Brutland and Norden News Feed [Archive]

Brutland and Norden

17-08-2007, 16:14

Note: The translated version (in English) is at the end.

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May 04, 2007
by Giustina Tráiona
L’immagini Rinno’que generece polemince
VILÒSTRESA – Spesse, l’immagine di la Rinno oáojeco quodei in Norden e Brutellia. Il s’a sinto lagana in magazini molta di dei genri. Non in hoci stante, polemince generecce gli l’immagini di la Rinno compáiecce in la settepagino – di la magazine gioía.

La tome per Máio di la Gioío magazine, e su pubblise sfetella, la Per Caya magazine, pubblisecce a saggio d’immagini titulecce “Rinno Caloretta” fetirceci immagine nuda di Rinno di Nordèbrutellia, nueccha-annecca Rinno Kail II. La Palazzo Rinna icci del commente on l’escie.

La saggio d’immagini fetircecce a immagine di la Rinno severecce justi sup la eròlinna pubica – nuda, e in la settepagino. Se immagine, “Rinno Gluttoziosa”, ici la rinno talcodecci, e son glutto spossa. “S’parda!” sovece a falo, fidenzecce as ca camore preca, Luanna Mondragone, messecco eliobollo on ca addomo. L’immagine ontra ecce justi as generece polemince.

Il compàiece ticche l'iorgo di a loccostetto tagla innecca te la rinnottu, Vito Tacori, e Gioío’que scritetto stafa Lorenzo Fignatelli e Per Caya’que Sara Orscano.

Nervi romadellía crascascece. “S’desbledemissa,” trecce Rica Borcellone, diretetto di la Museo Rinna d’Eraldire in Vilòstresa. “Me dell’innecce tutto immage di la Rinno cai tareco progiettecche sum.”

“Noi faccieco la populo innece con cai rinno s’gandara osmiocal!” Gioío’que pubblitto-in-ceffie Tireno Gomicola spolonecce, “i, Ce Grenno s’gandara, me lovece justi ojeco ca muscaddomu parda! Hoci oefacciece populo lovece e amirece la Rinno nessa!”

Non molte tottecce differental. Mario Cordocelli, a vilibrentetto di Gioío, trecce, “Me dell’innecce con s’buona. La Rinno s’chinddojo manna, non il dell’es la chinddojo tu oasposizece on la estanto e vendece. S’desstignellía.”

Attetto gioía Giuseppe “Juicy” Manci della doverecco. “S’dell’uffiara. Malu posceci per la magazine es pagecca. La Rinno hoci s’despagecca, e della brecco vennal ca pemmiso, borché.”

Cosservellíu s’oltraggioccanessa. Trecce la cardinovo La Brutelliense in su pubblittoddíe, “Hoci acto s’smere te tascile. Cai oecitecche per desdicenze.”

Non personi oltra ojecce nile torte. “L’immagini s’desdicenze? Monzo immaginicco al storro pubblica, c’he personi molta oéojecci passe ‘desdicenze’. Sul sunt aniuno mai oese citecche per desdicenze, s’la Rinno,” trecce actellítto gioía Wanda Roccamolense. “Non serial, verdune in passa storre vesteci smero passe, e immaginici venno senzeque inne. Me dell’innece qua aniuno oeciteche o qua la cercare son immagine oltra ozeci.”

“I, s’friede di spratte,” trecce Nicandro Tortovecchio, diretetto corca di la Fondre Nordèbrutellia per la Defenze di Liberte (FNbDL). “Ma es nila torta son il. L’orranizatotto spettece defenzecche la magazini sul aniuno oeciteche mai.”

Apparental, del cite craitteche che la gobbierro. “Noi icci cossulte stenda in la Finisterre e ma dell’es bastanze citecche,” trecce Finisterretto per Justtisse Adam Fiambretti. “La pubblisu es sprottecca in la Certaro di Riggii.” Bence la Finisterre di Juttisse della denteche ani punte, Fiambretti icci totte oltra. “Debence il s’a storro pubblica e personu molta ojecco la corpo Rinnoque, s’desuffiara recolgecche il immagini che differenta situazioni, storru, e tempi, cobinece dei esso inte articulo una, zilece il, e lasce il cambiece l'immage Rinnoque.”

Fiambretti io tagettecce l’immagini unà per unà. “L’immagine settropagina, s’severecce sgrecche smero Ca Grenno nudece. Ce premecce acteddíal ca giortilampo, sub-zita.” As per la glutto Rinnoque, “Ò, passe ecce a melcidente,” trecce Fiambretti. “Ce cammecci on unà di strando Marchesta’que on Jùlio 6, 2006 premecce a tovaglo. Ce cammecci te a staziono bighiesa. La tovaglo dessecce on la correro di la meso ce cammecci via, e la tovaglo pollecce ha… Buone, devio ojecce pobese; ce dessecce la tovaglo in tempe. Non la loccostetto immaginecce.”

La Gobbierro chiedecco la pubblisetto ritirecche la pubblisi, non Co. Azulo Medio rifiutecce. “C’he me grossi passe s’il,” trecce Fiambretti. “Noi dell’oadoce anizio circe il. E onestal, me innece mi maglio geche emptecche passe la magazine – ce s’a amiretto manna di la streso.”
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English Version:
King’s pictures create controversy
KINGSVILLE – Usually pictures of the King can be seen everywhere in Brutland and Norden. It, too, is a common sight in many magazines of all kinds. But this instance, controversy arose when pictures of the King appeared in the centerfold – of a gay magazine.

The May issue of the gay magazine Gioío, and its sister magazine, the women’s magazine Per Caya, published a photo essay entitled “Rinno Caloretta” (“Hottie King”) featuring nearly nude pictures of Brutland and Norden’s eighteen-year-old King Kyle II. The Royal Palace had no immediate comment on the matter.

The photo essay featured a picture of the King cut just above the pubic hairline – all-nude, and in the centerfold. Another picture, titled “Rinno Gluttoziosa” (“Buttylicious King”) has the King with his back facing the camera and his buttocks exposed. “S’parda!” (“It’s hard!”) shows a girl, identified as his former girlfriend Luanna Mondragone, slathering sunblock on his belly. Other pictures are just as controversy-causing.

The photo essay appears to be the work of a known long-time paparazzi to the royals, Vito Tacori, and Gioío staff writer Lorenzo Fignatelli and Per Caya’s Sara Orscano.

Sensitive nerves are frazzled. “It’s disrespectful,” said Rica Borcellone, director of the Royal Museum of Heraldry in Kingsville. “I don’t know what image of the King they are trying to project here.”

“We’re making people know that their king is awesomely good-looking!” Gioío’s editor-in-chief Tireno Gomicola explains, “Hey, His Majesty’s great-looking, I just love seeing his hard six-pack abs! This should make people love and admire the King more!”

But many thought differently. Mario Cordocelli, a subscriber to Gioío, said, “I don’t think that’s right. The King is great eye candy, but it’s not the eye candy you can display on the shelf and sell. It’s ridiculous.”

Gay actor Giuseppe “Juicy” Manci was not amused. “It’s not fair. Boys posing for the magazine are paid. The King here is unpaid, and didn’t even gave his permission, to boot.”

Conservatives are more than outraged. Said the newspaper La Brutelliense in its editorial, “This act is akin to treason. They should be sued for indecency.”

But some people saw nothing wrong. “The pictures are indecent? Most of the pictures were shot at public places, so many people should have seen that ‘indecency’. If there’s anyone they should want to be sued for indecency, it’s the King,” said gay activist Wanda Roccamolense. “But, seriously, everyone in those places is dressed up like that, and pictures are taken even without others’ knowledge. I don’t know why should anyone be sued or why are they so concerned with some pictures going out.”

“Hey, it’s freedom of speech,” said Nicandro Tortovecchio, executive director of the Brutland and Norden Liberty Defense Fund. “There is nothing wrong with it. The organization is ready to defend the magazines should anybody claim suit against them.”

Apparently no suit would come from the government. “We had extensive consultation in the Ministry and there isn’t enough to file any charge,” said Justice Minister Adam Fiambretti. “The publications are protected under the Charter of Rights.” Though the Ministry of Justice would not take any step, Fiambretti had some thoughts. “Although it’s a public place and many people have seen the King’s body, it is unfair to collect photographs of it from different situations, places, and times, combine them all into one article, disseminate it, and let it change the King’s image.”

Fiambretti also targeted the pictures one by one. “The centerfold image, it is cropped to look like His Majesty was wearing nothing. He actually had his swimming trunks on, low-waist.” As for the King’s butt, “Oh, that was an accident,” Fiambretti said. “He was walking towards a changing station on one of Marchesta’s beaches on July 6, 2006 with a towel on. It was caught at a corner of a table he was walking by, and the towel was pulled off… Well, nobody saw his private parts; he caught the towel in time. But the paparazzi caught his picture.”

The Government had asked the publisher to withdraw the publications off the stands, but Azulo Medio Inc., the publisher of the magazines, refused. “So I guess that’s it,” said Fiambretti. “We can’t do anything about it. And honestly, I know my wife’s going to buy that magazine – she’s a great admirer of the monarchy.”

Brutland and Norden

17-08-2007, 16:18

Note: The translated version (in English) is at the end.
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August 17, 2007
by Rina Stangello
Parlimento debatecce la sparrate di Vilòstresa
VILÒSTRESA, Terru di l’Unnone – La Comitato Parlimenta per l’Intremmo sbattecce tecleco a propono facciecche Vilòstresa a civito despendenza sparratecca che la grattio di Esolu d’Unnone. Il io removeche cai reppresentazione in la Consellio Grattia, non io removeche cai che tasgresso grattia.

La propono endosecco via la caldrinu di 19 di la comuni maggiora in l’esolo. Trecce Marco Tremoletti, la caldrino PPa di la civito di Tercellese, “La Consellio Grattia di l’Esolu d’Unnone domineci trimpal via la Vilòstresa grandenessa. Alvenesse di la noverienti di consellio es Vilòstresense. Me es della rescalece reppresentazione proporza, non mai maggioressíe es de bona, in mi sperrenze. Vilòstresa scolece la rescoru grattioque, as sul mai della riceveco fondri bastanza che la gobbierro federa. E son mai nomere in la consellio, noi dell’oàevitece passo.”

Finisterretto per l’Intremmo Poul di Borgòcchiese, tra reppresentazionece masio di la grattio estrene Vilòstresa, trecce, “la gobbierro federa es sovvenzioneco già Vilòstresa. Il della sognece lactecche dinere nessa che la rescoru grattioque.”

Brutelliense MP Bruno Sbalizzi (PP, Capitanata), lerrecce. “Per verdel livro Vilòstresa sentece te la creziosso grattioque, il sgece livro 4.66 in torine. Comprece passa te 0.88 per Tercellese, 0.92 per Villègrazia, e 0.12 per Piscinellese. Dei di la comunu in la grattio s’zogniece, trannal forse la villo di Moncucco.”

Porsettíal, reppresentazionettu Vilòstresense opporesece la propono. “Me dell’innece qua mai pusceco hoci in Parlimento,” trecce Agostina Olivetti, a conselliotto grattia che Vilòstresa. “Cai gemme di spende scoffitecci justi in la Consellio Grattia di l’Esolo d’Unnone. Noi votecce rescal il percce noi innecce il tiche mal per la finenze grattioque. Il ecce justi a ventele spenda scofittecca pocca. Qua divideche la grattio? Qua messeche il in la Parlimento?”

MP Camilla Matti (PDS, Vilòstresa Settra), io opporesece la propono non deslerrece son Conselliotto Olivetti. “La Parlimento Nordèbrutelliense ici giurisdize on l’escie. La repponze per la gobbierre per la Terru di l’Unnone es in la gobbierro federa, con’s, Parlimento. Parlimento ici giurisdize per l’escie.”

“Vilòstresa es definital a parte d’Esolu d’Unnone,” spolonecce Matti. “Me dell’innece mai oescludecce che la consellio grattia. Sunt es iziu plura c’he con sognece cooperazione tro Vilòstresa e la comuni ontra, sparcheco la grattio dell’es justi a’ozione.”

Non MP plura in la comitate es eío sercala o deslancora. “Le quíandi ici cai renzi,” trecce MP Sabrina Rocelli (PP, Vilòstresa Norda – Esolo d’Unnone Norda). “Me ici pondecche la strettu di mi constitutessu che le quíandi.”

“Hoci sembrece te me ticche justi a mecore intremma gecci torte,” trecce MP Gennaro Castelleria (PP, Trevigno – Lampicaria – San Colombano di Merana), a noveriente di la comitate.

“Volenze la nature di l’escie, hoci sognece solve,” trecce corce comitata MP Simona Rovieri (PP, Thessalia). “Mai geco teclecche hoci escie, e tarece solvecche hoci.”

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English Version:
Parliament debates Kingsville separation
KINGSVILLE, Union Territories – The Parliamentary Committee for the Interior started tackling a proposal to make Kingsville an independent city separate from the grant of Union Island. It would also strip them of representation in the grant council, but would also remove them from grant taxation.

The proposal was endorsed by the mayors of 19 of the major municipalities in the island. Said Marco Tremoletti, the PP mayor of the city of Tercellese, “The grant council of Union Island has long been dominated by the bigger Kingsville. More than half of the council’s members are from Kingsville. I’m not against proportional representation, but simply being the majority in the council is not good, in my experience. Kingsville drains the grant’s resources, as if they aren’t receiving enough funds from the federal government. And with their numbers in the council, we can’t prevent that.”

Interior Minister Poul di Borgòcchiese, who represents much of the grant outside Kingsville, said, “the federal government is already subsidizing Kingsville. It doesn’t need to milk more money from the grant’s resources.”

Brutish MP Bruno Sballizzi (PP, Capitanata) agreed. “For every livro Kingsville sends to the grant’s coffers, it gets 4.66 livros in return. Compare that to 0.88 for Tercellese, 0.92 for Villègrazia, and 0.12 for Piscinellese. All of the communities in the grants are shortchanged, except for the village of Moncucco.”

Predictably, Kingsville’s representatives oppose the measure. “I do not know why they are pushing this in Parliament,” said Agostina Olivetti, a grant councilor from Kingsville, “Their spending plan was just defeated in the Grant Council of Union Island. We voted against it because we thought it would be detrimental to the grant’s finances. It was just a little defeated spending bill. Why divide the grant? Why put it in Parliament?”

MP Camilla Matti (PDS, Vilòstresa Settra), who represents central Kingsville, also opposes the measure but disagrees with Councilor Olivetti. “The Nord-Brutlandese Parliament has jurisdiction on the matter. The responsibility for the government for the Union Territories lies in the federal government, that is, Parliament. Parliament has jurisdiction for the matter.”

“Kingsville is definitely a part of Union Island,” explained Matti. “I don’t think they should be excluded from the grant council. There are so many things that need cooperation between Kingsville and the other communities, splitting the grant is just not an option.”

But many MPs in the committee are either undecided or indifferent. “Both sides have their reasons,” said MP Sabrina Rocelli (PP, Vilòstresa Norda – Esolo d’Unnone Norda), who represents both northern Kingsville and communities on the northern part of the island. “I have to weigh in the interest of my constituents from both sides.”

“This seems to me to be just an internal dispute within the grant council went haywire,” said MP Gennaro Castelleria (PP, Trevigno – Lampicaria – San Colombano di Merana), a member of the committee.

“Despite the nature of the matter, this needs some sorting out,” said committee chairman MP Simona Rovieri (PP, Thessalia). “We are going to tackle this matter, and try to solve this.”

Brutland and Norden

31-08-2007, 23:20

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September 01, 2007
by Pierro Stellanello
Parliament mulls easing restrictions on abortion
KINGSVILLE – The General Court is set to vote on a bill that provides for more exceptions under which a woman can undergo abortion

The proposed legislation, authored by MP Roma Spellanzano (PDS, Viado Repubblica) and Ella Macchiarella (PP, Scaglietto – Vilònorda Norda), permits termination of pregnancy if the child has a condition that would render him/her to either be not viable for extrauterine life; or have a severely reduced quality of life. The condition should be diagnosed by two independent physicians before the pregnancy could be terminated.

The bill enumerates 274 conditions where the abortion would be permissible, among them are: anencephaly; trisomies 13, 18, and 21; transposition of the great arteries; total anomalous pulmonary venous return; Marfan’s syndrome; Duchenne’s Muscular dystrophy; diaphragmatic hernia; spina bifida; acephaly; cloacal and bladder exstrophy; esophageal atresia; biliary atresia; exencephaly; phenylketonuria; amelia; Arnold-Chiari malformation; Lesch-Nyhan syndrome; thalassemia; sickle-cell anemia; agammaglobulinemia; DiGeorge syndrome; and severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome.

Currently, Brutland and Norden allows abortion only in cases where the pregnancy poses a grave threat to the mother's life. Passage of this bill would significantly relax the kingdom’s strict anti-abortion law.

Some welcomed the development, “It is only right that Parliament should pass this law,” remarked Starla Marcabanni, spokeswoman of the pro-choice lobby group Lego di Votottu Donna Nordèbrutelliense (LVDN, League of Nord-Brutlandese Women Voters). “The state cannot force a woman to carry a child that won’t live anyway. If you ask me, this is not enough, Brutland and Norden has this draconian abortion prohibition relic that must be changed.”

“This [law] is intended to stop the persecution of mothers who want to spare their children the horrible suffering of a disease,” said MP Doria Cataldo (PDS, Forlicesena), a supporter of the bill. “Everyone should be supporting this reasonable piece of legislation.”

But many influential groups were not so keen on endorsing the legislation. Prime Minister Marianna Cortanella’s Popular Party (PP) government publicly distanced itself from the legislation, and did not instruct its members to vote for any position. The opposition Social Democratic Party (PDS), considered to be the more socially liberal of the two largest parties in Parliament, only “encouraged” but did not require its members to vote for the proposal.

The Royal Nord-Brutlandese Medical Association, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Brutland and Norden, and the Royal Nord-Brutlandese Academy of Pediatrics were all neutral on the matter.

The legislation found a powerful opponent in the Roman Catholic Church. “Who are we to judge the worth of the life of another individual?” asked the Bishop of Terrestriva, Christian Cardinal Lolli, chair of the Council of Nord-Brutlandese Catholic Bishops. “We urge every Catholic to oppose this legislation, and pray to God that the culture of death would not prevail.” The bishops sent out pastoral letters to every parish to be read at Mass.

That notwithstanding, many MPs also seem to be queasy about the proposal. “While I agree with the premise that we cannot force a woman to carry a child that won’t live anyway, I think that this proposal goes too far and that for many instances, the child can live,” said MP Anastasia Serratello (PP, Brutellia Sordòstennía) during yesterday’s floor debate.

“I think this bill reeks of eugenics, a disgusting practice that interferes with basic freedoms and human rights,” opined MP Unterro Abrutto (PP, Padania Esta).

“Speaking as a doctor, I think that many of the conditions are not hopeless and do not warrant such extreme act as abortion,” MP Joshua di Battaglia (PP, Borgòrinna di Norremaque – La Battaglia) observed. Di Battaglia enumerated and explained each condition one by one, sometimes with the help of the three other physicians in the General Court, MPs Daniela Vittorini, an obstetrician-gynecologist; Cestre Montòccegliano, a pediatrician; and Health Minister Marco Sbacciestre. The process took the entire afternoon, and Deputy Prime Minister Scían Montògliore (PP, Civito di Marchòcchiese) had to reschedule voting for the bill to Tuesday in order to accomodate more debate. Di Battaglia ended his long speech by saying, “Many of the conditions are amenable to treatment, surgical or medical; and many live a happy, normal life. Who are we to take that opportunity away?”

Many MPs had not yet publicly made their positions known, and analysts predict that this bill has an equal chance of passing and failing in the General Court. Both sides had started running campaigns in the effort to influence the vote.

Brutland and Norden

08-10-2007, 14:48

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October 08, 2007
by Larissa Laurenzana
Ambassador Nomination put to a vote

KINGSVILLE - For the second time since the United Kingdom of Brutland and Norden sent ambassadors abroad (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Foreign_Affairs_of_Brutland_and_Norden) that a nomination was debated.

