Vatican protests against Italian bill on homophobia
Avvenire says the Vatican has protested to Italy over a bill on homophobia currently passing through parliament. The Zan Bill, named after LGBT activist and politician Alessandro Zan, would punish discrimination and incitement to violence against the LGBT community, as well as women and people with disabilities. The Vatican argues the Bill would curb religious freedoms secured in the Lateran Treaty.
UEFA faces backlash over LGBT rights
Merkur reports UEFA is facing backlash over its decision not to allow Munich’s Allianz Arena to be lit in rainbow colours for today’s match between Germany and Hungary. The city council wanted to show a gesture of tollerance in response to a recently-approved Hungarian law banning educational material to promote homesexuality to children. Munich mayor described UEFA’s decision as “shameful”, adding that he will illuminate main city monuments instead.
US: Republicans block Democrats’ election bill
The Washington Post reports Republicans in the US have torpedoed the ‘For the People Act’ in the Senate. The Bill, which sought to make it easier to vote by post, had already been approved by the House in March. It was a procedural vote to open the debate but the opposition exploited filibustering rules, which require a quorum of 60 senators out of 100 (Democrats have 50). President Joe Biden has said the issue was the “fight of his presidency”. Vice-President Kamala Harris, who was presiding over the chamber as the Bill failed, said after the vote, “The fight’s not over!”
Japan proposal to improve work-life balance
Japan’s famously hard-working salaried workers are to be encouraged to reduce the amount of time they spend in the office environment as part of the government’s initiative to improve the nation’s work-life balance. The recently-unveiled annual economic policy guidelines include new recommendations that companies permit their staff to opt to work four days a week instead of the typical five. The COVID-19 pandemic has already brought huge changes to the way Japanese corporations – many of which are still highly rigid and traditional – go about their business. Political leaders now hope to convince management that flexible working hours, remote working and a host of other developments can be beneficial if they remain in place.
Rabin Rolex to be auctioned
Accoring to Jerusalem Post, a Rolex wristwatch that belonged to former Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin will soon be auctioned by the ‘Tiroche’ auction house starting from the opening price of $50,000. The watch was bought by the Israeli leader when he was ambassador to Washington in 1972 who since then, had always wore. When Rabin was killed by a Jewish extremist in 1995, the watch was inherited by his son Yuval who has now decided to put it up for sale. Yuval himself signed a certificate, certifying the origin of the watch which has its original box, bracelet and buckle.
Last two group matches today
The EURO 2020 group stage ends today with Spain, Germany and Portugal among the teams still looking to secure their place in the round of 16. At 6 pm, Slovakia meet Spain in Seville while Sweden face Portugal in St Petersburgh. At 9 pm, Germany meet Hungary in Munich while Portugal take on France in Budapest.
England confirmed their place in the last 16 of the championships, finishing top of Group D with seven points after a 1-0 win over the Czech Republic at Wembley on Tuesday night. A goal from Sterling in the 12th minute was enough to hold off the Czechs, who still qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. Second spot in the group goes to Croatia who saw off Scotland 3-1 in Glasgow. England will play the team finishing second in Group F next Tuesday. Croatia face the second placed team from Group E the previous day.
Through to round of 16
Group winners: Italy, Belgium, The Netherlands, England
Group runners-up: Wales, Denmark, Austria, Croatia
Best third-placed teams: Switzerland, Czech Republic
Final group position to be confirmed: Sweden, France
