Sexual Health Rankings™ is pleased to present Sex Stories, a weekly roundup of sexual health news from the around the country.
Facebook Promises to Act Against Gender-Based Hate
In response to a dedicated and organized effort of Internet activists demanding that Facebook remove groups celebrating or advocating for rape, sexism, and sexual violence, Facebook has promised to update training to employs and review their content to better identify and remove hate speech on the Web site.
California: State-Wide Condom Bill Shelved
This proposed legislation, which would, among other STD-reduction provisions, require the usage of condoms in any adult movies filmed anywhere in California, has been put on hold by the Assembly until at least next year. The ballot measure passed last November requiring the usage of condoms in films shot in Los Angeles County, however, is still active.
Arizona: ACLU Sues State Over Race- and Sex-Abortion Ban
In yet another choice-related news story coming out of Arizona in the past few weeks, the American Civil Liberties Union is taking the state to court to block a 2011 law that makes it a felony to knowingly provide a sex- or race-based abortion. Lawyers from the ACLU say that the law unconstitutionally singles out racial minority women and hampers their ability to choose to end their pregnancies.
Gay Boy Scouts Now Welcomed in Troops … Until they turn 18
In an oft-reported story this week, the Boy Scouts have ended their decades-long ban on gay kids in the program, issuing a resolution stating that youth may not be denied membership based on sexual orientation or preference. Gay adults, however, are still not allowed to serve in the Boy Scouts as scoutmasters or volunteers, meaning that youth are still at risk of being removed from the program when they come of age.
Indiana: High Court Declines to Hear Anti-Planned Parenthood Appeal
The state’s Supreme Court has refused without comment listen to Indiana’s defense of the law, overturned by a lower court, that would prohibit any Medicaid funds from going to organizations like Planned Parenthood that provide abortions (although such money already is not permitted to be used for abortion services). By declining to take the case, the Supreme Court lets the previous ruling stand, ensuring that such organizations are still capable of receiving Medicaid funds and thus providing all manner of sexual and reproductive health care.