UK parliament pushes EU referendum bill forward News
UK parliament pushes EU referendum bill forward

[JURIST] UK lawmakers Wednesday backed a government bill to put the new EU constitution to a national referendum. The European Union Bill [PDF text] will now go to a House of Commons committee for further study. While signed last November, the European constitution [text]must still be ratified by all member states before taking effect. The new constitution would streamline EU decision-making and create more accountability to national governments. UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has released a statement arguing the adoption of the constitution, saying, "This is a constitution which works in Britain's interests. If we were then to say 'no', it would leave Britain literally isolated, it would leave Britain weaker." Opinion polls, however, suggest that many are opposed to the EU constitution with a significant number still undecided. BBC News has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Laws of Burgos put into effect

The Spanish Crown put the Laws of Burgos into effect on December 27, 1512. These laws governed the relationship of Spanish settlers with the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean. The laws established the encomienda system of labor, promoted conversion to Catholicism, and safeguarded the indigenous peoples from physical abuse.  However, historians argue that the laws were ineffective at protecting the rights of the indigenous population. Learn more from the Library of Congress.

Prohibitionist Carrie Nation carried out her first public bar smashing

On December 27, 1900, militant Prohibitionist Carrie Nation carried out her first public smashing of a bar, at the Carey Hotel in Wichita, Kansas. Nation argued that destroying bars was an acceptable means of battling the liquor trade since the Kansas Constitution prohibited alcohol. Learn more about Carrie Nation.

World Bank created

On December 27, 1944, the World Bank was created during the United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, USA. Learn more about the history of the World Bank.