#ITALY: Frmr. PM Berlusconi Attacked For Saying A Mother-To-Be Is Unfit For Role As Rome's Mayor

[world politics news]

Former PM Silvio Berlusconi is being attacked for saying a woman who is pregnant cannot serve as Rome's next mayor. His Forza Italia Party and its partner, the Northern League, are discussing whom to endorse as the candidate to lead a center-right coalition in the upcoming mayoral elections. The Northern League's proposed candidate, Giorgia Meloni, 39, recently announced she was pregnant. "It's clear to everybody that a mother can't do that job," Berlusconi said, citing the frequent 14-hour days and travel.

#SERBIA: Despite Apology, Defense Min. Fired After Making Sexist Remark To Reporter

[world politics news]

Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić fired Defense Mnister Bratislav Gašić after he made a sexist remark to a female journalist. Gašić sparked outrage after a journalist from B92 Television knelt down in front of him to avoid being in the way of cameras as he spoke to a group of reporters during a visit to a factory. Gašić remarked, "I like these female journalists who kneel down so easily."

#UK: Labour Leadership Candidate Accused Of Sexism After "When Time Is Right" Comment Re: Female Leader

[world politics news]

Labour Party Leadership candidate Andy Burnham is facing a storm of criticism after responding to an interview question about whether the party's ready for a female leader by saying "in time, when the time is right." he quickly clarified, saying "it could be now." He has two female rivals, Yvette Cooper and Liz Kendall.

#USA: Leading Iowa Sen. Cand. #JoniErnst "Offended" By Sexist #TaylorSwift Comparo

[world politics news]

Former Democratic Iowa Senator Tom Harkin compared Republican Senate candidate Joni Ernst to "attractive" singer Taylor Swift, causing Ernst to say she was "greatly offended" by the statement, which was largely seen as sexist. He later apologized. Ernst is leading her Democratic rival by 7 points in the polls.