Briefs, December 16, 2012
Church leaders in the Philippines said yesterday that an impending birth control law aimed at reducing poverty in the conservative nation was one step towards legalising abortion. In a letter penned by bishops to be read at Sunday mass in churches across the mainly Catholic country, they said the Reproductive Health Bill promoted pre-martial sex and threatened the "moral fibre" of the country. The bill paves the way for sex education in schools and the provision of free contraceptives in a country with one of Asia's fastest-growing populations.
MANILA - Church leaders in the Philippines said yesterday that an impending birth control law aimed at reducing poverty in the conservative nation was one step towards legalising abortion. In a letter penned by bishops to be read at Sunday mass in churches across the mainly Catholic country, they said the Reproductive Health Bill promoted pre-martial sex and threatened the "moral fibre" of the country. The bill paves the way for sex education in schools and the provision of free contraceptives in a country with one of Asia's fastest-growing populations. AFP
BANGKOK - A brawl broke out as prizes were being awarded at a Thai carmaker's office party, leaving more than 30 people injured in the melee in which glasses, bottles and even homemade grenades were thrown. AutoAlliance Thailand, a joint venture between Ford Motor Company and Japan's Mazda Motor Corporation, threw the party for its 4,000 staff on Friday at a restaurant in Chonburi, 100 kilometres southeast of Bangkok. The Bangkok Post newspaper said the brawl started in front of a stage as prizes were being handed out. Reuters