Law

Proposed Security Law in Hong Kong Raises Concerns for Academic Freedom and Research

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HONG KONG – Academics in Hong Kong express concerns over a proposed local security law that could impact research and academic freedom. The law, introduced by the Hong Kong government, outlines seven national security offenses and includes provisions prohibiting the disclosure of economic and social information deemed important for Hong Kong and China’s security. The proposed legislation has led to fears that it could impede international research collaboration and be used to hinder academics under the pretext of national security rules. The new law would exist alongside China’s national security law for Hong Kong. The … Read more

Yale Law School Clinic Fights for Transgender Veterans’ Access to Gender-Affirming Surgery

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New Haven, Connecticut – Yale Law School’s Veterans Legal Services clinic has filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) over its policy on gender-affirming surgery. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of the Transgender American Veterans Association (TAVA), seeks to compel the VA to address a rulemaking petition that was presented to them in 2016. The petition called for the inclusion of gender-affirming surgery in the VA’s medical coverage. TAVA submitted the petition in 2016, but the VA never formally responded to it. In 2021, Secretary of Veteran Affairs Denis McDonough … Read more

Appeals Court Reinstates California Law Mandating Background Checks for Ammo Purchases, Overturning Previous Ruling

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San Diego, California – An appeals court has overturned a federal judge’s ruling that struck down a state law requiring background checks for ammunition purchases. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals voted 2-1 to allow the California Attorney General’s Office to suspend the judgment. The decision follows U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez’s injunction last week, which deemed the background check requirement for most ammunition purchases as unconstitutional. In a brief ruling, Judges Richard Clifton and Holly Thomas granted the suspension, while Judge Consuelo Callahan dissented. Callahan stated that she did not believe the appellant … Read more

EU Takes Action to Combat Rising Threat of Child Sexual Abuse, Proposes Stronger Criminal Law Rules

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Brussels, Belgium – The European Union (EU) is taking steps to strengthen its laws and combat the growing threat of child sexual abuse, both online and offline. In 2022 alone, 1.5 million children in the EU fell victim to this heinous crime. Recognizing the urgent need for change, the EU Commission has proposed updates to the existing laws surrounding child sexual abuse and exploitation. These reforms aim to address the distressing reality that one in five children in the EU have experienced some form of sexual violence. One crucial aspect of the proposed changes is … Read more