Mandatory

Court Rules Lawyer’s Mandatory Bar Membership Violates First Amendment Rights Amid Political Controversy

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SAN FRANCISCO — A recent decision by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has significant implications for mandatory professional memberships, particularly for lawyers in the Oregon State Bar. The court found the bar’s required membership infringes on lawyers’ freedom of association, particularly taking issue with the group’s publication that seemed to express collective agreement with political statements. The controversy began with the April 2018 issue of the Oregon State Bar’s Bulletin magazine, which featured statements condemning former President Donald Trump and appeared to align all bar members with those views. This action led to … Read more

California Enacts Landmark Law to Shield LGBTQ+ Students’ Privacy from Mandatory Disclosure

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Sacramento, Calif. — California has set a precedent as the first state to enact legislation barring school policies that mandate employees to disclose students’ sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression without their consent. Governor Gavin Newsum signed the bill into law this Monday, amidst increasing national debate over the rights of LGBTQ+ students and the involvement of parents in learning about their children’s identities. The law targets emerging conservative-driven policies that demanded schools to inform parents about changes in a student’s pronouns or names, underlining the state’s protective stance over personal privacy. According to … Read more

San Diego Nightclubs and Bars Introduce Mandatory Drug Testing Kits to Combat Drink Spiking

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San Diego, California – A significant move to bolster safety in nightlife venues is set to take place in San Francisco starting Monday, with San Diego County bars and nightclubs soon to offer patrons drug testing kits. This initiative, spurred by a new state law, targets the unsettling concern of drink spiking—an act often linked to sexual assaults. The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) has mandated that all establishments holding a Type 48 license, which permits the service of alcohol without food to customers over 21, equip themselves with these testing devices. The … Read more

Myanmar’s Junta Imposes Mandatory Military Service Amid Rebel Conflicts

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Yangon, Myanmar’s military junta has announced compulsory military service for young men and women in response to armed rebel forces seeking greater autonomy across the country. State media reports that all men aged 18-35 and women aged 18-27 will now have to serve for up to two years. Specialists like doctors up to the age of 45 must serve for three years. The service can be extended to a total of five years in the ongoing state of emergency. The announcement came as the junta struggles to suppress armed opposition to its rule. Since October, … Read more