Draft

Rights Groups Urge Lebanon’s Parliament to Prioritize Free Speech in New Media Law Draft Amid Troubling Amendments

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Beirut, Lebanon — As Lebanon’s lawmakers prepare to finalize a critical media law, a coalition of 14 rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, urged legislators to prioritize the protection of freedom of expression. The evolving legislation, initially seen as a chance to bolster media rights, has raised alarms over proposed amendments that could undermine these freedoms. The recommended changes to the draft law have come under scrutiny for potentially reintroducing penalties that stifle journalistic integrity. Advocates call for the elimination of criminal fines associated with defamation, blasphemy, and public criticism as well as the prevention … Read more

U.S. Court Tosses Class-Action Bid to Overhaul Junior Hockey Draft System, Citing Jurisdictional Limitations

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A U.S. District Court in Seattle has dismissed a class-action lawsuit aimed at abolishing the entry draft system used in major junior hockey. The ruling, made by Judge Tana Lin on May 23, was based on jurisdictional concerns, as much of the relevant activity takes place in Canada. In her ruling, Judge Lin highlighted that the majority of the alleged conduct occurred outside the United States. She noted, “Asserting jurisdiction for a small group and allowing the small group to potentially upend the conduct of business that mostly occurs in another country would be like … Read more

Massachusetts Attorney Challenges Outdated Law Preventing Women from Registering for the Draft

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BOSTON — A Massachusetts attorney has initiated legal action challenging the federal statute barring women from enrolling in the Selective Service, calling it discriminatory and antiquated. The lawsuit, representing the women’s rights organization Equal Means Equal and other plaintiffs, could redefine legal standards regarding gender equality in federal policies. The legal complaint lodges a stark question about the Selective Service System’s gender-exclusive registration process, which currently mandates that all male U.S. citizens and male immigrant non-citizens between the ages of 18 and 25 register for the draft. This system, used in the event that a … Read more

Farmers’ Advocacy Group Criticizes Government’s Draft Policy, Citing Abandonment of Protective Measures

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New Delhi, India — Advocacy group ASHA’s co-convenors have raised concerns about certain clauses in Chapter 7.1 of the draft policy that mirrors controversial provisions previously found in farm laws. The co-convenors argue that these provisions indicate a shift towards deregulation, which they believe compromises the protection of farmers’ interests. Critics of the draft policy argue that this move represents a relinquishment of government responsibilities towards agricultural producers. This concern echoes the vehement opposition that met the farm laws introduced by the government, which resulted in widespread protests across the nation. The draft policy under … Read more