Cheryl Wetzstein
Articles by Cheryl Wetzstein
Stricter standards force abortion clinics to close; pro-lifers cheer shrinking numbers
Laws and regulations setting higher standards and operating controls for clinics have forced many abortion providers to shut down in Texas and other states. Published March 9, 2014
Public accommodations provision in Md. transgender rights bill draws outcry
Transgender-rights supporters in Maryland are hoping that this will be the year they get a nondiscrimination law enacted to safeguard their rights in society. But a provision involving "public accommodations" — including rest rooms, showers, lockers and dressing rooms — has drawn an outcry. Published March 6, 2014
German home-school family can stay in U.S. indefinitely
A German home-schooling family that was facing deportation by U.S. authorities will be permitted to stay here indefinitely, the leader of a national home-school support group said Tuesday. Published March 4, 2014
U.S. Supreme Court declines German home-school case
To the disappointment of many home-schooling supporters, the U.S. Supreme Court said Monday it would not consider the case of a German family seeking asylum in the U.S. because they cannot teach their children at home in Germany. Published March 3, 2014
Medical facility ‘buffer-zone’ law in court
A new "buffer-zone" law protecting any medical facility in Wisconsin's capital city is now in court, with pro-life groups suing to have it overturned as a violation of their free-speech rights against abortion. Published March 2, 2014
Relationship video sparks backlash, blames the birth control pill
America's young adults seem star-crossed all right: If she's looking for a serious commitment, and he's looking for a hot date tonight, what are their chances for love, let alone marriage? Published February 27, 2014
Walt Disney World drops Boy Scouts from its approved-volunteer program
Walt Disney World has decided to drop a Florida Boy Scouts council as a recognized charity for its employees, according to a Scouting memo posted on a gay-friendly website. Published February 27, 2014
Nation slower to back gay sex than marriage
More Americans support same-sex marriage today than a decade ago, but a majority still believe sex acts between people of the same gender are "morally wrong." Published February 26, 2014
Petition drive to put transgender law to California voters comes up short
A California referendum on a new transgender-student law failed Monday when insufficient valid signatures were turned into the state. Published February 24, 2014
Truth often lost in rumor mill of gay hate crimes
Did you hear about the two gay dads whose daughter got a nasty rejection note for her tie-dye birthday party? Or the homophobic slurs written around an Ivy League college dorm? Or the two lesbians who came outside one day and found homophobic words spray-painted on their garage door? Published February 19, 2014
In-vitro pregnancies in U.S. hit a record high in 2012
The number of American babies conceived with the help of medical technology hit another record in 2012, with nearly two out of every 100 babies born in the country begun with the help of in-vitro fertilization and other techniques, according to a new study released Monday. Published February 17, 2014
More states likely to ban sexual-orientation change therapy
The push to ban sexual-orientation "change" therapy for children is growing as lawmakers in at least eight states have introduced bills to outlaw the practice and gay-rights advocates expect at least a few to become law this year. Published February 16, 2014
Boy Scouts shrink 6 percent after 1 year of allowing gay members
The Boy Scouts of America experienced a modest dip in membership in 2013, but not the mass exodus that some social conservatives predicted while it was considering changing its membership policy on gays. Published February 12, 2014
Report: Most teens in Utah, nine other states likely to live with own married mom and dad
For teens who are 17 years old, there are only 10 states in the country where they are likely to still be living with their own married mother and father, says a new report. Published February 12, 2014
Romance seems alive and well among young couples
Don't let the naysayers wilt the Valentine's Day flowers: Most young men and women in long-term relationships say they are very satisfied — and very much in love — with each other. Published February 10, 2014
Abortions fall to lowest rates since legalization — still top 1 million a year
U.S. abortion rates have fallen to a level not seen since the procedure was declared a constitutional right in 1973, with declines over the past three years in all but six states, the Guttmacher Institute reported in a study released Monday. Published February 2, 2014
Transgender girl wins fight for bathroom of her choice
A Maine transgender student can use the bathroom of her choice and can’t be forced to use the unisex facility recommended by school officials, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court ruled Thursday, in a case being closely watched by gay rights groups and school districts around the country. Published January 30, 2014
Court upholds California ban on ‘sexual-orientation change’ therapy
A federal appellate court Wednesday let stand a first-in-the-nation California law that prohibits licensed therapists from offering "change" therapy for children who are struggling with same-sex attractions. Published January 29, 2014
In Europe, religious leaders battle doctors on circumcision
The political battle over circumcision is intensifying in Europe, as medical professionals and their allies have renewed a push to curb the procedure for infants and young boys. Published January 28, 2014
Supreme Court struggles with restitution for child porn
The Supreme Court on Wednesday took up a knotty question of proportional justice, in a case posing the question of how much individual viewers of child pornography owe to the victims of abuse. Published January 22, 2014