point in the North Carolina General Assembly’s 2007-08 legislative biennium. (June 1) more

Senate Passes Budget, Removes "Needle Exchange"
The North Carolina Senate passed its version of the state budget today, leaving one month for the Senate and House to iron out differences in the chambers’ respective proposals before the beginning of the 2007-08 fiscal year on July 1. (May 31) more

Judge Upholds All Religious Texts for Courtroom Oaths
Wake County Superior Court Judge Paul Ridgeway ruled on May 24 that court precedent and common law allow witnesses to be sworn in using texts other than the Holy Bible. (May 29) more

Sexual Orientation Included in 'Bullying' Bill
A bill, H.B. 1366–School Violence Prevention Act, directing local school boards to adopt policies to protect public school students from bullying and harassment passed 2nd reading in the House on Wednesday, May 23. (May 24) more

Corporal Punishment Ban Defeated
A bill in the North Carolina House to ban corporal punishment in public schools was defeated on the House floor Wednesday night, by a vote of 50-66. (May 24) more

Poll Finds Public Opinion Reversal on Roe
A new poll measuring public opinion on the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision shows that Americans’ perspective on the issue shifts when they clearly understand the implications of the controversial abortion ruling. (May 23) more

Speaker Re-Refers Marriage Amendment Bill
At the close of the House session today, Speaker Joe Hackney re-referred the marriage amendment bill to the Judiciary 1 Committee. (May 22) more

House Rules Committee Passes State Marriage Amendment
The North Carolina Marriage Amendment finally saw some movement today as the House Rules Committee passed the bill to the House floor without prejudice. (May 22) more

Senate Bill Allows National Vote to Decide U.S. President
North Carolina may enter a compact that will eliminate the Electoral College as it currently operates. (May 21) more

Bullying Bill Passes House Education Committee
A bill directing local school boards to adopt policies to protect public school students from bullying and harassment passed the House Education Committee on Thursday. (May 18) more

Forsyth County Passes Sectarian Prayer Policy
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners approved a policy that allows clergy from the community to offer sectarian invocations at public meetings. (May 17) more

Yadkin Commissioners Continue Sectarian Prayers
On May 7, the Yadkin County Commissioners decided to continue with the prayer policy which they began earlier this year, allowing meetings to be opened only with nonsectarian prayers. (May 17) more

Bully Bill in House Education Committee
A bill pending before the N.C. House Education Committee contains language that would grant specially protected status to individuals on the basis of their actual or perceived "sexual orientation" or "gender identity or expression." (May 16) more

New Poll Finds Parents Support Abstinence
Parents strongly oppose contraceptive-based sex education (or Comprehensive Sex Education) curricula when they understand what the programs actually teach, according to the results of a new poll. (May 16) more

Oregon Approves Special Rights for Homosexuals
Oregon granted special rights to homosexuals after Gov. Ted Kulongoski signed two bills into law that prohibit discrimination on the basis of “sexual orientation” and create domestic partnerships for same-sex couples. (May 16) more

Bill Would Fund Embryonic Stem Cell Research in N.C.
Legislation recently introduced in the General Assembly would make North Carolina the first southeastern state to devote public funds to destructive human embryonic stem cell research. (May 14) more

House Nixes Needle Exchange Proposal
A provision to establish three pilot needle exchange programs in North Carolina was added to the House budget bill last week, but was removed during floor consideration amidst controversy over the proposal. (May 11) more

Bill to Abolish Adultery Law Sent to Subcommittee
A bill to abolish North Carolina’s cohabitation law was briefly discussed in the House Judiciary 2 Committee on Thursday, May 10, before being sent to a subcommittee for further consideration. (May 11) more

Senate Committee Upholds Marriage Protection Laws
By a 10 to 8 vote on May 10, the Senate Judiciary I Committee defeated a bill that would have abolished the civil actions of alienation of affections and criminal conversation. (May 11) more

Supreme Court Upholds Crimes Against Nature
On May 4, 2007, the North Carolina Supreme Court upheld a ruling of the N.C. Court of Appeals that allowed a minor to be prosecuted for violating the State’s crimes against nature statute. (May 10) more

Committee Approves Modified Adoption Bill
A bill that would have given adult adoptees access to sealed adoption records in North Carolina was significantly amended by the House Judiciary 1 Committee before passage on Tuesday. (May 9) more

