Democracy

Gay student t-shirt controversy

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A gay pride t-shirt has renewed the focus on free speech, civil rights and community values, as viewed through the lens of the Joplin Globe in Missouri. Brad Matthewson, a 16-year-old student in Missouri, was chastised after wearing -shirts announcing “I’m gay and I’m proud” and “Make a difference! FHS Gay-Straight Alliance.” After the school refused to change the dress code prohibiting “disruptive” attire, the ACLU filed suit against the district on Matthewson’s behalf. Reaction to the suit and controversy has been mixed.

Democracy

Pinochet: new charges follow abuse report

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A report issued earlier this month in Chile found that 35,000 people were abused by the Pinochet regime. The document also says the junta operated “dozens” of secret facilities, engaged in extreme and varied torture, and systematically targeted civilians. Although the report, which has not yet been made public, was intended as a “historical” document rather than a tool for prosecution, recent developments indicate new action against members of the former junta:
–Pinochet himself was brought up on new charges after losing a battle over amnesty. His former spy chief also faces new prosecution. –Chile has also announced plans to build a new prison that will be almost exclusively dedicated to holding Pinochet-era human-rights abusers.