by SHR Staff | Jun 28, 2013 | News
Sexual Health Rankings™ presents Sex Stories, a weekly roundup of sexual health news from the around the country.
Supreme Court Strikes Down Key Part of Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)
The U.S. Supreme Court finally released its rulings on two marriage equality cases. A key part of DOMA was struck down, giving legally-married same sex couples the same benefits as their heterosexual counterparts. Meanwhile, they upheld a lower court’s ruling that California’s Proposition 8 is unconstitutional, reinstating the right of same-sex couples to marry.
After 12- 1/2-Hour Filibuster, Texas Senate Bill 5 Dies
Nearly 13 hours after she began talking, Texas Senator Wendy Davis could successfully say that her filibuster to block Senate Bill 5 succeeded. During that time, Davis shared stories of those who would be affected by the proposed law. If passed, the law would prohibit abortions after 20 weeks and essentially shut down all but five clinics in the state.
Gov. Perry Calls Second Special Session of Texas Legislature To Address Abortion Restrictions
Not surprisingly, Texas Governor Rick Perry has already called for a second special legislative session in hope of passing Senate Bill 5. Lawmakers will meet again on July 1 to act on the abortion proposal and a handful of other bills.
The AIDS Crisis Is Far from Over in Black America
New maps created by an AIDS-focused epidemiological research center shows huge differences in the rates of HIV diagnoses between black and white Americans. These maps are based on the data from 2010 and show infection rates that are eight times higher for blacks even though they make up only 14% of the U.S. population.
Law Would Grant Whistle-Blower Protection to Military Victims of Sexual Assault
The U.S. House approved a bill that requires the military to investigate allegations of retaliation against any service member who reports sexual assault. The bill, which still needs approval from the Senate, is part of a recent focus on better responding to an estimated 26,000 annual sexual assaults in the military.
by SHR Staff | Jun 21, 2013 | News
Sexual Health Rankings™ presents Sex Stories, a weekly roundup of sexual health news from the around the country.
Details: AID v. Alliance for Open Society International
Though the Supreme Court did not rule on DOMA or Prop 8 this week, there was a lesser-publicized victory for harm-reduction advocates and AIDS funding. Groups who receive federal funds for combating HIV/AIDS and other diseases abroad no longer need a clear anti-prostitution policy. It was deemed unconstitutional based on the First Amendment.
Gay Marriage Debate Day 2: Supreme Court Takes Up Defense of Marriage Act
Deep divides in the Justices’ opinion were at the forefront of the Supreme Court’s debate over the Defense of Marriage Act. Central to the discussion is whether House Republicans can continue funding the defense of the law and if it violates the Constitution’s equal protection guarantees.
Exodus International Shuts Down: Is This the End of the ‘Anti-Gay’ Movement?
The most prominent ‘anti-gay’ group has officially renounced its efforts to make gay people straight. Despite the shut-down and both written and verbal apologies, questions remain about what the group now represents and if it is any less discriminatory or harmful given that the founder still feels sex should be limited to monogamous, heterosexual marriages.
First Major Review of Violence Against Women: One-third of All Women Have Been Abused by a Partner
A series of papers released by the World Health Organization shows that nearly 30% of women worldwide are the victims of either domestic or sexual violence by a partner. Along with the report, WHO issued guidelines for authorities and recommended all health workers be trained to recognize at-risk women and respond appropriately.
Spanking for Jesus: Inside the Unholy World of ‘Christian Domestic Discipline’
Adherents to a new trend that calls for wives to be completely submissive to their husbands say this lifestyle is based on the Bible’s commands. Practices include spanking and other corporal punishments to wives who break their husband’s rules. Adherents generally argue it is neither sexual fetishism nor abuse but health experts and some wives disagree.
