Indian Commissioner for Women on Hunger Strike Over Rape Laws

The head of Delhi's Commission for Women is staging an indefinite hunger strike to push for stricter laws for rape in India, including the death penalty, after a series of horrific attacks on young girls.

Swati Maliwal, chairwoman of Delhi’s Commission for Women, has been refusing food since April 13, as protests flared nationwide over the separate alleged rapes of two girls ages 8 and 16.

Activists have rallied hundreds of supporters, speaking on her behalf, calling for stricter laws and equal rights for women.    

 

Chemical Weapons Inspectors Await Green Light to Work in Syria

The international chemical weapons watchdog has entered the Syrian town Douma, where a suspected gas attack occurred which killed more than 40 people.

International investigators are waiting for the green light from a UN security team to begin work after delays and warnings by Western powers that crucial evidence had likely been removed.

Australian Live Exporters Vow to Change Practices

Australian exporters of live animals have forwarded a proposal to decrease shipment sizes by an unspecified amount, allow inspectors from the RSPCA onto vessels carrying live cargo, and supporting an independent inspector general of animal welfare.

The framework for industry change comes after revelations about the poor conditions that livestock - sheep in particular - endure.

These voyages often see the health of transported animals significantly deteriorate and deaths amongst live cargos are not uncommon.

 

Same-sex Couple Asked to Leave Venue After Kiss

A same-sex couple in New South Wales South Coast reported they were asked to leave The Oaks Flats Roller Skating Rink after ‘pecking’ in front of an offended parent on Friday night.

Maddie Dellosa ad Amy Hudson were attending the rink on a date and after limited physical contact and a few pecks were approached by a manager at 9pm and asked to leave.