Laws

Massachusetts Senators Take Stand for Equality, Voting to Strike Down Outdated Laws Criminalizing Love and Sexuality

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Boston, Massachusetts – The Massachusetts state senate has made a significant step towards modernizing its legal system by passing a bill aimed at striking down outdated laws from its statute books. Although the US Supreme Court ruled anti-sodomy laws as unconstitutional in 2003 and Massachusetts has recognized same-sex marriage since 2004, certain sections of state law still contain discriminatory restrictions on consensual sexual interactions among adults, according to state lawmakers. These archaic laws not only criminalize sodomy and “unnatural acts,” but also include penalties for using religious terms such as the “Holy Name of God” … Read more

Controversy Surrounding Vague Corporal Punishment Laws Ignites Debate on Child Discipline

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Orlando, Florida – State Attorney Andrew Bain’s decision not to prosecute a pastor accused of child abuse has sparked controversy. Several parents reported that the senior pastor of the Alpha Learning Academy used corporal punishment on 16 students, using a belt to strike them on their hips, legs, and backs. While public schools in Central Florida do not allow corporal punishment, private schools like the Alpha Learning Academy can legally administer it in Florida. Deandre Boykin, one of the parents whose child was allegedly hit, expressed outrage at the lack of information provided to parents … Read more

Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management Urges Lawmakers to Revamp Marijuana Laws for Faster Business Launch and Social Equity Support

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Bloomington, Minnesota – The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management has urged state lawmakers to make adjustments to marijuana laws during this legislative session to expedite the establishment of cannabis businesses. In their initial report to the Legislature, the agency proposed various specific changes, one of which includes implementing a temporary license system, with a particular focus on aiding social equity applicants. These applicants are individuals who have been impacted by past criminal enforcement of marijuana laws, either directly or indirectly. The report emphasizes that implementing a temporary license system would not only speed up the … Read more

Majority of Japanese Surveyed Support Stricter Political Funds Control Laws Amid Fundraising Scandal, Express Dissatisfaction with PM’s Handling of Earthquake-Aftermath: Kyodo News

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Tokyo, Japan – An overwhelming majority of 86.6% of respondents in a recent survey conducted by Kyodo News is calling for stronger regulations on political funds in Japan. The survey comes amidst a fundraising scandal that has enmeshed the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. These findings highlight the widespread dissatisfaction with current controls governing political finances, as well as the urgent need for reforms in the country. Moreover, the survey also revealed that 61.6% of the respondents expressed dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s handling of the aftermath of a magnitude-7.6 earthquake that struck the Noto … Read more