Geddings Sentenced to Four Years in Prison
A U.S. district judge sentenced Kevin Geddings on Monday to four years in prison plus two years probation and a $25,000 fine for the former lottery commissioner’s role in the scandal surrounding the state lottery. (May 8) more

Yadkin County Rally Draws Large Crowd
A rally was held on Saturday, April 29 in Yadkinville, NC to challenge the decision made by the Yadkin County Board of Commissioners earlier this year to ban sectarian prayer from their meetings. (May 7) more

Bills Would Uphold Life in N.C.
In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of the ban on partial-birth abortion, North Carolina lawmakers have the opportunity to approve two bills that would protect life in the Tar Heel State. (May 4) more

U.S. House Approves Special Rights for Homosexuals
In a move that is being decried by pro-family organizations, the U.S. House passed a measure on Thursday that would equate homosexual behavior with such immutable factors as race or national origin in federal law. (May 4) more

N.C. Appeals Court Dismisses Poker Lawsuit
Upholding a state superior court ruling from 2005, a three-judge panel of the North Carolina Court of Appeals ruled on May 1 that poker is a game of chance and a violation of N.C. general statute. (May 2) more

House Forwards Sex Ed Bill 'Without Prejudice'
The House Health Committee, on Tuesday, avoided an up or down vote on a controversial sex education bill, instead opting to forward the bill to the House Education Committee without prejudice. (May 1) more

Profits Increase at Cherokee Casino
North Carolina’s only Indian gambling operation saw an increase in profits in 2006, according to Harrah’s Cherokee Casino. (May 1) more

Forsyth County Postpones Prayer Vote
On April 23, 2007, the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners unanimously decided to postpone a vote on a resolution that would allow sectarian prayer before public meetings. (April 30) more

Soulforce Visits Montreat College
On April 10 Montreat College was visited by Soulforce, an advocacy group which views itself as a voice for social justice on behalf of the gay community. (April 27) more

Gambling Prohibited, Committee Approves Lumbee Act
A bill to grant full federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina passed a House Committee, but only after the Committee adopted an amendment to prohibit the Tribe from conducting gambling activities. (April 26) more

Washington State Creates Domestic Partnerships
Washington State Governor Chris Gregoire signed a measure into law on April 21 that grants individuals in same-sex relationships many of the same privileges available to married couples. (April 25) more

Awareness about Proposed Tax Raised
At their annual Tax Day Press Conference, the Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) warned citizens about the potential for the largest tax increase in U.S. history. (April 24) more

Lawsuit Continues in Religious Freedom Case
A lawsuit filed on behalf of a pro-life demonstrator in Raleigh will continue after the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) decided last week to appeal the case in federal court. (April 23) more

Lumbee Tribe Seeks Full Federal Recognition
The U. S. House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources conducted a hearing on April 18 on H.R. 65—The Lumbee Recognition Act. (April 19) more

Supreme Court Upholds Ban on Partial-Birth Abortion
In a 5 to 4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed the federal Partial-Birth Abortion Ban ruling that the government’s legitimate interest in preserving fetal life did not violate a woman’s right to choose abortion. (April 18) more

Study Shows Abstinence Education Effective
A recently-released study on abstinence education programs by Mathmatica Policy Research is not sufficient evidence to make policy decisions on the effectiveness of abstinence until marriage education programs. (April 18) more

Forsyth County to Defend Public Prayer Policy
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners has decided to fight a lawsuit that challenges its policy of allowing various clergy members from the community to offer sectarian prayers before public meetings. (April 17) more

N.C. Rolls Out Lottery Vending Machines
The North Carolina lottery is rolling out another plan to help boost lagging ticket sales – vending machines that dispense lottery tickets in grocery stores across the state. (April 16) more

Corporal Punishment Ban Passes Committee
A bill that would prohibit corporal punishment in all North Carolina Public schools passed the House Children, Youth and Families Committee by 6-4 vote on April 11. (April 12) more

Some States Opt Out of Abstinence Funding
Some state governments are rejecting federal dollars earmarked for education programs aimed at reducing the rate of teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease. (April 11) more

