🌏 Hong Kong's New National Security Law, Thailand Passes Same-Sex Marriage Bill And More

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Hong Kong has passed another national security law that makes it even easier for the government to crack down on opposition.

Under the new law, known as Article 23, people can face up to life in prison if they are found guilty of “endangering national security”.

The definition of “national security” is now copied from China, where is it a vague concept that covers “major interests of the state”, meaning it can be applied to basically everything, according to Amnesty International.

Under the law, which went into effect on Saturday March 23, people found guilty of “treason” and “insurrection” could be jailed for life.

It increases the sentence for “sedition” – that is speech or activities rebelling against authorities – meaning people can now be jailed for 10 years criticizing the government.

Under Article 23, people who collaborate with “external forces” on activities that threaten national security can be jailed for up to 14 years.

In this case, external forces can include any individuals or groups associated with foreign governments and political parties, as well as international organizations in business, academia or even the UN.

Hong Kong’s leader John Lee says the law, which was passed unanimously in less than two weeks, will “safeguard national security” and hailed it as a “historic moment”.

However, rights groups have said that the law’s vague definitions could be used to silence critics with harsh punishments.

Also Happening Around The World

🇷🇺 Gunmen opened fire in a concert hall in Russia, killing at least 137 people and injuring 182 others.

Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, has announced she has been diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing treatment after her disappearance from the public eye sparked weeks of speculation.

The 42-year-old had undergone a “planned abdominal surgery”, according to a statement from Kensington Palace in January and was expected to return to her official duties in April after Easter.

Prince William’s wife announced her condition through a video published on Kensington Palace’s social media channels on Friday, March 22.

Middleton said in her video that at the time, doctors had not known it was cancer, but tests following the operation revealed cancer had been present.

“My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventive chemotherapy, and I am now in the early stages of that treatment,” Middleton said.

Middleton has said the diagnosis came as a “huge shock”, and she took this time with her family to process it privately.

“It has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be okay,” she said.

She added that her family now needs “time, space, and privacy”.

She also took time to call on other cancer patients to not “lose faith or hope”.

More Stories About Women

🇩🇰 Women in Denmark will soon be called on to serve in the military for the first time.

Thailand has moved one step closer to legalizing same-sex marriage.

On Wednesday March 27, Thailand’s lower house of parliament overwhelmingly passed a bill with 400 votes in favor and 10 against.

The bill would change the definition of marriage to one between two individuals, instead of between a man and a woman.

The bill now needs to be approved by the senate and the Thai King before it becomes law.

If approved, Thailand would become the third country in Asia to allow same-sex marriage after Taiwan and Nepal.

More Good News For Your Week

🇮🇹 This genius Italian ad has gone viral for shattering stereotypes about Down synrome by exposing people’s implicit biases.

🇯🇵 Japan discovered a new sea creature called the “skeleton panda sea squirt” and it’s the cutest.

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