DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ Opinion: LGBTQ Americans are in a state of emergency –and we should all do more about it
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-07 | by ( Opinion Jill Filipovic | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —This week, the LGBTQ rights group Human Rights Campaign (HRC) declared a state of emergency for LGBTQ Americans, the first time the organization has ever done so. And frankly, given the state of women’s rights in many of the same states attacking LGBTQ people, women’s groups should do the same. Jill Filipovic Courtesy of Jill FilipovicIn the first quarter of 2023 alone, 417 anti-LGBTQ bills have been introduced in state legislatures. And no company should have to worry that a display of affirmation for LGBTQ Americans will result in vandalism, threats or harassment of employees. It is unconscionable for any company to require its employees live in states that criminalize abortion or that are attacking LGBTQ rights.

Persons: Jill Filipovic, it’s, –, doesn’t Organizations: Twitter, CNN, Human Rights, American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, Facebook Sports Locations: New York, United States, Florida

☆ Arkansas Sued Over Law Criminalizing Access to Certain Books
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-03 | by ( Ginger Adams Otis | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact Dow Jones Reprints at 1-800-843-0008 or visit www.djreprints.com. https://www.wsj.com/articles/arkansas-sued-over-law-criminalizing-access-to-certain-books-5e6b8be8

Persons: Dow Jones Locations: arkansas

☆ Why the Trump tape is so important for the documents investigation
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-02 | by ( Zachary B. Wolf | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +13 min

The main takeaway for me: prosecutors must determine if classified information meets a sort of Goldilocks test. It is about criminalizing (the information) being kept outside of a protected area, even by somebody who is allowed to have classified information. … All of the discussion has been about how Trump and others may have handled documents after knowing there’s a criminal investigation that exists. We know there’s an obstruction of justice investigation around that. A key thing in an obstruction of justice investigation is knowing that there’s a proceeding that you could potentially be obstructing, like a criminal investigation.

Persons: Donald Trump’s Mar, Trump, Katelyn, we’ve, – that’s, It’s, there’s, he’s, they’ve, We’re, Donald Trump, Margo Martin, … Trump, Bob Woodward, Woodward, WOLF, I’m, Mark Milley, …, Mueller, There’s, Justice Department won’t Organizations: CNN, White, Fox News, Justice Department, Trump, FBI, Joint Chiefs, Staff Locations: Lago, Iran, CNN’s Washington, New Jersey, Bedminster, Mar, Florida, POLANTZ, Washington , DC, what’s, Russia, Durham, litigate

☆ Ted Cruz calling Uganda's anti-gay law 'horrific' is odd considering he voted against protecting same sex marriages just last year
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-30 | by ( Aditi Bharade | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Ted Cruz was one of many politicians who condemned Uganda's new anti-gay bill, calling it "horrific." He added: "ALL civilized nations should join together in condemning this human rights abuse." President Joe Biden, for one, called for the law's "immediate repeal" in a statement on Monday, saying that it was a "tragic violation of universal human rights." He also added that he would consider implementing "sanctions and restriction of entry into the United States against anyone involved in serious human rights abuses or corruption." However, Cruz's strong criticism of Uganda's new law is interesting, considering his established stance on gay rights.

☆ Opinion: The ultimate ‘Succession’ lesson
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-28 | by ( Richard Galant | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +13 min

We’re looking back at the strongest, smartest opinion takes of the week from CNN and other outlets. Walt Handlesman/Tribune Content AgencyIn a much more ominous vein, the theme of survival dominates the HBO show “Succession,” which is coming to an end Sunday. She’s so caught up in beating her brothers at the succession game that she can’t see this baby as anything but an obstacle.”“Ultimately, this storyline is a perfect encapsulation of the larger tragedy that is ‘Succession,’” Bodenheimer added. The contest for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination heated up last week with the official entry of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former President Donald Trump’s strongest challenger in the polls.

☆ Fact Check-UN is not calling for decriminalization of sex with children
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-09 | by ( Reuters Fact Check | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +7 min

It does not advocate for adult sex with children or with other vulnerable individuals, independent legal experts told Reuters. “The 8 March Principles do not call for the decriminalization of sex with children, nor do they call for the abolition of a domestically prescribed minimum age of consent to sex,” the statement reads in part. The ICJ report “did not call for the decriminalization of sex with children, nor did it call for the abolition of the age of consent,” Dujarric said. “The International Commission of Jurists report set out legal principles to guide the application of the international human rights law to criminal law across a range of issues. The report does not call for the overall decriminalization of sex with children, as claimed online.