Embryonic Stem-Cell Bills Headed to Vote
The U.S. Senate will vote this week on legislation that may force taxpayers to fund embryonic stem cell research. (April 10) more

Bill Would Limit Lottery Advertising
A bill has been introduced in the North Carolina General Assembly that would prohibit the state lottery from sponsoring games, or advertising with state colleges and universities. (April 9) more

Cohabitation Law Repeal Proposed
A bill has been introduced in the North Carolina House to make cohabitation legal everywhere in the state. (April 5) more

Consideration of Comprehensive Sex Ed Bill Delayed
A bill to eliminate North Carolina’s abstinence until marriage education law and replace it with a mandate for comprehensive sex education was pulled from Tuesday’s agenda of the House Health Committee. (April 5) more

Prayer Lawsuit Filed Against Forsyth County
Public prayers that invoke the name of Jesus Christ or other recognized deities are under attack in Forsyth County. (April 4) more

Massachusetts to Record Homosexual Unions
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick has ordered the state to record the marriages of homosexual couples that came from out of state to be married. (April 4) more

ADF Settles Religious Freedom Lawsuit
A Christian is free to express messages in public without government interference after the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) settled a religious freedom lawsuit against the city of Goldsboro, N.C. (April 2) more

"Sexual Orientation" Bill Filed in N.C. Senate
A bill to grant protected status on the basis of an individual’s “sexual orientation” has been introduced in the North Carolina Senate. (March 30) more

Study Links Daycare and Behavior Problems
An analysis of the longest running and most comprehensive study of child care in the United States draws a link between the amount of time children spend in pre-kindergarten daycare and behavioral problems later in life. (March 28) more

N.C. Senate Approves Cervical Cancer Bill
The N.C. Senate approved a bill on March 20 that would require schools to provide information to parents and guardians on “cervical cancer...human papillomavirus [HPV], and the vaccines available to prevent these diseases.” (March 27) more

Abstinence Fights Back At Harvard
A new group called True Love Revolution has formed to promote “premarital sexual abstinence” among Harvard’s population. (March 26) more

Bill Would Strike Down Abstinence Mandate
Legislation has been introduced in the North Carolina General Assembly that would eliminate the current requirement to teach abstinence from sex until marriage as the expected standard in the state’s public schools. (March 23) more

S.C. House Passes Ultrasound Bill
The South Carolina state House approved a bill on March 21 that would allow women considering an abortion to see an ultrasound of their unborn child. (March 23) more

Thomasville Approves Public Prayer Policy
In a nearly unanimous vote, the City Council of Thomasville, N.C., approved a policy on March 19 that allows council members to voluntarily offer sectarian prayers at the start of public meetings. (March 22) more

Yadkin County Bans Sectarian Prayer at Public Meetings
The Yadkin County Board of Commissioners decided to discontinue opening meetings with prayer after the American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina (ACLU-NC) demanded that all invocations be non-sectarian. (March 21) more

Study Links Sexual Abuse to Single-Parent Families
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine concludes that adult men who grew up in a single-parent household are more likely to have experienced sexual abuse as children. (March 20) more

Measure Would Ban Corporal Punishment in N.C.
On March 14, a bill was introduced in the North Carolina General Assembly that would prohibit corporal punishment in the public schools. (March 19) more

Marriage Laws Under Attack in the General Assembly
A bill has been introduced in the North Carolina House that would eliminate two laws designed to protect marriages from third-party interference and adultery. (March 16) more

History of Abortion May Lead to Physical Aggression
According to a new study published by the Internet Journal of Pediatrics and Neonatology, there is a correlation between abortion and acts of physical aggression toward subsequent children. (March 15) more

Survey Reveals Divergent Beliefs Among Americans
A majority of Americans agree that moral values have declined over the last two decades, but many disagree on the importance of sexual morality and religious belief, according to the results of a new survey. (March 14) more

Mississippi Anti-Abortion Law May Be Imminent
According to reports, Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour will be signing an abortion law that would prohibit abortions should the Supreme Court overturn the Roe v. Wade decision. (March 13) more

Bill Prohibiting Cloning Introduced
A bill prohibiting cloning was introduced into the NC House of Representatives today. Sponsored by Rep. Mark Hilton (R-Catawba), the bill would make cloning a class H felony. (March 8) more

