Turkish Journalists Face Criminalization Under Proposed '11th Judicial Package' for LGBTQ+ Reporting
Journalists in Turkey are at risk of criminalization for reporting on LGBTQ+ issues under the proposed '11th Judicial Package.' The draft legislation, expected to be submitted to Parliament, includes provisions that could lead to prison sentences of up to three years for those deemed to be promoting content 'contrary to biological sex and public morality,' drawing strong condemnation from international press and human rights organizations.
North Dakota Judge Upholds State's Ban on Gender-Affirming Care for Minors
A North Dakota judge has upheld the state's ban on gender-affirming care for minors, ruling that the law does not violate the state's constitution. The decision, issued by District Judge Jackson J. Lofgren, allows the prohibition on puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones for transgender youth to remain in effect.
Vatican Commission Urges Financial Reparations and Stricter Sanctions for Clergy Abuse Victims and Abusers
The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors released its second annual report, calling for financial reparations for clergy sexual abuse victims and tougher, more transparent sanctions for abusers. The report, informed by survivor input, emphasizes the Catholic Church's moral obligation to heal deep wounds and reform its handling of abuse cases.
North Dakota Judge Upholds Ban on Gender-Affirming Care for Minors
District Judge Jackson Lofgren has upheld North Dakota's ban on gender-affirming care for minors, House Bill 1254. The ruling, issued on October 8, 2025, maintains restrictions on puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgeries for transgender youth, though it exempts those already receiving care before April 2023.
Independent Observatories Report 12 Attempted Femicides in Cuba by October 2025
Independent gender observatories in Cuba have confirmed 12 attempted femicides by October 2025, involving nine women, one transgender woman, and two girls. These incidents highlight a persistent crisis of gender-based violence in the country, amidst a lack of official statistics.
Supreme Court Appears Skeptical of Colorado's Conversion Therapy Ban for Minors
The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Chiles v. Salazar, a challenge to Colorado's 2019 law banning conversion therapy for gay and transgender minors. The conservative majority questioned the law's impact on free speech rights, while the state defended it as a regulation of professional conduct to protect vulnerable youth.
Canada Issues Travel Advisory for Citizens with 'X' Gender Passports to the United States
Canada's Global Affairs has updated its travel advisory for the United States, warning citizens with 'X' gender markers on their passports about potential entry issues due to a new US policy recognizing only male or female sexes. The advisory highlights that US federal systems are changing to no longer accept gender identity markers, potentially requiring sex assigned at birth on official forms.
EU Expresses Regret Over Slovak Constitutional Amendment on Gender and National Identity
The European Commission has voiced regret regarding Slovakia's recently adopted constitutional amendment, which defines only two genders and asserts national sovereignty over cultural and ethical issues, citing concerns about non-discrimination and the primacy of EU law.
Japan Expands Same-Sex Partner Recognition Under Nine Additional Laws
Japan's government has decided to recognize same-sex couples as being in de facto marriages under nine more laws and ordinances, including the disaster condolence grant law. This expands protections to a total of 33 laws, building on a previous decision in January 2025 and a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Gambian National Assembly Adopts Landmark Motion for Customary Land Rights Protection
The Gambian National Assembly has adopted a motion calling for the establishment of a commission to protect customary land rights and promote fair land governance. Tabled by Hon. Sulayman Saho, the motion addresses widespread land grabbing, forced evictions, and weak legal protections, particularly for rural communities, women, and youth, aiming to secure land as a foundation of identity and livelihood.
Japan Implements Mandatory ID Numbers for Prison Officers to Combat Mistreatment
Japan's Justice Ministry has introduced a new requirement for all prison officers to display six-digit identification numbers on their uniforms. This measure, gradually rolled out since April, aims to prevent inmate mistreatment and enhance accountability within correctional facilities across the country, following recommendations from an expert committee.
Brigitte Macron to Present Scientific Evidence in US Defamation Suit Against Gender Rumors
France's First Lady, Brigitte Macron, and President Emmanuel Macron are set to present scientific and photographic evidence in a US court in Delaware. This action is part of a defamation lawsuit filed against right-wing influencer Candace Owens, who has spread baseless claims that Brigitte Macron was born male. The Macrons aim to refute these long-standing gender rumors.
Trans Roommate of Kirk's Alleged Assassin "Hates Conservatives and Christians
A relative of Tyler Robinson's trans roommate, who is a suspect in the alleged assassination plot against Charlie Kirk, claims the roommate harbors strong animosity towards conservatives and Christians and may have influenced Robinson's views. The roommate is reportedly cooperating with the investigation, while Robinson's father turned him in after recognizing him in surveillance footage.
Supreme Court Allows Transgender Student's Restroom Use Amidst Legal Battle
The Supreme Court has allowed a transgender student in South Carolina to continue using his preferred restroom while his legal challenge to a state ban proceeds, denying the state's request to halt a lower court's ruling. This decision maintains the status quo for the student, while the legal battle over the state's policy continues.
Supreme Court Denies South Carolina's Request to Bar Transgender Student from Boys' Restroom
The Supreme Court has denied South Carolina's emergency request to prevent a transgender boy from using the boys' restrooms at his school amid ongoing litigation. The case highlights the conflict between state measures aimed at restricting transgender bathroom access and federal protections against discrimination in education.
Graham Linehan Arrested at Heathrow for Social Media Posts, Sparked Free Speech Debate
Irish writer Graham Linehan was arrested by armed officers at Heathrow Airport over social media posts that allegedly incited violence. The incident has drawn attention to the UK's speech laws, prompting discussions among various public figures about free speech and the role of the police in monitoring social media content.
Transgender Soccer Player Wins Vilification Case Against Anti-Trans Campaigner
Transgender soccer player Riley Dennis won a court case against Kirralie Smith, who was found to have unlawfully vilified Dennis through social media posts that targeted her participation in women's soccer. The case highlights the ongoing debate surrounding transgender athletes in sports and the challenges they face.
South Carolina Asks Supreme Court to Reinstate Transgender Restroom Policy
South Carolina is asking the Supreme Court to reinstate a policy that ties school funding to restrictions on transgender students' restroom use, after a lower court blocked its enforcement. The state argues the policy doesn't discriminate and reflects the will of the legislature, while the case continues.
Minneapolis School Shooting Fuels Transgender Identity Debate
The Minneapolis school shooter, who had documented hateful ideologies and a desire for violence, legally changed their name to reflect a female identity, sparking a right-wing backlash that falsely links transgender identity to violence. Despite this, authorities have not connected the shooter's gender identity to the motives behind the attack, which resulted in multiple casualties.
German Left-Wing Party Demands Free Beard Removal for Trans Women
Die Linke party in Germany is pushing for free beard removal for trans women in Baden-Württemberg, citing the lack of access to necessary treatment due to insurance coverage issues. They are advocating for taxpayer funding, hoping to address the systemic failure and follow the precedent set by an Austrian court ruling.
