Seth Marnin makes history as U.S.’s first out trans male judge
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) has appointed the state’s first out transgender judge and the nation’s first trans man ever to serve on a judicial bench.
Nations
Switzerland amends law to legally recognize that sex without consent is rape
The amendment follows similar rulings in Denmark and Spain, where the law was recently changed to define rape as sexual assault without explicit consent.
U.S. issues 20-year ban on drilling bear Indigenous cultural site in New Mexico
Chaco Culture National Historical Park and the surrounding landscape contain irreplaceable cultural sites where Pueblo and Tribal Nations continue to honor their ancestral customs.
Japanese higher court rules in favor of marriage equality
The ruling adds pressure on the Japanese parliament to legalize same-sex marriages. Japan remains the only country in the G7 that has not legalized marriage equality.
New Zealand announces $140m project to transition its major steel plant from coal to renewable energy
The move is the nation’s largest-ever emissions reduction effort and is expected to take the equivalent of 300,000 cars off the road.
India pauses plans to add new coal plants for at least five years
The temporary pause in the growth of the dirty fuel was hailed by energy experts as a positive step for a country that is currently reliant on coal for around 75% of its electricity.
Mexico adds nonbinary option to passports
Nonbinary Mexicans now have the option to select “X” as their gender marker, rather than male or female. Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard called the move “a great leap for the freedom and dignity of people.”
Somalia to introduce direct universal suffrage in 2024
“The basic principles should be that the election of the Federal Somali Republic must be one that gives the public the opportunity to cast their votes democratically in a one-person, one-vote system,” the government said after reaching an agreement with state leaders.
Landmark Nepal court ruling ends impunity for wealthy wildlife collectors
The ruling caps a legal campaign to hold to account wealthy Nepalis who openly display wildlife parts and trophies, even as members of local communities are persecuted for poaching.
Latvia elects the first openly gay head of state in Europe
The country’s parliament has elected Edgars Rinkēvičs to be its next president. Rinkēvičs publicly came out as gay in November 2014.