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U.S. gender wage gap grows for first time in a decade; Trump has embraced NC's Mark Robinson, calling him 'Martin Luther King on steroids'; Volunteers sought as early voting kicks off in MN; Women's political contributions in congressional races fall short of men's.

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Rising threats of political violence, a Federal Reserve rate cut, crypto industry campaign contributions and reproductive rights are shaping today's political landscape.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Christianity Required? ACLU Calls for Investigation into OR Pregnancy Prevention Program

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Friday, May 4, 2007   

The American Civil Liberties Union has asked the government to investigate evidence that taxpayer dollars are funding religion in the "Stop and Think" program, a service of the Oregon-based Lane Pregnancy Support Center. Jann Carson with the ACLU of Oregon says a contract requiring presenters to have an "authentic relationship with Jesus Christ" raises concerns.

“If there is a misuse of dollars, then the government has an obligation to remedy that and to monitor how the taxpayers' dollars are being used in these programs.”

Abstinence-only programs receive $176 million in federal funds every year, and the ACLU says these funds should not be tied to a religious requirement for presenters.

Carson notes that a religious test for employees runs afoul of the Constitution when government funding is involved.

“It is impermissible for government to favor one religion over another.”

The ACLU's letters to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Oregon Department of Human Services, and a copy of the Stop and Think contract are available at www.aclu.org.



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