Cheryl Wetzstein
Articles by Cheryl Wetzstein
Hyde abortion restrictions targeted
The Hyde amendment marks its 37th anniversary Monday, and pro-choice groups and their allies are determined to see it repealed before it hits its 40th. Published September 26, 2013
Shepard murder case became gay ‘hate crime,’ not drug deal, as result of public narrative: author
A gay man whose horrific murder has become synonymous with "hate crime" may have been killed over drugs, not homophobia, according to a book written by a gay researcher. Published September 23, 2013
Petition drive underway to put California’s transgender student law on the ballot
A clash over transgender rights in California is heating up as opponents of a "co-ed bathroom" law for children and teens press forward with a petition drive to let state voters decide next year whether the law goes into effect. Published September 23, 2013
Liberals take heart from Pope Francis’ ‘home for all’ remarks
The Roman Catholic Church must become "the home for all" and place its pastoral ministries ahead of such hot-button political and social issues as gay marriage, abortion and contraception, Pope Francis said Thursday in his first lengthy interview since becoming the head of the church six months ago. Published September 19, 2013
Bill aims to shield religious freedoms from taxman
A House bill being introduced Thursday seeks to protect the religious freedom of individuals, institutions and businesses that are increasingly being punished or harassed for their beliefs on marriage. Published September 18, 2013
Pro-life group says Catholic charity funds birth-control advocates
A conservative pro-life organization issued a lengthy report Wednesday claiming a Catholic charity is being unfaithful to the church's teachings by funding groups that promote birth control. Published September 18, 2013
Chaplains rush in to aid grieving Navy Yard families
Among those flocking to the Washington Navy Yard amid reports of a mass shooting Monday were those trained over a lifetime to handle life tragedies and incomprehensible acts of violence. Published September 16, 2013
Calif. sidelines anti-Scouts bill
California lawmakers declined Thursday to pass a bill to strip Boy Scouts of America and other "discriminatory" youth groups of their tax-exemption status. Published September 12, 2013
Gay-marriage licenses halted in Pennsylvania
A Pennsylvania judge on Thursday ordered a county clerk to stop issuing marriage licenses to gay couples in defiance of state laws against same-sex unions. Published September 12, 2013
Hawaii preps for battle over gay-marriage
The push for gay marriage in Hawaii is revving up advocates on both sides as lawmakers prepare for a special session to address the issue next month. Published September 10, 2013
Boy Scout alternative, Trail Life USA, launches ‘premier’ Christian group for boys
The newly announced Trail Life USA expects to become a "premier" Christian organization for boys and young men when it fully launches in the new year. Published September 7, 2013
Boy Scouts alternative to reveal name at full-capacity gathering
More than 1,200 former Scouting officials, parents and youths are gathering in Nashville, Tenn., Friday to unveil the name and other details about a new Christian-based organization for boys. Published September 5, 2013
Website leaders say anti-gay efforts out of step with Bible
Christians who malign, oppress or harm gays and lesbians are misreading their Bibles and denying the message and purpose of Jesus Christ, say leaders of a new website that aims to become a gathering place for gay-affirming believers. Published September 4, 2013
Calif. bill allows midwives, others to abort fetuses
Midwives and other health professionals will be permitted to perform first-trimester abortions under a bill passed by the California legislature. Published September 1, 2013
Appeals court backs Calif. gay conversion ban
California's first-in-the-nation law banning so-called "gay conversion" therapies for minors with same-sex attractions survived a key legal test Thursday as a three-judge federal appellate panel rejected a challenge to the law. Published August 29, 2013
California trying to strike out tax-exempt status for Little League, ‘discriminatory’ groups
A California bill that could strip tax-exempt status from Little League, the Boy Scouts of America and other "discriminatory" nonprofit youth-serving groups could come up for a final vote this week. Published August 26, 2013
For gay marriage, politics is local; county officials pave the way for new laws
Gay-marriage advocates are on the move this fall, pressing their advantage in the wake of favorable court rulings and sympathetic public officials. Published August 25, 2013
Stricter rules on abortions questioned
Thousands of pages of documents from states on abortion activities requested by two House committees offer "no support" to Republican state-level calls for tougher abortion laws, according to a report released Wednesday by pro-choice activists. Published August 21, 2013
Christian churches warned of Boy Scout legal risks
Christian churches are being warned that if they continue to sponsor Boy Scout troops, they are opening themselves to multiple legal challenges that could affect whether they can "freely preach the Gospel." Published August 14, 2013
California enacts nation’s first law protecting transgender students
Children in California public schools must be accommodated based on their self-perceived gender identity — which means biological girls may use boys' bathrooms and biological boys may join the girls' cheerleading squads — under a law signed Monday by California Gov. Jerry Brown. Published August 12, 2013