SB1119, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) affirms the traditional interpretation of “free exercise of religion” under the U.S. Constitution and the Arkansas Constitution. It provides legal recourse for individuals whose religious freedoms are infringed and prescribes penalties for filing frivolous or fraudulent lawsuits. (more…)
SJR19 currently under consideration in the Arkansas Legislature would ratify the proposed Equal Rights Amendment. While Family Council supports equal rights, the Equal Rights Amendment has the potential to undermine existing laws intended to prevent gender-based discrimination. It also carries a number of unintended consequences. Below are some facts concerning the Equal Rights Amendment. You can download a copy of our policy brief on the issue here.
An ERA Overview: In 2007, the House State Agencies Committee refused to pass this measure, and in 2009, the Senate State Agencies refused to pass it. Ratifying the ERA would make us the 36th state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment to the US. Constitution. With the ratification of 38 states the measure could become the 28th amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
It states: “Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.”
Why Family Council Opposes the ERA: Since the introduction of the ERA over 30 years ago, numerous state and federal laws have been passed to prevent discrimination against women. In the meantime, courts have interpreted some state ERAs in ways that supporters of these measures never imagined. While Family Council supports equal rights, we are concerned about the unintended consequences of the Federal Equal Rights Amendment.
Here is what can happen if it becomes part of the U.S. Constitution:
A lot is happening at the Capitol. Read some of the highlights below.
Pro-Life History Made. In case you missed it, both the House and Senate voted this week to override Governor Beebe’s veto of SB134 by Sen. Jason Rapert. SB134 prohibits abortion at or after the twelfth week of pregnancy, except in certain cases. This is the strongest pro-life law in the nation, and the second time this session the legislature has voted to override a veto.
“Tim Tebow” Bill Filed Today. Rep. Lowery has filed HB1789 to let home schooled students participate in interscholastic activities at their local public school. The bill requires home schooled students participating in the activities to demonstrate academic proficiency and comply with school rules on practice times, drug testing, fees, and so forth. It would not affect home schoolers who choose not to participate in public school activities.
Bill to Defund Abortion Providers Filed. Today Senator Jason Rapert filed a bill to regulate public-funding of abortion providers. Public funds awarded to abortion providers indirectly facilitate and subsidize abortion and abortion counseling in spite of a state constitutional amendment to the contrary. SB818 by Sen. Rapert takes abortion providers out of the state’s checkbook.