Andy Birkey

New Journalist Fellow

Andy Birkey covers lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues, local
politics, religion and reproductive health for the Minnesota Independent.
He has almost a decade of experience working to empower Minnesotans to
be knowledgeable about their sexual health and to create healthy,
responsible and sex-positive communities.

Four Minnesota Bills Attempt to Restrict Access to Abortion

Andy Birkey

Minnesota’s anti-abortion forces are hoping a slate of bills will restrict access to abortion. Four bills have been offered this session, from outright bans on the procedure to data-collection mandates.

Abortion Politics Trump Social Justice at Catholic School

Andy Birkey

A Minnesota Representative was stripped of an award for social justice work from a local Catholic school because of his voting record on choice.

With STI Rates Rising, Sex Ed Bill Returns to Minnesota Legislature

Andy Birkey

Minnesota health officials testified recently that rates of sexually transmitted diseases are increasing, and that a proposed bill to might stem the steady rise and curb teen pregnancy.

Minnesota Gov. Pawlenty’s Budget Slashes Family Planning Funds

Andy Birkey

The budget proposed Tuesday by Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty would cut $2 million from the state's family planning services funding.

Seeking A ‘Third Way’: Inauguration of Obama May Bring Unity

Andy Birkey

Is the 'Third Way' a charm? The aptly named think tank thinks so. A coalition of progressive and evangelical leaders organized by the organization calls on President Elect Obama to find common ground on social issues.

Abortion Debate Splits Minnesota’s Capitol

Andy Birkey

Perhaps the most contentious political issue in the Minnesota Capitol remains abortion. And both proponents and opponents of a woman's right to choose will be putting forward initiatives to advance their causes in the coming months.

Anti-Abortion Postcard Campaign Stirs Up Catholics

Andy Birkey

Roman Catholic bishops throughout the United States are planning a postcard campaign days after the inauguration as part of an attempt to block the Freedom of Choice Act. One Minnesota priest is breaking rank, and getting flack.

Bachmann Allies Slam Republican Committee

Andy Birkey

The Family Research Council, a religious right organization, rushed to the aid of Rep. Michelle Bachmann in the wake of Anti-AmericaGate.

Religious Right GOTV Effort in Minnesota Spurs Backlash

Andy Birkey

Minnesota’s religious right is pulling out all the stops to bring social conservatives to the polls on Election Day, and the message is clear: Christians must vote Republican.

Complaints Filed Against Churches Making Endorsements

Andy Birkey

Americans United for the Separation of Church and State filed formal complaints targeting six churches that issued political endorsements on "Pulpit Freedom Sunday."

Andy Birkey

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