Obama slams Republicans for gun reform 'stunts'
President Barack Obama accused Republicans of stooping to political stunts Monday to block gun reform, in a fervent appeal delivered close to the site of the Newtown school massacre.
US Senate tilts toward support of gay marriage
US Senator Bill Nelson endorsed gay marriage on Thursday, shifting the chamber in favor of rights for same-sex couples.
Obama more optimistic on immigration than gun control
US President Barack Obama said Thursday he was more upbeat about the prospects of immigration reform making it through Congress than tougher gun control legislation.
Connecticut senate backs toughest US gun law
Senate legislators in Connecticut, where a gunman massacred 20 small children and six adults in December, passed the toughest US law on owning military-style rifles.
France says 75% tax will apply to footballers
France said Tuesday that a new 75 percent tax rate on upper incomes would apply to top football players despite claims from clubs that they would be exempt.
Retirement reform picking up in Kazakhstan
A special attention is given to employees working in tough and hazardous conditions; their employers will allocated extra 5% into their pension funds.
US Supreme Court cautious on same-sex marriage
The US Supreme Court trod cautiously Tuesday as it considered gay marriage, with justices appearing hesitant to deliver a sweeping historic verdict on the emotionally charged issue.
'Time has come' for immigration reform: Obama
US President Barack Obama said Monday the time has come to reform America's "broken" immigration policy, renewing his appeal to lawmakers to clinch a deal that he said is now within reach.
Fight for gay marriage goes to US Supreme Court
Supporters and opponents of same-sex marriage are prepared to turn out in force in Washington on Tuesday, when the US Supreme Court hears oral arguments in a landmark case.
Gay marriage foes stage last-ditch protest in Paris
Hundreds of thousands opposed to French legislation allowing gay marriage staged a massive protest march in Paris Sunday, with police using force to evict hundreds from the Champs-Elysees.
New Yorkers march for US gay rights before hearings
Several hundred people marched in New York on Sunday to support the legalization of gay marriage, two days before the US Supreme Court is due to examine the issue.
Queen to sign rights charter: palace
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II was on Monday to sign a charter calling for an end to discrimination across the 54 Commonwealth nations.
Gun legislation getting holstered on Capitol Hill
Three months after Newtown, the prospects for President Barack Obama's ambitious gun control measures have dimmed, as hopes for expanded background checks clash with stubborn political realities.
Swiss overwhelmingly vote for golden parachute ban
A large majority of Swiss voted Sunday to rein in executive pay and force business leaders to give up golden parachutes, according to final results of the popular vote.
Senators propose first US carbon tax
US senators proposed a tax on carbon emissions Thursday amid growing calls for action on climate change, but the bill is expected to face staunch opposition from many conservatives.
Cybersecurity battle looms after Obama directive
President Barack Obama's order aimed at ramping up protection from cyberattacks will address only a small portion of threats and sets up a fresh battle in Congress over legislation.
Obama urges US Congress to act on climate
US President Barack Obama on Tuesday told divided lawmakers he will act on climate change even if they do not, vowing to set ambitious long-term goals such as ending the car's dependence on oil.
New Zealand lawmaker calls for Muslim flight ban
A New Zealand politician has labelled young Muslim men a terrorist threat who should be banned from Western airlines, sparking condemnation from Prime Minister John Key on Tuesday.
Gay rights mostly out of reach in central, eastern Europe
Ania and Yga have been inseparable for the last 17 years, living together as a couple in the Polish capital Warsaw but their love is seen as second class in this deeply Roman Catholic country.
Irish lawmakers vote to liquidate Anglo Irish Bank
Irish lawmakers voted through emergency legislation to liquidate the former Anglo Irish bank early Thursday, as part of a deal to ease the eurozone country's massive debt burden.