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.