Animal Rights – Freedom of speech has been curtailed in Iowa, at least when it comes to undercover footage of cruelty and abuse to animals at meat and animal processing plants, and the massive farms which produce genetically modified crops across the state. The “American Heartland Bill,” or File 589, was recently passed by both the Iowa Senate and House. The bill effectively cuts protections for researchers who visit farms undercover and film abuses or dangerous conditions. It classifies such work as “agricultural production facility fraud.” The “American Heartland Bill” is waiting to be signed in...

LGBT Issues – New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has, as he promised to do, vetoed the same-sex marriage bill which had passed the General Assembly on Thursday. It’s not completely over yet though. Lawmakers have until January 2014 to “override Christie’s veto,” however they will need a “two-thirds majority in both houses to succeed.” While many say that marriage equality is a civil rights issue and should be decided by the State, Christie insists that the decision should be decided by the voters and wants the issue put to a referendum. I continue to encourage the Legislature to trust the people...

LGBT Issues – Weddings are on the horizon for LGBT couples in Washington as Senator Margaret Haugen who had previously been undecided, declares that she will cast her deciding vote in favor of gay marriage. In a statement Haugen said she took her time to think about her decision in order to “reconcile [her] religious beliefs with [her] beliefs as an American, as a legislator, and as a wife and mother who cannot deny to others the joys and benefits [she] enjoys.” “This is the right vote and it is the vote I will cast when this measure comes to the floor,” she added. Though no action will be taken on the bill...