#UK: Conservative MP Highlights Harrassment of Gays Working In Parliament

[world politics news]

Gay men working in parliament are the “most vulnerable” to harassment and abuse but are “absolutely terrified of coming forward” because of the taboo which remains around homosexuality, a senior Conservative MP has said.

Former immigration minister Caroline Nokes said women receive “all the column inches in the press” before “this ‘and also’ [approach] when it comes to the young gay men’.”

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#UK: Scottish Parliament's Coffee Shop Bans "Gingerbread Men" To Avoid "Sexism"

[world politics news]

Gingerbread men have been replaced by "gingerbread persons" in the Scottish Parliament’s coffee shop in case the traditional name causes someone to be offended. The renaming comes just as a strategy aimed at stamping out sexual harassment and sexism was introduced at the parliament after a survey found 30 per cent of women working there believed they had been sexually harassed. It hasn't gone over well with everyone. Annie Wells, the Equalities spokesman for the opposition Scottish Conservative Party said, ‘Surely the Scottish Parliament has got better things to do than worry about what to call gingerbread men? This is an utterly pointless gesture which simply trivializes the real issues of gender equality." A spokesman for parliament is on record as calling the treats "delicious" and have "sold out."

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#INDIA: Junior Cabinet Member Sues Journalist Who Accused Him Of Sexual Harassment For Defamation

[world politics news]

The #MeToo movement has had important consequences in India. Dozens of women have called out misconduct, assault and harassment in the workplace, naming men in industries including Indian media, entertainment, sports, public relations and non-profit. Accused men have been forced to resign from prominent positions, but some have denied allegations and are fighting back.

Mobashar Jawed Akbar, Minister of State for External Affairs, has accused journalist Priya Ramani of defamation after Ramani posted allegations on social media that she and others of his subordinates were abused when he was a journalist. Eleven other women have come forward since Ramani spoke out. "The allegations of misconduct made against me are false and fabricated, spiced up by innuendo and malice," he said in a statement.

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#CANADA: PM Trudeau On Harassment Allegation: "No Need" To Investigate; Walks Back Apology

[world politics news]

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says there is no need to further investigate allegations that he sexually harassed a reporter in the year 2000. Trudeau reportedly apologized a day after the incident occurred. Now, he has told a reporter that he doesn't recall improper behavior on his part, but apologized anyway. “There’s a lot of uncertainties around this. In terms of my recollection there was no untoward or inappropriate action."

[FULL STORY HERE]

[UPDATE: Accuser Speaks Out. STORY HERE]

#CANADA: PM Trudeau Answering Questions About Decades-Old Harassment Accusations

[world politics news]

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is having to explain allegations of sexual harassment from nearly two decades ago that have resurfaced recently. Trudeau is being accused of groping a female reporter when he was a 28-year-old teacher at a music festival. He is denying the allegations. He says he does not remember the incident.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#EU: Euro Parliament Sets Up Committee To Investigate Numerous Sexual Harassment Claims

[world politics news]

European Parliament lawmakers have voted for a motion condemning sexual harassment and calling for a "task force of independent experts" to examine allegations of sexual harassment and abuse within the Parliament. The vote comes a day after lawmakers debated sexual abuse within the EP following media reports detailing a number of rape, assault and harassment allegations against MEPs.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#USA: Donald Trump Fights For His Political Life After Lewd Tape Released

[world politics news]

A 2005 audio and video tape released last night in which he speaks lewdly about groping and kissing women has thrown the presidential campaign of Donald Trump into chaos. Major Republicans began distancing themselves from the GOP nominee almost immediately, with House Speaker Paul Ryan canceling a Saturday appearance with Trump in Wisconsin and others pulled their endorsement.

[FULL STORY HERE]

Note: This is a rare inward-looking, America-centric post here, due to the newsworthiness and gravity of the issue and its impact on the US election. We will have further, fuller analysis as this story develops.

#NEWZEALAND: Frmr. Conservative Pty. Ldr. On Trial For Defamation, Sexual Harassment

[world politics news]

Former Conservative Party leader Colin Craig is facing sexual harassment charges during his ongoing trial for allegedly defaming the director of the Taxpayer's Union. Jordan Williams says Craig defamed him at a press conference, and then again in a pamphlet mailed to more than 1.6 million New Zealand households. The allegations came from Craig's former press secretary, Rachel MacGregor, who has also alleged Craig sexually harassed her.