Same sex marriage

FILE - In this March 15, 2021, file photo, demonstrators gather on the steps of the Montana State Capitol protesting anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in Helena, Mont. Gov. Greg Gianforte signed a bill Friday, May 7, 2021, banning transgender athletes from participating in school and university sports according to the gender with which they identify, making Montana one of several Republican-controlled states to approve such measures in 2021. (Thom Bridge/Independent Record via AP, File)=MTHEL

In US, Pride Month festivities muted by political setbacks

By David Crary Jun. 11, 2021 10:05 AM EDT

FILE - In this Sept. 26, 2019 fle photo, Alaska Department of Administration Commissioner Kelly Tshibaka addresses reporters in Anchorage, Alaska. Tshibaka a candidate for U.S. Senate in Alaska previously wrote articles in support of an organization that espoused gay conversion therapy, questioned the integrity of elections and described the "Twilight" books and movies as evil. Many of the past articles, blogs and posts from candidate Tshibaka have been deleted but some are available through archived internet pages, as first reported Tuesday, April 27, 2021, by CNN. The CNN article, Tshibaka said in an email to The Associated Press, "is just proof that our campaign is gaining momentum, which has Lisa Murkowski and her allies scared to death. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen,File)

Alaska candidate shadowed by anti-gay article, election post

By Mark Thiessen Apr. 27, 2021 07:24 PM EDT

FILE - In this April 19, 2019 file photo, a gay pride rainbow flag flies along with the U.S. flag in front of the Asbury United Methodist Church in Prairie Village, Kan. Conservative leaders within the United Methodist Church unveiled plans Monday, March 1, 2021 to form a new denomination, the Global Methodist Church, with a doctrine that does not recognize same-sex marriage. The move could hasten the long-expected breakup of the UMC, America’s largest mainline Protestant denomination, over differing approaches to LGBTQ inclusion. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)

United Methodist conservatives detail plans for a breakaway

By David Crary Mar. 01, 2021 04:19 PM EST

FILE- In this Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021 fiel photo, President Joe Biden, accompanied by first lady Jill Biden, places his hand over his heart during a performance of the national anthem, during a virtual Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service in the State Dinning Room of the White House, in Washington. Donald Trump's departure from the White House and the start of Biden’s presidency have stirred new hopes among many religious leaders in the United States, while causing dismay among others. For leaders of the two largest Christian denominations — the Roman Catholic Church and the Southern Baptist Convention — the paramount concern about the Biden administration is its strong support for abortion rights. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

A mix of hope and dismay as religious leaders assess Biden

By David Crary And Elana Schor Feb. 01, 2021 02:12 PM EST

FILE - In this December 2005 file photo, Rev. Robert Graetz, second from left, and wife, Jeannie, sing along with Gladys Williams, right, on the Cleveland Avenue bus, during the walk of remembrance to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott in Montgomery, Ala. Graetz, the only white minister to support the Montgomery bus boycott, died Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020. He was 92. (Karen S. Doerr/The Montgomery Advertiser via AP)

Religious leaders worldwide, across faiths who died in 2020

By David Crary Dec. 31, 2020 09:02 AM EST

Editorial Roundup: Ohio

By The Associated Press Nov. 09, 2020 06:12 PM EST
Recent editorials of statewide and national interest from Ohio newspapers: We should build on successes of 2020 voting ...

U.S. House candidate Bob Good for Virginia's Fifth Congressional District speaks during a watch party at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020. Good faced Democratic candidate Cameron Webb. (Kendall Warner/The News & Advance via AP)

Bob Good wins, keeping US House seat in Virginia Republican

By Alan Suderman And Sarah Rankin Nov. 03, 2020 12:56 AM EST

FILE - This Sunday, June 2, 2019, file photo shows Washington D.C. Archbishop Wilton Gregory posed for a portrait following mass at St. Augustine Church in Washington. Pope Francis has named 13 new cardinals, including Washington D.C. Archbishop Wilton Gregory, who would become the first Black U.S. prelate to earn the coveted red cap. In a surprise announcement from his studio window to faithful standing below in St. Peter’s Square, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, Francis said the churchmen would be elevated to a cardinal’s rank in a ceremony on Nov. 28. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)

Pope names 13 new cardinals, including 1st Black US prelate

By Frances D'emilio Oct. 25, 2020 12:33 PM EDT

Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett speaks during a confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (Kevin Dietsch/Pool via AP)

The Latest: Day 2 of Barrett confirmation hearings wraps

Oct. 13, 2020 10:04 AM EDT

Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., speaks during the confirmation hearing for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (Kevin Dietsch/Pool via AP)

Barrett bats away tough Democratic confirmation probing

By Lisa Mascaro, Mark Sherman And Laurie Kellman Oct. 13, 2020 09:14 AM EDT

Members of the production crew work on the stage near plexiglass barriers which will serve as a way to protect the spread of COVID-19 as preparations take place for the vice presidential debate at the University of Utah, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020, in Salt Lake City. The vice presidential debate between Vice President Mike Pence and Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., is scheduled for Oct. 7. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Viewer's Guide: Virus response on stage with Pence, Harris

By Michelle L. Price Oct. 07, 2020 05:52 AM EDT

Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden stops to speak to members of the media as he walks out of the Queen Theater in Wilmington, Del., Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020, after pre-taping his speech for the Al Smith dinner. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

After bitter debate, Trump, Biden to speak at charity event

By Kevin Freking And Bill Barrow Oct. 01, 2020 06:28 PM EDT

Portland police declare a riot at the Multnomah County Building, on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020, in Portland, Ore. Officers made at least two arrests of protesters. Officials say protesters in Portland broke out the windows of a county government building, sprayed lighter fluid inside and set it on fire in a demonstration that ended with clashes with police. (Beth Nakamura/The Oregonian via AP)

Portland protesters set fire to county government building

Aug. 19, 2020 03:30 AM EDT

Nevada will have 5 statewide questions on November ballot

By Michelle L. Price Aug. 05, 2020 02:18 PM EDT
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Two proposed statewide initiatives failed to gather enough signatures to make the November ballot in Nevada, leaving five proposed...