Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World

Political Issues

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    Same-Sex Marriage in the Courts

    The U.S. Supreme Court stepped squarely into the same-sex marriage debate when it agreed on Dec. 7, 2012, to review two important lower court decisions involving gay marriage. Find out what that may mean for the future of same-sex marriage in the U.S.

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    Overview of Same-Sex Marriage in the United States

    Across the U.S., a fierce debate is taking place between those who hope all gays and lesbians will soon have the right to marry and those who believe that same-sex marriage is helping to undermine heterosexual marriage. Read about the history and current status of the same-sex marriage debate.

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    Veterans Survey

    Survey Details: ConductedJul-Sep, 2011 File Release Date: 27 Nov 12

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    Laws Penalizing Blasphemy, Apostasy and Defamation of Religion are Widespread

    On Nov. 20, a Pakistani court ordered blasphemy charges dropped against a Christian teenager who had been accused of burning pages from the Quran. A new Pew Forum analysis finds that as of 2011 nearly half the countries and territories in the world have laws against blasphemy, apostasy or defamation.

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    Faith on the Hill: The Religious Composition of the 113th Congress

    The newly elected 113th Congress includes the first Buddhist to serve in the Senate, the first Hindu to serve in either chamber and the first member of Congress to describe her religion as “none.” While Congress remains majority Protestant, the institution is far less so today than it was 50 years ago.