Topic: Family Research Council

The gay marriage paradox: as acceptance rises, so do legal barriers

President Obama's embrace of gay marriage mirrors growing support among many Americans, but states continue to ban it. The US Supreme Court could play a key role.

How did Romney do at Liberty University? Just fine, evangelicals say

Mitt Romney always has had an uneasy relationship with evangelical Christians and other social conservatives, both on issues and regarding his Mormon religion. In his important commencement speech at Liberty University, he seems to have won them over.

Obama backs gay marriage: How it plays with Christian church leaders (+video)

The response from Christian church leaders ranged from "giddy" to "deeply saddening" when asked about President Obama's new support of gay marriage. Will it fire up evangelical Christians to vote against Obama in November?

Obama backs gay marriage: What difference will that make? (+video)

President Obama was already doing virtually all he could to advance gay rights politically. But by openly supporting gay marriage, he could be a potent force to broaden cultural acceptance. 

Tea party challenge puts Sen. Richard Lugar in the fight of his political life

Sen. Richard Lugar is a six-term incumbent, highly regarded for his work on national security issues. But tea party-backed challenger Richard Mourdock says Lugar has lost touch with his Indiana constituents. In the run-up to Tuesday's GOP primary, Mourdock leads in the polls.

Prop. 8 struck down: Will California's gay couples flock to the altar?

Prop. 8, California's gay marriage ban, took a hit Tuesday, but the legal battle might not be over yet. Until it is, California couples will likely be barred from marrying. 

Biggest loser in South Carolina isn't Santorum. It's evangelical leadership.

Evangelical leaders endorsed Rick Santorum ahead of the South Carolina primary, but evangelical voters didn't listen – pushing Newt Gingrich to victory instead. This departure marks a dramatic shift in the movement – with far-reaching implications for American politics.

Evangelical leaders try to unite behind Rick Santorum

Evangelical leaders want to use whatever clout they have to help a strong conservative advance in South Carolina’s primary, upsetting frontrunner Mitt Romney, who is viewed as too moderate.

Why Mitt Romney called out Rick Perry on Mormonism 'cult' claim

Mitt Romney set the table for questioning Rick Perry in tonight's GOP debate about pastor Robert Jeffress's claim about Mormonism.

Why Ron Paul did well among social conservatives at the Values Voter Summit

Ron Paul won the Values Voter Summit presidential straw poll of Republican hopefuls by a relative whopping 37 percent of the vote. His combination of organized supporters and a strong biblical theme worked well.

Romney, others push back against 'Mormonism a cult' charge

Is Rick Perry having a Rev. Jeremiah Wright moment? He's having to distance himself from evangelical leader Robert Jeffress, who says that Mormonism – Mitt Romney's religion – is "a cult."

Prop. 8: Gay marriage still on hold in California, says Ninth Circuit

The Ninth Circuit ruled Wednesday not to lift the 'temporary' stay on same-sex marriages in California, imposed in August 2010.

On eve of new Congress, GOP struggles with rift over social issues

While the tea party movement has focused on fiscal concerns, social issues remain key for other GOP lawmakers, who are unhappy that such issues seem to have less importance these days.

'Death panels' controversy: Is Obama avoiding Congress?

The Obama administration is set to expand options for 'end of life' counseling for Medicare recipients. The White House says it's practical. Sarah Palin says it's akin to 'death panels.'

GOP weighs economy, social issues in planning for elections

At the 'Values Voter Summit,' social conservatives heard from GOP presidential hopefuls. With the tea party insurgency swirling around them, they have to weigh economic and social issues.

Can social conservatives join up with the 'tea party'?

At the Values Voter Summit this weekend, traditional social conservatives hope to tap into tea party fervor. Some GOP presidential hopefuls are there to show their stuff for a straw poll.

Has California Supreme Court ruling 'wiped out' support for Prop. 8?

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Attorney General Jerry Brown are not required to defend against a legal challenge to Prop. 8, the law banning same-sex marriage, the state supreme court found. So who will defend it now?

Obama administration walks tricky political line on gay marriage ban

President Obama has pledged to overturn the federal Defense of Marriage Act, which bars the federal government from recognizing gay marriage. But his Justice Department is defending the law’s constitutionality in court.

Gay marriage ban unconstitutional, rules federal judge in Boston

Gay marriage: In Boston, US District Judge Joseph Tauro ruled that the Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional because it forces Massachusetts to discriminate against its own citizens by denying them some federal benefits.

Republican phone sex scandal, fundraising challenge add to RNC woes

The Republican phone sex scandal ensued after that RNC directed potential donors to the wrong number. Meanwhile, a conservative leader told his followers to stop giving to the RNC, and a competing organization is raising money for GOP candidates.

Trouble brewing between the Tea Party movement and the GOP?

Members of the Tea Party movement say they are not beholden to the GOP.

The Republican Party fights ... with itself

Intra-party squabbling among conservatives – especially with Tea Partiers thrown into the mix – is not good news for the GOP. They're beginning to act like Democrats.

US House of Representatives votes to approve healthcare reform

The House voted 220 to 215 in favor of healthcare reform. But Saturday night’s vote also signals tough negotiations ahead in the next phases of the legislation.

Huckabee beats Romney, Palin in soon to be forgotten poll