French Socialists under fire over pension 'non-reforms'
The Socialist government's plans to reform France's debt-ridden pension system , to be presented to ministers this month, fail to address the core problems and could spark fresh tensions with Brussels.
Colombian court gives green light for ex-rebels to take part in politics
Colombia's constitutional court on Wednesday approved a reform that will enable rebels who lay down their arms after a peace process to take part in political life.
Same-sex couples tie knot in New Zealand
Dozens of same-sex couples said "I do" Monday as New Zealand became the first Asia-Pacific country, and only the 14th in the world, to legalise gay marriage.
Kazakhstan wants to ban gay 'propaganda'
Kazakhstan parliament wants to follow in Russia's footsteps and put through a bill banning homosexuality 'propaganda' in Kazakhstan.
California to recognize transgender pupil preferences
Transgender students in California public schools will be able to choose which bathrooms to use and which sex-segregated sports to play.
US plans lower sentences for drug users
The United States announced plans Monday to reduce its use of mandatory sentences for drug offenses in order to tackle a cycle of poverty and incarceration in overcrowded jails.
Facebook's Zuckerberg backs US immigration reform
Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg has taken his backing for US immigration reform public.
Kenya revokes new mining licences, hikes royalties
Kenya on Monday revoked all mining licences granted in the months before and after March elections and announced that it was hiking royalties paid by companies operating in its nascent mining sector.
Rhode Island, Minnesota join same-sex wedding states
Gay and lesbian couples in Rhode Island and Minnesota began tying the knot as same-sex marriage laws in the two states went into effect Thursday.