Reuters

CAIRO (Reuters) - The U.S. State Department said that a law passed by Iraq’s parliament on Saturday criminalizing same-sex relationships was a threat to human rights and freedoms and would weaken Iraq’s ability to diversify its economy and attract foreign investment.

"This amendment threatens those most at risk in Iraqi society. It can be used to hamper free-speech and expression and inhibit the operations of NGOs across Iraq," a State Department... (continue reading...)

By Brad Brooks

(Reuters) - Pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested on a handful of U.S. university campuses on Saturday, as activists vowed to keep up the movement seeking a ceasefire in Israel's war with Hamas among other demands.

The Indiana University police department in Bloomington said in an emailed statement that 23 protesters were arrested there.

Indiana State Police along with Indiana University police told... (continue reading...)

By Stephanie Kelly

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden will speak on Saturday night at the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner, with protests against his staunch support for Israel's war against Hamas expected to follow him to the black-tie event.

At the century-old event, often referred to as Washington's "nerd prom," hundreds of journalists, politicians and celebrities will rub elbows in a massive hotel... (continue reading...)

By Humeyra Pamuk

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Some senior U.S. officials have advised Secretary of State Antony Blinken that they do not find "credible or reliable" Israel's assurances that it is using U.S.-supplied weapons in accordance with international humanitarian law, according to an internal State Department memo reviewed by Reuters.

Other officials upheld support for Israel's representation.

Under a National Security... (continue reading...)

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraq's parliament passed a law criminalising same-sex relationships with a maximum 15-year prison sentence on Saturday, in a move it said aimed to uphold religious values but was condemned by rights advocates as the latest attack on the LGBT community in Iraq.

The law aims to "protect Iraqi society from moral depravity and the calls for homosexuality that have overtaken the world," according to a copy of the law seen by Reuters.