EU Parliament declares Europe a LGBTIQ freedom zone
The European Parliament has declared the European Union an LGBTIQ freedom zone in retaliation against Polish politicians labelling themselves as ‘LGBT ideology free zones’.
The resolution states that LGBTIQ people in Europe have the right to enjoy the freedom to publicly show their sexual orientation without discrimination.
Four hundred and ninety two members of the European Parliament supported the resolution, one hundred and forty one voted against, and forty six abstained.
NSW eases travel restrictions with New Zealand
In national news, New South Wales health has announced that new rules will apply for people arriving from New Zealand starting today.
People who have visited Auckland in the past fourteen days will not have to stay in hotel quarantine if they are tested for COVID-19 after arriving in New South Wales.
They are still required to self-isolate until a negative result is achieved.
New South Wales health says they will follow up arrivals whose test results are not recorded to inform them of their obligations.
Sunshine Coast to investigate sites for natural burials
In local news, the Sunshine Coast Council has announced plans to investigate sites for natural burials within existing cemeteries.
A natural burial occurs when an individual is buried without using chemicals to embalm the body.
It also typically involves the use of a biodegradable coffin.
Native trees are used in place of headstones and the body’s location is recorded using GPS.
Councillor Winston Johnson says the council’s process includes liaising with local funeral directors to ensure the natural burial offerings meet both community and cultural needs.
Woodford Folk Festival 2021 in doubts
Woodford Folk festival will announce in July whether they will be cancelling for a second year in a row.
The bush-time event meant to be held in January of this year was also cancelled due to the three day lockdown in Brisbane with organisers having to refund 740 tickets.
Woodfordia Incorporated is currently funding their remaining staff through COVID-19 arts grants from both the Queensland and Federal Governments.
Organizers are concerned the ending of job-keeper at the end of the month will see further job cuts.
Ehsan Gelsi: Ephemera
<p><span><span>- Despite his great ability to channel the sounds of electronic pop, my impression is that Ehsan Gelsi doesn’t really come from that world. He’s described as ‘a performer, educator and specialist’ and to add some context to that I think you could also call him a gearhead and salesman for the cutting edge in sythesiser tech; one blessed with a deep knowledge of its history, everything that has led up to this point.
Mindy Meng Wang 王萌 and Tim Shiel: Nervous Energy 一 触即发
<p><span><span><em>- Nervous Energy</em> is the latest release by non-profit label <strong>Music In Exile</strong>. A collaboration between accomplished Guzheng performing artist <strong>Mindy Meng Wang</strong>, who’s main interest is to free the Guzheng, revolutionising its use as an ancient twenty-one-string instrument and <strong>Tim Shiel</strong>, the equally accomplished musician and mediator who wants to free the artist from a prosaic industry and monopolised technologies.
March 11 11am Zedlines
Your 11am Zedlines with Daniela & Tina
Image: Flickr / USAID.
US returns archaeological pieces to Mexico
The United States has returned 280 archaeological pieces to Mexico, amid efforts to recover the country’s cultural heritage.
The archaeological assets, which include pre-Hispanic pieces, were stolen from various sites in Mexico, and have been both seized and surrendered by museums.
Calls for repatriation of art or cultural heritage have increased in recent years, as Western museums acknowledge the ethical case of returning often looted objects to their countries of origin.
UN World Food Program chief calls for urgent funding boost for Yemine, "the worst place on earth"
The head of the United Nations World Food Program has described Yemen as "the worst place on earth," after visiting the war-stricken nation, which is on the brink of famine.
David Beasley says the UN food agency is underfunded and will need billions of dollars in private donations in order to meet its targets.
"In a children's wing or ward of a hospital, you know you normally hear crying and laughter. There's no crying, there's no laughter, there's dead silence," says Mr Beasly.
Disability organisations rally against proposal to introduce independent assessments
Disability organisations are calling for the government to abandon a plan to introduce independent assessments of people’s disability.
The plan will force all National Disability Insurance Scheme participants to explain their support needs to a stranger in less than three hours, or risk losing their NDIS funding.
Sydney woman Melanie Tran, who lives with a disability, says three hours is not enough to convey the impacts of her disability, and the change is a regression in disability rights.