A coalition of over 47 conservative organizations, led by Them Before Us, has launched the 'Greater Than Campaign' with the stated goal of overturning the 2015 Supreme Court decision, Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. The campaign, launched on January 28, 2026, argues that same-sex marriage harms children by denying them the 'natural right' to a mother and a father.
The Maltese government has officially made Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) available free of charge as of January 29, 2026. This initiative, a 2022 electoral promise, aims to combat Malta's high HIV diagnosis rate and aligns with UNAIDS goals to end AIDS by 2030.
Malta has officially made Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) available free of charge, effective January 29, 2026. This initiative, announced by Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela, aims to combat rising HIV rates and aligns with UNAIDS goals to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. The government will invest approximately €2 million over three years.
The German Synodal Way, which formally concluded its assemblies in March 2023, is holding a final assembly from January 29-31, 2026, in Stuttgart to elect members for its proposed permanent synodal body. This marks a significant step in implementing its progressive resolutions, despite ongoing tensions and objections from the Vatican and some German bishops.
The United States marks Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday observed on the third Monday of January, to honor the civil rights leader's birthday and profound legacy. The day encourages reflection on his advocacy for equality and nonviolent social change, often celebrated through community service.
Effective January 1, 2026, France will require non-EU nationals applying for their first multi-year residence permit or resident card to pass a mandatory civic exam. This digital, multiple-choice test assesses knowledge of French civic values, rights, and responsibilities, requiring an 80% pass mark. The measure, part of the 2024 immigration law, aims to strengthen integration.
A group of US federal employees has filed a legal complaint against the Trump administration's new policy, effective January 1, 2026, which eliminates coverage for gender-affirming care in federal health insurance programs. The Human Rights Campaign Foundation filed the complaint, arguing the policy is discriminatory and violates federal anti-discrimination laws.
South Tyrol, Italy, will implement a significant increase in provincial child allowance starting January 1, 2026. The reform introduces higher monthly contributions and adjusted income limits (ISEE values) to provide greater financial relief and social justice for families, including enhanced support for children with disabilities.
Burkina Faso has issued its first known conviction for homosexuality, sentencing an individual identified as K.M. to 24 months' imprisonment, a 2,000,000 CFA franc fine, and expulsion. This follows the enactment of a new law in September 2025 criminalizing same-sex relations, a significant shift in the nation's legal landscape.
Brazil has been officially validated by the World Health Organization (WHO) for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, marking a historic public health achievement. This makes Brazil the most populous country in the Americas, and the first with over 100 million people, to reach this significant milestone through sustained commitment to universal healthcare and comprehensive prevention strategies.
A delegation from the European Committee of the Regions, led by Jelena Drenjanin, visited Istanbul on December 16, 2025, calling for the immediate release of 28 arrested Turkish mayors and an end to pressure on opposition municipalities. The CoR emphasized the critical importance of local democracy and the rule of law in Turkey.
Eswatini observed International Human Rights Day on December 10, 2025, with a key event in Mbabane. Stakeholders emphasized justice, dignity, and addressing social injustices such as land disputes, abuse of power, gender-based violence, and LGBTQ+ rights, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts to advance human rights in the nation.
Poland faces a legal and political debate after the EU Court of Justice ruled that it must recognize same-sex marriages performed in other EU states. Conservative factions and several Polish leaders have voiced strong opposition, citing national sovereignty and constitutional concerns, despite the ruling not mandating domestic same-sex marriage.
Human Rights Watch and the College of Notaries of Mexico City have released a comprehensive 70-page guide, 'Roadmap for Change,' to facilitate the implementation of a landmark Civil Code reform. This reform, effective December 2024, recognizes the full legal capacity of all adults, including people with disabilities and older persons, ensuring their right to make independent decisions and access support without forced guardianship.
The Australian Government has announced an additional investment of $41.7 million over three years to bolster efforts aimed at eliminating HIV transmission in Australia by 2030. This funding will support awareness, prevention, testing, and treatment initiatives, building on the nation's existing strategies.
Austria convened its sixth Violence Protection Summit on December 2, 2025, bringing together key ministers to discuss and implement enhanced measures against violence, particularly gender-based violence, amidst the '16 Days Against Violence' campaign.
Marriage equality advocates in Japan have formally appealed to the Supreme Court, urging the top judicial body to declare the country's lack of same-sex union recognition unconstitutional. This appeal follows a recent ruling by the Tokyo High Court, which upheld the existing ban, marking a significant setback for campaigners.
Japan's Hiroshima High Court has ruled that the July 2025 House of Councillors election was held in an 'unconstitutional state' due to a significant disparity in vote values, reaching a maximum gap of 3.13 times. This marks the 11th such ruling among 16 lawsuits, though all demands to nullify election results were rejected. The Supreme Court is expected to issue a unified judgment.
A landmark bill aimed at restoring Canadian citizenship to thousands of 'Lost Canadians' has successfully passed the Senate and received royal assent, officially becoming law. The legislation, known as Bill C-3, addresses historical injustices and a recent court ruling by allowing citizenship to be passed down beyond the first generation born abroad under certain conditions.
Spain's leftist government has launched over 480 new events to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Francisco Franco's death in 1975 and the subsequent restoration of democracy. These initiatives, guided by the 2022 Democratic Memory Law, aim to educate, honor victims, and highlight Spain's democratic transformation.
