Dear Friend,

Wednesday was a landmark day for the marriage and sexuality news beat. The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in United States v. Skrmetti, a case to decide whether a Tennessee law meant to protect minors from transgender interventions is constitutional. While the case directly concerns only Tennessee, its outcome will likely set a precedent on the constitutionality of similar laws across the country.

During Wednesday’s hearing, several people from across various WORLD editorial departments worked together to bring you the best coverage—and from a Biblical worldview.

As you may know, WORLD opened a bureau in Washington, D.C., last year near the U.S. Supreme Court building. Breaking news reporter Josh Schumacher maintained a running blog during the oral arguments; Harrison Watters, a producer for The World and Everything in It, secured a spot inside the courtroom and assisted reporter Carolina Lumetta with podcast reports highlighting the arguments; and contributor Juliana Chan Erikson spoke with detransitioners about the harm they’ve experienced from the treatments. In addition, podcast host Mary Reichard and producer Paul Butler worked to bring you today’s special Legal Docket coverage of the case.

Much of this you may already know from reading and listening to our coverage. What you may not know is that during the arguments, our WORLD team also had the opportunity to engage in ministry. Wednesday was a cold day, so our D.C. staff invited reporters from other news outlets and protesters to our office for a chance to warm up and grab a cup of hot coffee.

It was a small gesture, but it was our staff’s way of allowing others to see the heart of Christ.

Now for the latest news in the marriage, family, and sexuality beat.

Family matters

Oral arguments: As noted above, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in United States v. Skrmetti. Attorneys representing the Biden administration argued that the question before the court was whether the 14th Amendment’s equal protection clause allows teenagers to obtain and use puberty blockers and other hormone treatments in an attempt to alter characteristics of their biological sex. Tennessee’s solicitor general argued that the question is whether the 14th Amendment prohibits a state from protecting children within its borders. The amendment’s equal protection clause requires the government to treat similarly situated people the same way. The high court will likely announce its decision in late June 2025.

Time running out on TikTok: A federal appeals court on Friday rejected an appeal to overturn a law that could potentially ban TikTok in the United States. The law would implement the ban as early as mid-January unless the social media platform cuts ties with its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. In its ruling, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit shot down arguments by ByteDance that the law illegally singles out TikTok for legislative punishment, violates equal protection and due process principles, and goes against Fifth Amendment protections from uncompensated property seizure.

Not proud of pride: A mayor in Canada is fighting back after he and his city were fined for refusing to recognize LGBTQ Pride Month. Emo, Ontario, Mayor Harold McQuaker told the Toronto Sun he will not pay a $5,000 fine or attend a reeducation course after he chose not to proclaim June as Pride Month. The Ontario Human Rights Commission also levied a fine of $10,000 against the town of only 1,200 residents after the Municipal Council voted not to fly a rainbow pride flag. McQuaker called the fine extortion.

Bestseller: Sales of Bibles are up in the United States, and many say Generation Z is behind it. While total American print book sales have risen less than 1% this year, Bible sales increased by 22% by the end of October, according to book tracker Circana BookScan. While the Word of God has led the religion book market this year, subjects including Christian living and Biblical studies have also seen strong interest, said book industry analyst Brenna Connor, who added that the uptick reflects a growing interest in Christian subjects and a desire among Americans for a sense of community.

Women’s sports: A man is suing after a women’s powerlifting competition barred him from participating. The Minnesota Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Tuesday over the legality of USA Powerlifting’s 2018 decision not to allow JayCee Cooper, a man who identifies as a woman, to participate in a women’s bench press competition. Cooper’s legal team alleges that USA Powerlifting violated the state’s constitution by engaging in discrimination when it excluded the athlete from participating. Attorneys representing the organization said Cooper must prove that prejudice was the intentional motive for the decision to exclude him, not simply that the decision itself was prejudicial.

WORLD-WIDE REPORTS

• On The World and Everything in It, Todd Vician reports on homeschool students refining their communications skills by participating in stoa tournaments.
• Brad Littlejohn writes in his commentary for WORLD Opinions about how children’s safety is more important than adult access to pornography. Also, Denny Burk explains how New Testament scholar Richard Hays has changed his views on homosexuality, leading to apostasy.

Blessings,