analysis

Houston, We Have A Problem: A Collision With First Amendment Rights

Houston, We Have A Problem: A Collision With First Amendment Rights

This week several news stories have covered a uniquely problematic situation in Houston, TX. Houston’s city officials subpoenaed sermons of local pastors who oppose an ordinance that provides certain protections for LGBT community members. The ordinance would ban discrimination against LGBT by businesses serving the public, private employers, housing, city employment and city contracting – including provision for transgender people who are denied access to a particular restroom to be able to file a discrimination complaint. The ordinance passed in May 2014 but is not yet implemented because of various legal matters. And, opponents are actively seeking to repeal the ordinance through a ballot measure. While this presents a range of legislative issues – the problem in Houston is much bigger than legislative discord.

To Be or Not To Be: That is the Question of Independence for Scotland

To Be or Not To Be: That is the Question of Independence for Scotland

“Today of all days as we bring Scotland together, let us not dwell on the distance we have fallen short, let us dwell on the distance we have travelled and have confidence the movement is abroad in Scotland that will take this nation forward,” — Alex Salmond, Scotland’s First Minister.

A major political question has come to close for the United Kingdom, at least for now. Scotland’s referendum on whether to become an independent nation went before the Scottish people yesterday and the results were concrete. With votes in from all 32 council areas , the “No” side won with 2,001,926 (55%) votes and the “Yes” with 1,617,989 (45%).

September 17: Constitution Day and Its Significance

September 17: Constitution Day and Its Significance

On September 17, 1787, the Constitutional Convention delegates signed a unique and enduring document that stood not only as the framework for the newly formed U.S. government but would endure to be the longest running constitutional democracy in history. The opening preamble in itself framed the most important elements of the document and its purpose…