The first time an ambassadorial nomination sparked a debate in the House of Lords (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Government_of_Brutland_and_Norden#Federal_Government) was the nomination of former Communist MP Ferrando Alba (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Ferrando_Alba) to the post to the Federation of Ambrose-Douglas (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Ambrose-Douglas). This time, it was the nomination of Kyle di Fontana (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Kyle_di_Fontana) to the Federal Republic of Omigodtheykilledkenny (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Omigodtheykilledkenny).

Usually, the House of Lords rubber-stamps ambassadorial nominations made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Occasionally, though, such as Mr. di Fontana's, some opposition may appear.

"Eighteen? You're sending an eighteen year old as an ambassador? My goodness!" remarked Lord Giorgio Reti, Lord of Norden (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Norden) and an elected member from the Social Democratic Party (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Politics_of_Brutland_and_Norden). Reti and two other Lords, Lord Salvatore, Duke of Trefini, and Lord Teresa Mori of Norden, expressed their concern over the nominee's young age.

But Lord Adriana Trellicatti, Countess of Imperio, was quick to caution her peers. "It seems that age is an issue for my Peers," she quipped, "but I do wonder whether it [age] would be in issue if Prince Bryce was here." Prince Bryce, Duke of Brugnatella, is a member of the House of Lords and is aged sixteen. The Prince is currently away on some foreign visit.

"If Mr. di Fontana seems perfectly capable of dispensing the duties of an ambassador, then we should go ahead and send him to... to... that country," said Lord Marco Grosseto of Brutland (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Brutland), unable to pronounce 'the Federal Republic of Omigodtheykilledkenny'.

But the Lords uncovered another bit of problematic information - Mr. di Fontana's lack of Nord-Brutlandese (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Brutland_and_Norden) citizenship. "Hey, if he's not a citizen of Brutland and Norden, how'd you think he'd represent our interests?" Asked the Duke of Trefini.

"He has been helping represent Brutland and Norden in the United Nations for eighteen years!" Remarked Lord Chester Corbett of Brutland (MP, Marchòcchiese (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/March%C3%B2cchiese) Sorda/South Timberland (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/March%C3%B2cchiese)). "How's that for an experience?"

"Let me remind you, despite Mr. di Fontana being not Nord-Brutlandese, he is a stateless person," explained Lord Jàn Damianelli of Norden. "So technically, he owes no allegiance to any country."

Later in the debate, Lords Sabrina Montascoli, Baroness of Trazio, and Lord Damianelli of Norden offered Nord-Brutlandese citizenship to Mr. di Fontana, but the two proposals had to be split, as an honorary citizenship had to be approved by the General Court, the lower house of Parliament.

Queen Regent Charlotte II, presider of the House of Lords, opted to put Mr. di Fontana's nomination to vote without taking a consensus of the Lords (as is usually done) because Deputy Foreign Minister to the United Nations Cestre l'E. Montòccegliano advised her that the process had been delayed too much.

Mr. di Fontana was confirmed in a subsequent vote of 19-4. He is expected to arrive in his assignment soon.

Brutland and Norden

17-10-2007, 23:01

Note: The translated version (in English) is at the end.
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October 18, 2007
by Irena Montascoli

Duco di Fiano s’gioia
CUSTROFIANO, Norden – La trenúescieta-anna Duco Mario di Fiano annunciecce con ce s’gioia in a convegne pensa heral at ca Castellofiano. La Duco di Fiano, Ca Grenno’que Kail II zio e l’erize Rinno’que Adam IV fratello giova es saizela occupecchetto te la trono Nordèbrutelliense, non de a occupecchetto diretta.

“Me conseci di sesseddíe per a trimpe,” trecce la Duco. “E nova me lancorecce mellecce dei. Me s’gioia.”

La Duco dicerecco icchi relanzi son guíu per l’anno doza pasatal. La Duco pensètimora nevral negazecce du cresimecce la dicere.

Gli chiedecce qua ce facciecce l’annunzie noval justi, ce trecce, “Me negazecci nevral mi sesseddíe du mese. Sessddíe s’a cobbie privata. No as diceri d’urteco me justi no ontri tabbe, me lancorecce mellecche lascecche l’iziu sestelece.”

La Duco scendecce io bombo.”Me certero per a sonzietto – quale tra tiche son me per vite. Me coglece maritecche passo quale.”

A duco mariteche se guío alzeche brogojo son molte a Nordèbrutelliensi, no in 2002, la Consellio Grattia di Fiano, at la Duco’que nobbio, passanecce a laggo pemmiseci “unnoni civila per sesi stessa” (UCpSS) te compieche te Fianensi.

Dei di Norden e Marchòbrutellia próibezece UCpSS (scludece la grattiu di Fiano, Desantorica, e Asernia, e la civitu di Vilònorda, Colfetta, e Spadavecchia), faccieco passe marite problemellía potenzal. La provenzo elta di Marchòbrutellia, e 44 ontral grattiu de’Brutelliense do della noscerece UCpSS compiecce in se grattio.

Noscere di la marite causece problemi. “In Norden e Marchòbrutellia, gli a realetto, tra s’de a occupecchetto diretta te la trono, maritece a populotto, ce vegreche la titulu grattiocce te ce,” spolonecce Rica Borcellone, diretetto di la Museo Reala d’Eraldire. “Eftre grattiu ontra della noscereche con ce s’marita, la Duco rennareche piú la Duco di Fiano in passe grattiu. In la grattiu ontra com noscerece UCpSS, ce della tiche la Duco di Fiano.”

“Un solve potenza per la Duco vegrecche ca titulo es sul la Rinno removece ce che la ducosso, son o senza ce nobbio. Nova, sul la Duco nobbioce la Rinno removecche ce che la ducosso, il regarece a ancudine. Negazeche ls Duco’que nobbio, e il s’a marche di desapporve per la marite; grattioce la nobbio, e il sembreche ticche la rinnoque apporve per UCpSS… mia problemellía, riteneco con UCpSS s’despopoloddía son molte Nordèbrutelliense.”

“O, alternellíal, ce oamariteche a nobiletto, c’e ce della vegreche ca titulo e la strese della lagnecho inte la casine d’escie passe UCpSS. Me tottece passe s’tutto la Duco doco.”

La Palazzo Reala ici pro commentecche on la cobbie.
______________________________

English version:
Duke of Fiano is gay
CUSTROFIANO, Norden (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Norden) – The thirty-seven-year-old Duke Mario of Fiano announced that he is gay in a press conference yesterday at his Castellofiano Castle. The Duke of Fiano, His Majesty King Kyle II (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Kyle_II_of_Brutland_and_Norden)’s uncle and the late King Adam IV’s younger brother, is sixth in line to the Nord-Brutlandese throne, but not a direct line successor.

“I am aware of my sexuality for a long time,” said the Duke. “And now I decided to tell it all. I am gay.”

The Duke had been rumored to have relations with men for the past few years. The media-shy Duke never denied nor confirmed the rumors.

When asked why he made the announcement just now, he said, “I have never denied my sexuality nor myself. Sexuality is a private matter. But as rumors are hurting not just me but others too, I decided to tell it to let the dust settle.”

The Duke also dropped another bombshell. “I am searching for a partner – someone who would be with me for the rest of my life. I wish to marry that someone.”

A Duke marrying a man would raise eyebrows with many a Nord-Brutlandese, but in 2002, the Grant Council (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Grattio) of Fiano, at the Duke’s behest, passed a law allowing same-sex civil unions to be performed to residents of the grant.

All of Brutland and Norden ban same-sex marriage (except the grants of Fiano, Desantorica, and Asernia and the cities of Vilònorda, Colfetta, and Spadavecchia) making that marriage potentially problematic. The entire province of Brutland (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Brutland) and 44 other non-Brutish grants do not recognize same-sex marriages performed in another grant.

Recognition of the marriage causes problems. “In Brutland and Norden, when a royal, who is not a direct successor to the throne, is married to a commoner, s/he will lose any titles granted to him/her,” explains Rica Borcellone, director of the Royal Museum of Heraldry. “Since other grants would not recognize that he is married, the Duke would still remain the Duke of Fiano in those grants. In the other grants that recognize same-sex marriage, he would not be the Duke of Fiano.”

“One potential way out for the duke to lose his position is if the King removes him from the position with or without his request. Now, if the Duke requests the King to remove him from the Duchy, it represents a dilemma. Deny the Duke’s request, and it is a stamp of disapproval for the marriage; grant the request and it would seem to be the monarchy’s approval of same-sex marriage. Which is problematic, considering that same-sex marriage is unpopular with most Nord-Brutlandese.”

“Or, alternatively, he can marry a noble, so he won’t lose his title and the monarchy won’t be dragged into the mess of an issue that is same-sex marriage. I think that is what the Duke is doing.”

The Royal Palace has yet to comment on the matter.

Brutland and Norden

15-12-2007, 21:50

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by Cassandra Tacori
December 16, 2007
Nord-Brutlandese Referendum Repeals Death Penalty

KINGSVILLE – Nord-Brutlandese voters narrowly passed a law repealing the death penalty. A grassroots campaign, headed by the organizations Human Rights Watch of Brutland and Norden, Liberty Council, and Pro-Life Brutland and Norden, launched a successful campaign to force a referendum on the death penalty.

Death penalty had been outlawed by King Kyle the Fair in 1890 and was illegal in the kingdom until 2004, when a wave of well-publicized violent crimes stirred up public opinion. Parliament could not pass any bill on the death penalty, and a grassroots campaign forced a referendum for the reinstatement of the death penalty. The 2004 death penalty referendum passed rather narrowly, 52%-49%. Since then, six criminals had been executed in Brutland and Norden, with 9 more prisoners on death row.

Laws passed by referendum can only be repealed by another referendum or a supermajority (three-fourths) of Parliament. Parliament tried on two separate occasions, but it failed to repeal the reinstatement. Thus, death penalty can only be repealed by another referendum. The three organizations initiated a campaign in July 2007, gathering 700,000 signatures in each Parliamentary constituency. The House of Lords scheduled the referendum for December 2007.

The December referendum posed this question to the voters: “Shall the 2004 law reinstating the death penalty be repealed?”

The issue split opinion in Brutland and Norden. A few people and organizations came out to support one side or the other. For the “Yes” side, the Roman Catholic Church discreetly reminded churchgoers about its stance on the issue, while Duchess Samantha of Campedusa publicly supported the repeal, among others. For the “No” side, several grant presidents expressed their opposition to the repeal, as did the organization Citizens Versus Crime.

However, many refrained from meddling on the issue. The two major parties, the Popular Party and the Social Democratic Party, did not endorse any position. Only the Nationalist Party openly campaigned for the “No” side. Even those who were known to support one side were silent during the campaign. Brutland Premier Luanna Staiola was a known supporter of the death penalty, but the wildly popular premier did not campaign, much to the dismay of the “No” side. Similarly, Nord-Brutlandese Prime Minister Marianna Cortanella, an opponent of death penalty, did not campaign for the “Yes” side. Norden Governor Adam Lambroglio summed up many leaders’ sentiments: “This is a sensitive issue. I will not step into a thicket of thorns. It is much safer to just follow what the people say.”

The result of the referendum clearly showed the divided opinion in Brutland and Norden. The repeal won by a razor-thin margin, with 50.04% voting to repeal the 2004 reinstatement of the death penalty, while 47.99% voting to retain the reinstatement. The margin was about 8 million votes in a 52.55% turnout.

Brutland approved the repeal, 50.03%-48.34%, as did Norden 50.06%-47.51%, and the Union Territories 50.01%-48.62%. The measure has to gain a majority in both the provinces and in the entire kingdom.

Many of the grants were split down the middle. The jurisdiction with the highest percentage of “Yes” [for the repeal] votes was the Brutish grant of Pannondrio, 76.11%-22.61%. Pannondrio also was the grant with the highest turnout. Conversely, the jurisdiction with the highest percentage of “no” votes was the Brutish grant of Esolu di Pecadi, 36.88%-61.13%. Most of the Nord-Brutlandese metropolitan areas gave a slight margin for the “No” side. Brutland City, Dennville, Kingsville, and much of the Nordville metropolitan areas voted “No”. The Brutish grant of Rivero, one of the epicenters of 2004’s wave of violent crime, voted 45%-53% “No”. Much of the countryside voted “Yes” by a thin margin, enough to tilt the balance towards the “Yes” side.

Organizers of the referendum were happy about the result. “Once again, Brutland and Norden had taken its place among the civilized nations in abolishing this horrendous and barbaric practice known as the death penalty,” said Isacco Tranzacone, the chairperson of Liberty Council, upon receipt of the votes from the large Brutish grant of Capitanata. Capitanata was the last to report its referendum result, which gave the “Yes” side a 280,000 vote lead so as to take the majority of votes in Brutland, the province more likely to reject the repeal.

“We succeeded,” remarked Dr. Abdul Liccomelli, a Nord-Brutlandese convert to Islam, an imam, and the founder and chairperson of Pro-Life Brutland and Norden. “We succeeded in upholding respect for human life. I would like to that everybody who had helped us in this success.”

“Brutland and Norden is back on the right path, the path forged by the great King Kyle the Fair,” said Cloe Gabaschetti - di Battifolio, president of the Brutish grant of Dolzone.

Death penalty would be abolished by January 1, 2008, but the country remains split over the issue. “I think the two main camps have their core supporters,” explained Prof. Alecco di Marcotullio, professor of political science at the Royal University of Brutland and Norden. “The many swing voters virtually decided the referenda. 2004 was a fluke, it certainly is, certainly the wave of violence swung undecided voters into the reinstatement of the death penalty. This one might be, too.”

Proponents of the death penalty are keen to have the death penalty reinstated again. “The death penalty is a deterrent to crime,” said Giacomo Rasella, mayor of the southern city of Concessa di Rivero and a keen supporter of the death penalty.

“It’s not over,” said Prof. di Marcotullio. “This referendum surely had rekindled the debates.”
(Taken from: http://en.lunnone.com.nem/121607/26sg16w0.psp)
REFERENDUM RESULTS (courtesy of the Royal Election Institute)
YES (Repeal NO (Retain Abstain Turnout Y% N% A%
Death Penalty) Death Penalty) %
TOTAL 206,093,518 197,658,190 8,102,801 52.55 50.04 47.99 1.97

YES NO Abstain Turnout Y% N% A%
BRUTLAND 94,791,566 91,594,240 3,085,905 52.32 50.03 48.34 1.63
Aigo 424,050 365,755 9,203 53.98 53.07 45.78 1.15
Arcadia 1,634,666 1,247,829 55,364 52.09 55.64 42.47 1.88
Argento 187,744 123,049 3,494 56.10 59.74 39.15 1.11
Baetina 364,748 341,227 12,455 52.16 50.77 47.50 1.73
Briuli 405,885 365,775 15,464 51.97 51.57 46.47 1.96
Brutia 6,166,962 7,002,516 158,551 52.88 46.27 52.54 1.19
Calabruzzi 3,558,933 3,594,672 87,384 51.41 49.15 49.64 1.21
Cantabrica 2,637,774 2,437,892 66,473 53.02 51.30 47.41 1.29
Capitanata 1,578,493 1,297,484 45,367 53.52 54.03 44.41 1.55
Capriati 1,653,631 1,450,906 55,466 50.85 52.33 45.91 1.76
Chiardogna 2,258,521 2,000,940 60,594 50.91 52.28 46.32 1.40
Corrica 984,647 924,351 25,784 51.73 50.89 47.78 1.33
Crosseto 899,812 874,891 24,311 51.08 50.02 48.63 1.35
Cumbria 273,849 177,261 7,748 58.17 59.68 38.63 1.69
Dolzone 245,151 141,253 4,829 58.23 62.66 36.10 1.23
Esolu di Pecadi 18,395 30,495 993 53.46 36.88 61.13 1.99
Imperio 1,324,848 1,327,832 53,994 52.21 48.95 49.06 1.99
La Spergamo 2,019,383 1,984,784 42,537 52.45 49.90 49.05 1.05
Maceltellina 237,101 155,241 5,262 53.66 59.63 39.04 1.32
Marchòcchiese 5,039,188 5,716,222 559,313 54.72 44.54 50.52 4.94
Marivenna 1,394,804 1,401,293 55,341 51.27 48.92 49.14 1.94
Merana 4,019,222 3,962,711 143,912 51.65 49.46 48.77 1.77
Micchiolli 1,632,418 1,102,993 42,221 52.93 58.77 39.71 1.52
Milova 1,658,494 1,612,109 56,281 51.34 49.85 48.46 1.69
Montesa 168,474 109,842 4,251 52.65 59.62 38.87 1.50
Montova 283,010 258,944 8,920 52.08 51.37 47.01 1.62
Morza 1,129,306 1,039,825 25,906 50.92 51.45 47.37 1.18
Nevade 57,869 40,929 1,290 53.46 57.82 40.89 1.29
Nicoletano 2,738,499 2,546,773 58,493 52.70 51.25 47.66 1.09
Olba 75,855 48,399 1,445 53.09 60.35 38.50 1.15
Ollinòcchiese 2,594,031 2,445,039 57,489 53.54 50.90 47.97 1.13
Padania 6,451,711 6,701,922 190,442 51.23 48.35 50.22 1.43
Palatina 1,129,105 1,029,484 38,211 52.09 51.40 46.86 1.74
Pannondrio 513,719 152,612 8,594 63.52 76.11 22.61 1.27
Piadana 3,103,984 3,171,829 99,203 52.24 48.69 49.75 1.56
Piccu 30,494 15,263 928 53.04 65.32 32.69 1.99
Pistozzi 792,829 700,129 23,940 53.92 52.27 46.16 1.58
Plano Verta 3,720,455 3,702,093 114,422 51.56 49.36 49.12 1.52
Plantina 1,600,029 1,500,495 44,039 52.28 50.88 47.72 1.40
Quonzicchio 1,279,401 983,912 23,445 52.11 55.95 43.03 1.03
Ravino 391,029 360,091 11,022 51.05 51.31 47.25 1.45
Rigulia 175,960 134,900 4,424 51.75 55.81 42.79 1.40
Rivero 3,202,929 3,784,944 102,933 51.76 45.17 53.38 1.45
Saotivalles 19,283 9,839 422 54.40 65.27 33.30 1.43
Scommagena 574,893 501,293 20,393 51.47 52.43 45.71 1.86
Seppa 4,899,402 5,002,912 192,833 51.76 48.53 49.56 1.91
Spiermanza 1,350,032 1,273,849 49,504 52.36 50.50 47.65 1.85
Stellago 95,847 78,594 1,920 54.54 54.35 44.56 1.09
Subrigaria 137,489 110,474 3,092 51.52 54.76 44.00 1.23
Terragnano 484,504 340,921 10,292 53.32 57.97 40.79 1.23
Tomo 90,293 56,899 1,995 51.86 60.52 38.14 1.34
Tonzifiatto 1,283,904 1,200,937 29,509 54.11 51.06 47.76 1.17
Torranica 443,912 374,895 9,912 53.22 53.57 45.24 1.20
Tortona 120,394 82,136 3,329 52.24 58.48 39.90 1.62
Toscaria 1,974,849 1,889,403 53,172 51.30 50.41 48.23 1.36
Trascara 5,116,970 5,092,918 102,910 52.03 49.62 49.38 1.00
Trazio 2,783,944 2,655,364 67,484 51.75 50.55 48.22 1.23
Vallo di Stresu 1,537,822 1,322,011 44,950 53.68 52.94 45.51 1.55
Valtebriggio 1,729,303 1,650,040 39,400 53.21 50.58 48.26 1.15
Valtistrada 1,300,394 1,029,045 23,444 52.19 55.27 43.74 1.00
Voccanica 790,923 555,804 19,606 54.06 57.89 40.68 1.43