School Choice Event Draws Diverse Group
A diverse group of about 800 parents, children, educators, and legislators met yesterday to discuss options for broader school choice in North Carolina. (March 7) more

Thousands Attend Marriage Rally
Thousands of citizens rallied outside the legislature in Raleigh today to call for lawmakers to allow a vote on the state marriage amendment. (March 6) more

Court Refuses to Enjoin Video Poker Law
A lawsuit filed by the owners and operators of video poker machines in North Carolina failed to enjoin a law that would phase-out, and eventually ban, video poker. (March 5) more

Bills, Bills, Bills
In just the first five weeks of the 2007-08 Legislative Session, members of the North Carolina General Assembly have introduced close to 1,000 bills. (March 2) more

Study Estimates One-Fourth of Women Infected with HPV
The Journal of the American Medicine Association estimates the prevalence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), finding one fourth of women ages 14-59 infected with HPV, or nearly 20 million women in the U.S. (March 1) more

Massachusetts Court Mandates Homosexual Curriculum
U.S. District Court Chief Judge Mark L. Wolf ruled that a Massachusetts elementary school was constitutionally justified in refusing to notify parents of pro-homosexual material presented in the classroom. (February 28) more

Transylvania County Passes Marriage Amendment Resolution
The Transylvania County Board of Commissioners passed a marriage amendment resolution by a 5-0 vote on February 26. (February 27) more

Iowa Passes Theraputic Cloning Bill
Creating and destroying human embryos for the sole purpose of extracting their stem cells may soon be legal in Iowa after the state General Assembly gave final approval on February 22. (February 27) more

Easley Recommends Increasing Lottery Prize Payouts
Prompted by an expected shortfall in lottery revenue, Governor Mike Easley recommended increasing lottery prize payouts in an effort to lure additional players to the state-sponsored numbers game. (February 23) more

Sexualization Impacts Girls' Health
Attitudes about sex in popular culture and inappropriate portrayals of sex in the media have a negative impact on girls’ physical and emotional health, according to the American Psychological Association. (February 22) more

Merck Halts Lobbying Efforts on HPV Vaccine
The pharmaceutical company Merck announced on February 20 that it would halt efforts to get state legislatures to require teen and pre-teen girls to take the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination known as Gardasil. (February 21) more

Abortion Notification Act Introduced in U.S. Senate
Third parties who transport a minor girl across state lines for an abortion in order to evade parental involvement laws would face prison time and fines under a bill introduced on February 15 in the U.S. House. (February 20) more

Speaker Black Resigns, Pleads Guilty
Former North Carolina Speaker of the House Jim Black pleaded guilty on Thursday to a federal corruption charge bringing an end to a state legislative career that spanned 25-years. (February 16) more

Embryonic Stem Cells Face Major Hurdles
One scientist has pointed out that embryonic stem-cell research has many hurdles to overcome before it is possible to use in a human transplant situation. (February 16) more

Abstinence Education Funding Boost Proposed
President Bush has proposed more funding for abstinence education in a budget that includes a $28 million increase in funding. (February 14) more

Proposal Would Change Oath Law
From testifying in the courtroom to entering into elected office, North Carolina has long recognized the value and importance of swearing an oath with one’s hand upon the Bible. (February 13) more

Bill Seeks Parental Notification
Many North Carolina parents remain unaware that a state law prohibits them from being notified if their child is treated for a communicable disease, pregnancy, alcohol or drug abuse or emotional disturbance. (February 12) more

Charter School Bills Introduced
Three bills have been introduced in the General Assembly seeking to increase the number of charter schools allowed in North Carolina. (February 8) more

School Choice Advances in Utah
The Utah House of Representatives passed a bill that would establish the first statewide school choice program in the nation. (February 7) more

Drop Out Rate Increases
The State Board of Education and the Department of Public Instruction on Wednesday released their annual dropout report for high school students for the 2005-06 school year. (February 6) more

First N.C Problem Gambling Report Presented
Last week, a report entitled "Effects of the North Carolina State Lottery on the Incidence of Gambling Addiction" was presented to the Joint Legislative Health Care Oversight Committee of the North Carolina General Assembly. (February 5) more

