No clemency for Snowden says Obama aide, US lawmakers
A senior White House aide and top US lawmakers on Sunday rejected intelligence leaker Edward Snowden's request for clemency following his disclosures of widespread government surveillance.
Only six Americans enrolled on 'Obamacare' first day
Just six people managed enrol in Obamacare on day one of the health plan's troubled rollout, documents released by Republican lawmakers showed, in a new embarrassment for the White House.
Erdogan praises Turkey MPs for headscarves in parliament
Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Friday the "will of the people had prevailed" after four female lawmakers wore headscarves in parliament for the first time in years, breaking a taboo in the staunchly secular country.
Germany offers third gender option, but advocates say not enough
Germany on Friday became the first European country to allow babies born with characteristics of both sexes to be registered as neither male nor female, but advocates urged further reforms.
Kenyan press up in arms over 'draconian' media bill
Kenya's media reacted with shock and outrage Friday after parliament voted through a bill that could see journalists and outlets slapped with huge fines for violating a code of conduct.
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.
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.
Brazil singers fight for right to veto biographies
Famous Brazilian songwriters -- long activists for freedom of expression -- are themselves coming under fire as they fight an attempt to overturn a law allowing celebrities to veto unauthorized biographies.
NASA ban on Chinese scientists 'inaccurate': lawmaker
A controversial decision by NASA to bar Chinese scientists from a conference on exoplanets next month was deemed "inaccurate" Tuesday by the US congressman who wrote the law.
Kazakhstan to toughen punishment for incitement of labor conflicts
Kazakhstan is getting a new edition of the Criminal Code. It will toughen punishment for incitement of labor conflicts and cybercrimes.
Kazakhstan MP suggest adopting anti-gay law
Kazakhstan’s Parliament deputy Bakhytbek Smagul has suggested drafting a law to ban same-sex relations.
Next Norwegian government to get tough on immigration
Norway's incoming government will get tough on immigration, future prime minister Erna Solberg, said Monday as she presented the main policies of the minority coalition she is forming with a populist right-wing party.
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.
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.
Kazakhstan calls US to repeal Jackson-Vanik amendment
Kazakhstan Foreign Minister Yerlan Idrissov had a meeting with US Congressmen during his official visit to Washington this summer.
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.
Foreigners flock to New Zealand for gay marriage
More than 80 same-sex couples, including 24 from overseas, have said "I do" in New Zealand since a law legalising gay marriage took effect a month ago.
Obama urges new gun laws, swift Congress action unlikely
President Barack Obama called on Congress Tuesday to tighten gun laws after the latest in a "ritual" of shooting massacres, but lawmakers admitted there is insufficient support for new legislation.
Kazakhstan mulls transplanting organs without notifying families
Emergency organ transplantation without notification of the patient’s families, in case they are not immediately available, may be put into a law in Kazakhstan.
Hawaii takes step to legalizing gay marriage
Hawaii's governor on Monday called a special legislative assembly next month to debate a bill legalizing gay marriage, in what would make it the 14th US state to do so.