YES NO Abstain Turnout Y% N% A%
NORDEN 92,674,945 87,953,312 4,506,498 52.78 50.06 47.51 2.43
Albano 1,192,049 1,210,484 48,595 52.77 48.63 49.38 1.98
Albiore 1,965,703 1,894,012 93,005 51.71 49.73 47.92 2.35
Anza 3,475,942 3,392,892 145,363 52.71 49.56 48.37 2.07
Asernia 2,606,960 2,617,162 137,484 51.95 48.62 48.81 2.56
Berlizzi 532,324 538,490 28,393 51.63 48.43 48.99 2.58
Borcenna 1,345,162 1,345,009 72,451 53.27 48.69 48.69 2.62
Campodania 1,348,596 1,359,666 72,885 52.97 48.49 48.89 2.62
Cavese 598,393 465,789 27,383 54.23 54.82 42.67 2.51
Cerca 185,783 156,966 8,888 53.98 52.83 44.64 2.53
Cortel 675,802 394,029 26,533 51.46 61.64 35.94 2.42
Corza 195,768 145,906 8,395 52.19 55.92 41.68 2.40
Covara 1,347,581 1,193,846 54,059 52.21 51.92 46.00 2.08
Desantorica 2,678,923 2,679,801 123,904 52.43 48.86 48.88 2.26
Doro 1,194,842 1,000,294 54,102 54.52 53.12 44.47 2.41
Duglie 1,738,311 1,394,040 82,933 52.73 54.06 43.36 2.58
Epiro 1,459,606 1,312,011 71,267 55.08 51.34 46.15 2.51
Ferbiabbo 1,349,662 1,263,733 55,677 54.05 50.57 47.35 2.09
Fiano 1,548,950 1,120,947 81,425 51.24 56.30 40.74 2.96
Fonzo 4,149,300 4,082,554 189,955 51.17 49.27 48.48 2.26
Frento 1,039,844 856,422 44,293 53.19 53.58 44.13 2.28
Giomestagno 2,984,674 3,007,383 146,373 52.45 48.62 48.99 2.38
Helverica 1,129,101 1,392,039 54,033 53.03 43.85 54.06 2.10
Italina 1,410,293 1,413,029 86,272 51.57 48.47 48.56 2.97
Jorca 250,942 238,494 13,242 53.81 49.92 47.44 2.63
Lecarocchiavalle 1,525,892 1,339,405 89,201 51.68 51.65 45.33 3.02
Marchesta 665,363 663,920 28,393 53.79 49.01 48.90 2.09
Marchòstrigina 701,922 613,254 29,304 53.16 52.21 45.61 2.18
Mecco 786,966 445,885 31,029 53.95 62.27 35.28 2.46
Midritto 992,039 901,255 45,933 52.95 51.16 46.47 2.37
Modica 410,922 290,442 20,192 52.49 56.95 40.25 2.80
Mordogudoro 152,422 79,605 5,869 54.06 64.07 33.46 2.47
Morlise 495,869 410,192 23,477 53.08 53.35 44.13 2.53
Nativiscare 782,922 783,728 44,301 52.49 48.60 48.65 2.75
Onna 3,657,581 3,701,922 168,292 50.83 48.59 49.18 2.24
Pennino 234,901 117,383 8,172 53.42 65.17 32.57 2.27
Platina 223,101 121,011 8,933 53.23 63.19 34.28 2.53
Potti 506,859 506,758 33,566 52.35 48.40 48.39 3.21
Redutto 307,585 172,812 12,455 56.81 62.41 35.06 2.53
Rodige 323,495 246,373 19,305 53.56 54.91 41.82 3.28
Rucca 201,934 301,920 15,940 55.69 38.85 58.08 3.07
Runeo 646,722 610,293 37,484 53.26 49.96 47.15 2.90
Sarda 1,425,262 1,402,902 79,284 54.97 49.02 48.25 2.73
Sceicce 1,992,451 1,073,833 85,464 52.59 63.22 34.07 2.71
Scilia 333,495 234,505 18,494 55.90 56.86 39.98 3.15
Seltina 1,894,055 1,029,033 82,930 53.36 63.01 34.23 2.76
Soltera 2,534,744 2,560,222 121,905 52.55 48.59 49.08 2.34
Storrefine 473,833 575,855 36,905 54.00 43.61 53.00 3.40
Tambione 1,193,847 1,162,733 83,920 53.67 48.92 47.64 3.44
Tavoliere 1,249,505 1,112,903 81,920 54.16 51.12 45.53 3.35
Terrallo 604,503 641,292 34,039 54.87 47.23 50.11 2.66
Thessalia 1,499,506 1,359,066 80,129 53.06 51.03 46.25 2.73
Trebba 289,484 213,044 14,390 55.34 56.00 41.21 2.78
Trefini 3,776,851 3,607,900 149,500 51.59 50.13 47.89 1.98
Troia 2,384,959 2,600,192 113,903 51.64 46.77 50.99 2.23
Valle di Giri 1,853,674 1,874,848 97,252 53.10 48.45 49.01 2.54
Valtemmira 1,584,944 929,494 80,394 52.45 61.08 35.82 3.10
Borgònzamo 553,049 659,384 35,464 53.23 44.32 52.84 2.84
Borgorinna di Dennillia 1,102,933 1,382,222 71,230 52.61 43.14 54.07 2.79
Campobasso 1,938,004 2,738,499 109,101 52.20 40.50 57.22 2.28
Carpa 1,102,930 1,526,353 86,273 52.64 40.62 56.21 3.18
Colfetta 1,256,577 1,152,633 75,162 52.77 50.58 46.40 3.03
Forlicesena 1,345,644 1,319,282 76,273 54.83 49.09 48.13 2.78
Scaglietto 1,150,394 1,622,833 82,903 54.73 40.28 56.82 2.90
Senzioffre 704,824 813,128 17,283 54.16 45.91 52.96 1.13
Spadavecchia 1,349,055 1,349,713 64,755 54.24 48.82 48.84 2.34
Tratagnano 958,203 998,494 30,293 53.12 48.22 50.25 1.52
Viledenno 3,101,211 3,229,311 77,283 54.68 48.40 50.40 1.21
Vilònorda 6,000,002 5,002,482 271,293 52.90 53.22 44.37 2.41

YES NO Abstain Turnout Y% N% A%
UNION TERRITORIES 18,627,007 18,110,638 510,398 52.61 50.01 48.62 1.37
Berríalva 683,811 567,383 15,283 53.71 53.99 44.80 1.21
Boggia 953 988 72 55.80 47.34 49.08 3.58
Brugnatella 1,590,291 1,472,911 40,596 52.95 51.24 47.46 1.31
Campedusa 978,473 900,494 23,555 53.81 51.43 47.33 1.24
Fiorgamino 640,494 548,490 19,283 53.03 53.01 45.39 1.60
Librugnie 173,882 120,191 4,728 53.99 58.19 40.22 1.58
Liparegna 446,373 335,162 11,024 53.58 56.32 42.29 1.39
Piscierettu 215,494 167,855 5,293 54.05 55.45 43.19 1.36
Santelleria 3,929,910 4,100,393 113,222 53.91 48.26 50.35 1.39
Santobricco 40,398 41,029 1,029 54.47 48.99 49.76 1.25
Stampione 1,575,606 1,485,966 42,533 52.81 50.76 47.87 1.37
Tonzivibbia 450,293 350,595 12,455 53.56 55.36 43.11 1.53
Unnone 7,901,029 8,019,181 221,325 51.48 48.95 49.68 1.37

Brutland and Norden

22-12-2007, 09:01

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Parliament Creates Seat for Nord-Brutlandese Abroad

December 22, 2007
by Rina Stangello
KINGSVILLE – The Nord-Brutlandese Parliament unanimously passed a bill creating an additional seat for Nord-Brutlandese expatriates. The General Court voted 149-0, with MP Danico di Padanica [PN: Civito di Padanica, Brutland] abstaining. The House of Lords sustained the vote 24-0 later that afternoon. Queen Mother Charlotte II is expected to give the Royal Assent and promulgate the law tomorrow.

The move came after an increasing number of Nord-Brutlandese are going abroad to stay or travel. Prosperous Brutland and Norden had always been inwardly-looking, but recent administrations had made it a point to establish and nurture good relations with other countries, opening embassies, and accepting foreign legations. The proposal’s architect, Foreign Affairs Minister Bricco di Sint’Brullizio [PP: Sceicce, Norden] said that, “this is a complement to the also recently-passed Absentee Voting Bill. This is to serve the increasing number of our countrymen living in other countries, so as to help them not lose touch with motherland and her future.”

The proposal had the full support of the two major parliamentary parties, the Popular Party and the Social Democratic Party. “The Nord-Brutlandese abroad is one of the constituencies that lost their political voice because of location and circumstance,” said deputy Prime Minister and presider of the General Court Scían Montògliore [PP: Civito di Marchòcchiese, Brutland], “and clearly, having an MP to represent their interests is the key to restore their political voice.”

“Let us hear the voices of the Nord-Brutlandese abroad,” remarked the leader of the Social Democrats, Cestre Staracina [PDS: Fonzo Esta, Norden] during the discussion.

Only the Nationalist Party opposed the bill, however, MP di Padanica, the lone PN representative in Parliament, abstained rather than voting against the proposal. “I don’t want to be that lonely,” he remarked jokingly when asked why he didn’t vote against the bill.

The bill allocates an additional seat for the Nord-Brutlandese abroad, bringing the total for the General Court to 151. However, the elected MP for the Nord-Brutlandese abroad would be a nonvoting delegate, but s/he can sit on committees. Also, the seat counts for each party will not include the seat for the Nord-Brutlandese abroad.

This limitation nearly turned off some proponents of the bill. “That’s unfair, that’s not the full package for an MP,” said MP Ella Macchiarella [PP: Scaglietto - Vilònorda Norda, Norden]. “We’re just giving them a tiny morsel of what we should give them.”

But many MPs understood the limitations. “First off, the Nord-Brutlandese abroad probably would not come up to the population of a typical parliamentary constituency,” explained MP Anastasia Serratello [PP: Brutellia Sordostennía, Brutland], co-author of the bill, “and it is more unfair if we give this smaller group the same powers of a larger group. Second, they will still be voting for their own MP from their localities. If there is something that this bill accomplishes, it would be giving them a second vote in order to choose a person to represent their interests by virtue of them being out of the country. And lastly, giving full voting powers and formally sitting that delegate in the General Court requires a constitutional amendment.”

Ms. Serratello is referring to the advice sought by the General Court from the Royal Supreme Court of Brutland and Norden, in which the justices, led by Justice Corinna Fiambretti Santagemma, opined that Parliament cannot simply add members with full voting powers; to do so requires a constitutional amendment. Brutland and Norden’s 1898 constitution sets the membership of the General Court at 150 and constitutionally apportions them into 70 for Brutland, 70 for Norden, and 10 for the Union Territories. Amending the Constitution is a tedious process, requiring Parliament to pass the bill with a three-fourths majority, then dissolve itself, vote in a new Parliament, which must vote for the bill again with a three-fourths majority. The two provincial legislatures must then give their assent, and then a referendum must be held. Only twice had the constitution been amended, the last time in 1978 under Prime Minister Christian Monelli.

Nevertheless, many Nord-Brutlandese welcomed the development. “It just shows that Brutland and Norden had not forgotten us,” said Louisa Bonzone, an international NGO-affiliated aid worker currently stationed in the Mokastana Civil War.

“I, for one, would be looking forward to organizing and helping in the effort,” said Alizia dG. Santagemma-Iacobucci, Royal Nord-Brutlandese Ambassador to Pan-Arab Barronia. “I can’t wait to see who would win.”

“The Nord-Brutlandese abroad would surely start fielding candidates,” commented Marcello Bracciolini, Royal Nord-Brutlandese Ambassador to Tsrill. “The Popular Party had already organized chapters abroad. I’m sure the Social Democrats would follow, and other parties too… for the elections next year.”

Brutland and Norden

23-12-2007, 21:24

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Brutland and Norden to join an alliance
December 23, 2007
by Rina Stangello
KINGSVILLE – The government of Brutland and Norden had started overtures to join an international alliance called the Confederacy of Sovereign States (CSS). The organization is founded by Allanea and describes itself as an “alliance designed to promote the values of classical economical liberalism, national sovereignty, and military strength”.

The Popular Party cabinet of Prime Minister Marianna Cortanella approved the Constitution of the Confederacy of Sovereign States, an initial step for joining the organization. The entire Popular Party had agreed to support the decision, helping pass the CSS constitution, equivalent to a treaty, 129-21 in the General Court. The House of Lords passed the measure later that afternoon, 19-5, and scheduled the constitutionally-mandated non-binding referendum to coincide with the Nord-Brutlandese general elections next year. Her Majesty Queen Mother Charlotte II issued the Royal Assent as soon as the treaty passed the House of Lords.

Despite the Popular Party (PP) having the numbers to pass anything in the General Court [a treaty requires three-fourths approval to pass (113); the Popular Party has 115 members in the General Court], there was some opposition to the treaty. These came not from the opposition Social Democrats (PDS), who were divided on the issue, but from the pacifist members of the PP, the Greens, and the Communists. Cortanella and Defense Minister Kail Brecchio garnered the votes of the pacifists after assuring them that the alliance was primarily economic and social. Only MPs Vittoria Carcelatti [PP: Vallo di Strigina, Norden] and Maria Deritto [PP: Epiro, Norden] voted against.

The most vocal opposition came from the lone Communist MP Tornessa di Carmolli [PC: Quartelo di Trabbajetto, Norden]. “This organization is an anti-Communist organization,” she said in an impassioned speech on the floor of the General Court.

Di Carmolli’s ire was raised when MP Cattro Junio Tolo [PP: Calzola – Calabruzzi Sorda, Brutland] made a comment on her above statement. “C’e?” (“So?”) was Mr. Tolo’s soft reply, but his microphone was on.

“So… what?” di Carmolli fumed. “If we join this organization, Brutland and Norden is going to lose its sovereignty! They will interfere with our own country! Do you want that?”

Mr. Tolo, now drawn into an unwanted confrontation with the prickly MP, said simply, “Read the treaty.”

Others have a different concern. “Brutland and Norden may be dragged into foreign wars we have nothing to do with,” said the lone Green MP Felice Tartascone [PV: Vilòstresa Sordosta – Tonzivibbia, Union Territories].

“As the government had stressed, this is primarily an economic and social alliance,” reiterated MP Inazio Strabbarno [PDS: Brutia Sordesta – Sciuratto, Brutland]. “It would be our choice if we want ourselves to be dragged into wars. Sure there are mutual-defense obligations, but any involvement this assembly would still have to approve.”

The rest of the country appeared to agree with the government. In a recent poll by TRNM/L’Unnone/VosePopola, of the 48% who are aware of the organization, 82% said that Brutland and Norden should apply for membership, while only 6% disagreed on Nord-Brutlandese membership. Of the other half who are unaware, 70% said the country should join, 7% said it should stay away from it.

Brutland and Norden’s membership is still not final. The government is awaiting the response of the organization pertaining to the kingdom’s membership.

Brutland and Norden

15-02-2008, 18:54

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February 16, 2008
by Angelo di Trincone
Nord-Brutlandese National Ice Hockey Team off to a good start
LANGLOIS, Kelssek - the Brutland and Norden National Ice Hockey Team started off well in the 5th World Cup of Hockey being held in Kelssek.

The still-unseeded Nord-Brutlandese team won their first two games in Group F. The team beat the Eighthgraderistan team 3-1 in the first game at the Exhibition Centre in Redswyth, Kelssek, on Matchday 2. Team Captain and center Kail di Battaglia performed brilliantly, scoring two of the Nord-Brutlandese goals. Halfway into the game, the Nord-Brutlandese fortunes seemed to reverse, with the Eighthgraderistan team scoring netting the puck past goalie substitute Sebastian Calandra. However, more aggressive defense by Michele Scocco and Matto La Scala reversed the tide, and di Battaglia scored his second goal three-fourths into the game. The Nord-Brutlandese third goal came from Daniele Sentinelli, who managed to slip the puck past the Eighthgraderistan goalie.

The second game was against The platypus people on Matchday 4 at the Arena Pacifique, Langlois, Kelssek. The Nord-Brutlandese beat The platypus people, 2-1. The game seemed to be against Brutland and Norden, with The platypus people scoring their goal in the first few minutes of the game. Coach Derrico Robledo introduced the tried-and-tested stellar combinations into the rink, and within the next minute di Battaglia scored a goal, and the terrific enforcer Bruno Zocca scored the other goal. The platypus people turned on the offensive, but it was no match for the Scocco-La Scala combination. The game ended 2-1 for Brutland and Norden, with platypi being thrown over the rink by some fans.

It was predicted that Brutland and Norden can clinch the group with either a win or a draw against the upcoming match against fellow South Pacific Nation Krasslor on Matchday 6 at Great Bear Arena, Latrobe, Kelssek. Coach Robledo said that "I am confident that Brutland and Norden can make it. We have so many talented players, and I believe we're good in our national sport." King Kyle II reportedly phoned the Nord-Brutlandese team to offer his support.

"This is the first time that Brutland and Norden had participated in any international sports competition," said team captain di Battaglia, "and I'm proud that we are doing well in representing the country."

Brutland and Norden

18-02-2008, 13:47

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February 18, 2008
by Angelo di Trincone
Nord-Brutlandese National Ice Hockey Team Advances
LATROBE, Kelssek - The Nord-Brutlandese National Ice Hockey Team advanced to the second round by defeating fellow South Pacific nation Krasslor 5-2 at the Great Bear Arena in the city of Latrobe.

The game opened with a surprise goal by center Lachlan Stubblefield within the first few minutes. A few seconds later, Stubblefield sustained a torn ligament on the left knee, in part due to the aggressive defense of the Krasslorian defenders. The Krasslorian team then scored two goals, but this streak was interrupted when Coach Robledo upped the ante by entering the power forward Bruno Zocca and the enforcer Pancrazio Massiminiani. Zocca and Massiminani, along with forward Clyde MacKinnon, pursued a more aggressive play that culminated in the Nord-Brutlandese team scoring four more goals, leaving the final score at 5-2 at the end of the game.

This win allowed Brutland and Norden to advance to the second round of games, playing again against Krasslor in a best-of-three series at the Colisée de Saint-Remy, Saint-Remy.

Brutland and Norden

05-04-2008, 12:56

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King Dissolves Parliament; Elections Called
April 05, 2008
by Rina Stangello

KINGSVILLE – Upon the advice of Prime Minister Marianna Cortanella, King Kyle II issued a Royal Proclamation yesterday dissolving Parliament and calling for new elections for May 31, 2008.

PM Cortanella decided to call elections three months early upon the request of Norden Governor Adam Lambroglio. “This is purely for practical reasons,” said Cortanella. “We moved the date so that the federal election would coincide with the Norden provincial legislative election.”

Analysts say that this election would do little to change the political landscape. “Cortanella and the Popular Party are confident they can call elections anytime,” said political science Professor Lorena Contini of the Royal University of Brutland and Norden at Kingsville. “They won by a landslide in 2004, and it seems that the Social Democrats can’t clear away that landslide. Talk about a Prime Minister with a 77% approval rating, a growing Popular Party, and popular provincial leaders. The result of this election is essentially known, the only remaining question is, ‘Will the Social Democrats lose more seats?’”

Indeed, the second largest party in Parliament, the Social Democratic Party, is projected to lose seats, especially marginal ones such as Micchiolli, Platina-Doro, those in suburban Nordville, and even in the PDS’ leader’s seat of Fonzo Esta. One strategist for the PDS, who declined to be named, said that “our strategy for this election is to hold as many seats as we can. If we win any, then we’ll say thank you to the miracle maker.”

But the leader of the Social Democrats, MP Cestre Staracina [PDS: Fonzo Esta, Norden], was more optimistic. “We’ll try to win this time around.”

For their part, the Popular Party would not sit on their laurels. “We will try to maintain our positions, by presenting a realistic platform, reasonable and attainable goals, and through our track record of good performance and good governance,” said Treasury Minister and MP Lúanna Gardefini [PP: Capriati Esta, Brutland] and this year’s chairperson of the Popular Party Campaign Committee.

Other analysts are more cautious in their predictions. “Despite the hugeness of the Popular Party, we must be reminded that the PP is a heterogenous party divided into factions,” explained political pundit and blogger Michele Soriano. “Should be a fractious intraparty argument, it could split the PP into two, or maybe three groups. That nearly happened just seven years ago.”

