German parliament approves same sex marriage +++ Hawaii seeks clarity as US travel ban takes effect

31. Juli 2017, 02:00

German parliament approves same sex marriage

The German parliament has voted to legalise same sex marriage, with more than 60 percent of lawmakers approving the bill. Chancellor Angela Merkel opposed the measure, but allowed members of her CDU party a free vote. She told reporters that she hoped the change would heal divisions. “It’s been a long, intensive, often emotional debate and for me a very personal one. I hope today’s vote will lead to respect between different parties and a bit more peace and unity in society.” The reform will give same sex couples in Germany full martial rights, including the right to adopt children. It is expected to come into force later this year but could face legal challenges.

Hawaii seeks clarity as US travel ban takes effect

The US state of Hawaii has asked a federal judge to clarify whether the Trump administration's travel ban, which comes into effect today, violates a recent Supreme Court ruling. The ban prevents people from six mainly Muslim countries from entering the US for 90 days if they don't have close family or business ties in the country. Hakim Ouansafi is the president of the Muslim Association of Hawaii. “The United States Supreme Court has said that if you have a bona fide connection to the United States then this will not affect you. However, in the Trump version of America, they have defined grandparents and grandchildren as not close family members. So we are seeking legal advice right now and we may challenge that as well.”

Three executives face trial over Fukushima disaster

Three former executives of the Tokyo Electric Power Company have gone on trial in Japan, in connection with the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. The defendants pleaded not guilty to charges of professional negligence, arguing that they could not have foreseen the tsunami that flooded the plant after a powerful earthquake, triggering a meltdown.

Lebanese soldiers injured in suicide blasts

The Lebanese military says five suicide bombers have blown themselves up at two refugee camps near the border with Syria. Three soldiers were wounded in the blasts, while four others suffered injuries from a grenade. The army has been carrying out raids near the border town of Arsal as part of an operation against Islamic State militants.

Germany gets tough on online hate speech

Germany has introduced tough new measures aimed at cracking down on online hate speech. Under the legislation social networking sites could be fined up to 50 million euros if they fail to remove illegal content within a week. Human rights advocates have criticised the move, saying it privatises censorship and could limit free speech.

Pioneering French politician Simone Veil dies

The prominent French politician Simone Veil has died at the age of 89. A holocaust survivor, she held several ministerial posts in the French government and served as the first elected president of the European parliament. She also led the push to legalise abortion in France in the 1970s.

The weather

Changeable conditions have been forecast for today, with the chance of some showers, particularly in mountainous regions. Top temperatures will range from 17 to 29 degrees.

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