VOTER SUPPRESSION LAWS - Republican States Make a Run For One-Party Rule

"Wave of new voting laws raises questions about voter access and integrity" PBS NewsHour 6/9/2021

Excerpt

SUMMARY:  Since the 2020 election, laws restricting voter access passed in 14 states across the U.S., all with Republican-controlled state legislatures.  They've sparked outrage from voting rights groups and from two former co-chairs of the Presidential Election Commission.  Democrat Bob Bauer who served under the Obama campaign, and Ben Ginsberg a Republican election lawyer, join Judy Woodruff to discuss.

 

 

"Texas increasingly at odds with the Biden administration on critical issues" PBS NewsHour 6/10/2021

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SUMMARY:  The past legislative session in Texas focused on key conservative priorities, from restricting abortion to addressing transgender rights.  The Lone Star State is now focused on a voting bill that would tighten election laws, after missing an opportunity to get it passed late last month.  Political reporter Daniel Bush joins Judy Woodruff from Austin with more.

AMERICAN MILITARY - Transgender Troops

"Trans troops, recruits celebrate new Pentagon rule allowing them to serve openly" PBS NewsHour 3/31/2021

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SUMMARY:  The Pentagon announced new rules Wednesday allowing transgender military members to serve openly.  It fulfills an early pledge from President Joe Biden, restoring an Obama-era policy that was overturned by President Donald Trump.  Ali Rogin spoke to transgender service members who have been waiting for this day.

CULTURE CLASH - State Bills Against Trans Rights

COMMENT:  It has always made me wonder why so-called conservative Christians are so hung up on sex?  Are they that sick or are they afraid of their own secret desires?

"Record number of bills look to restrict trans rights in the U.S." PBS NewsHour 3/30/2021

Excerpt

SUMMARY:  A record number of bills to limit transgender rights have been introduced this year in state legislators across the country, with lawmakers in 28 states considering 93 bills targeting the rights of transgender Americans according to the Human Rights Campaign.  John Yang speaks to Kate Sosin, the LGBTQ+ reporter for The 19th News, about how the legal and cultural battles are playing out.