Indeed, the worst enemy of the Popular Party might be itself. “The Popular Party is divided into three factions, the conservative faction, where many Brutish MPs adhere to; the libertarian faction, which includes the deputy Prime Minister; and the centrist faction, where Cortanella is aligned to,” explained Prof. Contini.

And division is precisely what Cortanella avoids. The theme for the Popular Party’s convention next month is “United for Progress”, and Cortanella’s close aide Mario l’Ecclesini said that the PM will emphasize unity in the party, especially now that they are enjoying success, both on the political front, and on governance. It will be seen in May whether this would translate into another success at the polls.

Brutland and Norden

11-04-2008, 23:25

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Cortanella leading in the polls
April 12, 2008
by Rina Stangello

KINGSVILLE – the most recent TRNM/L’Unnone/VosePopola poll showed Popular Party Prime Minister Marianna Cortanella with a big lead over her closest opponent, Social Democratic leader Cestre Staracina. Respondents were asked who they would vote for prime minister among the declared candidates for the election.

48.6% of the respondents chose Prime Minister Cortanella, with only 9.2% choosing Mr. Staracina, with a smattering of votes for the other candidates. 44.1% said they remain undecided. The survey’s margin of error is two and a half percentage points.

The survey showed the intense popularity of Ms. Cortanella and her party, bolstering the view that the Popular Party will win this election hands down.

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Result of the recent TRNM/L’Unnone/VosePopola poll. Brown indicates "undecided".

Constituencies
Of the 115 constituencies held by the Popular Party, only the Nordener constituencies of Strigine Valley (Vallo di Strigina), Tambione, Nordville Southeast-Dastamone (Vilònorda Sordesta – Dastamone), and Nordville West-Píarmognazzo-Holy Archangel of the Hills (Vilònorda Osta - Píarmognazzo - Sint'Angelo di l'Ollino), and the Brutish constituency of Tercelli-Porbano are at risk. On the other hand, 23 of the 32 seats held by the Social Democratic Party are at risk – including that held by Mr. Staracina.

Based on the recent survey, the Popular Party can increase their standing from 115 to 133 seats in the 150-member General Court, while the Social Democrats will see their numbers go down from 32 to 15. The Greens are predicted to win the constituency of Kingsville Southeast – Santelleria Southwest from the Social Democrats; while the Nationalists are set to lose their only seat, the City of Padanica, to the Popular Party.

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Map of Brutland and Norden showing the constituencies colored according to the party holding the seat. Blue = safe Popular Party-held seat; Light Blue = at risk Popular Party-held seat; Yellow = safe Social Democratic Party-held seat; Light Yellow = at risk Social Democratic Party-held seat; Green = Green Party-held seat; Red = Communist Party-held seat; Gray = at risk Nationalist Party-held seat; Violet = see inset.

However, the pollsters reminded the Nord-Brutlandese that the attitude may still change and that they are merely predicting results based on their survey. There is still a large chunk of undecided voters that can influence this election.

Brutland and Norden

13-04-2008, 18:42

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Social Democratic Party Leadership in Dispute
April 14, 2008
by Rina Stangello

FONZO – If there was any party likely to disintegrate, the Social Democratic Party is not the likely candidate. However, during the fractious recent party convention held at Fonzo City, several delegations would want their leader replaced.

“We want another leader,” chanted several delegations as a heated debate emerged.

“He’s an ineffective campaigner,” said Agerica Torbellina, grant chairperson of the Social Democrats of Micchiolli. “How are we going to win elections if our leader is like that? The Popular Party wins not because they’re good, but because we lose the elections.”

Despite their vocal and sometimes aggressive opposition, the convention delegates retained MP Cestre Staracina [PDS: Fonzo Esta, Norden] as the Social Democrats’ leader for this election. The convention voted 1690-883 to retain Mr. Staracina.

“We are not changing leadership, especially right now in the middle of a campaign,” stressed delegate Simona Dageschietti, grant president of Fiano. “I know Mr. Staracina. He is a good leader for the party.”

“We are facing an uphill battle,” admitted a delegate from Chiardogna in Brutland, “and having this intraparty argument is not doing anything good for the party’s image. I mean, if the party members themselves won’t support their leader, then why would the voters support him?”

Mr. Staracina’s detractors consistently point out his poor campaigning skills. He is leading the party for the first time in an election. Mr. Staracina had represented the constituency of Fonzo Esta since 2001, and skillfully held the wildly marginal seat during the Popular Party landslide of 2004. He was elected as party leader in 2005 after former prime minister Borio Drasella lost in his seat of Runeo-Morlise-Jorca.

“Halfhearted,” a delegate from Doro described Mr. Staracina’s campaign skills. “He may have won in his seat, but he possibly can’t win the election.”

The Social Democrats are projected to lose seats, many of them in marginal constituencies – hence the anger of some delegations. Included in those that tried to vote out Staracina are the grant delegations of Micchiolli, Doro, Esolu di Pecadi, Seppa, Santelleria, Onna, Desantorica, and Soltera.

“He’s got no campaign charisma,” complained a delegate from Santelleria, “I don’t even think that the Nord-Brutlandese know him.”

The recent poll by TRNM-VosePopula showed that Staracina is being viewed positively – by 69% of those who know him. However, those who know him are only about half – 52% - of those surveyed. And half of those who knew him and viewed him positively don’t intend to vote for him or his party. His being unknown, analysts say, is a grave disadvantage opposite a widely-known incumbent with an even higher positive rating.

“Makes me wonder if he [Staracina] would even keep his seat,” remarked MP Lazzaro Tricola [PDS: Grattio d’Onna, Norden], who is at par with his PP opponent.

Indeed, Staracina is in danger of losing in the marginal grant of Fonzo. Two out of three constituencies of Fonzo are held by the PDS, and both are in danger. When matched head-to-head with his PP opponent, Norden Chamber of Commons Speaker Larisa Cacciamani, Staracina ekes out a 51-49% lead – and Cacciamani is still surging. “I would just hope,” says his PDS colleague MP Giorgio Alocchio [PDS: Fonzo Sorda, Norden], “that [Staracina] would not forget that he, too, is fighting for his own seat.”

Staracina’s awkward position even in his own constituency only gave more ammunition for his opponents. “Even if we win, we still aren’t sure if we still have a leader,” said Veronica Pignole, the delegation head and the grant president of Onna. “That is, even if we win,” she stressed.

“In the light of Mr. Staracina’s lackluster leadership and campaign, we would like to replace him as party leader,” said the delegation head and grant president of Desantorica, Marcella Ghirardelli, in a speech in the convention. Mrs. Ghirardelli then nominated the absent MP Ferrina Ilario [PDS: Vilònorda Esta – Universitade, Norden] as a candidate for the PDS leadership amidst protests and boos, especially from the Fonzo delegation. Their proposal, ultimately, was voted out, and Staracina was retained as the leader of PDS.

“We will not stop,” Mrs. Pignole said as their proposal was voted down 576-1982. “We are here to make the Social Democratic Party better, not worse.”

Brutland and Norden

14-04-2008, 20:50

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Calls continue for Staracina to step down
April 15, 2008
by Rina Stangello

KINGSVILLE – Despite having confirmed leader in the recent party convention, several Social Democrats continued their call for their leader to step down.

MP Cestre Staracina’s [PDS: Fonzo Esta, Norden] opponents launched a press conference yesterday urging other party members to “support the party, not the leader.”

The group also bought a full-page ad in Brutland and Norden’s three major newspapers: La Diernalo, L’Unnone, and La Brutelliense. In the ad, they criticized their leader for “weak leadership”, “weak campaign skills”, and “poor leader”.

The campaign against Staracina was supported by grant chapters of the Social Democratic Party in Santelleria, Onna, Desantorica, Soltera, Doro, Platina, Albiore, Micchiolli, Seppa, Esolu di Pecadi, Pistozzi, Forlicesena, Tomo, Cerca, Piscierettu, Rivero, Corrica, Pennino, Duglie, Tonzivibbia, and Strigina.

Meanwhile, an interesting article came out of the Kingsville tabloid Extra! In the article, writer Carina Olivetti said that “the reason why Mr. Staracina fails in campaigning is that he has an attraction for his opponent.” Olivetti theorizes that Staracina is in love with Popular Party leader and Prime Minister Marianna Cortanella. “Look at it: they’re both single, they were classmates in law school and were once involved with each other, they’re both from Dennland… they’ve known each other since college.” Olivetti then cited instances buttressing his theory, like the congratulatory hug Staracina gave Cortanella after the PP won the 2004 elections. “That isn’t a friendly hug.”

Many dismissed the article. “Rubbish,” said MP Benjamin Grocola [PDS: Viledenno Sordosta – Mendicino, Norden]. “That’s fantasy. We all know those tabloids publish fantasies.”

“That’s just stupid,” remarked Simona Dageschietti, grant president of Fiano.

Others eagerly defended their leader from both the issue and the criticisms. “Look, they aren’t happy with the party, why don’t they just leave,” said an exasperated Giuliana Bonni, the chairperson of the Social Democratic Party in Norden. “And instead of doing good for the party, the critics are making it worse. Assuming we give what they want, we would have to campaign all over again. Their demands are absurd, impractical, and illogical.”

“I think that Mr. Staracina had become a scapegoat for his party’s failures,” opined political science Professor Lorena Contini of the Royal University of Brutland and Norden at Kingsville. “They are frustrated, and they blame their party leader for it.”

Brutland and Norden

15-04-2008, 04:32

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Parliament decides not to join alliance
April 15, 2008
by Marisa Criscio

KINGSVILLE – the Nord-Brutlandese General Court yesterday voted against joining an alliance called Hegemony. Hegemony is a defensive, humanitarian, and free trade alliance led by the Holy Empire of Lord Sumguy. Currently there are 13 members of the alliance. The United Kingdom of Brutland and Norden maintains full bilateral diplomatic relations with five of the nations.

Proposal
The government is divided on the idea of joining this alliance, and consulted the General Court on the matter before initiating negotiations. The General Court voted 92-56 yesterday to advise the government not to join the alliance. This advise is not binding but Deputy Prime Minister Scían Montògliore [PP: Civito di Marchòcchiese, Brutland] said that “we will abide by the decision of the General Court”.

Consultation
Foreign Minister Bricco di Sint’Brullizio [PP: Sceicce, Norden] introduced the idea of joining the alliance during last month’s cabinet meeting, but several cabinet ministers, notably Treasury Minister Lúanna Gardefini [PP: Capriati Esta, Brutland], voiced their opposition. The cabinet then decided to consult the General Court.

For
Apart from Foreign Minister di Sint’Brullizio, Commerce Minister Liana Riprostoggione [PP: Brutia Settra, Brutland] is also strongly for joining. Riprostoggione, in a speech in the General Court said that “joining this alliance would greatly benefit Brutland and Norden by opening up new markets for Nord-Brutlandese products and providing more accessible sources of raw materials.”

Fellow MP Stefano Panazio [PP: Seppa Sorda, Brutland] agreed with Minister Riprostoggione as he cast his vote. “Joining will greatly increase our economic growth.”

Minister di Sint’Brullizio also pointed out Brutland and Norden’s lack of military allies. “Brutland and Norden is militarily isolated. Should an aggressive nation attack Brutland and Norden, we would be practically be overwhelmed.”

Against
Many MPs did not evidently subscribe to Minister di Sint’Brullizio’s assessment. They point out the fact that Defense Minister Kail Brecchio [PP: Vilòrmosa-Calabruzzi Nordosta, Brutland] remained neutral throughout the proceedings and was the last to cast his vote – against. The young Defense Minister refused to explain his vote, saying only that “I do not want to influence the outcome of this voting.”

Opposition MP Ferrina Ilario [PDS: Vilònorda Esta - Universitade, Norden] said that “this defensive alliance, with its requirement to aid another signatory if attacked, would most likely drag Brutland and Norden into wars it has nothing to do about. Some of the nations within the alliance are notorious in entering wars. Brutland and Norden, a small nation, cannot afford to be involved in such conflicts.” The Nordener MP did not name the countries she was referring to.

Others made the assessment that Brutland and Norden is not ready for any war. “Our military needs some new equipment, and we can’t hold it out should any of this alliance’s adversaries decide to attack us. We would be the weakest link,” said MP Brianno Zocalli [PP: Berlizzi – Nativiscare, Norden].

The cost also turned away some would-be supporters. Treasury Minister Gardefini cited it as one of the clauses that made her vote against. “5% of the total annual budget? It would bust our treasury! This would take away everything we have saved for, and divert precious money away from more essential things… We can’t afford this one.” Brutland and Norden saves 2% of its annual income in a “rainy day fund”, and the Nord-Brutlandese government is already undertaking a series of tax cuts. “An additional expense is unacceptable,” remarked Gardefini, a minister known to cut unnecessary expenses and reduce taxes.

Nations with smaller budgets will tend to pay less, added Minister Gardefini, and thus the burden of supporting the organization will not be distributed properly. “A small nation with a big budget may pay even more than the war-freak nation with a smaller budget.”

Party votes
The entire Social Democratic Party voted against due to the free trade provisions. “This free trade will hurt our workers and Brutland and Norden,” PDS leader Cestre Staracina [PDS: Fonzo Esta, Norden] said. The Communists and Greens also voted against.

The ruling Popular Party had no official position. Consequently the PP’s vote was split, 55-58 against. Prime Minister Marianna Cortanella [PP: Dennillia Ostennía, Norden] and MP Kyle Irvine Lambourne [PP: Marchòcchiese Norda, Brutland] did not vote.

Brutland and Norden

15-04-2008, 05:22

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Harvests this year top last year’s record
April 15, 2008
by Angelina Santariga

GRANAROLO, Norden – Brutland and Norden’s agriculture sector forecasts another bumper harvest this year, topping even last year’s record harvest. The Brutland and Norden Farmers Confederation predicts that this year’s surplus would be one and one-fourth the size of last year’s surplus.

“This year has been very productive for us,” reported Brocco Marino, president of the Confederation. “More productive than last year. Last year we produced more than twice the demand of Brutland and Norden, and we topped that this year. For example, I grow corn, and Brutland and Norden consumes about 57 million metric tons of corn – and our projected output is 134 million metric tons. We can satisfy domestic demand with just a single harvest.”

Indeed, Brutland and Norden is awash with produce. Driving along the watermelon-growing district of Lossorgio, grant of Mecco, farmers have resorted to stacking their golden watermelons by stalls at the roadside in order to entice motorists travelling along Norden Route 10. The eggplant-growing village of Biartella, grant of Terrallo, had recently started an “Eggplant Festival” which featured eggplant-eating contests, eggplant grill, and eggplant cooking contests. Still, Biartella mayor Viviana Tuminelli admits that “we meed more exposure for our eggplants and other produce.” Monica di Modica, the mayor of the village of Corbi, grant of Modica, where the annual tomato-throwing festival is held every August, remarked that “we can’t throw all of these tomatoes in the Throwfest (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=13610839#post13610839)! These tomatoes are enough to turn the Dolcéacqua red!”

Wineries are also producing way excess beverage, and ironically, producing at a loss. Said Marita Luciano, owner of a winery along the banks of the Calcea River, grant of Maceltellina, Brutland, “Again, our presses are hard at work. We might be producing much, but most of the wineries around the area are losing money. We may age our wines for a long time, or sell them cheaply if we don’t find a market.” Luciano also adds that Brutland prohibits throwing out excess wine.

It is not just agriculture, but also its allied business, animal husbandry. Cheese is especially bountiful. The production of the once considered rare Boy’s fart cheese, made exclusively in the Brutish grant of Subrigaria, has become big that its price fell. Those connoisseurs who love the cheese will find that they can buy more stinky cheese for the same amount of money. Production of Brutland and Norden’s national food, the purple Brute cheese, are also at an all-time high. Caves throughout the region are filled with cheese. “Real purple Brute cheese is aged in caves,” said Lucca Redi, who produces purple Brute cheese. “But we’ve got so much milk and cheese, we have trouble finding caves to age the cheese.”

Brutland and Norden already produces more than it consumes for more than a decade, and there is no sign that it won’t be able to top previous years’ production. Sustainable techniques, more efficient farming, better crop varieties, latest technology, and kind weather were all of the factors that led to the country’s agricultural success.

The farmers hope they could turn this earth’s blessing into a windfall. Already they have asked for the government to help them find new markets. Trade and Commerce Minister Liana Riprostoggione assured the farmers that they will be more aggressive in wooing markets to import Nord-Brutlandese produce. The Ministry of Trade and Commerce set-up the Brutland and Norden Business Bureau (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=13610826) in order to help in this goal.

Brutland and Norden

17-04-2008, 00:52

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Staracina Receives Cold Shoulder
April 17, 2008
by Rina Stangello

PELARGONE – the leader of the Social Democratic Party [PDS] of Brutland and Norden went to the island grant of Santelleria to campaign, but many party officials in the island declined to join him.

Opposition leader Cestre Staracina [PDS: Fonzo Esta, Norden] toured the island yesterday, campaigning for the PDS in this marginal grant with four parliamentary consitutencies. Staracina began his campaign by stopping by the port of Pelargone, getting down working with the dockworkers, a labor group voting strongly for the PDS. “You and your party have the continued support of us here,” lift driver Erbetto Scopenna assured Mr. Staracina.

Staracina went on to the middle-class suburb of Brusnengo for a speaking engagement. While the Popular Party mayor of Brusnengo, Gilberto Andreotti, attended his speech out of courtesy, the PDS candidate for the mayoralty, Mr. Andreotti’s opponent, did not. The perceived slight did not go unnoticed as attendees searched for Chiara Morelli. “Where is she to support the party leader? Mr. Staracina came down here to campaign for her and the party, and she doesn’t show up?” voiced one of the attendees, who declined to be named.

Lunch was held with the young Princess Alessandra, Duchess of Santelleria, in a courtesy call at her Montone Castle. Also notable was the absence of Geraldina Bocco, PDS chairperson of Santelleria, and Ríanna Riattense, the minority leader at the Grant Council of Santelleria, despite being invited. The mayor of the town of San Casciano was the only PDS party member present.

Staracina then toured the cities of Riatto, Sant’Emillo, Bellino and Corlano, all without any PDS official from Santelleria. The snub was especially glaring in the PDS stronghold of Bellino. Neither did it escape national party officials.

“They complain of Staracina being a weak campaigner, but you see he is trying to win over Santelleria, and here they are, not supporting him and the party,” complained Giuliana Bonni, the chairperson of the Social Democratic Party in Norden. Ms. Bonni then lodged a resolution in the party to censure the Social Democratic Party of Santelleria.

For their part, many of the PDS officials in Santelleria said they were “too busy” or “involved in their own campaigns” to join Staracina.

Upon leaving from the Sant’Anastasia Domestic Airport, Mr. Staracina’s campaign announced that it would cancel its next campaign stop at the Brutish grants of Morza and Micchiolli, citing exhaustion. “It was a long day,” says his chief-of-staff Bartolomeo Frascati. However many have a different explanation: the Social Democratic Party of Micchiolli was one of the party chapters that are campaigning to remove Staracina as party leader. “They don’t want another snub. So they stayed out,” opined political pundit and blogger Michele Soriano.

Brutland and Norden

18-04-2008, 03:23

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Cortanella Seeks Normarker Support
April 18, 2008
by Anna Mastella
CALALZETTO D’ONNA, Norden – Prime Minister Marianna Cortanella of the Popular Party capped her three-day campaign stop in Normark seeking to win over the swinging constituencies held by the opposition Social Democrats.

Ms. Cortanella held a morning rally in the city of Campobasso, once thought to be a PDS bastion. Campobasso Police estimated the turnout to be 500,000. Afterwards, she joined the caravan of PP candidates in the grant of Soltera. The immensely popular prime minister campaigned for candidates for both the federal Parliament and the Nordener legislature.

Afterwards, she held a speaking engagement/dinner at the city of Calalzetto d’Onna, where attendees gave her a standing ovation. She then headed for her hometown of Sant’Emillo in Dennland for a one-day rest.

