By Elaine Donnelly
Extending sexual misconduct to combat units
Independent voices from the TWT Communities
The New York State Legislature is the term often used to refer to the two houses that act as the state legislature of the U.S. state of New York. The New York Constitution does not designate an official term for the two houses together. It says only that "legislative power is vested in the senate and assembly." The legislature is seated at the New York State Capitol in Albany. - Source: Wikipedia
The National Rifle Association said Thursday that the group has joined the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association in a lawsuit challenging the state's new law banning so-called assault weapons and limiting ammunition magazines to a maximum capacity of seven rounds.
The Virginia House of Delegates on Tuesday overwhelmingly passed a bill that would exempt concealed handgun permits from public record requests, a response to a New York newspaper's recent publication of an interactive map of concealed-carry permit holders' names and addresses.
New York could soon shut down Catholic and other health care providers for not offering or referring for abortions. Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo, with enough support in the New York state legislature, could sign a reproductive health act (RHA) this year. Among other actions, the act would declare that New York “shall not discriminate against the exercise of…[abortion] rights…in the regulation or provision of benefits, facilities, services, or information.”
Katy Perry shook up Billboard's Women in Music 2012 luncheon in late November. In accepting their Woman of the Year award, Miss Perry announced, "I am not a feminist, but I do believe in the strength of women."
Gov. Martin O'Malley will sponsor a bill to legalize same-sex marriage in next year's General Assembly, he said Friday.
Supporters of same-sex marriage in Maryland have quickly shaken off their defeat in this year's General Assembly and reorganized for another drive. But opponents say they are equally ready if a bill passes in 2012 and could employ a petition drive similar to the one that will likely force a referendum on the state's recently passed Dream Act.
With New York now gearing up for same-sex weddings, the battle lines are forming for the next skirmishes over gay marriage particularly in Minnesota.
Congress has used the Constitution's Commerce Clause to fight prostitution and domestic violence, to break monopolies and to combat segregation — but its biggest test could come over the Obama administration's claim that it can compel individuals to buy health insurance.
