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International Updates
Nepal convicts army personnel for rape
In a first of its kind conviction, a District Court in Nepal convicted three army officers of rape and murder of a 15 year old girl. This is the first time that a civilian court in Nepal has convicted army personnel for crimes committed during the 1996-2006 conflict. This judgment has come after persistent advocacy […]
British heterosexual couple loses battle over the right to have a civil partnership instead of ‘patriarchal’ marriage
A British couple lost their Court of Appeal battle for the right to enter into a civil partnership instead of marriage, which they consider to have patriarchal baggage. As per the Civil Partnership Act of 2004, only same-sex couples are eligible to enter civil partnership in the UK. A government representative said that a decision had […]
US withdraws guidance instructing schools to respect gender-identity of queer students
The Trump administration in February revoked guidance issued by the previous administration which affirms legislation prohibiting discrimination against transgender students. The earlier guidance had specified that schools receiving federal funding must ensure students can access bathrooms and locker rooms freely. Students in schools without the guidance had expressed how they face verbal, physical and sexual […]
Finland legalizes same-sex marriages
Finland in March joined 13 European countries which have marriage-equality laws. Same-sex couples in the country will now be able to marry and adopt children. The move was opposed by far-right groups but the Parliament voted with a large majority to uphold the law. Source: http://bit.ly/2lSewMF
US reinstates global ‘gag rule’
The President of the United States in January signed into law an executive order reviving a policy that prohibits US aid to groups which engage with abortion, be it providing, offering counseling, advocating for abortion law reform or providing referrals. Under this rule organizations will be disqualified from receiving US assistance if they use their […]
Russia relaxes laws on domestic violence in favour of perpetrators
In February, the Russian Parliament passed law reducing criminal liability for ‘moderate’ domestic violence towards women and children. As per the new law, exceptions have been provided to offences of family violence for incidents that do not include broken bones or require hospitalization, as long as they are not repeated within a year. The penalties […]
Philippines introduces sexuality education in schools but blocks condom distribution
In January, the President of the Philippines issued an executive order to implement gender-sensitive sexuality education in schools. However, while health ministers recognize that HIV is prevalent among younger people who indulge in risky clandestine sexual behavior, certain senators felt that distributing condoms among the youth would only encourage sex between them. Accordingly, they chose […]
Pakistan approves Hindu Marriage Bill
A parliamentary panel in Pakistan unanimously approved a Hindu Marriage Bill which included provisions on fixing the minimum marriageable age of girls and boys at 18 years and the introduction of conditions of divorce. The clause providing grounds of divorce is one of the more controversial provisions because upper-caste Hindu men fear increased agency for […]