In the latest update from Squirrel News: a Marseille mosque embraces the queer community, Australia’s Senate approves ‘right to disconnect’ law, and Greece makes history as the first Orthodox Christian nation to legalise same-sex marriage.
The mosque in Marseille catering to the queer community
In an effort to provide a safe and inclusive space for Muslim members of France’s LGBTQ+ community, Ludovic-Mohamed Zahed has established a mosque in Marseille.
Australia’s ‘right to disconnect’ legislation clears Senate
Australia’s Senate has approved a new law granting employees the right to avoid responding to supervisors’ “unreasonable” texts, emails, or calls outside of working hours, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stating “someone who is not being paid 24 hours a day shouldn’t be penalised if they’re not online and available 24 hours a day.”
Greece is first Orthodox Christian country to legalise same-sex marriage
Same-sex couples will now also be legally allowed to adopt children after Thursday’s 176-76 vote in a rare display of parliamentary consensus. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis had championed the bill, saying it would end a “serious inequality for our democracy”.
Energy collective powers Ladek-Zdroj spa town with 100% clean energy
Every municipal building in the Polish town is now exclusively powered by locally generated green energy, making it well on its way to becoming independent of the national power supply.
Unlikely source helps New Yorkers fight source-of-income discrimination
Over 100 NYC renters have received assistance in securing housing – thanks to an unexpected collaboration between a real estate agent and a community organisation.
Exploring playful approaches to scientific research
Cardiff University is incorporating children’s toys and video games into research to benefit scientific understanding – from using dolls like Barbie to foster empathy in children to a LEGO-based printer capable of producing biological materials such as skin cells.
New initiative transforms used plushies into eco-friendly toys
The conventional production of plush toys contributes to environmental challenges due to the use of synthetic materials that take centuries to decompose. Recognising the need for a sustainable alternative, Loved Before has emerged as “the pioneer eco-friendly soft toy adoption agency.”
The school saving one of Louisiana’s oldest dialects
Though dual-language programmes have been steadily rising across the country in recent years, this is the first one in Louisiana to teach standard French alongside local French dialects spoken by the Indigenous and Cajun communities it serves.
Reviving a forgotten species to fight climate change’s impact on coffee
Predictions indicate that by 2050, coffee-producing lands could be reduced by up to half due to extreme weather events, putting Arabica, the most widely consumed coffee species, at risk. However, Brazilian farmers – the largest coffee producers globally – are exploring new solutions to protect the bean.
