religious freedom

Global Journalist: Europe's Veil Bans Target Muslim Women

By • Sep 28, 2017
AP Photo

Since France banned women from wearing veils that covered the face in public in 2011, a growing number of European nations have passed similar restrictions.

Belgium, Bulgaria and Austria have passed similar so-called "burqa bans," while Germany, Switzerland, Norway and other countries are considering such legislation.

The laws have sparked a public debate about religious freedom, feminism and xenophobia. On this edition of Global Journalist, a look at how Europe's courts, legislators and public are grappling with the debate about the meaning of Islamic dress in Western societies.


Missouri Businesses Join Against Religious-Objection Measure

By • Apr 12, 2016

 JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Some Missouri business leaders are forming a coalition against a proposal that would protect some businesses that object to same-sex marriage on religious grounds.

State LGBT advocacy group PROMO announced the coalition hours before a scheduled House hearing on the legislation Tuesday.

More than 60 businesses have joined the group Missouri Competes, including Square and Google Fiber.

Afternoon Newscast for April 6, 2016

By • Apr 6, 2016

Regional news coverage from the KBIA newsroom, including: 


Official: Amendment could cost Kansas City $50 million

By • Mar 29, 2016
William Murphy via Flickr

The director of the Kansas City Sports Commission says the city could lose more than $50 million if voters approve a constitutional amendment that would allow Missouri business owners to cite their religious beliefs when refusing services for same-sex weddings.

Gov. Nixon opposes religious exemption amendment proposal

By • Mar 9, 2016
Bernard Pollack / Flickr

JEFFERSON CITY - Governor Jay Nixon says a proposed constitutional amendment granting religious exemptions to some business owners opposed to gay marriage could be "harmful to our economy."

The Democratic governor also said Wednesday that the measure would "condone discrimination" and urged the House to oppose it.

Fights Over 'Religious Freedom' And Gay Rights Are Costing Republicans

By • Apr 3, 2015

Following a firestorm of criticism, Republican governors in Indiana and Arkansas signed revised versions of their states' Religious Freedom Restoration bills Thursday night. In Indiana the language was adjusted, and in Arkansas it was significantly scaled back to more closely align with the federal law.

What The 2016 Hopefuls Are Saying About Indiana's 'Religious Freedom' Law

By • Mar 31, 2015

A controversial law in Indiana has made its way into the 2016 presidential race. Supporters praise the Religious Freedom Restoration Act's for protecting religious convictions, but the law has drawn wide criticism from those who say it allows businesses to discriminate against gay and lesbian patrons.

Heartland, Missouri

By & • Oct 20, 2014

For the past year, KBIA has been working on a special long-form story about a place in Northeast Missouri called Heartland. It’s a story with threads of religion, law, business, and morality that all end in a knot, in the middle of a cornfield.

    


Blunt's bill would create Middle East ambassador focusing on religious freedom

By • Jul 28, 2014

U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt is touting passage of legislation that authorizes the appointment of a special ambassador to the Middle East focused on religious freedom.

Reporting on religion

By • Dec 13, 2012

According to a recent poll, two-thirds of Americans believe that media coverage of religion is too sensationalized. So how could journalists best cover the subject in a fair and balanced way? To find out, Global Journalist spoke to two journalists that have devoted years to the religion beat.

Lawmakers In Mo., Other States, Forming 'Religious Freedom' Caucuses

By • Oct 9, 2012

Missouri is one of nine states where lawmakers are forming caucuses they say will focus on preserving religious freedom.

Departing State Representative Mike McGhee (R, Odessa) is organizing Missouri’s caucus.  He says one of their functions will be to consult with lawmakers in other states on making sure that the language used in bills doesn’t result in the erosion of religious rights.

Mid-Missouri Mormons celebrate religious freedom with walk, run

By • Jul 4, 2012
Kellie Kotraba/ColumbiaFAVS / KBIA

Columbia’s Mormon congregations celebrated religious freedom this morning and marked an event from the church’s history.