New York, United States | AFP | New York’s mayor on Monday signed into law the repeal of a 91-year-old piece of legislation that had technically banned dancing in thousands of bars, clubs and restaurants in the city. The city council voted overwhelmingly on October 31 to axe the law, …
Read More »Liverpool star Salah backs Egypt women’s rights campaign
Cairo, Egypt | AFP | Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has thrown his support behind a UN-sponsored campaign to end violence against women in his homeland Egypt where sexual harassment is rampant. Hundreds of thousands of people viewed an animated video teaching men to respect women and their rights after national team …
Read More »VIDEO: ULS threatens to sue those acting contrary to the constitution
VIDEO: ULS threatens to sue those acting contrary to the constitution Kampala, Uganda | NTV UGANDA | The Uganda Law Society has resolved to take legal action against persons, and institutions that will act contrary to the constitution and statutory laws during consultations on the age limit amendment. The decision was …
Read More »Kenya’s contentious electoral amendments pass into law
Nairobi, Kenya | AFP | A controversial set of amendments to Kenya’s electoral act became law on Thursday, just days after a divisive presidential poll boycotted by the opposition. The amendments, condemned by the opposition as well as Kenya’s foreign allies, were automatically gazetted after President-elect Uhuru Kenyatta failed to …
Read More »Tears and cheers over new GMO law
Kampala, Uganda | ANDREW S. KAGGWA | Days after parliament quietly passed the National Biotechnology and Biosafety Bill, widely known as the ‘GMO Bill’, in early October, Meg Hilbert Jaquay, the Managing Director of Jakana Foods Limited, remains sad. Her company exports 30 metric tonnes of organic dried fruits to U.S., Europe, …
Read More »Quebec says no public services for those with face veils
Montreal, Canada | AFP | Canada’s Quebec province Wednesday prohibited government workers and anyone receiving government services from covering their face, in a move critics say unfairly targets Muslim women who wear a niqab veil. The legislation applies to bureaucrats, police officers, teachers, and bus drivers, as well as …
Read More »France to impose instant fines for street harassment of women
Paris, France | AFP | A new law will impose on-the-spot fines for harassment of women in the streets of France, a minister said Monday, as the sex scandal engulfing Hollywood honcho Harvey Weinstein encouraged French women to tell their stories. The legislation is being piloted by 34-year-old Marlene Schiappa, …
Read More »Morocco court annuls ruling on paternity outside marriage
Rabat, Morocco | AFP | A Moroccan appeals court has struck down a ruling that for the first time recognised a man as the father of a child born outside of marriage. The decision by the Tangiers appeals court sparked anger among human rights activists. A lower Tangiers court had …
Read More »Unsent text message passes for will in Australia
Sydney, Australia | AFP | A dead man’s unsent text message leaving his home and pension to his brother rather than his wife and son and signed off with a smiley face emoji has been ruled a legitimate will by an Australian court. The draft message, addressed to the man’s …
Read More »Deep divisions over plan to change Kenya’s election law
Nairobi, Kenya | AFP | Kenya’s opposition on Thursday called for demonstrations against the government after the ruling party moved to change the electoral law ahead of next month’s re-run presidential poll. After a case brought by opposition leader Raila Odinga, Kenya’s Supreme Court annulled last month’s presidential election, won by …
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