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.
Former Senate President Kerryann Ifill has been appointed as Barbados' inaugural Human Rights Commissioner, with her tenure officially commencing on December 1, 2025. This historic appointment establishes an independent office aimed at strengthening national human rights protections and addressing various forms of discrimination across the island nation.
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.
A German commission reviewing the 2017 Prostitute Protection Act (ProstSchG) has identified substantial challenges in safeguarding individuals in prostitution. The report calls for enhanced measures against exploitation, trafficking, and coercion, highlighting that existing legal frameworks and their enforcement frequently fall short for vulnerable persons.
The UK has approved the first clinical trials for puberty-blocking drugs in children since a previous ban, following recommendations from the Cass Review. The 'Pathways Trial' aims to gather robust evidence on the efficacy and safety of these treatments for young people with gender incongruence.
The UK has approved the first clinical trials for puberty-blocking drugs in children since a ban on their routine prescription. Led by King's College London, the 'Pathways Trial' and 'Pathways Connect' will investigate the effects of these drugs on young people with gender incongruence, aiming to build a stronger evidence base for treatment. The trials follow recommendations from the independent Cass Review.
Alberta's government, led by Premier Danielle Smith, has invoked the notwithstanding clause to protect three controversial transgender-related bills from court challenges. The legislation, tabled on November 18, 2025, addresses gender-affirming care, school pronoun policies, and sports participation, drawing strong criticism from opposition, medical, and LGBTQ+ groups.
The U.S. Supreme Court on November 10, 2025, declined to hear a challenge to its 2015 landmark decision, Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. The refusal to take up the case, brought by former Kentucky clerk Kim Davis, signals the Court's continued affirmation of marriage equality.
Same-sex parents in Monaco face significant legal challenges as the Principality does not recognize their parental status, even if married abroad. Despite the introduction of cohabitation agreements in 2020, these do not grant parental rights, leaving non-biological parents without legal recognition and children vulnerable. Calls for legislative reform are growing from advocates and officials.
The U.S. Supreme Court, in a 6-3 decision, allowed the Trump administration to enforce its policy requiring passports to reflect sex assigned at birth, effectively blocking the 'X' gender marker for transgender and non-binary individuals while litigation continues. This reverses a lower court's injunction.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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'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.
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'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.
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.
