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Mexico City considers legalizing majrijuana
MEXICO CITY – A group of leftist Mexico City lawmakers have introduced a bill to legalize the sale of marijuana in the nation’s capital.
The initiative proposed by members of the Democratic Revolution Party seeks to supply marijuana to users and regulate the amount they can buy. It would create a health program to monitor consumption and sale.
Lawmaker Vidal Llerenas, who proposed the bill, says the objective is to allow authorities to focus on more serious crimes.
Since 2009, Mexico has allowed the possession of 5 grams of marijuana, about four joints, for personal use.
The local proposal is accompanied by an initiative at the federal level, which proposes increasing that amount to 30 grams.
Belgian lawmakers OK euthanasia for kids
BRUSSELS – Belgian lawmakers voted overwhelmingly on Thursday to extend the country’s euthanasia law to children under 18.
The law empowers children with terminal ailments who are in great pain to ask to be put to death by their doctor if their parents agree and a psychiatrist or psychologist certifies they are conscious of what their choice signifies.
It has wide public support, but was opposed by some pediatricians and the country’s Roman Catholic clergy.
The 86-44 vote in the House, with 12 abstentions, followed approval by the Senate in December.
Italian prime minister to step down from post
ROME –Abandoned by an ambitious party rival, Italian Premier Enrico Letta announced Thursday he is resigning after losing essential support for his battered, 10-month-old coalition government.
Hours earlier, Matteo Renzi, the 39-year-old leader of Letta’s Democratic Party, rallied party executives to an overwhelming vote for a change of command in the premier’s office.
Renzi said it was time for “radical change” in order to pull economically stagnant and politically unstable Italy out of its “quagmire.”
Associated Press
