Free Republic

Target is bringing Americans one step closer to a gender-neutral society. The department store chain announced what it called “something exciting” Friday. After some customers complained about certain toys’ being designated as appropriate for girls, it is doing away with signs denoting gender classifications. “Over the past year, guests have raised important questions about a handful of signs in our stores that offer product suggestions based on gender,” according to Target’s online publication, “A Bullseye View.” Toys no longer will be labeled according to sex and displayed on either pink or blue shelving. Gender-neutral signage also will appear in the...

Swedish health authorities have ruled that gender-based abortion is not illegal according to current law and can not therefore be stopped, according to a report by Sveriges Television. Swedish surgeon forgets swabs in sewn up mum (10 May 09) Swedish gays made to wait for church wedding (3 May 09) May Day nuptials for same-sex couples (2 May 09) The Local reported in February that a woman from Eskilstuna in southern Sweden had twice had abortions after finding out the gender of the child. The woman, who already had two daughters, requested an amniocentesis in order to allay concerns about...

<p>In his first public undertaking as U.S. ambassador, John Bolton is pressing for sweeping institutional reforms at the United Nations. His approach is presumably intended to enhance U.N. efforts at peacekeeping, fighting terrorism, nuclear disarmament and democratization.</p> <p>As 175 world leaders convene for the largest gathering of its kind to discuss reforms, let's recognize a key reality: Sustainable peace requires a model of ``inclusive security'' in which all stakeholders, especially women, participate in peace processes.</p>

GLOBAL: UN deals with sexual abuse allegations against peacekeepers11 May 2005 17:56:16 GMT Source: IRIN JOHANNESBURG, 11 May (IRIN) - The United Nations has requested funds for hiring additional staff to beef up preventative measures aimed at tackling allegations of sexual abuse perpetrated by some UN peacekeepers. In a report to the General Assembly this week, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan noted that the number of claims of sexual abuse and exploitation lodged against UN peacekeepers last year was more than double the number reported in 2003. In March the UN released a report by Annan's special adviser on the issue,...