Nepal: Civil War Atrocities Follow Royal Takeover

(Kathmandu, February 24, 2005) -- In Nepal’s civil war, both Maoist insurgents and the Royal Nepali Army continue to attack civilians after the royal takeover of power, violating the laws of war, Human Rights Watch said today.

Human Rights Watch researchers in the southern town of Nepalgunj documented several attacks on civilians by both the Maoist insurgents and government troops, including the Maoists' burning an ambulance and placing bombs in schools, and government troops shooting and wounding two members of a wedding party.  
 
King Gyanendra, who took over all executive authority on February 1 with military backing, has not yet delivered on his promise to address the brutal civil war against Maoist insurgents, which has claimed the lives of some 11,000 people, mostly civilians. Since February 10, the Maoist rebels have used extreme violence to enforce a strict nationwide strike (or “bandh”) by blockading roads and attacking civilians who defy the ban on work or movement. Maoist fighters have attacked civilian cargo trucks and passenger buses, and threatened to cut off the hands of drivers who defy the bandh.  

Genes, not genitalia, key to gender


Genetics, not just anatomy or hormones, strongly influence gender, according to research that raises questions about sex-assignment surgeries for babies born with both male and female traits.

"The biology of gender is far more complicated than XX or XY chromosomes, and may rely more on the brain's very early development than we ever imagined," genetics and sexual medicine expert Dr Eric Vilain, said in a prepared statement.

How Advertising Depicts Gays and Lesbians
Characterizations in mainstream television commercials rely on stereotypes ranging from diva queens to scary leather men.
by Julia Hanna


As a longtime reporter on the advertising industry, Michael Wilke understands that television commercials are made to sell products, not create social change. But when it comes to representing the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, he'd like companies to at least acknowledge that advertising can have a positive or negative effect on how people perceive one another.

Britain to begin same-sex unions this year


LONDON - Same-sex partners in Britain will be able to enter into civil unions in December, joining gays in parts of Europe and the United States in obtaining many of the rights enjoyed by married people, the government said Monday.

The Civil Partnerships Bill passed by Parliament last year gives same-sex couples the right to form legally binding partnerships and entitles them to some of the same tax and pension rights married couples have.

BOY SCOUTS CONTINUE GAY DISCRIMINATION
OIA Newswire


WASHINGTON - Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution urging the Department of Defense to continue its tradition of supporting the Boy Scouts of America.