☆ Opinion | Read This Before Shopping for Your Bud Light Replacement Beer
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-29 | by ( Matthew Walther | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +3 min

In the words of a television spot from 1979: “It’s not city beer. Rather than acknowledge Bud Light’s place in a faceless globalized chain of ownership, advertisements for the beer attempt to underscore its supposedly distinctive American and working-class character. Some years ago a series of advertisements featured the Bud Knight, a character who figured in faux-medieval settings alongside a royal personage known as the Dilly Dilly King. In one spot, the king enters a tavern and orders “Bud Lights for everyone,” eliciting cries of approval from the assembled crowd. The implication is that Bud Light is for ordinary decent people who just want to have a good time with their friends, not smug effete connoisseurs.

☆ Stern German Judge Objects to ‘Absurd’ Law Criminalizing Pot
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-22 | by ( Christopher F. Schuetze | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Although the judge had steeled himself for a grueling fight, the cannabis case was over in mere minutes. But the district attorney said he planned to try the case under Germany’s youth laws. That gave Judge Andreas Müller an opening. Presiding over the courtroom in the traditional black robe and white tie, he immediately threw out the case, citing a youth court statute that encourages rehabilitation rather than punishment. The defendant, Justin H., whose surname is protected by Germany’s strict privacy laws, was too stunned to react other than to nod.

☆ Canada says Americans can always get abortion pills up north if the Supreme Court kills access
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-21 | by ( Grace Eliza Goodwin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

A Canadian official says her government is working to get enough mifepristone pills to offer Americans. Americans' access to abortion medication has been up in the air after a Texas judge's decision to restrict it. The official said the Canadian government doesn't want to "further endanger" Americans who need reproductive care. But Gould said Canada will need to be careful since some US states are preparing to prosecute Americans who leave their borders to get access. "What concerns me," Gould told CTV, "is where you see laws in states where they're actually criminalizing women [who] cross state borders to access reproductive health care."

☆ Uganda: Leading scientists urge President Museveni to veto anti-LGBT bill
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-19 | by ( Catherine Nicholls | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —A group of leading global scientists and academics have signed an open letter urging Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to veto a hardline bill criminalizing homosexuality in the country. The Anti Homosexuality Bill 2023, which was passed by Ugandan lawmakers in March, is set to be either signed into law or vetoed by the president on Thursday. Before the bill was passed almost unanimously last month, President Museveni called on scientists to establish whether homosexuality was natural or learned. The letter has been signed by 15 leading scientists around the world, from countries including South Africa, the United States, Canada, the UK, Kenya, and Australia. Under the Anti Homosexuality Bill 2023, it would be a crime to even identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer.

☆ America's best bet for banning TikTok would have terrible side effects
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-19 | by ( Paayal Zaveri | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

As talk of a TikTok ban builds, the leading legislation with bipartisan support is the RESTRICT Act. Here's why the RESTRICT Act has some people so worried — and what the experts say might be a better approach. The type of data TikTok collects is similar to what Facebook or Twitter collect from its users. What would actually solve the concerns about the Chinese government getting US user data is comprehensive data privacy legislation, he and other experts said. "What we're saying is that if you're concerned about the Chinese government getting user data from TikTok," Greene said.

☆ Opinion: Banning TikTok isn’t just a bad idea. It’s a dangerous one
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-16 | by ( Evan Greer | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —The US government is racing ahead with proposals aimed at banning TikTok, the viral video platform used by more than 150 million Americans. Banning TikTok won’t make us safer from China’s surveillance operations. But banning TikTok isn’t just foolish and dangerous, it’s also unconstitutional. You do that by passing a strong national data privacy law that bans companies from collecting more data about us than they need to provide us with the service we’ve requested. Join us on Twitter and FacebookIt’s a national embarrassment that we have no basic data privacy law in the United States.

