Newscast for Wednesday, December 05, 2012

US Senate passes National Defense Authorization Act with expanded abortion access for raped servicewomen

The National Defense Authorization Act is headed to the conference stage this week, after passing the Senate 98 to zero Tuesday night. The bill, which President Obama has already threatened to veto, includes a provision that blocks the transfer of detainees out of Guantanamo. Other amendments would reveal which private defense contractors have legal immunity for their crimes and impose more economic sanctions on Iran. Additionally, Senators who fought for several years to include an amendment that provides abortion care for servicemembers and military families are concerned it will get stripped out in negotiations with the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. On Capitol Hill, FSRN’s Alice Ollstein has more.

In Canada, reproductive rights groups call on the Minister for the Status of Women to resign

In Canada, reproductive rights groups are continuing to call on the Minister for the Status of Women to resign. This follows her vote in favor of an anti-abortion measure. While abortion has been decriminalized in the country for nearly 25 years, the motion debated in parliament last fall sought to re-open the debate on the legal status of the fetus. FSRN’s Aaron Lakoff has the story from Montreal.

Activists in Doha call on rich countries to stop obstructing a climate change agreement

In the Qatari capital, Doha, climate change talks continue with delegates still arguing over the fundamentals. Many richer countries - the world’s main polluters - are still strongly resisting setting legally binding emissions targets and financing poorer nations most affected by climate change. But there has been some progress. The UK government announced about $3 billion in climate aid - the first G7 country to make such a commitment. For more we spoke with Cameron Fenton, National Director of the Canadian Youth Climate Coalition. He’s in Doha attending the conference.

New York activists fight police department’s Stop and Frisk policy

In New York today, activists opposed to the police department’s controversial Stop and Frisk policy will be in court. They’re facing charges of disorderly conduct during a demonstration protesting the practice. This follows a recent acquittal and the dropping of charges against other activists, and a public opinion poll showing more than half of all New Yorkers oppose Stop and Frisk. But residents didn’t always feel this way. As FSRN’s Jaisal Noor reports, it took a long campaign from activists to help shift public opinion.

California Sheriff pushes ahead with plan to purchase a drone

In California, the Sheriff of Alameda County is pushing ahead with his plans to purchase a four pound, unmanned aerial system, despite local opposition. Sheriff Greg Ahern says that the drone, which would have live video downlink, will be used in emergencies. But the move has alarmed civil liberties advocates concerned about unrestricted surveillance of civilians. From Oakland, FSRN’s George Lavender reports.