Ms. Cortanella’s campaign trip was well-received in Normark. From her first stop in the PP bastion of Codigliana, grant of Valle di Giri, to the Communist-laden city of Píarmognazzo, grant of Onna, she was greeted with lots of supporters and sympathizers. The Deputy Foreign Minister for the United Nations, Dr. Cestre Montòccegliano, was virtually assured of reelection with her visit in the previously marginal constituency of Vilònorda Osta - Píarmognazzo - Sint'Angelo di l'Ollino. PP candidates got a boost with her visits in the cities of Campogallicano, Fromesino, Forlicesena, Avezzo, Mulgheria, Mogorella, Dastamone, Palanzamo, Secchia, Sant’Arcangelo, and Nordville. She also appeared with Norden governor Adam Lambroglio and cut a commercial for the Popular Party of Norden.

“The Popular Party is conquering Normark,” said Kail Stanziola, a PP supporter from the city of Castellero. “Normark is the last frontier for the Popular Party.”

“They are indeed correct in saying that Normark is the last unconquered territory for the Popular Party,” said political science Professor Lorena Contini of the Royal University of Brutland and Norden at Kingsville. “The PP is fully in control of Brutland, and many marginal seats in Dennland will most likely fall into their hands. Only the Nordville metropolitan area is voting PDS, albeit marginally.”

Brutland and Norden

22-04-2008, 08:08

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Brutland Social Democrat Leader criticizes Staracina
April 22, 2008
by Angelo Zegerelli

BRUTLAND CITY – The leader of the Social Democratic Party (PDS) in the province of Brutland, Brutland House of Commons Opposition leader Lorenzo Coroni [PDS: Salfredonia], criticized party leader and federal MP Cestre Staracina [PDS: Fonzo Esta, Norden]. When ambushed by a reporter about what does he think of Mr. Staracina, Mr. Coroni said that, “Do you wonder why the Social Democratic party does not win in Brutland? Well, there’s your answer, right there.” Mr. Coroni and his office declined comment at this moment.

The Brute leader of the PDS put the provincial party at loggerheads with the PDS chapter of Norden. “That’s outrageous!” said Giuliana Bonni, chairperson of the Social Democratic Party of Norden, “They should be smarter than that.”

Mr. Coroni is represents the grant of Micchiolli, where the grant chapter of the PDS is strongly campaigning to remove Staracina.

“That was foul,” said Giovanni Tiriolo, chairperson of the PDS in the grant of Nicoletano. “He did not have the support of the entire Brutland Social Democratic Party in that statement.” The Social Democratic Party of Nicoletano immediately released a statement disavowing Mr. Coroni’s words, saying that “The Social Democratic Party of Brutland supports and will continue to support Mr. Staracina’s leadership.” PDS grant chapters of Trazio, Argento, and Pannondrio also issued similar announcements. “We are expecting others to join us in this.”

But would the Brutland Social Democrats remove their provincial leader? “That would be hypocritical,” said Tiriolo. “Until we hear an explanation from Mr. Coroni, we would not take that drastic action. We are waiting.”

Brutland and Norden

01-05-2008, 16:34

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Staracina quits
April 25, 2008
by Riano Petrucelli

BALLAGORIO, Norden – in a dramatic press conference earlier today, the leader of the opposition Social Democratic Party (PDS), MP Cestre Staracina [PDS, Fonzo Esta, Norden] announced that he was quitting the leadership of the party, and the party itself.

Following his acrimonious confirmation as party leader, vocal opposition from some of the local party chapters, perceived snub during campaign trips, and more recently, the failure of the Brutland Social Democratic Party to fully express their support, Mr. Staracina decided to quit the leadership post and leave the PDS entirely.

He made the announcement flanked by four high-ranking ardent supporters, namely Ms. Giuliana Bonni, chairperson of the Social Democratic Party of Norden; Mrs. Simona Dageschietti, grant president and chairperson of the PDS in Fiano; Mrs. Raffaella Catallona, chairperson of the PDS in his home grant of Fonzo; and fellow MP Giada Costantini [PDS: Viledenno Settra, Norden].

“I believe that my mere presence is causing dissension within the party,” said Staracina, rather bitterly, “and to prevent further disintegration within the Social Democratic Party of Brutland and Norden, I hereby quit my post as the leader and candidate for the prime ministerialship. As one of my last acts as your leader, I am calling a convention of all PDS delegates to Kingsville to decide on who will lead this party, hopefully to victory. In the meantime, I designate Ms. Ferrina Ilario as the caretaker leader until the convention decides on the leadership. There is still ample time for us to gain ground against our formidable opponent. May the Social Democratic Party live up to its hefty goals and principles.”

Apparently, Mr. Staracina’s supporters were informed of his decision to step down. “Cestre [Staracina] told me about his decision,” said Mrs. Catallona. “I may not entirely agree with him on that decision, but the damage had been done, to him and to the party. It’s either we go on to the election with all these damage, or start again, however late.”

“It took a toll on him,” related Mrs. Costantini. “Not only they were slandering him, they were also destroying the party.”

The PDS of Fonzo will hold a special nomination convention to replace Staracina, as the PDS candidate. Mrs. Catallona is widely tipped to win the task to challenge the PP candidate, Norden House of Commons Speaker Larisa Cacciamani.

Brutland and Norden

01-05-2008, 16:35

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Ilario selected as new Social Democratic Leader
May 01, 2008
by Anna Mastella

KINGSVILLE – The opposition Social Democrats elected federal MP Ferrina Ilario [PDS: Vilònorda Esta – Universitade, Norden] to the leadership post in the emergency party convention yesterday.

Mrs. Ilario, who describes herself a classical liberal, will lead the party in this year’s election, after former leader and opposition leader MP Cestre Staracina [PDS: Fonzo Esta, Norden] quit the leadership post. Mr. Staracina had been criticized by several factions within the party for his poor campaign skills and weak leadership.

The vote was a unanimous 2107-0 to elect Mrs. Ilario. “After the past few weeks of trouble, the PDS finally got its act together. We are united again,” said Nicandro Tortovecchio, a delegate from Kingsville. “This is a sign of strong solidarity.” Many other delegates expressed similar opinions.

However, this was downplayed by others. “The divisions are still there, and they run deep,” observed political science Professor Lorena Contini of the Royal University of Brutland and Norden at Kingsville.

Several delegations abstained from the vote. “We abstain,” announced the delegation head of Ravino, Nicola Brutarigo. “We think that this convention as a whole, and even the decision to hold this election, was achieved by undemocratic and unethical means.” The delegations of Redutto, Subrigaria, Trebba, Tavoliere, Spiermanza, Thessalia, Albano, and Modica abstained. Also abstaining are some of Mr. Staracina’s allies, notably Ms. Giuliana Bonni, chairperson of the Social Democratic Party of Norden; and fellow federal MPs Giada Costantini [PDS: Viledenno Settra, Norden], Giorgio Alocchio [PDS: Fonzo Sorda], and Benjamin Grocola [PDS: Viledenno Sordosta – Mendicino].

Other delegations were more stubborn and refused to vote. “They think the party can win this way?” asked a delegate from Borcenna, who declined to be named. “This is a farce.” Borcenna, along with the delegations of Argento, Potti, and Mordogudoro, refused to vote.

Some PDS grant chapters took it further, expressly refusing to send delegates to yesterday’s convention. The PDS chapters of Fonzo [Mr. Staracina’s home grant], Fiano, Nicoletano, and Trazio did not send delegates. “We recognize Mrs. Ilario as the leader of the Social Democratic Party,” said Mr. Giovanni Tiriolo, chairperson of the PDS in the grant of Nicoletano, when asked why his chapter did not send delegates, “but we would like to send a message to the troublemakers.”

The most spectacular act of defiance came from the four-person delegation of Pannondrio. When asked about their delegation’s vote, Mr. Colombano Moscatello, the delegation head and a minority councilor in the Pannondrian Grant Council, shouted “Cestre Staracina!”

“I’m sorry, Pannondrio, but Mr. Staracina is not a candidate,” said the convention presider Lorenzo Coroni, the leader of the Social Democratic Party of Brutland who recently criticized Staracina.

“Well, he’s our candidate!” the delegation replied. The delegation of Santelleria then moved to strip Pannondrio of its votes. The delegation of Tomo quickly seconded the motion, which Mr. Coroni happily passed, without submitting it to a vote. Later, the Pannondrian delegation, supported by 27 other delegations, argued that its loss of votes is illegal.

“This just shows that the Social Democrats are still divided,” said Prof. Contini. “Restoring the party unity is Mrs. Ilario’s most pressing job.”

Brutland and Norden

14-05-2008, 03:58

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Nord-Brutlandese in Other Countries Start to Vote
May 14, 2008
by Rina Stangello

KINGSVILLE – Nord-Brutlandese citizens living or staying abroad can now officially cast their ballots, in accordance to with the Absentee Voters Act of 2006. The absentee voters will also elect, for the first time, a special MP to the General Court to represent the Nord-Brutlandese abroad. Additionally, Nordeners living abroad will also cast their votes for provincial legislators and grant councilors.

Voting
Citizens of Brutland and Norden can cast their ballots by courier, by personal appearance at the nearest embassy, or online. A registered Nord-Brutlandese voter can request for a paper ballot from the nearest Royal Nord-Brutlandese Embassy, which will then mail it to the voter. The ballot can be marked and mailed back to the Embassy starting today. Alternatively, the entire process of voting can be done inside the embassy, which is technically a voting precinct.

Nord-Brutlandese voters in some jurisdictions can vote online at the embassy website. These jurisdictions include Cookesland (http://www.brutlandandnorden.csl) and Van Luxemburg (http://www.embasciatornb.vl). Voters in other jurisdictions (even those without Nord-Brutlandese representation) can vote at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (http://www.fdae.gob.nem), but the process is more tedious and the verification process more stringent and difficult.

Results
By law, the votes should be tallied in the embassy in the presence of the ambassador or the charge d’affaires. The results should then be sent to the Royal Election Institute in Kingsville for integration with the domestic results.

“We are ready”
Officials are confident that the absentee elections will go ahead smoothly in Brutland and Norden’s 40 overseas missions and on the Internet. “We will ensure that the voices of our countrymen living here will be heard,” said Marcello Bracciolini, the Royal Nord-Brutlandese Ambassador to Tsrill.

“Our networks will be constantly motored to ensure their security, safety, and the authenticity of the results,” said deputy Foreign Minister for Citizen Services Lamberto Pulchella.

First Vote
The first recorded vote for this year’s elections was cast from the United States of Cookesland, reported the deputy ambassador for citizen services in Cookesland, Derrico Dragonetti. The vote was cast online at the embassy website.

(OOC: You can vote too in the Nord-Brutlandese election. Go here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=556603) and follow the instructions!)

Brutland and Norden

17-05-2008, 13:39

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Parliament Votes to Amend Constitution
May 17, 2008
by Geraldina Biancolli

KINGSVILLE – in one of the last acts of the 28th Parliament, the General Court yesterday voted 126-17, with seven abstentions, to amend the Constitution. The House of Lords voted 24-0 to pass the amendment later that afternoon.

The proposed Third Amendment to the Constitution of the United Kingdom of Brutland and Norden is the Parliament Reorganization Act (Acte Ríorraniza di Parlimento; ARP) of 2008. ARP’s stated goal is to “make Parliament more representative to the people”.

Proposal
Among the changes stipulated in the ARP is the addition of more regular deputies to the General Court, increasing the membership of the lower house of Parliament to 500. This does not include the deputy for the Nord-Brutlandese abroad, which remains covered by the Act Creating the Seat for the Nord-Brutlandese Abroad (Acte Generece la Seto Parlimenta di Cittadettu Nordèbrutelliense Oltàmara; AGSPCNbOm) of 2007.

The concise proposal amends Article 9, Section 3 of the Constitution of the United Kingdom of Brutland and Norden. Specifically, it will read: “The General Court shall be composed of five hundred (500) representatives elected from legislative districts apportioned as follows: 225 from the province of Brutland, 225 from the province of Norden, and 50 from the Union Territories.”

Rationale
The proposal came after the Nord-Brutlandese population boomed and deputies struggled to serve the increasing number of constituents in their respective districts. “In 1893, when the constitution was drafted, there was one representative for every 500,000 inhabitants, now, there is one deputy for every 20 million people,” said MP Anastasia Serratello [PP: Brutellia Sordostennía, Brutland], the author of the proposal. “We would like to make the General Court more representative, and more open.” Indeed, Ms. Serratello’s district encompasses more than 45,000 square kilometers in three grants of southwestern Brutland.

Ms. Serratello also points out that Nord-Brutlandese law stipulates that at least half of the membership of the federal cabinet must be composed of MPs from the General Court. The current Popular Party government of Marianna Cortanella has all but two ministers – Culture Minister Anna Maria Sceiff and Science and Technology Minister Correone Rimotta – who are members of the General Court. “Increasing the membership of the General Court would open more opportunities for qualified people to serve the nation in that capacity and would give the leaders more people to choose from to lead the ministries.”

The number is also significant. In a 500-seat chamber, each district would have approximately 6 million people. L’Unnone asked Ms. Serratello about the number. “It wasn’t picked out of random,” she said. “The 500-seat chamber, apportioned as said in the proposal, would lead to roughly equal number of people per district in the provinces and in the territories. In our present apportionment, the Union Territories is underrepresented – with 29 million people per district, as compared to 20 million people per district in the provinces of Brutland and Norden.”

“Why not 1000 seats? 500 was chosen because that number is still very manageable. A 1000-seat chamber can get unwieldy.”

Opposition
Seventeen MPs voted against the amendment. “This would be an additional cost to the people of Brutland and Norden,” said Treasury Minister Lúanna Gardefini [PP: Capriati Esta, Brutland] in the debate yesterday. Ms. Serratello, in her right of reply, admitted that there would be an additional cost in the seating of more representatives, specifically for the member’s salaries. But the budgets for constituent services as a whole, which is the bigger expense, will remain the same, as each representative would get smaller budgets individually.

Some doubted the number. “Why 500?” asked MP Lara Opricco [PDS: Brutia Nordesta – Merano, Brutland]. “The explanation of the author still does not satisfy me.”

MP Ambrogio Pisticci [PDS: Spadavecchia, Norden] put forward another suggestion. “Why don’t we just have a constant number of people per district instead of having to amend the Constitution every time the constituencies’ population gets unmanageable? Why don’t we have, let’s say, ten million people per district?” “Because the chamber would grow in numbers like a monster if the population of Brutland and Norden get bigger,” answered MP Maria La Marmora [PP: Valtistrada – Montesa, Brutland]. “Then you will need another constitutional amendment to stop the growth of this chamber.”

Others are simply unhappy to let go of their districts. “I love my district and my hometown,” said MP Salvatore di Mucci [PDS: Vallo d’Azura, Norden]. Di Mucci lives in the town of Castellfiumanese, a PP stronghold in the district. MPs are required to have residence or be a registered voter in their respective districts. Should the amendment be passed, di Mucci could be put in a district that would vote strongly for the Popular Party.

Passage
The two major parliamentary parties, the Popular Party and the Social Democratic Party, did not instruct their members how to vote. The amendment passed with the requisite three-fourths (113) of the General Court voting.

This is just the first step in amending the Constitution. Parliament must then be dissolved, and the new Parliament to vote again for the amendment with a three-fourths majority. The dissolution can be timed with calling a general election, as what happened in 1978 by Prime Minister Christian Monelli.

After the second approval by Parliament, the amendment is submitted to the two provinces which must then ratify the amendment. A nationwide referendum must be held in order to make the amendment a part of the Nord-Brutlandese Constitution.

Brutland and Norden

18-05-2008, 21:09

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Parliament Approves Free Trade Treaty
April 22, 2008
by Geraldina Biancolli

KINGSVILLE - the Nord-Brutlandese Parliament yesterday ratified the Brutland and Norden – Imbrinium Free Trade Agreement. The treaty garnered the requisite three-fourths majority for approval. The General Court passed the treaty 116-34. The House of Lords sustained the ratification 23-1 later that afternoon. Queen Mother Charlotte II gave the Royal Assent within that day.

Under the Treaty, free trade will be established between the United Kingdom of Brutland and Norden and the Kingdom of Imbrinium, and a commission to aid domestic companies will be set up. Most economists projected that the treaty would “stimulate trade and provide a boon to our economies.”

Yesterday’s voting in the General Court held no surprises with all of the Social Democrats voting against the treaty. MP Anna Maria Treola [PDS: Colfetta, Norden], Deputy Leader of the Loyal Opposition, said that “The Social Democratic Party will continue to oppose any agreements establishing so-called ‘free trade’. This is very disadvantageous to the workers and to the people of Brutland and Norden.” The single Social Democratic Lord in the House of Lords, Jàn Damianelli of Norden, cast the only vote against in the Upper House.

The lone Communist MP Tornessa di Carmolli [PC: Quartelo di Trabbajetto, Norden] joined the Social Democrats is rejecting the treaty, as did the single Green deputy, MP Felice Tartascone [PV: Vilòstresa Sordosta – Tonzivibbia, Union Territories]. However, the numerical strength of the Popular Party, who was united behind the treaty, was enough breach the 113 votes needed to ratify the treaty. They were joined by the lone Nationalist MP in the lower chamber.

“We believe that this is a great step forward in our bilateral relations and in stimulating our economies,” said Commerce Minister and MP Liana Riprostoggione [PP: Brutia Settra, Brutland].

Brutland and Norden

02-06-2008, 14:15

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Popular Party Wins
June 01, 2008
by Rina Stangello
KINGSVILLE - With counting of the ballots finished and winners being announced, this year's election proved to be another setback for the Social Democratic Party, and another spectacular win for the Popular Party.

Seat Counts
The Social Democratic Party (PDS) saw their numbers more than halved from 32 to 15, one of their worst showing ever aside from the 2004 elections. Prime Minister Marianna Cortanella's Popular Party (PP), on the other hand, increased their seats from 115 to 132. They won in all of the constituencies they held before the election, and captured 16 more from the Social Democrats.

The PP made significant inroads into former PDS strongholds in Norden. Their advance down the Carocchi Valley was stopped at Campobasso, where all of the PDS-held seats west of Campobasso changed hands to the PP while those to the east stayed with the PDS. The PDS also managed to hold onto the seats of Micchiolli and Brutland City Southeast-Strabbarno in Brutland, despite vigorous PP campaigning.

The Green Party (PV) won two seats, while the Nationalist Party lost their only seat in the Nord-Brutlandese General Court.

The New Parliament
Thus, the new General Court will be composed of 132 MPs from the PP, 15 from the PDS, 2 from the PV, and 1 from the Communist Party. More than one-third (56) of the MPs are women.

Popular Vote
The Popular Party also won in the popular vote, taking more than two-thirds of the vote in a slightly lower turnout than in 2004.