☆ Chile enacts laws, allots $1.5 bln to fight crime amid police killings
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

SANTIAGO, April 6 (Reuters) - Chile on Thursday signed new laws and allocated $1.5 billion to fight crime amid skyrocketing perceptions of insecurity and a day after the third police officer in less than a month was killed on duty. Boric announced $1.5 billion in added security spending and signed off on four new laws that the government says will help fight organized crime, drug trafficking and crime. Chile's police force has faced human rights abuse accusations following a heavy-handed crackdown of the violent 2019 protests against inequality. Polls show voters largely disapprove of the government's handling of crime and Boric has since hardened his stance. Palma is the third police officer to be killed on duty in less than a month, sparking public backlash.

☆ Mitt Romney calls Trump indictment 'overreach,' says charges were 'stretched' to suit a 'political agenda'
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-04 | by ( Bryan Metzger | Oma Seddiq | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

GOP Sen. Mitt Romney criticized the Manhattan DA's indictment of Trump, calling it "overreach." In a statement following the unsealing of the indictment, Romney — who voted to impeach Trump twice — reiterated his belief that Trump's "character and conduct make him unfit for office." "Even so, I believe the New York prosecutor has stretched to reach felony criminal charges in order to fit a political agenda," said Romney. The first former president to ever face charges, Trump was formally arraigned in Manhattan on Tuesday. Trump has repeatedly blasted the indictment as a political witch hunt and his Republican allies have flocked to support him.

☆ Drag queens fight back against Tennessee law that classifies drag shows as 'adult cabaret' entertainment and makes them a felony
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-01 | by ( Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert | Charles R. Davis | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Bill Lee signed HB0009 into law, amending a law about cabaret performances. A drag queen suing the state over the law told Insider it violates performers' and parents' rights. Tennessee House Bill 0009 was signed into law by Lee on February 27, amending an existing clause regulating erotic performances to include "male or female impersonators" as "adult cabaret entertainment." The company's all-ages performances feature variety shows and comedies highlighting drag performers in an effort to provide the LGBTQ community with events and activities outside of bars and nightclubs. "Were it not for this law, Absent Friends would not have added an age restriction to its monthly performances."

☆ Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Immigration and First Amendment
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-28 | by ( Jess Bravin | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

A law making it a crime to encourage noncitizens to stay in the U.S. unlawfully has been on the books for decades. WASHINGTON—The Supreme Court Monday heard the government’s case to reinstate a law making it a crime to encourage noncitizens to stay in the U.S. unlawfully. A federal appeals court in San Francisco struck down the law in 2022, finding it too broad in criminalizing even speech protected by the First Amendment, such as that of charities providing free meals to immigrants living in the U.S. unlawfully or lawyers giving them legal advice.

WASHINGTON, March 27 (Reuters) - Conservative U.S. Supreme Court justices on Monday appeared inclined to uphold a federal law that made it a crime to encourage illegal immigration, signaling agreement with President Joe Biden's administration that the measure does not violate constitutional free speech protections. Circuit Court of Appeals threw out Hansen's conviction for violating the provision, which bars inducing or encouraging noncitizens "to come to, enter or reside" in the United States illegally, including for financial gain. The 9th Circuit upheld Hansen's convictions on mail and wire fraud charges. The 9th Circuit decision applies in the group of western states over which it has jurisdiction including Arizona and California, which border Mexico. Circuit Court of Appeals, which has jurisdiction of a group of other states, also ruled against the law in a separate case.

☆ A think tank created by a Palantir co-founder is behind a slew of bills criminalizing homeless encampments
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-15 | by ( Eliza Relman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

A think tank created by a Palantir co-founder is behind model legislation banning "public camping." So far, Texas and Missouri have passed laws making public camping a Class C misdemeanor. Many states and cities have taken a punitive approach to the problem, making homeless encampments illegal. In 2021, Texas became the first state to pass a Cicero-inspired state-wide law, making public camping a Class C misdemeanor punishable with up to a $500 fine. And, if they don't comply with the ban, it criminalizes their living condition," Eric Samuels, president and CEO of the Texas Homeless Network, said in a statement at the time.

☆ Fact Check-Photos of Pope Francis wearing colorful cross misrepresented in video
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-16 | by ( Reuters Fact Check | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Photos of Pope Francis wearing the Latin American Youth Ministry cross in 2018 have been misrepresented online, with some users incorrectly linking the colours to the pride flag used to show support for LGBTQ+ people. A second tweet from the news outlet details that the colorful cross is the Latin American Youth Ministry cross (here), and each of its colors represent different countries in Latin America. Further information about the symbol and its colors can be found on the website of the Latin American Youth Ministry (here) (here). On Feb. 5, Pope Francis said laws criminalizing LGBT people were sinful and an injustice (here). Photos show Pope Francis wearing the Latin American Youth Ministry cross.

