France’s Constitutional Council ruled Friday that the country’s mayors cannot refuse to officiate same-sex marriages even if participation would be against their moral and religious beliefs, rejecting the argument that the French Constitution requires the addition of a proposed “conscience clause.” Seven French mayors argued unsuccessfully that the “freedom of conscience” provision in the constitution [...]
A recent report made public by the UN Friday indicates that the US is under-reporting the number of civilian deaths resulting from anti-terrorism drone strikes . In his investigation, UN Special Rapporteur Ben Emmerson discovered 33 drone attacks that have resulted in approximately 450 civilian deaths in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Yemen. While more information must [...]
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced on Friday that Canada and the EU have reached an agreement in principle on a comprehensive free trade agreement. The Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) has been in negotiations since 2009. The PM’s press release states: The Agreement will provide Canada with preferential market access to the [...]
Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych said Friday that he will sign a law allowing former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko to travel abroad for medical treatment, if the bill is passed by the Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine’s parliament. In 2011 Tymoshenko was sentenced to seven years in prison on charges of abuse of power and corruption. The [...]
The Louisiana Supreme Court on Tuesday struck down a state law that made it a crime for non-US citizens to drive a vehicle without carrying proof of lawful immigration status. The court found that the state law is preempted by federal law under the US Supreme Court’s recent decision in Arizona v. United States . [...]
The Prosecutor’s Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina announced on Thursday that police have arrested eight men suspected of committing war crimes during the Bosnian Civil War . The eight Serb men were arrested in Rogatica, the city in which the suspects are accused of taking part in looting, expulsions and killing of civilians in September [...]
Independent UN rights expert Margaret Sekaggya on Thursday called on the government of Togo to work towards providing an environment that allows human rights defenders to carry out their work. Sekaggya explained that this could be done by enforcing existing laws, avoiding stigma and fostering a spirit of open dialogue. She also mentioned the need [...]
The Washington State Liquor Control Board adopted rules on Wednesday to regulate the recreational sale of marijuana in retail stores. The state will place high taxes on the sales of the drug as well as a cap on the total annual production of the product. State officials hope to raise revenue through the taxes and [...]
Egypt’s treatment of Syrian refugees is a violation of international law, Amnesty International (AI) reported Wednesday. Hundreds of Syrians have fled conflict only to be abused and discriminated against, including arbitrary detainment that for some has resulted in forced deportation right back to Syria, AI reported. Others are reportedly risking their lives to leave Egypt [...]
The National Security Agency (NSA) has been heavily involved in the US government’s targeted killing program through collaborations with the CIA in the use of drone strikes against terrorists abroad, according to a Washington Post report Wednesday. The report was based on review of documents provided by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden . According to [...]