Seat Changes
24 out of the 150 MPs will be taking their seats for the first time. The constituencies of these freshman MPs are:
Brutia Nordesta - Merano: Giannina Lavecchio (PP) - The PP solidified their control over the province of Brutland with their win in this PDS-leaning mixed urban-suburban seat. Giannina Lavecchio of the PP defeated MP Lara Opricco of the PDS, 53%-45%.
Campobasso Osta, Norden: Petrarco Lima (PP) - The seat of West Campobasso was the endpoint of the PP's gains along the Carocchi Valley, but Campobasso City Councilor Petrarco Lima's (PP) win over incumbent MP Maria Litti (PDS) was nonetheless impressive. Mr. Lima won 59%-40% in this constituency that includes much of Campobasso's residential areas.
Cantabrica Osta, Brutland: Giustino Snidi (PP) - PP Mayor Giustino Snidi of the city of Aventina replaced the retiring MP Simon Pallatina.
Civito di Padanica, Brutland: Joshua Morcone (PP) - MP Danico di Padanica, the lone Nationalist MP in the General Court, lost to City Councilor Joshua Morcone in this district that encompasses the entire city of Padanica and its adjacent suburbs. The Nationalist Party of Brutland and Norden currently has no representation in Parliament.
Civito di Tratagnano - Albugnano, Norden: Thorizio Gagliardo (PP) - MP Costantino Dolmefini of the PDS lost to Thorizio Gagliardo of the PP in one of the widest defeat of an incumbent in this election. Dolmefini won 27% of the vote against Gagliardo's 63%.
Concessa di Rivero - Nova Venezia, Brutland: Fabrizio Tartaglia (PP) - The PP defeated the PDS in its southern Brutland stronghold. MP Diana Ramina (PDS) was defeated by Fabrizio Tartaglia, the minority leader in the Concessa di Rivero city Council.
Desantorica, Norden: Derrico Sbaraglia (PP) - The PP won in this suburban grant of Nordville, highlighting the undercurrent of Desantorica's drift to the right within the past few years. Mr. Derrico Sbaraglia, Lord Mayor of Tanagrese, wrested the seat away from MP Alcide Bonzoni of the PDS.
Fonzo Esta, Norden: Larisa Cacciamani (PP) - East Fonzo is the seat of former PDS leader Cestre Staracina. With native son Staracina removed from the party's leadership post, Fonzoans turned to the PP in droves. Norden Speaker of the Chamber of Commons Larisa Cacciamani won 70%-20% over PDS candidate Mrs. Raffaella Catallona, chairwoman of the PDS' Fonzo chapter.
Fonzo Sorda, Norden: Paola Santáolalla (PP) - Ms. Santáolalla defeated incumbent MP Giorgio Alocchio of the PDS, a close friend and ally of former PDS leader Cestre Staracina. The constituency of South Fonzo went 55%-40% for the PP.
Forlicesena, Norden: Cristina Bacco (PP) - The seat of Forlicesena fell to the PP after several gaffes made by its current MP, Mrs. Doria Cataldo of the PDS. This PDS-leaning seat was won by Ms. Cristina Bacco, a descendant of Carlo Franco Bacco, a Christian Democratic prime minister in the 1920s.
Grattio d'Onna, Norden: Clara Salzola (PP) - Like Desantorica, the suburban grant of Onna has been steadily drifting towards the PP. Clara Salzola's win over incumbent MP Lazzaro Tricola (PDS) crowned the PP's success in Onna.
Pianuro di Norremaque, Norden: Camilo Rastella (PP) - Voters of the Normarker Plain replaced MP Alberto Sgrena of the PP with his partymate Camilo Rastella, mayor of the city of Secchia.
Plantina Sorda - Ravino, Brutland: Tobias Brutarigo (PP) - Mr. Brutarigo replaced MP Taddeo Albureneschi, who retired after holding this seat for more than 20 years.
Platina - Doro, Norden: Francesca Santóianni (PP) - Incumbent MP Marico Bazanella of the PDS was defeated for reelection in this constituency full of unionized miners and steel workers. Mrs. Santóianni attracted voters with her moderate stances in economics and conservative stances on social issues.
Soltera Esta, Norden: Ludovico Lungarelli (PP) - Mr. Lungarelli, lord mayor of the town of San Geraldo al Carocchi, defeated MP Zenone Croce of the PDS for the seat of East Soltera.
Soltera Osta, Norden: Lamberto Cadorna (PP) - The seat of West Soltera joined the drift towards the PP, ousting incumbent MP Bernardo Giovanetti (PDS) and replacing him with Lamberto Cadorna (PP), mayor of Santa Cristina al Carocchi.
Spadavecchia, Norden: Angela Armelli (PP) - The city of Spadavecchia voted a rightist candidate as MP for the first time in almost 30 years. Angela Armelli of the PP won over incumbent MP Ambrogio Pisticci of the PDS in what was thought to be a safe PDS seat.
Trefini Sorda, Norden: Dario Doria (PP) - Even with their well-known candidate being pitted against a relatively unknown newcomer, the PDS still failed to win this marginal constituency of South Trefini. Mayor Dario Doria (PP) of Briatico won two-to-one over former PDS gubernatorial candidate Arrigo Paolini.
Torranica - Esolu di Pecadi - Cattero di Perucce, Brutland: Kyle Tyler Lancelotti (PP) - The PDS lost a chance for a gain in this marginal seat. With popular longtime MP Cedric Verona retiring, Esolu di Pecadi grant president Oratio d'Algravi went head-to-head with PP candidate Kyle Tyler Lancelotti, the surprise winner of the PP primaries. D'Algravi went on the negative, criticizing Lancelotti for his lack of experience. It didn't go down well for the positive-looking, incumbent-happy voters of the district: D'Algravi went on to lose by more than twenty percentage points, barely squeaking a win in his home grant of Esolu di Pecadi. Meanwhile, Lancellotti racked up huge margins in his home grant of Torranica, with one-third of the voters in the district. Lancelotti will be the youngest person ever to be elected MP, at age 22.
Vallo d'Azura, Norden: Diana Calderone (PP) - With the PP win in the Azura Valley, both of Asernia's parliamentary constituencies are now in PP's hands. Diana Calderone, the mayor of Castellfiumanese and wife of Norden Justice Secretary Thorizio Calderone, won over MP Salvatore di Mucci of the PDS, 51%-48%.
Vallo di Chiardogna, Brutland: Giuliana Dragonetti (PP) - Following PP MP Marieta Corcovana's retirement from politics, fellow PP member Giuliana Dragonetti won easily in this safe PP seat.
Viledenno Nordosta - Vallo d'Albiore Inferiore, Norden: Carmela Caduccio (PP) - The PP leanings of the lower Albiore valley overwhelmed the weak PDS strength in Dennville proper, electing Ms. Carmela Caduccio to the seat formerly held by PDS MP Francesco Gomicola.
Viledenno Sordosta - Mendicino, Norden: Isaac Cardarella (PP) - Another slice of Dennville fell to the PP after the seat of Southeast Dennville - Mendicino voted in Isaac Cardarella (PP), relieving MP Benjamin Grocola (PDS) of his parliamentary job.
Vilòstresa Sordesta - Santelleria Sordosta, Union Territories: Aurora Pasi (PV) - The seat of Kingsville Southeast - Santelleria Southwest was the second win for the Green Party. Environmental activist Aurora Pasi defeated incumbent MP Tireno Salvamano in this urban-suburban district separated by the Union Channel. Salvamano placed third in the five-way race, retaining support in the Santelleria half of the district but lost the Kingsville half to Pasi.
Aside from these, the Popular Party is also projected to win the seat for the Nord-Brutlandese abroad.

Reactions
Prime Minister Marianna Cortanella and the Popular party were elated at the result. "We would like to thank the people of Brutland and Norden for their trust the had given and the mandate they granted for us to continue the good and effective governance for Brutland and Norden," Cortanella said in a press conference after Nord-Brutlandese networks projected Cortanella to win more seats. PM Cortanella also confirmed that there will be no change in the cabinet.

The Social Democrats, on the other hand, were dismayed at the result. "No comment," replied MP Ferrina Ilario [PDS: Vilònorda Esta – Universitade, Norden] when asked about her reaction on the result.

The Green Party were also considered winners in the election, adding another seat in their representation in the General Court. The Nationalist Party, on the other hand, was eliminated from the General Court.

Brutland and Norden

02-06-2008, 17:15

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Popular Party Wins Seat for the Nord-Brutlandese Abroad
June 01, 2008
by Rina Stangello
KINSVILLE - the Royal Election Institute certified Prime Minister Mariana Cortanella's Popular Party to be the winner for the seat of the Nord-Brutlandese abroad. The PP candidate for the position, Liliana Guarino, won over candidates Armando Ramunni (Social Democratic Party), Ferrandina Urso (Green Party), Guglielmo Elci (Communist Party), and Giovanni Gismondi (Nationalist Party).

Ms. Guarino is a Brutlander expatriate currently residing in Coricas, the United States of Cookesland. She will take her seat when the General Court convenes on June 30, 2008. She is not required to be physically present in the General Court; the lower house of Parliament can and will provide her with a high-speed Internet connection straight to the General Court so she can partake in debates and vote in committees (but not in the floor) without leaving Cookesland.

"I am very honored that the expatriate community chose me to represent their interests back in our homeland," Ms. Guarino said in a video posted in her website, "and I will do exactly just that."

Prime Minister Marianna Cortanella of the Popular Party also sent a congratulatory video to Ms. Guarino, which was also available from her website.

Absentee Voting
The absentee voting proceeded quite smoothly over the past two weeks in embassies and on the internet. 22 jurisdictions sent in impressive results.

In the Federal Republic of Hamilay (http://www.forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13696304&postcount=20), voters braved rain in order to cast their votes at the embassy in Sayenna. The expatriate community in Hamilay boasted a 92.41% turnout.

Supporters of three of the largest parties in Brutland and Norden held rallies at Arugula, the capital of the Republic of Ruccola (http://www.forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13700978&postcount=23). They courted voters lining up at the Royal Nord-Brutlandese Embassy. Nord-Brutlandese in Ruccola had a Pannondrio-like turnout at 98.04%.

The spate of election day bombings in the Republic of Candelaria And Marquez (http://www.forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13705695&postcount=27) did not deter the Nord-Brutlandese from voting in the absentee elections. Ambassador Nilo Sigonella and his staff provided transportation for voters living in other cities in the country, particularly in the communities of Clotaire and Melin. A newly-elected member of the House of Representatives of Candelaria And Marquez, Gina Carozza of the Modern Liberal Party, also came to the voting. Ms. Carozza was born in Dennville.

Voters formed a line along Capitoline Boulevard in the capital of the United States of Cookesland (http://www.forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13718040&postcount=32), Coricas. Even though the expatriates in Cookeland are among the lucky few to have a dedicated webpage for voting, many still preferred to cast their ballots personally. Voters in Cookesland had the second-highest turnout in any foreign jurisdiction, at 99.22%. Most of the voters here showed up to support candidate Liliana Guarino of the Popular Party, who is an officer in the Brutland and Norden - Cookesland Friendship Society. Indeed, it is in Cookesland where the Popular Party achieved its highest share of the vote, at almost 72%.

Low Turnout Plagues Other Areas
Despite the stellar turnout in some countries, other jurisdictions suffered from poor turnout. In some, only the embassy staffers cast their vote.

In the Thrill of Tsrill (http://z1.invisionfree.com/forums/theSPacific/index.php?showtopic=8168&view=findpost&p=2693020), the turnout was at a low 31% in one of Brutland and Norden's largest expatriate communities. "What can we do if people did not want to vote? We did everything: placed ads in newspapers and radio and TV, arranged for transport for the voters, informed them about the election, did the registration for them... but only a small proportion turned out to vote," said Royal Nord-Brutlandese Ambassador to Tsrill Marcello Bracciolini, shrugging his shoulders. "The individual parties even had their get-out-to-vote programs!"

Nevertheless, votes from Tsrill are the second most numerous (after ViZion) in the 22 jurisdictions that were able to cast their votes. Also, Tsrill had the biggest number of registered Nord-Brutlandese voters, with more than 118,000 registered to vote, thanks to the embassy's tireless efforts at registration. The problem is that only a few bothered to vote.

Other jurisdictions fared worse: not only that few bothered to vote, but few bothered to even register. In the Republic of Zinaire, where there are approximately 2,500 eligible Nord-Brutlandese voters, only a thousand registered and less then a hundred cast their votes. In the Neo-Prussian Dictatorship of Kampfers, out of the 10,000 estimated Nord-Brutlandese voters in the country, only a few hundred registered, and the only votes that came from there are the votes cast by Ambassador Cristina di Castanelli and her staff.

It was worst in the Federal Republic of Omigodtheykilledkenny, where nobody registered and the embassy staff weren't old enough to even vote (http://www.forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13119505&postcount=233)!

All in all, the turnout for registered absentee voters was at 66.64%, but the Royal Election Institute and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs estimates that the turnout for all eligible voters is much much lower then that. But they take hope in the result. "It just shows that this project is feasible," said Lamberto Pulchella, deputy Foreign Minister for Citizen Services. "It can be done."

Results
The results of the absentee voting was somewhat expected, according to political scientist Dr. Lorena Contini of the Royal University of Brutland and Norden at Kingsville. "The Popular Party was ahead of others in establishing a network for our expatriates. They had this organization, the Popular Party Abroad, even before absentee voting was introduced. So we can say that the many of the expatriates are PP-leaning."

Indeed, the PP won in 13 of the 22 jurisdictions. The PDS won five and the Greens three.

Demographics also played a part in the results. Many of the expatriates in Candelaria and Marquez are from Norden, a marginal province, which can explain why the the vote is almost tied between the PP and the PDS.

The recent dispute over the Social Democrat leadership may had also turned people away from the PDS., contributing to the PP's impressive win. The expats voted 2-to-1 for the PP against its main rival the PDS.

Minor parties also got a greater than normal share of votes. The Green Party won more than 10% of the vote even with the high abstention rate, thanks to the votes from the three jurisdictions voting from them and to the votes from Greal, Imbrinium, Kostemetsia, Ruccola, Tsrill, and ViZion, where they outpolled even the Social Democrats. The Communists won a large share of the vote in Kostemetsia and Yanitaria, while the Nationalists showed their strength in Greal, where they got one-fourth of the vote.

See the official results here (http://www.forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=556603).

Brutland and Norden

13-07-2008, 12:04

From the English law blog Timberland Law http://www.lawblog.com.nem/

"The Fetus is a Person"

The Royal Supreme Court of Brutland and Norden decided that a fetus is a person, effectively ending the abortion debate that had started to linger in the province of Norden in the recently judged case Grant of Fiano vs. Province of Norden (Grattio di Fiano r. Provenzo di Norden, No. 2008-CSR001581).

First of all, the circumstances around the case: the Grant Council of Fiano legalized, in a vote of 12-9, abortions up to the second trimester of pregnancy. Consequently, the Norden chapter of the organization Pro-Life Brutland and Norden (PVNeMb) filed a case in the Provincial District Court for Fiano (Pro-Vite Norden r. Grattio di Fiano, No. 2007-DFI091590) challenging the legality of the law. In the meantime, Judge Diana Ponzi-Sorini issued an ingìunccie brova (temporary injunction) preventing the grant from implementing the law. Ponzi-Sorini would later rule in favor of the grant.

PVNeMb appealed to the Supreme Court of Norden. While in the Provincial District Court of Fiano found no issue pertaining to PVNeMb’s taking up the case, the Nordener Supreme Court did. The Nordener Supreme Court ruled (Pro-Vite Norden e Marchòbrutellia r. Grattio di Fiano, No. 2007-CSN362010) that PVNeMb had no standing to challenge the law and advised that the state is a better plaintiff. Consequently, Nordener Attorney General Pancrazio Calderone took up the case, and in the later case (Calderone r. Grattio di Fiano, No. 2007-CSN363002) the Supreme Court of Norden en banc reversed the lower court’s decision, 9-1, stating that the Fianese law was against the Constitution of Norden.

The grant of Fiano petitioned for certiorari with the Royal Supreme Court of Brutland and Norden, which was approved 11-3. The case was then known as Fiano vs. Norden.

In Fiano vs. Norden, the Royal Supreme Court of Brutland and Norden en banc sustained, 9-1, the decision of the Nordener Supreme Court. There were three opinions issued by the court, one for the majority opinion, another dissenting opinion, and the other for dismissal of the case. Justice Lamberto Casella recused himself voluntarily from the proceedings, as he had worked with PVNeMb before becoming a judge. Attorney General Calderone, representing the province of Norden, asked for Justice Filippo Pulvirenti to inhibit himself from the case, as he had been an advocate for the pro-choice organization League of Nord-Brutlandese Women Voters, but Pulvirenti refused.

For the majority, Justice Veronica Nicoletano argued that:
“Del persone oedespriveche di vite, liberte, e propriete senza buonproceso di lagge, du ani persone oedesdeche la sprotte stesa di la laggi.
-- 1898 Costituzione di la Rinnosso Unnona di Norden e Marchòbrutellia, Art. 3, Sez. 1

… persono verda ici riggii deszoglettía zertal, signicatenessime es la riggie te vite. Senza hoce riggie te vite, oltra riggii oagodeche. La mande es noval, fetu es personu?

Sul noi recuedeche te la Rinno manna Kail’que la Malenetto documente volza,

Persone verda genereci frieda e stesa, e son riggii ibrenta zertal.
-- 1866 Certaro di Riggii, Art. 2, Sez. 1

C’e, justi ubi a persono genereco? A infante della genereco al barnete, percce ce esistecco preceda, as a feto. Tutto trasparece durantecal la proceso di parturizione, cuo oltri, es a cambie di base, che “feto” te “infante”. Espeleco hoce cambie semanta, la feto e l’infante es la stesse essenzeddíal. La cambii avveneco dodella’ e oadella’ endelece o cofferece riggii addizellía te a persono. Hoce es volenzal sfidi te a fetoque alage di despendenzeca. Despendenze es della a riferimente per personesse; personesse do della relcece despendenze.”

“No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, nor shall any person be denied the equal protection of the laws.
-- 1898 Constitution of the United Kingdom of Brutland and Norden, Art. 3, Sec. 1

… every person has certain inalienable rights, most important of them is the right to life. Without this right to life, other rights cannot be enjoyed. The question now is, are fetuses persons?

If we were to go back to the great King Kyle the Fair’s landmark document,

Every person is created free and equal, and with certain inherent rights.
-- 1866 Charter of Rights, Art. 2 Sec. 1

So, just when is a person created? An infant is not created upon birth, because s/he had been existing beforehand, as a fetus. What transpires during the process of parturition, among others, is a change in name, from “fetus” to an “infant”. Barring this semantic change, the fetus and the infant is essentially the same. The changes occurring at parturition does not and cannot abrogate or confer additional rights to an individual. This is despite challenges to a fetus’ capability of being independent. Independence is not a benchmark for personhood; personhood does not depend on independence.”

Nicoletano’s argument states that a human being is created at conception, a belief shared by many Nord-Brutlandese. Justice Nicoletano further stated that

“… la divizione di la periodi di gravide es. unela, dozela, e trejela trimestre,es egena purezal. Sunt eventeco del differente significata gli a feto entratece la dozela trimestre, nila venno as drastico as barnete…

Sunt es del evente realta in mia noi oatrece son segure con a persono genereco, trannece per concezione. Prette concezione, esso es a spermo e uovo, doza celulu che doza persono diferenta. Passi unnonece frumecche a persono noval.

E c’e, la ripose es si, fetu es personu.”

“… the division of the periods of pregnancy ie. first trimester, second trimester, third trimester, are purely arbitrary. There is no significant difference happening when a fetus enters the second trimester, nothing even as drastic as birth…

… there is no real event in which we can say with certainty that a person is being created, except for conception. Prior to conception, it is just a sperm and an egg, two cells from two different persons. These unite to form a new individual.

And so, the answer is yes, fetuses are persons.”

Referring to Justice Nicoletano’s opinion, Justice Pulvirenti, in his dissenting opinion, stated that

“Hoce corte sfaseco personesse son uomesse. Segural a feto es a uomesso, non il oadella a persono. Personesse definiteco via scaglie…”

“This court is confusing personhood with human being. Certainly a fetus is a human being, but it cannot be a person. Personhood is defined by society…”

Chief Justice Corinna Fiambretti Santagemma answered Justice Pulvirenti during the deliberations, which Justice Nicoletano incorporated in her ponenzo (opinion)

“… con personesse definitecho via scaglie es a idea pericola. Personesse dell’oapendenzece on oltrizio as ustabla e as cambia as ponenze scaglietta. Hoce oàoppece l’idea di personesse, e su coffere di riggii inbrenta, te manovre. Noi oàenfasece bastanzal miei hoce idea portecce circhal ghirri umanosso esperrenzecci, che creghi te genocidie te slave….

Personesse pendenzece on justi tico a uomesso. Sunt oetice del ontra fattori modifica, sa il es ete, razze, sese, gendre, etnicite, e religione.

Justi per la strancce di ritenece la ponenze desadera, scaglie Nordèbrutelliense odda ritenece a feto a persono, venno sul sfondo ponenza chiedechi. Davvere, ma esistece a palabbe Nordèbrutelliense per gravide, natòsardecchà…”

“… that personhood is to be defined by society is a dangerous concept. Personhood could not depend on something as volatile and as changing as societal opinion. This could leave the concept of personhood, and its bestowal of inherent rights, open to manipulation. We cannot emphasize enough how this concept brought about terrors humanity had experienced, from wars to genocide to slavery…

Personhood depends on just being a human being. There should be no other modifying factors on that, whether it is age, race, sex, gender, ethnicity, or creed.

