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Judge Dismisses Comey Case, Declares Trump-Appointed Prosecutor Illegally Installed

    Former FBI Director James Comey testifies before a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on Russia's alleged interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., June 8, 2017.  A federal judge has dismissed criminal charges against former FBI Director James Comey, delivering a sharp rebuke to the Trump-appointed prosecutor who pursued the case. The ruling marks a significant setback for efforts by President Donald Trump’s allies to prosecute perceived political opponents. U.S. District Judge Cameron Currie found that Lindsey Halligan, the interim U.S. attorney who brought the indictment, was unlawfully appointed. Halligan, a former Trump lawyer with no prior prosecutorial experience, bypassed Senate confirmation when she was installed to lead the Eastern District of Virginia. The judge concluded that all actions taken under her authority—including the indictment of Comey—were invalid. The case against Comey, filed in September, a...

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Thailand’s Senate Passes Landmark Bill to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

 

Thailand has taken a significant step towards marriage equality by passing a groundbreaking bill in the Senate. The legislation, which recognizes same-sex marriage, makes Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia to do so. Here are the key points:

  1. Approval in the Senate:

    • The upper house approved the measure with 130 votes in favor out of 152 members present, with only four against and 18 abstentions.
    • This final reading paves the way for Thailand to officially recognize same-sex marriages.
  2. Next Steps:

    • The bill now awaits the pro forma endorsement of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, which is widely expected.
    • Once published in the royal gazette, the law will take effect within 120 days.
  3. Implications:

    • Thailand will become the third Asian jurisdiction, after Nepal and Taiwan, to legalize gay marriage.
    • The legislation replaces gender-specific terms like “men,” “women,” “husbands,” and “wives” with gender-neutral language.
    • LGBTQ couples will gain inheritance and adoption rights equal to those of heterosexual marriages.
  4. Celebration and Progress:

    • Politicians and activists celebrated in the National Assembly, waving rainbow flags and expressing solidarity with the LGBTQ community.
    • Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, a vocal supporter of LGBTQ rights, will host celebrations at his official residence.
  5. Historic Moment:

    • Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd, a member of the parliamentary committee on same-sex marriage, called it a historic day: “Today, love triumphed over prejudice.”
    • Despite Thailand’s vibrant LGBTQ culture, activists have long fought against conservative attitudes.

In summary, Thailand’s Senate has taken a monumental step forward, recognizing love and equality for all. Soon, same-sex couples in Thailand will have the legal recognition they deserve. 

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