Spain
The history
Spain really goes with the flow.
What?
Yesterday the Spanish Parliament said “sí” to paid leave for menstrual cramps. The new law grants women up to five days of sick leave if they have a painful period or, as the law describes, “in the event of a menstrual inability”. Health experts say around a third of Spanish women fall into this category. Now Spain has become the first European country to approve paid menstrual leave, joining countries like Zambia, Japan and South Korea that have similar policies. The new law also aims to tackle period poverty by offering free pads and tampons in schools and prisons. The Spanish legislature did not stop there.
What else?
They also passed legislation on transgender rights and access to abortion. Spain has made it easier for people aged 16 and over to change their registered gender. This means trans people no longer need medical supervision or a doctor to sign them out. Lawmakers also voted to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to have abortions without parental consent. Spain’s equality minister said the new laws would “save many lives”. Meanwhile, the country’s right-wing parties reportedly opposed the new measures. they argued in part that the changes in transgender rights could allow men to compete in women’s sports.
Meanwhile in the US…
It’s still the only wealthy country that doesn’t guarantee paid family vacations. More than 16 million menstruating people live in poverty. The pink tax doesn’t help. Virginia recently blocked a bill that would have barred officials from accessing period-tracking apps – raising concerns about physical autonomy. In Kentucky, the state Supreme Court ruled to uphold the state’s trigger law and six-week abortion ban. In addition, more than 150 anti-trans laws were reportedly proposed in 25 states this year.
the skimm
Paid sick leave, abortion and trans rights are in the spotlight. Spain has expanded some of its policies, but the situation in the US is an ongoing debate.
And also… that
What finally closes the circle…
Georgia. Yesterday, a special grand jury released excerpts of their report on allegations of voter fraud in 2020. Spoilers: She didn’t find any. Last year, a grand jury in Atlanta began investigating former President Trump and his allies for their alleged attempt to overturn the 2020 election. While the report said there was no widespread voter fraud — as we previously learned — the jury believes “one or more” witnesses may have lied under oath. The jury did not say who it might be, but questioned or obtained evidence from 75 people. They include former Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC). Now the grand jury is recommending perjury charges against these unnamed witnesses. Perjury is a federal crime punishable by up to five years in prison. It falls to Fulton County Attorney Fani Willis to pursue the charges.
Who cleans the air…
President Biden. Yesterday he said China was “most likely” not linked to the three unidentified objects shot down over the past weekend. US fighter jets shot down objects over Alaska, Canada and Lake Huron days after shooting down a Chinese spy balloon. For the past week, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have been urging the president to provide more information. Now, Biden said the three most recent properties likely belong to private companies or research institutions. He added that military radars have increased their sensitivity to identify more floating objects – hence last weekend’s discoveries. The Biden admin said he will update his rules on handling UFOs in the future. Meanwhile, critics said the president is not offering Americans “safety and security.”
Who are people thinking of…
Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA). Yesterday, Fetterman’s office said lawmakers had hospitalized himself for severe depression. In a statement, his office said Fetterman had “experienced depression on and off throughout his life.” Lawmakers like Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) applauded Fetterman for getting the help he needs. It’s not clear if this incident was related to him being hospitalized last week for being dazed.
Bruce Willis. Yesterday, the actor’s family shared on social media that he has frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Last year, his family said Willis retired from acting after being diagnosed with aphasia. As it stands, there is no treatment for FTD.
Who replaces their working man with their real man?
Kelly Ripa.
Who gets people talking…
Chloe Bailey’s new song feature.
