Kenya journalists protest proposed law to force disclosure of sources News
Kenya journalists protest proposed law to force disclosure of sources

[JURIST] More than 300 Kenyan journalists marched in the capital city of Nairobi Wednesday, voicing their opposition to a provision in a proposed law that would give courts the authority to force journalists to disclose confidential sources. The provision, part of a proposal to establish an independent council to adjudicate complaints against the media, was introduced in the National Assembly [official website] just before lawmakers voted to approve the bill earlier this month. The journalists are urging Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki [official profile] not to sign the bill into law. Kenyan Attorney General Amos Wako has pledged to advise Kibaki not to enact the law.

Kenyan journalists say confidential sources have allowed the media to expose government scandals, including the Goldenberg affair [BBC report; JURIST report], which involved a bogus gold and diamond import/export business that fleeced government funds during the 24-year rule of former Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi [official profile]. AP has more. BBC News has additional coverage.

THIS DAY @ LAW

International Day Against Fascism and Anti-Semitism

November 9 is the International Day Against Fascism and Anti-Semitism [UNITED factsheet]. On November 9, 1924, American gay activist Henry Gerber and several associates formed the Society for Human Rights, the first gay rights organization in the United States. The Society received a charter from the State of Illinois in December but was disbanded in July 1925 after a police raid which led to Gerber's arrest and trial (albeit not conviction). Pay a virtual visit to Henry Gerber House, now a registered Chicago landmark.

Supreme Court strikes down Massachusetts anti-draft law

On November 9, 1970, the Supreme Court voted 6-3 in Massachusetts v. Laird not to hear the case of the state's anti-draft law. Massachusetts had passed a law, which allowed its citizens to decline to fight in any undeclared war, even if the person was drafted. The law was passed in opposition to the draft and the war in Vietnam. The First Circuit found the war constitutional and thus struck down the law.