Just for the sake of considering the dissenting opinion, Nord-Brutlandese society today considers a fetus a person, even if opinion polls are to be asked. Indeed, there exist a Nord-Brutlandese term for pregnancy, natòsardecchà, [which literally means “human-carrying”]…”

As such, the Royal Supreme Court of Brutland and Norden ruled that life began at conception and that

“… la Statto e la scaglie oíiorgoce asicurecche con la riggii di verdel persone bledeco, spezialal passa di l’abrenissonessimo e la bisognosonessimo.”

SOSTENECCE.

Del speti.

Nicoletano V., per la maggiorettu. Alessandrini, C., Cappelletto, C., Claudini, L.O., Fiambretti Santagemma, C., Jurney, K., Nitti, M.G., Tiberino, T., Trellicatti, I., c’ordece.”

“… the State and the society must work towards ensuring that the rights of every individual is respected, especially those of the most helpless and most destitute.

SUSTAINED.

No costs.

Nicoletano V., for the majority. Alessandrini, C., Cappelletto, C., Claudini, L.O., Fiambretti Santagemma, C., Jurney, K., Nitti, M.G., Tiberino, T., Trellicatti, I., concur. ”

Apart from the two opposing opinions, Justice Maria Magda Albanese issued an entirely different opinion:

“… noi credence con hoci escie s’del in la reame di guidicotte. Hoci Corte dell’oilejasletoce on passi cobbie…”

“… we believe that this issue is not in the realm of the judiciary. This Court must not legislate on these matters…”

Justice Albanese was joined by Justices Marinara Giacomino-Reti, Giorgio Caltroni, and Nigello di Nanto. All of them except Justice di Nanto rejected the original petition for certiorari.

Brutland and Norden

03-09-2008, 17:34

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Brutland and Norden suspends marriage
September 03, 2008
by Pierro Stellanello
KINGSVILLE – the Nord-Brutlandese General Court, in one of their gruelling late-night special sessions, suspended the issuance of civil marriage licenses in Brutland and Norden. This drastic move was a response to the impending passage of the World Assembly resolution “Freedom of Marriage Act”.

Specifically, the newly passed legislation by the General Court, going by the inglorious name CGP. 29-066, “indefinitely suspends” “issuance of marriage licenses by all government authorities at all levels” “should the World Assembly resolution known as ‘Freedom of Marriage Act’ pass on September 03, 2008.” The bill does not affect marriages performed by recognized churches, and the functions of these religious marriages will be governed by a slew of existing acts and laws, many of which pertain to religion and churches.

CGP. 29-066 definitively suspends performance of civil marriages in the federally-controlled Union Territories, but legal analysts dispute its power over marriages performed by the provinces. However, the question became moot when the legislature of the province of Brutland passed, by a supermajority, a nearly-identical suspension of marriages yesterday afternoon. The Norden Chamber of Commons voted 278-220 and the Norden Senate voted 19-16 for a similar bill on the same day. Norden Gov. Adam Lambroglio is expected to sign the suspension today.

Parliament Vote
Despite its radical effects, the Nord-Brutlandese General Court voted 121-28 for CGP. 29-066. The Nord-Brutlandese House of Lords is unlikely to delay the legislation when it takes up the issue first thing in the morning today, before the vote on the World Assembly’s General Assembly ends.

The entire Social Democratic Party, the two MPs of the Green Party, and the lone Communist MP were joined by a handful of Popular Party MPs in voting against the suspension.

(See how your MPs voted at the end of the article.)

The floor of the General Court became heated as the debate became protracted and the session went deeper into the night. At first MPs were reluctant to support such suspension, and opponents of the bill sought to delay voting on the bill. Deputy Prime Minister Sean Montògliore [PP: Civito di Marchòcchiese, Brutland], presider of the General Court, wanted to delay the bill’s consideration for another day, but was blocked by a throng of angry MPs demanding a vote on the suspension. Conservative MP Emilia Libiriana [PP: Arcadia, Brutland] said irately that delaying the passage of the bill will introduce a loophole which “some people can exploit the disgusting piece of legislation by a gay-obsessed country somewhere in the bowels of Hell”. MP Carlo Mondragone [PP: Terrallo-Storrefine, Norden] reminded the General Court that it had been the practice to work hard, even late into the night and even into special sessions, in order to bring Brutland and Norden’s laws into compliance with any World Assembly resolution.

The Court decided to extend the session. News came that the individual provinces had passed similar laws by themselves, and that the region of the South Pacific was overwhelmingly against the resolution. Opinion went strongly in favor of the suspension after these news came and after Prime Minister Marianna Cortanella [PP: Dennillia Ostennía, Norden] assured concerned MPs that the government will find a way to “get around” this foreign resolution. But until then, performance of civil marriages would remain suspended.

The lone Communist MP in the General Court, Tornessa di Carmolli [PC: Quartelo di Trabbajetto, Norden], herself a married lesbian, took the floor to denounce “the oppressive archaic mentality that is permeating this court.” Di Carmolli went on to further criticize the “homophobia” and the “flagrant disregard for human rights”. Di Carmolli’s strongly impassioned speech also elicited strong reactions from her fellow MPs. MP Libiriana quipped, “In the eyes of most Nord-Brutlandese, what you are doing is immoral.” Libiriana went on to cite recent polls that showed that “three out of four Nord-Brutlandese ’strongly oppose’ same-sex marriages.” MP Sylvia Bertagnoli [PP: Padania Osta, Brutland] told her, “You, Miss di Carmolli, is forcing your own twisted opinion and subtle bigotry on Brutland and Norden, just like the ignorant World Assembly.”

Di Carmolli was not without defenders. Social Democratic Leader and MP Ferrina Ilario [PDS: Vilònorda Esta–Universitade, Norden], said that “Our colleague [di Carmolli] is not forcing her ‘twisted opinion’ or ‘subtle bigotry’. She is just doing what is right, what is humane, what we should have done ages ago.” Libertarian MP Anastasia Serratello [PP: Brutellia Sordostennía, Brutland] quipped that “this had become a war of words against Mrs. Di Carmolli. I call on my partymates to stop this madness.”

Di Carmolli herself delivered stinging rebukes to her detractors, leading Deputy Prime Minister Montògliore to declare a half-hour recess to cool off heads. When the General Court reconvened, the pro-suspension side wanted to put the issue to a vote, while the anti-suspension side wanted to exhaust the debate instead. Successive MPs took the floor to speak to exhaust the debate and delay the inevitable passage of the bill. MP Doria Fosselli [PDS: Fiano, Norden] told about how same-sex marriages were legalized in Fiano and how it contributed to society; MP Bryce Ryan Knott [PP: Marchòcchiese Esta, Brutland] tried, apparently vainly, to convince most of his partymates, especially the libertarian wing of the Popular Party, to vote against the suspension; MP Giada Costantini [PDS: Viledenno Settra, Norden] related how this could affect her son’s marriage planned for this September and how she intended to cook her specialty Dennlander stew for the wedding party. Costantini even shared details of her recipe.

Eventually, the instructions for cooking the traditional Dennlander stew was interrupted when MP Bruno Sballizzi [PP: Capitanata, Brutland] took the floor to ask how many minutes does it take to cook the stew. Sballizzi said, “if you had used that time to cook the stew instead, then we could have had a great dinner as you put forth your delaying tactics. We all know you are just delaying this vote and keeping us hungry. We are tired, you are tired. You are hungry, we are hungry. Let’s get this over with.” Sballizzi then moved to divide the house. The General Court was in uproar as MP Paola Santáolalla [PP: Fonzo Sorda, Norden] seconded Mr. Sballizzi’s motion, and Deputy Prime Minister Montògliore barely succeeded to keep the Court orderly. Another motion to exhaust the debate was rejected, on the grounds that the motion to divide the house was already in place. Eventually, CGP 29-066 passed, 121-28, with MP Kyle Tyler Lancelotti [PP: Torranica-Esolu di Pecadi-Cattero di Perucce, Brutland] absent.

VOTECCE SÌ (YES) ON CGP. 29-066
Abrenica, Paolo PP: Trascara Sorda
Abrutto, Unterro PP: Padania Esta
Albanese, Sebastian PP: Albano
Albertone, Andre PP: Sarda
Allegrucci, Sabina PP: Santelleria Esta
Angelotti, Carlo PP: Valtemmira
Argel, Cassandra PP: Dennillia Estennía
Balletti, Vicenzo PP: Fonzo Osta
Bertagnoli, Sylvia PP: Padania Osta
Bertinetti, Giacomo PP: Piadana Sorda
Brecchio, Kail PP: Vilòrmosa - Calabruzzi Nordosta
Brutarigo, Tobias PP: Plantina Sorda - Ravino
Cacciamani, Larisa PP: Fonzo Esta
Cadorna, Lamberto PP: Soltera Osta
Caduccio, Carmela PP: Viledenno Nordosta - Vallo d'Albiore Inferiore
Calderone, Diana PP: Vallo d'Azura
Cambione, Brocco PP: Cantabrica Esta - Vallo di Montone
Carcelatti, Vittoria PP: Vallo di Strigina
Cardarella, Isaac PP: Viledenno Sordosta - Mendicino
Castaccaria, David PP: Corrica - Pieroboscia
Castelleria, Gennaro PP: Lampicaria - Trevigno - San Colombano di Merana
Castresana, Kail PP: Nicoletano Norda
Civitadini, Pio PP: Runeo - Morlise - Jorca
Cobricampanna, Cristina PP: Pistozzi - Crosseto Sorda
Colicchio, Adam PP: Borcenna
Conti, Margherita PP: Ollinòcchiese Norda
Cormorante, Nigello PP: Tavoliere di Dennillia
Cortanella, Marianna PP: Dennillia Ostennía
Costrelabbia, Giusto PP: Esolo di Piscierettu - Librugnie - Stampione
Crisalli, Cristoforo PP: Seltina
Cuttiglione, Brocco PP: Padania Norda
d'Angelo, Daniele PP: Seppa Norda
Daza, Domenico PP: Palatina - Aigo Esta
Deritto, Maria PP: Epiro
di Battaglia, Joshua PP: Borgorinna di Norremaque - La Battaglia
di Borgòcchiese, Poul PP: Grattio d'Esolo d'Unnone - Esolu Boggia
di Fontana, Marcella PP: Campedusa - Brugnatella Sorda - Liparegna
di Milova, Pierro PP: Milova Esta - Olba
di Rivero, Giado PP: Chiardogna Sorda - Cumbria Sorda
di Sint'Brullizio, B. PP: Sceicce
di Tratagnano, Faria PP: Quonzicchio - Dolzone Osta
Doria, Dario PP: Trefini Sorda
Dragonetti, Giuliana PP: Vallo di Chiardogna
Erigone, Matto PP: Vilònorda Sordesta - Dastamone
Falconari, Vittorio PP: Santelleria Osta - Santobricco - Brugnatella Norda
Ferrico, Emillo PP: Maceltelinna - Tonzifiatto
Fiambretti, Adam PP: Borgorinna di Dennillia
Fiorella, Melissa PP: Vallo di Trefini Inferiore
Fontremmeri, Erica PP: Toscaria Osta
Gagliardo, Thorizio PP: Civito di Tratagnano - Albugnano
Gardefini, Lúanna PP: Capriati Esta
Gaspare, Carlotta PP: Covara
Gasperi, Martha PP: Troia
Guidicelli, Carlo PP: Botricello - Orlando - Padania Sordennía
Gurrola, Jessica PP: Terragnano - Rivero Osta
La Cavallero, Roberto PP: Duglie Sorda
La Marmora, Maria PP: Valtistrada - Montesa
LaBionde, Simon PP: Imperio Sorda - Crosseto Norda
Lambourne, Kyle Irvine PP: Marchòcchiese Norda
l'Asettrecchi, M. PP: Vallo di Stresu
Lavecchio, Giannina PP: Brutia Nordesta - Merano
l'Englàntino, Simon PP: Plano Verta Costa
Libiriana, Emilia PP: Arcadia
Lima, Petrarco PP: Campobasso Osta
Luccone, Riccardo PP: Trefini Norda - Duglie Norda
Lungarelli, Ludovico PP: Soltera Esta
Lupacchino, Tobias PP: Campodania
Lupiani, Adrian PP: Civito di Trascara
Maltasconi, Marianno PP: Padania Sorda
Marino, Kail PP: Valle di Giri
Miganelli, Paolo PP: Merana
Molizzi, Aaron PP: Norremaque Ostennía
Mondragone, Carlo PP: Terrallo - Storrefine
Montanino, Carlo PP: Viledenno Esta - Santa Croce d'Anza
Montòccegliano, Cestre PP: Vilònorda Osta - Píarmognazzo - Sint'Angelo di l'Ollino
Morcone, Joshua PP: Civito di Padanica
Nicottini, Paola PP: Giomestagno Osta
Olegario, Abraham PP: Spiermanza
Ortolano, David PP: Trascara Mezziore
Padolino, Dino PP: La Spergamo Osta
Panazio, Stefano PP: Seppa Sorda
Parola, Adriana PP: Lago di Brutellia
Pestrigimiano, Joshua PP: Scommagena - Trazio Sorda
Petrucco, Angela PP: Tambione
Puscatelli, Giancarlo PP: Briuli - Plantina Norda - Milova Osta
Quartuccio, Matteo PP: Midritto - Bratteo
Rastella, Camilo PP: Pianuro di Norremaque
Ricagliati, Brocco PP: Lecarocchiavalle
Riccio, Carla Maria PP: Vallo d'Erno Mezziore
Rignello, Marco PP: Norremaque Estennía
Rissotti, Agata PP: Ferbiabbo
Rocelli, Sabrina PP: Vilòstresa Norda - Esolo d'Unnone Norda
Roscollone, Mario PP: Augusta - Taurisano
Rota, Amico PP: Baetina - Morza
Rotanelli, Giuletta PP: Albiore Sorda
Rovieri, Simona PP: Thessalia
Salzola, Clara PP: Grattio d'Onna
Santáolalla, Paola PP: Fonzo Sorda
Sant'Iria, Alessandra PP: Nicoletano Sorda
Santóianni, Francesca PP: Platina - Doro
Sbacciestre, Marco PP: Senzioffre - Borgònzamo
Sballizzi, Bruno PP: Capitanata
Sbaraglia, Derrico PP: Desantorica
Scocco, Pierro PP: Marivenna
Snidi, Giustino PP: Cantabrica Osta
Specchio, Emilla PP: Helverica
Spierratto, Kail PP: Valtebriggio
Stelcchio, Cestre PP: Pannondrio - Trazio Norda
Sumpazio, Denisa PP: Capriati Osta - Plano Alta e Subrigaria
Talchimio, Maria PP: Brutia Sordosta - Sant'Inazio di Piadana
Tartaglia, Fabrizio PP: Concessa di Rivero - Nova Venezia
Tercellense, Marco PP: Anza Settra
Togliatti, Cesare PP: Calabruzzi Nordesta - Imperio Norda
Tolo, Cattro Junio PP: Calzola - Calabruzzi Sorda
Tranzacone, Riccardo PP: La Redutto
Trettina, Bricco PP: Fiorgamino - Berríalva - Santelleria Norda
Vascelli, Nicolo PP: Bruca
Vercellese, Romano PP: Italina
Vittorini, Daniela PP: Trascara Norda
Zimperini, Enzo PP: Giomestagno Esta
Zocalli, Briano PP: Berlizzi - Nativiscare

VOTECCE DE (NO) ON CGP. 29-066
Armelli, Angela PP: Spadavecchia
Asparano, Alessandro PDS: Brutia Nordosta - Villotrabbaje
Bacco, Cristina PP: Forlicesena
Carmonello, Filippo PDS: Vilònorda Settra
Comona, Anna Maria PDS: Brutia Osta
Corbett, Chester PP: Marchòcchiese Sorda
Cormico, Francesco PDS: Micchiolli
Costantini, Giada PDS: Viledenno Settra
di Carmolli, Tornessa PC: Quartelo di Trabbajetto
di Giuseppe, Benedetto PDS: Vilònorda Sordosta
Fosselli, Doria PDS: Fiano
Ilario, Ferrina PDS: Vilònorda Esta - Universitade
Knott, Bryce Ryan PP: Marchòcchiese Esta
Leveto, Giulio PDS: Campobasso Esta
Macchiarella, Ella PP: Scaglietto - Vilònorda Norda
Magnini, Gennaro PP: Cressanone - Manzaricano - Arese
Matti, Camilla PDS: Vilòstresa Settra
Molmetti, Atturo PDS: Civito di Carpa
Montògliore, Scian PP: Civito di Marchòcchiese
Pasi, Aurora PV: Vilostresa Sordesta - Santelleria Sordosta
Piccinninni, Adam PP: Tercelli - Porbano
Riprostoggione, Liana PP: Brutia Settra
Schioravone, Sandra PDS: Brutia Esta
Serratello, Anastasia PP: Brutellia Sordostennía
Spellanzano, Roma PDS: Viado Repubblica
Strabbarno, Inazio PDS: Brutia Sordesta - Sciuratto
Tartascone, Felice PV: Vilòstresa Sordosta - Tonzivibbia
Treola, Anna Maria PDS: Colfetta

LONTANA (ABSENT) ON LA VOTE
Lancelotti, Kyle Tyler PP: Torranica - Esolu di Pecadi - Cattero di Perucce

Brutland and Norden

07-09-2008, 09:26

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Parliament mulls marriage bills
September 07, 2008
by Pierro Stellanello
KINGSVILLE - After the spectacular suspension of civil marriages in Brutland and Norden, the Parliament is getting busy trying to work on Nord-Brutlandese laws in order to comply with or circumvent the newly-passed and much-hated World Assembly resolution "Freedom of Marriage Act" (FoMA).

Several bills were on the floor of the General Court, all of which had been reviewed and approved by the Brutland and Norden section of the highly-secretive World Assembly Compliance Commission. Parliament is expected to approve or reject all of the bills within a month.

Declassification
The first bill to reach the floor was one authored by conservative MP Emilia Libiriana [PP: Arcadia, Brutland]. Her bill, CGP. 29-069, would declassify homosexuals as persons. "Obviously, declassifying homosexuals as persons is the easiest way out. The resolution applies to persons, right? Not to bears or broccoli, or anything the nation does not recognize as a 'person'. They say we think homosexuals are not human? Then we'll give them what they want!"

"It is disturbing that the simple expedient of not recognizing homosexuals as "persons" can circumvent the resolution," commented Social Democratic leader and MP Ferrina Ilario [PDS: Vilònorda Esta–Universitade, Norden], a known advocate of gay rights. "I think that FoMA is a highly flawed resolution."

CGP 29-069 delayed the introduction of other bills as several MPs protested angrily. "With the declassification of homosexuals as 'persons', they would lose all their rights," said MP Anastasia Serratello [PP: Brutellia Sordostennía, Brutland]. "This must not be permitted!"

"You and your piece of legislative trash is insulting! You are insulting to me and you are insulting to homosexuals!" thundered Communist MP Tornessa di Carmolli [PC: Quartelo di Trabbajetto, Norden], a lesbian married to her female partner. Di Carmolli was barely able to contain herself from physically assaulting Mrs. Libiriana, but fortunately, MPs Joshua di Battaglia [PP: Borgorinna di Norremaque-La Battaglia, Norden] and Alessandro Asparano [PDS: Brutia Nordosta-Villotrabbaje, Brutland] stepped in to prevent the impending catfight.

Deputy Prime Minister Sean Montògliore [PP: Civito di Marchòcchiese, Brutland] was barely able to keep order in the usually-tranquil General Court.

With both sides confident that they would win, CGP 29-069 was also the first to be put on a vote. "Brutland and Norden is with me," said Mrs. Libiriana as she recited the latest polls again, "vote with your constituents, not against them, or they will go right back at you."

"This is madness," said MP Bryce Ryan Knott [PP: Marchòcchiese Esta, Brutland]. "I am confident everyone will realize how foolish this thing is."

However, both sides were surprised when CGP 29-069 narrowly failed, 70-76. "The results are chilling," said Mr. Knott, "that's how evil we are?"

"I voted against because this is unconstitutional," explained Justice Minister and MP Adam Fiambretti [PP: Borgòrinna di Dennillia, Norden].

