Legislation in New York state would expand the state’s criteria for a hate crime to include trespassing on houses of worship.
Virginia governor vetoes, approves abortion-related measures
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s office announced April 5 that among more than 100 pieces of legislation considered by the Republican governor, he had vetoed and approved a number of bills related to abortion.
Trump attacks pro-life critics after video arguing abortion must be left to the states
After announcing his position that abortion should be left to the states to legislate, former President Donald Trump attacked pro-life critics of that position on his social media platform.
Arizona high court upholds 1864 abortion ban as ballot measure becomes likely
The Arizona Supreme Court ruled April 9 that a 160-year-old near-total abortion ban still on the books in the state is enforceable, a move that could shutter abortion clinics in the state. But, Arizona may have the issue of abortion on its ballot in November, which could undo those restrictions.
Trump says abortion should be left to states, disappointing pro-life advocates
Former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, issued a video statement April 8 arguing abortion should be left to individual states to legislate and declining to back federal restrictions sought by pro-life activists.
Multiple states to place abortion on the ballot in November
Multiple states will have measures to expand access to abortion on their ballots in November, a key challenge for pro-life groups in the fall after their losses on similar contests in post-Dobbs elections.
Oklahoma Supreme Court hears case over publicly funded Catholic charter school
The Oklahoma Supreme Court heard oral arguments April 2 in a case concerning what would be the first taxpayer-funded Catholic charter school if it survives the legal challenge.
Cardinal Gregory: Biden ‘sincere’ in his faith but ‘there are things that he chooses to ignore’
While President Joe Biden is “very sincere” about his Catholic faith, “there are things that he chooses to ignore,” Washington Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory said in an interview March 31.
Florida Supreme Court approves abortion ballot measure sought by pro-choice groups
The Florida Supreme Court on April 1 simultaneously upheld that the state’s Constitution does not protect abortion access and allowed a proposed amendment seeking to do so to qualify for the state’s November ballot.
Supreme Court justices express skepticism over standing amid abortion pill arguments
The Supreme Court heard oral arguments March 26 in a case concerning mifepristone, a pill commonly used for abortion. It is the first major case involving abortion on its docket since the high court overturned its previous abortion precedent in 2022.
Gov. Noem signs bill to create video explainer of South Dakota abortion laws
Gov. Kristi Noem, R-S.D., signed into law legislation proponents call a medical education bill that directs South Dakota’s Department of Health to create a video explaining the state’s abortion regulations for health care professionals and the general public.
Church has a crucial role in combating polarization, ‘Civilize it’ panelists say
The church has a crucial role in combating the rise of polarization, panelists said at a March 20 webinar organized by the U.S. bishops’ conference and other Catholic groups.