In what is seen as a bid to impose strict Islamic law (sharia) - this mostly Muslim Nigerian state banned prostitution, the selling or drinking of alcohol, and gambling April 3. The move reportedly came after a meeting between the state's deputy governor, leaders of Nigeria's Christian Association, and community leaders. An official communiqué said an "alarming" spread of HIV caused an "urgent need" to ban prostitution, since "no religion or code of ethics supports this vice." The communiqué further said banning alcohol was aimed at curbing "social problems they create," while the gambling ban was aimed at fighting fraud.
QUEENSLAND, Australia - A teen in Ipswich was awarded $100,000 criminal compensation April 4, in a verdict against her stepfather who prostituted and raped her. The man's name was not revealed to protect the 15-year-old girl's identity. He was sentenced two years ago to 18 years behind bars, after pleading guilty to the accusations. A Brisbane district court judge, John Robertson, told Australian media he would have awarded the girl more money had the compensation claim come before him in civil court. The judge also said medical reports submitted to court showed the girl carrying "deep psychological scars." The compensation order, though, was suspended for twenty-eight days to let the man obtain legal advice, according to Australian news reports.
SALT LAKE CITY - "Stroke of the pen, law of the land," a Clinton Administration aide is reported to have said of the President's proclivity for executive orders. Here in Utah's capital, it's stroke of the pen, law of the city for Mayor Rocky Anderson, in imposing a ban on discrimination against city workers based on sexual preferences. Anderson's executive order nullified a City Council move which first passed and then repealed a nondiscrimination law. And the Deseret News says it's stroke of the pen, steam in the Council's ears: the body is fuming over Anderson making the move without even telling them, never mind consulting with them. Councilwoman Nancy Saxton says the council was blindsided by the mayor. Anderson, though, says his move should have surprised no one, since during his campaign he swore to execute such an order, since it affects internal city policy only. The American Civil Liberties Union, though, is thrilled; Utah chapter president Carol Gnade praised Anderson for keeping a campaign promise.
--- Compiled by Humphrey Pennyworth