"I don't care if it is unconstitutional," snarled Justice Committee Chairperson and MP Domenico Daza [PP: Palatina-Aigo Esta, Brutland]. "What we need are measures like this."

"Brutland and Norden is not a barbaric nation," remarked MP Inazio Strabbarno [PDS: Brutia Sordesta-Sciuratto, Brutland], "and thank God we had not become such."

Legalization of Civil Unions
Another obvious solution was to comply with the resolution and legalize civil unions. MP Serratello introduced a bill, CGP 29-070, which will legalize civil unions, which can grants to both different-sex and same-sex pairs. All marriages performed by the government will be termed as "civil unions", leaving the term "marriage" to be used by churches. People undergoing religious marriages are required to apply for a civil union license, unless the church applies for a Chiercoque Podere Eclenta (C.P.E.; Extraordinary Church Powers) in which the church will assume the governance and implementation of these marriages. Government rarely approves C.P.E.s, and as such, religious marriages most likely still fall under both civil and religious laws.

"Obviously some have qualms about using the term 'marriage' for homosexual unions," explained Ms. Serratello, "so what this bill does is to scrap the state's usage of the term 'marriage' and instead use the term 'union' for all ceremonies performed by the state. The churches are free to use 'marriages'."

Some are not convinced. "You can go on and call shit a flower but it won't change a thing," said Mrs. Libiriana.

"What, we will allow ourselves to dictated to now?" asked MP Sylvia Bertagnoli [PP: Padania Osta, Brutland].

CGP 29-070 is up for debate tomorrow.

Resigning from the World Assembly
Resignation from the World Assembly was another viable option. A resolution, CGR 29-102, authored by MP Isaac Cardarella [PP: Viledenno Sordosta - Mendicino, Norden] calls on the government to withdraw and resign from the World Assembly. "Withdrawal from the World Assembly makes Brutland and Norden exempt from enforcing its outrageous resolutions... not just this one."

Supporters of the World Assembly and many of the foreign policy experts agreed that such a decision would be disastrous for Brutland and Norden. "For one, we had worked so hard for the United Nations, and now in the World Assembly, for our opinions, for endorsements, and as such. Our present status gives us influence, and resigning would bring it back to zero," explained Deputy Foreign Minister for the Region and MP Kyle Irvine Lambourne [PP: Marchòcchiese Norda, Brutland].

"Oh, the WAGA [World Assembly General Assembly] is just in one of its stupid moments," opined Deputy Foreign Minister for the World Assembly and MP Cestre l'E. Montòccegliano [PP: Vilònorda Osta-Píarmognazzo-Sint'Angelo di l'Ollino, Norden]. "We ought to repeal the stupidity... yes that's what we should do. Meanwhile we need temporizing measures."

In the only other vote yesterday, the General Court passed, 88-57, an amendment by Mr. Daza to make the resolution binding. The General Court is scheduled to vote on CGR 29-102 on Monday.

Pre-Nuptial Agreements
Another pending bill, CGP 29-073, would strengthen pre-nuptial agreements and would make these contracts highly encouraged. While it may seem to violate FoMA at first sight, closer examination of the proposal would say otherwise.

"A pre-nuptial agreement is an agreement, or a contract (if you would like to call it as such), in which two persons agree and bind themselves to certain conditions on certain areas such as administration of the common estate, inheritance rights, and the like," explained MP Tobias Lupacchino [PP: Campodania, Norden] the author of the bill. "Anyone can enter a pre-nuptial agreement, same sex, different sex, two dogs, whoever. We will recognize all pre-nuptial agreements. However," Mr. Lupacchino said with a smile, "its enforcement is contingent upon the performance of marriage, which the state doesn't do anymore and which churches only do."

Again, while it may look to run contrary to Article 3 of FoMA, Mr. Lupacchino said, "First, a pre-nuptial agreement is not a contract of union. Second, it won't establish different requirements for the state to recognize and enforce it, as the state will recognize all pre-nuptial agreements and its enforcement, regardless of whoever enters it, is dependent on marriage. A pre-nuptial agreement is something that says, 'look, we have agreed to bind ourselves to these terms should we get married'. You can have a pre-nuptial agreement with anybody and not even get married!"

"It would also give flexibility to pairs. Since with FoMA, they want to put the individual before the state, now, we do the same. Let the individual decide on how their unions should be governed," added the bill's co-author, MP Giuliana Dragonetti [PP: Vallo di Chiardogna, Brutland].

The General Court will proceed to its first reading of CGP 29-073 on Monday.

New Status Quo
Some argued that the current suspension is enough. "Actually, we don't need to pass anything, except the suspension," opined Justice Minister Fiambretti. "We have enough laws to cover everything."

Fiambretti explains that with the suspension of the performance of civil marriages and laws governing such, the government had entirely distanced itself from the marriage business. The vacuum created by the withdrawal of the state from the marriage business will be taken over by the churches. In short, the churches will be the ones solemnizing, implementing, and governing religious marriages.

The law invoked by CGP 29-066 for this is the 1914 Lagge per l'Alfari di la Statte e la Chierche (LASC; Law for the Affairs of the Church and the State). LASC states that everything 'temporal' (as opposed to 'spiritual') is under the power of the state, except for certain areas. These areas may be chosen by request of the church(es) and/or by the government granting the churches the power over these certain areas. Its companion bill, the Poderi di la Chierchi (PdlC; Powers of the Churches) of 1914, specifically lists these exemptions, in which the state relinquishes these powers to the churches. For example, the process of choosing the clergy is left to the churches and is listed on the PdlC. The PdlC had been amended many times, such as in 1957, when education was removed from the PdlC (education became the domain and the responsibility of the state and not of the church), and most recently a few days ago, with CGP 29-066, when marriage was added to the PdlC.

Only recognized churches are covered under the LASC and the PdlC. The Royal Supreme Court of Brutland and Norden decision Chierco Satanense r. Grattio di Borcenna and the 1940 Laggi per Religioni Eclenta e Cultu (LREC; Laws for Extraordinary Religions and Cults) governs recognition of churches. Churches had to be registered and specifically allowed by the Biure d'Alfari Chierca (BAC; Bureau of Church Affairs) under the Ministry of the Interior in order to be able to enjoy the provisions of PdlC. Otherwise, the LASC and the LREC would apply.

"Thus religious marriages wil be governed by the laws of the churches who granted the marriage," Mr. Fiambretti said. But how about civil marriages? "Suspended too... or rather, we have nothing to do with them anymore. They can go live their life as they want... without interference with the state. You know you can live and cohabit with anybody you want even before we suspended civil marriage, right? Then it'll just be like that."

Brutland and Norden

07-09-2008, 13:41

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Protests mar Union Day
September 08, 2008
by Giannina Biancaniello
KINGSVILLE - Protests erupted across many Nord-Brutlandese cities yesterday, marring one of the most awaited days in the Nord-Brutlandese civil calendar, Union Day. Every September 7, the country celebrates the birth of their nation through the union of the Kingdom of Brutland and the Queendom of Norden.

Many of the protests were against the World Assembly resolution "Freedom of Marriage Act" (FoMA), though some were held against Parliament's suspension of marriages and a few were in support of gay rights. Pierferrando Cartini, Brutland and Norden's Police Chief, estimated that across the country, 400,000,000 turned out against FoMA, 6,000,000 turned out against the suspension, and 50,000 turned out in support of gay rights.

Snarled Capital
Two million anti-FoMA protesters marched down Corso Norden in front of Parliament, waving Nord-Brutlandese flags and holding banners like "B&N out of WA now!", "Repeal FoMA!", "Our nation, our laws!", and "Marriage = Man + Woman". The protestors also trampled on and burned huge flags of the World Assembly and of the nation of Mendosia, the main instigator of FoMA in the World Assembly. Another flag-burning ceremony was also held in the Piazzo di Rinno Kail la Malenetto, in which protesters burned flags of nations who were known to support FoMA.

A small 2,000-person contingent of anti-suspension picketers were surrounded by the anti-FoMA protesters in front of Parliament, and Kingsville police pre-emptively evacuated them to prevent clashes. However, 1,500 pro-gay rights protesters tried to march down Viale Modica to Parliament but were halted by anti-FoMA people near Tarrantasca Stadium. Police set up a barrier between the two groups of protesters, but the pro-gay rights marchers demanded their right to march to Parliament. Police removed the barrier, and the anti-FoMA protesters promptly linked hands and did not permit the pro-gay rights people to reach Parliament. The pro-gay rights protesters relocated and set up their own rally in Piazzo di Stresùdoza, down Corso Brutellia.

Traffic was snarled along Kingsville's main east-west route, even if it was a holiday. Chief Cartini theorized that the large number of protesters were due to the fact that Union Day is a non-working holiday.

Riot in Padanica
An initially peaceful anti-FoMA march in the city of Padanica, the capital of Brutland and Norden's largest grant, turned violent when scores of protesters stormed and torched establishments in the Malàro, the small "pink district" of the city, a known haven of homosexuals. Police had to quell the rioting by firing tear gas at the rioters. 27 people were arrested, though no one was seriously injured. Damage was estimated at 6.5 million livros.

Clash in Colfetta
Anti-FoMA marchers were pelted with garbage in Colfetta as they passed a rally by pro-gay rights and anti-suspension picketers in front of the Colfetta City Hall. A teenage bystander was seriously injured by a flying glass bottle. Police rounded up 20 protesters who instigated the violence.

Other protests
Other rallies were very peaceful, though some were big. In Brutland City, the capital of Brutland, as many as 25 million people filled the city's center for an anti-FoMA protest. The Archbishop of Brutland City and the Archduke of Brutland came to speak to the crowd.

Elsewhere, the number of anti-FoMA protesters vastly exceeded that of pro-gay rights and anti-suspension rallyists. Police estimates for attendace of largest rallies: Brutland City - 25 million; Nordville - 18 million; Dennville - 7 million; Padanica - 3 million; Kingsville - 2 million; Timberland - 1.5 million; Trascara - 1 million; Carpa - 1 million; Vilòrmosa - 900,000; Campobasso - 825,000; Stampione - 750,000; Colfetta - 700,000; Spadavecchia - 675,000; Concessa di Rivero - 600,000; Borgòrinna di Dennillia - 550,000; Cattero di Perucce - 525,000; Forlicesena - 500,000; Senzioffre-Borgònzamo - 500,000; and Terrestriva - 500,000.

The only place where anti-FoMA protesters were outnumbered was in the town of Campagnola Desantorica, grant of Desantorica, province of Norden. Pro-gay rights marchers assembled in the town hall to meet the anti-FoMA marchers. However, the anti-FoMA marchers opted instead to partake in the protest in the grant capital of Fromesino, joining 400,000 other anti-FoMA marchers.

Polls
The overwhelming number of anti-FoMA marchers may not be just due to the organization of the protests, but also to the sentiments of the Nord-Brutlandese themselves. According to the newly-released TRNM/L'Unnone/VosePopola poll, 89% of Nord-Brutlandese oppose same-sex marriage, with 77% "strongly opposed" to it. Of those opposed, 54% said that Brutland and Norden should get out of the World Assembly, and 61% said that the suspension of marriages was "necessary".

Relations with Urgench
According to sources in the World Assembly, the nation of Urgench also severed all diplomatic links with Brutland and Norden, expelled Nord-Brutlandese citizens, and froze its assets, primarily because of Brutland and Norden's stand against FoMA. When asked about the issue, the spokesperson from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) answered, "Urgench? What the hell is that?"

The spokesperson later amended his answer to, "As far as we know, we have no relations, formal or informal, with an entity known as 'Urgench'. We also have no record of Nord-Brutlandese citizens residing in such an entity. Nevertheless, if they would like sever relations, then we'll gladly sever relations too, whatever they are. If they'd expel our citizens, we'd expel their citizens too."

"What is this talk about asylum? What is Urgench anyway? A ship? Some brand of junk food?" The MoFA later issued a statement that they had requested the Royal Nord-Brutlandese Coast Guard to ground any ship named Urgench. A foreign brand of vegemite-flavored extra-crispy potato chips called 'Orgench' was also voluntarily pulled from shelves of high-end stores in Kingsville and stored in a huge freezer. The MoFA advised citizens to "know where you are applying asylum to."

The Altan Steppes

10-09-2008, 19:45

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State Department issues travel warning

NATASCORA - The State Department issued a travel warning today, advising Federation citizens to avoid the nation of Brutland and Norden "until further notice" due to unrest in that nation. The State Department also advised that they will not issue travel visas for that nation for the time being.

Following the passage of the Freedom of Marriage Act in the World Assembly, protests have been taking place in that nation against the measure. The State Department travel warning cited the burning of several nations' flags, including an Altan Steppes flag, by protesters in the Nord-Brutlandese capital as "a reason for concern that Federation citizens may not be safe" if they travel to Brutland and Norden. The travel warning also cited an attack on the gay district of the city of Padanica, warning that Altani cultural mores which tend to tolerate polyamorous and bisexual relationships "could potentially subject Federation citizens to harm" in that nation.

The incidents, particularly the flag burning, have aroused anger in some segments of Altani society. Federation Vice-President Aliri Margal, the leader of the Social Welfare and Justice Party, publicly called on the government to "punish" Brutland and Norden with unspecified sanctions. However, such a move is unlikely, according to other Federation officials. Speaking for President Alana Kasimira, who is overseas on an inter-regional tour, her spokesperson Altynshash Tileukhan said that sanctions would be almost impossible, given that the Federation has almost no ties to Brutland and Norden at all. "Punitive diplomacy is also considered counterproductive by the President, and is a last resort," Tileukhan said, adding that the Federation "prefers not to take antagonistic measures" for the time being.

Meanwhile, in a counter-protest, activists with the New Altan Party and the Altan Conservative Union publicly burned Nord-Brutlandese flags in the Federation capital of Natascora.

Brutland and Norden

31-12-2008, 11:12

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Nord-Brutlandese voters approve constitutional amendments
January 3, 2009
by Giannina Biancaniello
KINGSVILLE – the Nord-Brutlandese electorate approved two proposed amendments to the kingdom’s constitution, one referring to increasing the membership of the General Court and the other, and the more controversial, ‘pro-life’ amendment.

Amending the constitution is a tedious process in Brutland and Norden. The amendment must pass by a three-fourths majority in the Nord-Brutlandese General Court, after which elections must be held to constitute another parliament, which must pass the amendment by the same majority. The amendments are submitted to the two provincial legislatures. After the provincial legislatures deposit their assent, the proposals are put to a referendum. The proposal must pass by a simple majority, both in the provinces and in the country as a whole, to be adopted as an amendment to the United Kingdom of Brutland and Norden’s 1898 Constitution.

The last time the constitution was amended was in 1978, during the tenure of Popular Party Prime Minister Christian Monelli.

5th Amendment
The 5th amendment to the Nord-Brutlandese constitution passed 88%-10%, with almost the same percentages in the two provinces and in the Union Territories. Introduced by MPs Anastasia Serratello [PP: Brutellia Sordòstennía, Brutland] and Bricco Trettina [PP: Fiorgamino - Berríalva - Santelleria Norda, Union Territories], the proposal increases the number of MP in the General Court from 150 to 500, partitioned as follows: 225 from the province of Brutland, 225 from the province of Norden, and 50 from the Union Territories. It was put forth in order to make the General Court more representative and more equal in the number of people in each parliamentary seat.

According to the advice of the Royal Supreme Court of Brutland and Norden, a constitutional amendment was needed to change the membership of the General Court, as the number and the apportionment between the provinces and territories is fixed by the 1898 Constitution.

The Nord-Brutlandese XXVIIIth General Court passed the amendment 126-17 last April. Its mandated reconstitution coincided with the voting of a new parliament last May, a move deemed constitutional by the Royal Supreme Court. On its first session, the Popular Party-controlled XXIXth Parliament passed the amendment again by the requisite three-fourths majority, 133-10.

The Brutland provincial legislature easily approved the proposal last June and deposited its certificate of assent with the General Court last July 02, 2008. The Norden Chamber of Commons approved the measure 456-43 on August 14, 2008, and the Norden Senate voted 30-4 to pass the proposal next day. Norden’s certificate of assent was sent to the General Court on August 20, 2008.

The amendment easily passed yesterday’s referendum, indicating widespread support for the measure. All of the major Nord-Brutlandese parties supported the measure.

6th amendment
In contrast to the 5th amendment, the ‘pro-life’ amendment was more controversial. The text of the amendment states that Brutland and Norden recognizes that life begins at conception and that the unborn’s rights must be respected and protected by the state. This codifies the precedent set by the Royal Supreme Court decision Fiano vs. Norden, which also states that life begins at conception.

The proposal was submitted by MPs Melissa Fiorella [PP: Valle di Trefini Inferiore, Norden] and Kail Castresana [PP: Nicoletano Norda, Brutland] in response last year’s parliamentary proposal to ease the restrictions on abortion. After a lengthy debate, the XXVIIIth General Court rejected the proposal 112-37, just one vote short of the requisite three-fourths majority. However, on the next regular session of the lower house, the proponents were able to put it again on the agenda with the help of the Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Health, MP Daniela Vittorini [PP: Trascara Norda, Brutland]. The proposal eventually passed, 114-36, on February 29, 2008. MP Kyle Irvine Lambourne [PP: Marchòcchiese Norda, Brutland], the Royal Nord-Brutlandese Representative to the South Pacific, who was absent on the first vote, returned to Kingsville in order to personally cast his crucial ‘yes’ vote. However, this turned out to be unnecessary as another MP, Mrs. Margherita Conti [PP: Ollinòcchiese Norda, Brutland] switched her vote from “no” to “yes”, giving a one-vote margin for the proposal.

The proposal was a hot issue in some local races for MP in the 2008 Nord-Brutlandese parliamentary elections. Several PDS MPs were defeated, or nearly defeated, on the issue. The reconstituted XXIXth General Court voted 125-25 to pass the proposal.

The proposal was more easily approved by the conservative Brutland provincial legislature, while the proposal languished in the Norden legislature. Prime Minister Marianna Cortanella’s government initially decided that the referendum for both amendments be set on January 02, 2009, but with Norden seemingly unable to approve the bill, her government separated the vote for the two proposals, with the ‘pro-life’ amendment postponed indefinitely. However, the Norden Chamber of Commons was able to approve the bill on October 02, 2008, on a vote of 261-238. The Norden Senate, meanwhile, succumbed to the pressures to tackle the bill and eventually approved it 18-17 on October 05, 2008, and the certificate of assent was sent to the General Court on October 10, 2008. Thus, the proposal was able to make it to yesterday’s referendum.

The politicians and the voters polarized into the ‘pro-amendment’ and ‘anti-amendment’ sides, with neither side explicitly discussing abortion. The ‘pro-amendment’ side said that the strength of the Royal Supreme Court precedent was not enough and that protection of the unborn must be enshrined in the Constitution, the very fabric and guiding principles of the kingdom, to prevent any challenges to it. The ecumenical organization Pro-Vite Norden e Marchòbrutellia (PVNeMb; Pro-Life Brutland and Norden) took the lead in the ‘pro-amendment’ side, and they were also supported by the influential Roman Catholic Church, which claims more than 90% of Nord-Brutlandese as adherents.

The ‘anti-amendment’ side, on the other hand, argued that the precedent was enough, and that the amendment was unnecessary. The ‘anti-amendment’ side was also especially careful not to be seen as a pro-abortion stand, as it could prove disastrous for them in a electorate that is more than 90% anti-abortion. However, when its association with pro-choice organizations Lego di Votottu Donna Nordèbrutelliense (LVDN; League of Nord-Brutlandese Women Voters) and the Consellio per la Vigile di Cresce Populaziona (CVCP, Council for the Control of Population Growth) were known, it doomed the prospects of the ‘anti-amendment’ side.

The Green Party, Communist Party, and the Social Democratic Parties took the anti-amendment side, while the Nationalist Party took the pro-amendment side. The ruling Popular Party did not make an official stand.

The proposal was a hit with Brutland voters, which approved the proposal by a vote of nearly 3-to-1. The Union Territories voted 55%-45% for the amendment, while in Norden, the “No” vote trailed the “Yes” vote by 4%. Overall the amendment passed 62%-38%, making it the 6th amendment to the Constitution of the United Kingdom of Brutland and Norden.

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