Not Sure What to Make of Gender Theory?
The latest episode of the podcast kicks off with part 1 of our look at the use of language in gender theory with Dr. Abigail Favale, author of Into the Deep: An Unlikely Catholic Conversion. This is an increasingly important topic in our culture, which helps us understand the roots of the so-called Equality Act. Stay tuned next week for part 2! Later in this episode, things lighten up when Kara joins for a look at Pride and Prejudice (1995). Find that and previous episodes here, and be sure to share it with your friends!
We Can Stop the "Equality Act"!
The USCCB continues to oppose the misnamed Equality Act. By seeking to insert "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" into civil rights laws, it would discriminate against people of faith and impose gender theory in schools, workplaces, charities, shelters, hospitals, doctors' offices, and more. Its provisions could also be construed to create an abortion mandate. For a deeper look at some of the issues with gender theory, check out our podcast at the links above!

Our Policy Advisor, Robert Vega, participated in a webinar detailing the potential harms of the bill, along with a podcast for the USCCB's religious liberty office. They also hosted another podcast on gender theory with guests Margaret Harper McCarthy and Michael Hanby.

Please contact your U.S. senator to stop this bill from becoming law! Check out this in-depth briefing: The Equality Act and What It Means for Catholics and visit usccb.org/equality-act to learn more.
A Year for the Family
Marking five years since his apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia, Pope Francis has ushered in a "year" of celebration and deepened reflection on the family. From March 19th all the way through the 10th World Meeting of Families in Rome on June 26th, 2022, the Vatican's Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life will promote the Christian message on the family in light of the today's challenges. The USCCB is celebrating the year with its own events and resources, which you can find here.
A Year of St. Joseph
Pope Francis has also proclaimed in his Apostolic Letter Patris Corde a special “Year of St. Joseph,” a wonderful opportunity to increase our love for St. Joseph, patron of both the Universal Church and of all families.

The USCCB has compiled a hub of resources, catechetical materials, and prayers/devotions to assist in the ongoing celebration of this special year.
Legal/Policy Updates

Women's sports - Montana enacted a women's sports protection bill on May 3rd, and Florida did so on June 1st, making seven this year. Several others, such as in Texas, failed in May. Those that have passed will face litigation.

Teachers' Free Speech - A Virginia gym teacher threatened legal action on May 28th after being placed on a leave of absence for having spoken at a school board meeting about his being unable to use children's "preferred pronouns."

Redefining Parents and Children - Connecticut enacted parentage legislation on May 26th, giving same-sex partners with no biological connection to "their" children more easy legal parental rights over those children.

Health Care and Religious Liberty - A Washington state federal court ruled on May 4th that the health insurer for a Catholic employer must cover “gender confirmation” procedures for employees’ children. On May 10th, the US Dept. of Health & Human Services (HHS) issued a notice that it would interpret "sex" in health care nondiscrimination law to include "sexual orientation" and "gender identity," which would likely result in "gender confirmation" procedure and coverage mandates.

Schools and Restrooms in Tennessee - The Volunteer State had an active month. On May 3rd, it passed a bill to provide parental notifications and opt-outs from "LGBT" material in schools. It also enacted two restroom laws - one on May 14th to require school restroom use by biological sex, and the other on May 17th requiring businesses that allow “gender identity”-based restroom access to disclose it.

Overseas - In May, Sweden's prestigious Karolinska Institute stopped providing hormone procedures to gender dysphoric minors. Lithuania very narrowly defeated a civil union bill on May 25th. On the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia," May 17th, which the Biden Administration also celebrated, several countries and international organizations pressured other nations to support "LGBTQ rights" - such as the 40, including the US, that sent a letter to Poland.