Missouri Religious Exemption Measure Advances Following 37 Hour Filibuster

Jefferson City, MO  (AP) The GOP-led Missouri Senate has given initial approval to a proposal to amend the Missouri Constitution to provide further religious protections for those objecting to gay marriage. The 23-9 vote Wednesday came after Republicans broke a more than 30-hour Democratic filibuster. The measure would prohibit government penalties against business owners and…

Illinois lawmakers could increase places where concealed carry is OK

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – Illinois legislators from both parties are continuing to fine-tune the state’s concealed carry law nearly three years after it was passed. The State Journal-Register reports that legislators have proposed including public transportation, interstate highway rest areas, public parks and athletic facilities as areas in which permit holders are allowed to carry…