Link Roundup: Legislation Against Choice

Welcome to this week’s installment of Lilith’s Link Roundup. Each week we post Jewish and feminist highlights from around the web. If there’s anything you want to be sure we know about,email us or leave a message in the comments section below.

Breaking news: Just moments ago, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Pence Amendment in a vote of 240-185. The Amendment would strip Planned Parenthood of receiving federal funds for any of the organization’s services. [L.A. Times]  For some more background, also see here and here.

South Dakota made headlines this week after introducing a bill that would “ expand the definition of justifiable homicide to provide for the protection of certain unborn children.” Critics of the law argued that, if passed, the law would legalize the killing of abortion providers. [Mother Jones]

The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Phil Jensen, responded to the criticisms, claiming that the bill has “has nothing to do with abortion.” The bill has now been shelved while lawmakers decide whether or not to amend the language or drop it completely. [NY Times]

CBS correspondent Lara Logan was sexually assaulted by an angry mob in Egypt last Friday. Her attackers were reportedly yelling, “Jew! Jew!” as she was brutally attacked. [NY Post]  For some thoughts on how to respond helpfully and compassionately when someone who is the victim of a rape tries to tell you her story, see here.

Maryland may be the next state to allow gay marriage. Yesterday, the Maryland Senate Judicial Proceeding Committee passed the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act (SB 116). The state Senate is scheduled to vote on the bill next week. [Ms. Magazine]

On Wednesday, Hawaii Legislature passed a bill allowing civil unions for same-sex couples. [NPR]

-Jill Finkelstein