Germany to allow third gender option at birth
Germany on Friday will become the first European country to allow babies born with characteristics of both sexes to be registered as neither male nor female.
30 October 2013
Sultan of Brunei introduces tough Islamic punishments
The Sultan of Brunei announced the phased introduction of tough Islamic punishments including death by stoning for crimes such as adultery, in the monarchy's latest step towards conservatism.
Malaysian protesters rail against security proposal
Around 30 people protested Monday against a Malaysian parliamentary proposal that critics say allows detention without trial, denouncing it as a broken promise by the government to scrap oppressive laws.
30 September 2013
US lawmakers propose reforming NSA spying powers
Lawmakers overseeing US spy agencies on Thursday proposed stricter limits on the government's electronic surveillance while also calling for bolstering its authority to track terror suspects coming to America.
Bill Clinton backs Obama's push to promote health law
President Barack Obama got backing from Bill Clinton Tuesday as he sought to promote his health care law to the US public amid a congressional battle and an approaching sign-up date.
25 September 2013
Brazil territory bans sales of toy guns
A Brazilian territory is believed to have become the first region in Latin America to ban the sale of toy guns as the country attempts to staunch an epidemic of firearm-related crime.
Swiss region bans full-face Muslim veil
Voters in Switzerland's Italian-speaking region Sunday slapped a ban on wearing full-face veils, a move condemned by the country's Muslim community and Amnesty International.
Obama: Navy Yard shooting must inspire gun law change
President Barack Obama used a memorial service for the victims of America's latest mass shooting on Sunday to make another impassioned appeal to reform gun ownership laws.