New legal battles await colleges after US Supreme Court's affirmative action ruling
By Joseph Ax, Daniel Wiessner and Tom Hals The Supreme Court's decision on Thursday barring race-conscious admissions policies
2023-06-30 18:20
Florida man arrested after trying to cross Atlantic in hamster wheel vessel
Reza Baluchi tried to "run" from Florida to London in a homemade vessel during hurricane season.
2023-09-07 00:29
Kevin Costner wants to oust Christine Baumgartner from his home to avoid a repeat of Cindy Silva episode
When Kevin Costner and Cindy Silva divorced, he lost his home and paid $80M as settlement, a situation he wants to avoid with Christine Baumgartner
2023-06-15 15:28
Connor McDavid wins third NHL MVP, falls one vote short of unanimous selection
Connor McDavid has won his third Hart Trophy as NHL MVP after the highest-scoring season by a player in more than a quarter-century
2023-06-27 11:15
Michigan prosecutors charge Trump allies in felonies involving voting machines, illegal ‘testing’
Prosecutors in Michigan have filed criminal charges against individuals they say took and tampered with voting machines
2023-08-02 03:48
Pirelli: Italy blocks Chinese control of tyre giant
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Biden’s troubled journey on LGBT+ rights is a ‘beautiful thing’, top US diplomat says
President Joe Biden’s journey on LGBT+ rights, from supporting restrictions to becoming the first top Democrat to come out in support of gay marriage, has been praised by a top US diplomat as a “very American story” and a “beautiful thing”. Mr Biden joined the chorus of outrage after the passing of Uganda’s draconian anti-gay law, calling for its immediate repeal and threatening sanctions if no action is taken. “The enactment of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act is a tragic violation of universal human rights—one that is not worthy of the Ugandan people, and one that jeopardizes the prospects of critical economic growth for the entire country,” he said in a statement on Monday. “I join with people around the world — including many in Uganda — in calling for its immediate repeal. No one should have to live in constant fear for their life or being subjected to violence and discrimination. It is wrong.” The bill was signed into law on Monday by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni. The law includes the death penalty for what’s referred to as “aggravated homosexuality” – meaning those having sex while being HIV positive, those having sex with minors or others considered to be vulnerable. Under the law, an individual found guilty of “attempted aggravated homosexuality” can be sent to prison for 14 years. Mr Museveni sent the law back to the national assembly in April, requesting amendments to clarify the difference between identifying as LGBT+ and taking part in homosexual acts. That prompted pushback from some legislators, who appeared concerned that Mr Museveni would veto the bill as he faced a pressure campaign to do so from abroad. The amended version of the bill was passed early last month. Under a law from the colonial era, homosexuality was already illegal in the East African country as being “against the order of nature”, and with a possible punishment of life behind bars. Mr Biden said that since the new law was introduced, “reports of violence and discrimination targeting Ugandans who are or are perceived to be LGBTQI+ are on the rise. Innocent Ugandans now fear going to hospitals, clinics, or other establishments to receive life-saving medical care lest they be targeted by hateful reprisals”. “Some have been evicted from their homes or fired from their jobs. And the prospect of graver threats — including lengthy prison sentences, violence, abuse — threatens any number of Ugandans who want nothing more than to live their lives in safety and freedom,” he added. “This shameful Act is the latest development in an alarming trend of human rights abuses and corruption in Uganda. The dangers posed by this democratic backsliding are a threat to everyone residing in Uganda, including US government personnel, the staff of our implementing partners, tourists, members of the business community, and others.” Mr Biden said he has asked the National Security Council to review what effect the new law will have on the US relationship with Uganda, including the ability of the US to “safely deliver services under the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and other forms of assistance and investments”. The president said his administration is looking at possible sanctions and restricting entry into the US for anyone “involved in serious human rights abuses or corruption”. Mr Biden noted in his statement that “In total, the US government invests nearly $1bn annually in Uganda’s people, business, institutions, and military to advance our common agenda”. As vice president, Mr Biden forced the hand of the Obama administration when he went off-message during a May 2012 TV interview, becoming the highest-ranking Democrat to publicly support gay marriage. Mr Biden’s evolution on gay rights was a long time in the making. As a senator, he voted for the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996, which blocked the federal recognition of same-sex marriages. Earlier in the 1990s, he voted to remove federal funding for schools that taught acceptance of homosexuality. In 1973, he was captured wondering aloud if gay people may be security risks while serving in government or military roles. In an interview with The Independent, the State Department’s Chief of Protocol Rufus Gifford said that the president’s journey on gay rights is a “very American story”. “I think about my own evolution on equality, I think about my parents’ evolution on equality. And it’s a beautiful thing,” the 48-year-old said. The former US ambassador to Denmark describes his current role as “the first handshake and the American welcome for leaders” from around the globe. Mr Gifford advises the president and vice president on diplomatic protocol - and he travels with Mr Biden on all official international trips. Mr Gifford added that the president “opened his heart and mind to new ideas. And isn’t that all we want from our leaders?” “I mean, sure, let’s debate the evolution to a certain extent. But let’s lean into the fact that this evolution is real, it’s meaningful, and it’s actually impacting our lives,” he said. Read More Rachel Levine on Congress bigots, Don’t Say Gay and life as Biden’s top trans official: ‘Despair doesn’t motivate change’ Thousands march in Jerusalem Pride parade, first under Israel's most right-wing government ever LGBT+ flags vandalised for a fourth time at Canada church on eve of Pride Month Pregnant transgender man stars on Glamour UK’s Pride cover in hand-painted suit ‘A second job covered in glitter’: Meet the LGBT+ drag nuns who beat the LA Dodgers
2023-06-02 01:22
Murder victim list in the Gilgo Beach serial killings case may be longer than previously thought, investigator says
A top investigator on the Gilgo Beach serial killings task force has described the suspect, Rex Heuermann, as a "demon" and said it's possible there may be more victims out there.
2023-07-17 07:21
3 Palestinians killed in Israeli raid in occupied West Bank; US slams latest settlement expansion
Palestinian officials say 3 Palestinians were killed in an Israeli army raid in a West Bank refugee camp
2023-05-22 14:47
Afghan players watch Morocco's team practice for Women's World Cup, hoping to get their chance
There'll be 32 national teams competing across Australia and New Zealand in the Women’s World Cup
2023-07-19 20:54
How tall is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar? Basketball player's stature once reminded fans of their 'height deficiency'
Kareem Abdul Jabbar's presence on the basketball court was not only marked by his substantial stature but also by his commanding performance
2023-10-20 16:27
Homeland Security names Border Patrol veteran Jason Owens to lead the agency
The Biden administration named U.S. Border Patrol veteran Jason Owens to lead the agency, replacing retiring chief Raul Ortiz
2023-06-10 08:23
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