Ukraine passes bill banning LGBTQ+ hate speech in media
The bill bans hate speech and incitement based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Nations
In historic deal, nearly 200 countries agree to protect 30% of land and sea to protect biodiversity
The countries have agreed to cut fertilizer runoff from farms by 50% and reduce the risk of pesticides by 50%, while putting $200 billion annually toward biodiversity by 2030.
Morocco will be first African country to provide military aid to Ukraine
At the request of the United States, the Moroccan authorities have decided to transfer spare parts for T-72 tanks to Ukraine, becoming the first African country to provide military assistance to Kyiv.
Barbados’ High Court strikes down laws criminalizing sodomy
Barbados becomes the third Caribbean nation this year to repeal such laws used to criminalize gay men.
E.U. agrees to include shipping companies in emissions trading system
Starting in 2024, shipping companies will have to buy E.U. carbon permits to cover 40% of their emissions, including methane and nitrogen oxides, rising to 70% in 2025 and 100% in 2026.
Respect for Marriage Act on White House becomes law in the U.S., formally recognizing same-sex marriages
The bill requires that the federal and state governments to recognize same-sex and interracial marriages performed by other states.
Singapore eradicates rubella
Over the past decade, rubella cases have decreased dramatically in the Western Pacific Region, as millions of babies and young children have been reached with vaccines.
E.U. strikes deal on world-first carbon border tariff
The levy aims to prevent European industry from being undercut by cheaper goods made in countries with weaker environmental rules and incentivize trading partners to decarbonize.
E.U. agrees to new law preventing import of goods linked to deforestation
The law will require companies to produce a due diligence statement showing that their supply chains are not contributing to the destruction of forests before they sell goods into the EU – or they could face hefty fines.
Bangladesh slashes infant mortality rate by 85% over five decades
According to health experts, Bangladesh has achieved unprecedented success in every health index in the last 50 years since independence, including infant and maternal mortality rates.