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The Rev. Laurie Bushbaum, interim minister of First Universalist Unitarian Church of Wausau, Wisconsin, joined her fellow clergy at the pretrial hearing of Pavion Phillips, who was recently charged with resisting or obstructing an officer. Bushbaum asked before the hearing, "Why does a young black man end up beaten and arrested when he was not engaging in any illegal activity?" (Wausau Daily Herald – 3.9.16)
More coverage:
“Wausau Police respond to racism accusations, release squad video of incident” (WSAU.com – 3.11.16)
The Rev. Patty C. Willis of South Valley Unitarian Universalist Society in Salt Lake City joined other faith leaders at the Utah state capitol to voice their support for legalizing medical marijuana. Willis said that faith leaders do not want their congregants having to risk arrest or worse because they believe cannabis is the only treatment option for their condition. (ABC 4 News – 3.4.16)
More coverage:
“Leaders from various faiths advocate for medical marijuana in Utah” (Fox 13 NOW – 3.5.16)
The Rev. Susan Frederick Gray of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Phoenix in Paradise Valley, Arizona, gathered with other faith leaders outside the state capitol to oppose a group of bills they say are “anti-immigrant” and “anti-refugee.” At the event, Frederick Gray said: “Where in the scriptures are we told to harden our hearts and to build up walls against our neighbors? Nowhere. Rather, we are told to welcome them in.” (550 KFYI – 3.9.16)
More coverage:
“Faith Leaders Condemn Arizona Legislation Targeting Immigrants and Refugees” (Phoenix New Times – 3.9.16)
UUA bathroom resource supports “toilet revolution”
Rachel Kramer Bussel chronicles the growing movement by young people and, in particular, high school students, to create gender-neutral restrooms to support a safe environment for transgender students. Bussel notes, “Even the Unitarian Universalist Association offers suggestions on how to convert a building’s restrooms to accommodate gender neutral bathrooms.” (Salon.com – 3.7.16)
Banner vandalism grows despite active police investigation
Black Lives Matter signs at four Annapolis, Maryland-area churches, including the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis, continue to be stolen or damaged, frustrating congregations and police alike. The Rev. Fred Muir of the Unitarian Universalist Church and the Rev. Randy Callender of St. Philip’s Episcopal church, which has also had its banner stolen, said police response throughout the ordeal has been excellent. (Capital Gazette – 3.5.16)
More coverage:
“Black Lives Matter signs repeatedly stolen in Annapolis” (WBALTV – 3.7.16)