☆ Spain offers freed Nicaraguans citizenship after move to make them stateless
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

REUTERS/Kevin LamarqueMADRID/MANAGUA, Feb 10 (Reuters) - The Spanish government offered citizenship to more than 200 Nicaraguan political prisoners who were freed and flown to the United States on Thursday, Spain's top diplomat said on Friday. Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares made the announcement to Servimedia news agency, following the surprise release of 222 Nicaraguan prisoners later expelled to the United States. After their release, lawmakers loyal to authoritarian President Daniel Ortega voted to strip them of their Nicaraguan citizenship, which could thwart plans to return home someday. He added that Spain stood ready to receive others, noting that Madrid's decision had been made "after news reports that proceedings had begun to declare them stateless." Spanish authorities will reach out to the prisoners, who were allowed into the United States under a temporary humanitarian visa, so they can formally apply for citizenship.

☆ Hong Kong is criminalizing CBD as a ‘dangerous drug’ alongside heroin
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-31 | by ( Jessie Yeung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Hong Kong CNN —Two years ago, cannabidiol was booming in Hong Kong. CBD cookies at the Found cafe in Hong Kong on August 11, 2022. And while CBD products could avoid this trace amount by using a pure form of CBD, most manufacturers mix other compounds for higher potency. From 2019 to early 2022, Hong Kong authorities launched nearly 120 “operations” seizing and testing CBD products from restaurants and shops to warehouses, Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung said last year. Now “there’s less choice for consumers in Hong Kong.

☆ Pope Francis Says Criminalizing Homosexuality Is Wrong
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-25 | by ( Francis X. Rocca | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Pope Francis discussed homosexuality during an interview with the Associated Press at the Vatican. ROME— Pope Francis said that laws punishing homosexuality are unfair and that the Catholic Church should work for their repeal. The statement, in an interview with the Associated Press published on Wednesday, is the latest in a series of conciliatory gestures by Pope Francis toward gay people.

☆ Pope Francis says homosexuality is a sin but not a crime and criticizes 'unjust' anti-gay laws
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-25 | by ( Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +5 min

Pope Francis criticized laws that criminalize homosexuality as “unjust,” saying God loves all his children just as they are and called on Catholic bishops who support the laws to welcome LGBTQ people into the church. “Being homosexual isn’t a crime,” Francis said during an interview Tuesday with The Associated Press. Experts say even where the laws are not enforced, they contribute to harassment, stigmatization and violence against LGBTQ people. Declaring such laws “unjust,” Francis said the Catholic Church can and should work to put an end to them. Fine, but first let’s distinguish between a sin and a crime.”“It’s also a sin to lack charity with one another,” he added.

☆ Homosexuality not a crime, Pope Francis says
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-25 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Pope Francis criticized laws that criminalize homosexuality as "unjust," saying God loves all his children just as they are and called on Catholic bishops who support the laws to welcome LGBTQ people into the church. "Being homosexual isn't a crime," Francis said during an interview Tuesday with The Associated Press. Declaring such laws "unjust," Francis said the Catholic Church can and should work to put an end to them. On Tuesday, Francis said there needed to be a distinction between a crime and a sin with regard to homosexuality. when he was asked about a purportedly gay priest, Francis has gone on to minister repeatedly and publicly to the gay and trans community.

☆ U.S. VP Harris will commemorate Roe v. Wade anniversary with speech in Florida
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

In June 2022, the Court overturned the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling. Harris' speech is an effort by the Biden administration to show its commitment to defending reproductive rights even after the midterm elections, when Democrats campaigned to protect a woman's right to choose and performed better than expected. They will also call on Congress to codify abortion rights, the officials added. The chances of codifying Roe v. Wade have not improved since it was first proposed by the administration and Biden has struggled to find new ways to safeguard abortion access. Biden will also commemorate the anniversary by issuing a statement and a proclamation, the officials said, without offering more details.

Search resuls for: "criminalizing"

25 mentions found