S.D. Legislators Introduce Abortion Ban Bill
On Wednesday, pro-life members of the South Dakota legislature attempted once again to ban most abortions in the state by reintroducing a modified version of a bill that nearly made it into law last year. (February 2) more

2007 Legislative Session off to Slow Start
Lawmakers concluded the first full week of the 2007 Legislative Session with a blanket of snow and scarcely attended Thursday morning meetings in Raleigh. (February 1) more

Public Expressions of Religion Act Introduced
Activist organizations that sue local municipalities for allowing religious displays on public property would be prohibited from recovering legal expenses under legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate this week. (February 1) more

Cherokee Casino Sees Significant Growth
Revenue growth at the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, in 2005, has propelled North Carolina into a top 10 position among states with Indian casino gambling. (January 31) more

N.C. Marriage Amendment Introduced Again
One of the first bills introduced in the 2007 Session of the North Carolina General Assembly was an act to amend the North Carolina Constitution to define marriage as “the union of one man and one woman at one time.” (January 25) more

Fetal Pain Bill Reintroduced in U.S. Senate
Senator Sam Brownback (R–KS) reintroduced legislation that would require those who perform abortions 20 weeks after conception to inform women that unborn children experience pain during abortion procedures. (January 25) more

Lawmakers Return to Raleigh for 2007 Session
State lawmakers returned to Raleigh today to convene the 2007 Legislative Session. Members of the North Carolina House and Senate were sworn into office and began the first of a two-year legislative biennium. (January 24) more

N.C. Catholics Urged to Oppose Embryo Research
Roman Catholic Bishops in Charlotte and Raleigh are urging parishioners to ask their representatives in the General Assembly to oppose legislation that would expand embryonic stem cell research. (January 23) more

Proposal Could Undermine Adoption
A proposal sent forward by a state legislative study commission last week could undermine adoption in North Carolina and place an undue burden on adoptive families. (January 22) more

Senator Dole Introduces Lumbee Recognition Act
Senator Elizabeth Dole (R–NC) filed a bill that would grant the Lumbee Indian Tribe of North Carolina full federal recognition and possibly lead to the creation of a major casino in the state’s southeast region. (January 19) more

N.C. Court Upholds Oath-Taking Lawsuit
A lawsuit challenging North Carolina’s courtroom oath-taking procedure will move forward after a three-judge panel of the state Court of Appeals reversed a lower court’s dismissal of the suit. (January 19) more

New Adult Stem Cells Found In Bone Marrow
Researchers at the University of Minnesota and Stanford University have discovered new non-embryonic stem cells derived from bone marrow that have the potential to offer future treatments for patients. (January 18) more

Religious Speech Lawsuit Filed Against Goldsboro
The Alliance Defense Fund has filed suit against the City of Goldsboro, N.C., after police department officials prohibited a man and his wife from voicing a religious message on a public sidewalk without first obtaining a permit. (January 16) more

U.S. House Approves Embryonic Stem Cell Bill
The U.S. House of Representatives has once again passed legislation that will require taxpayers to fund embryonic stem cell research that results in the destruction of human life in its earliest form. (January 11) more

Lumbee Bill Introduced in Congress
One of the first bills introduced in the 110th United States Congress would grant full Federal recognition to the Lumbee Indian Tribe of North Carolina and potentially pave the way for a massive gambling casino in the eastern part of the State. (January 10) more

Scientists Uncover New Non-Embryonic Stem Cell Method
Researchers announced this week the discovery of a new stem cell source that may yield treatments for a variety of diseases and conditions without necessitating the destruction of a human embryo. (January 9) more

State Loses Two Hertford County Lawmakers
North Carolina is mourning the loss of two Democratic state lawmakers from Hertford County this week. (January 8) more

Canadian Court Rules Child Can Have Three Parents
The Court of Appeal for Ontario has essentially redefined the family by ruling that a five-year-old child can have three parents—two lesbian mothers and one father. (January 4) more

Marriage Amendment Moves Ahead in Massachusetts
A state marriage amendment is one step closer to becoming law in Massachusetts after pro-marriage lawmakers advanced the amendment to the next legislative session. (January 3) more

Lottery Doesn't Match the Numbers
Lottery officials are anticipating lower than expected revenues for the first year of North Carolina’s numbers game. (January 2) more

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