World AIDS Day was internationally recognized on Monday, Dec. 1. The mood was dampened, however, when students found the words "AIDS cures fags" written in graffiti on an outer wall of Northeastern University's White Hall, according to a statement from Northeastern University's bisexual, lesbian and gay Association (NUBiLaGA).

In response to what President Aoun called a "deeply disturbing act," the university acted according to standard protocol, said Renata Nyul, assistant director of communications and public relations.

Source: http://media.www.huntington-news.com/media/storage/paper600/news/2008/12/08/News/Hate-Message.Found.On.Campus-3573656.shtml

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The gay marriage debate moves to the Midwest this week as the Iowa Supreme Court hears arguments in a challenge to the state's ban on same-sex marriage.

If the high court rules in favor of the half dozen gay couples who filed the lawsuit, it would make Iowa the fourth state behind Massachusetts, California, and Connecticut to uphold the right of same-sex couples to legally marry.

Source: http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/12/08/iowa_high_court_to_hear_gay_marriage_arguments/

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European Union warships and aircraft are due to launch anti-piracy patrols off the Somali coast.

The area, including one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, the Gulf of Aden, has seen almost 100 pirate attacks this year.

It is the first naval operation in the bloc's history.

It will take over from the existing Nato mission and last at least a year.

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7770490.stm

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