Sexual Health Rankings™ presents Sex Stories, a weekly roundup of sexual health news from around the country.
What Role Does Alcohol Play in Men’s Sexual Aggression? (Kinsey Confidential)
A new study examining the relationship between rape culture and alcohol consumption found that most acts of sexual aggression in bars are committed by men towards women and the acts are intentiona to some degree. Men become more aggressive as women drank more, although their own alcohol intake did not affect their behaviors. Finally, the study found that neither staff nor friends regukarky intervened and the latter group actually encouraged the aggressor.
Women with Heart Disease Benefit More from Exercise than Men (Headlines and Global News)
A study of over 2300 patients with heart failure found that there are gender differences in the effect of exercise on reducing bith mortality and hospitalizations. Females had significantly reduced risks of both outcomes as compared to make participants. The differences may be related to other new research which provides evidence that peak heart rates need to be calculated differently for men and women.
Michigan Won’t Recognize Same-Sex Marriages (USA Today)
Over 300 Michigan same-sex couples who married Saturday will not be receiving any legal benefits anytime soon. An appeals court put a stay on a ruling that struck down the state’s amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman. The marriages are being reocgnized as legal but it could take months, and maybe a trip to the Supreme Court, before the couples will know for sure if their marriages will be recognized.
World Vision Reverses Decision to Allow Same-Sex Marriages (The Wire)
Faced with lots of criticism and the threat of lost funding, World Vision, one of the biggest Christian charities in the US has decided it will not allow employees to marry someone of the same gender. In its letter to donors, the charity claimed their original decision to allow same-sex marriage was a break from their Statement of Faith and commitment to the bible.
DOJ Trains Cops to Work with Transgender People (ABC News)
In response to the disproportionate rates of violence against trans* people as well as severe underreporting of crimes against them, the DOJ has launched a training program to teach local cops how to work with and build trust among the community. The policy director of the National Center for Transgender Equality helped design the training. Advocates see the program as a good first step to respond to this problem.
Hobby Lobby Contraceptive Case Goes Before Supreme Court (NPR)
The Supreme Court began hearing arguments this week about the constitutionality of requiring businnes to provide all FDA-approved forms of birth control services covered by health plans. The fight is led by arts and crafts chain Hobby Lobby whose owners are conservative Christians and feel for-profit organizations who dssire to opt out of this mandate should be able just as religious non-profits can. Important aspects of the case include the public health impact and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Justices initial arguments were split along gender lines. The decision is expected to be made in June.