Minnesota Independent

Catholic physicians’ group doesn’t want contraception covered by – or mentioned in – Affordable Care Act

By Ashley Lopez | 08.24.11 | 9:47 am

St. Gianna Physician’s Guild, a group of Catholic physicians, have launched an online campaign asking Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and the Obama administration “to immediately withdraw all references to contraception and contraception counseling from the ‘Guidelines for Women’s Preventive Services’ under the Affordable Care Act, and to provide a conscience clause to protect the religious freedom and beliefs of Catholics.”

Couples file appeal in Minnesota same-sex marriage lawsuit

By Andy Birkey | 08.19.11 | 12:01 pm

The 2012 ballot isn’t the only place where a raging debate on same-sex marriage is taking place in Minnesota. Three same-sex couples filed an appeal in July in their bid to overturn Minnesota’s Defense of Marriage Act, and groups on both sides of the issue have filed paperwork with the court offering strongly worded arguments on the issue of marriage equality.

Minnesota Family Council launches efforts to pass marriage ban

By Andy Birkey | 08.10.11 | 12:38 pm

The Minnesota Family Council has ramped up its efforts this week to pass a constitutional amendment that would define marriage as only between one man and one woman. The group is seeking volunteers to reach out to pastors and has launched a nine-month training program called the Minnesota Worldview Leadership Project.

Religious right pushes agenda leading up to Iowa straw poll

By Meghan Malloy | 08.09.11 | 2:33 pm

DES MOINES — As the Ames Straw Poll hovers on the proverbial horizon and the eyes of the nation turn to Iowa, members of the religious right want to make sure their voices are the loudest come Saturday. The “Values Voter Bus Tour,” a coalition comprised of state and national religious conservative organizations, including National Organization for Marriage and The Family Leader, will hit 22 Iowa cities before the Ames Straw Poll, advancing their agenda that entails support of traditional marriage and anti-abortion initiatives.

Bachmann takes in ‘ex-gay’ presentation at Iowa church

By Andy Birkey | 08.08.11 | 1:23 pm

MSNBC reports that Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann and her husband Marcus attended a church service in Des Moines, Iowa, over the weekend that included an ex-gay presentation. Bachmann, who built her political career in Minnesota fighting against rights for LGBT people, has blown off reporters’ questions about her views on LGBT rights and about evidence that her husband’s counseling clinic which performs “ex-gay” therapy.

Bachmann releases Iowa religious endorsements

By Lynda Waddington | 08.05.11 | 4:59 pm

An Iowa event schedule peppered with speaking appearances at Iowa churches seems to be paying off for Rep. Michele Bachmann. On Friday her campaign released a list of more than 100 state pastors and faith leaders who have endorsed her presidential candidacy.

Minneapolis minister under fire for officiating at Twin Cities Pride

By Andy Birkey | 08.02.11 | 12:07 pm

Rev. Gregrey Renstrom of Minneapolis’ New Harmony United Methodist Church is facing a formal complaint within the United Methodist Church for his participation in the recent Twin Cities LGBT Pride Festival.

Heavy metal minister Bradlee Dean sues Rachel Maddow, Minnesota Independent

By Todd A. Heywood | 07.27.11 | 2:07 pm

Controversial pastor and rock musician Bradlee Dean filed suit Wednesday in federal court alleging he was defamed by reporting from the Minnesota Independent as well as MSNBC star Rachel Maddow and her show.

Congressional hearings on al-Shabaab exclude Minneapolis Somalis

By Jon Collins | 07.27.11 | 1:08 pm

In the third controversial congressional hearing on Muslim extremism Wednesday, Chair Peter King pointed directly at Minneapolis connections to al-Shabaab as a threat to United States security, although no Minnesota Somali-Americans were invited to testify.

Audio: In Iowa, Bachmann offers ‘testimony of faith’

By Lynda Waddington | 07.25.11 | 7:38 am

MARION, IOWA — Church pastors who do not believe women were called by God to serve in leadership roles turned their pulpit over Sunday morning to 2012 presidential hopeful Rep. Michele Bachmann.