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Scottish Court Rules Against Biological Males Being Held In Women's Prisons
There is a major ruling in Scotland where a court declared that it is generally unlawful to house a transgender biological male in a women’s prison. The decision follows the ruling of the top UK court that a woman is defined by her biological gender at birth. The timing is notable as we await a couple of transgender rulings from our own Supreme Court this week. The decisions also highlight the anomaly of police continuing to arrest people who object to transgender policies under the aggressive anti-free speech laws in the United Kingdom.
In her published opinion, Lady Ross declared that “in all the circumstances, the prison’s guidance is unlawful.” The decision came after a controversy involving convicted rapist Isla Bryson – formerly known as Adam Graham. Despite being convicted of raping two women in 2023, Bryson was initially sent to the Cornton Vale women’s prison.
Scotland continues to crack down on free speech through draconian laws.
The Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021 illustrates how these laws create a slippery slope of speech criminalization as more and more speech is banned. We previously discussed the law when it was first introduced.
The new crime covers “stirring up hatred” relating to age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity or being intersex. That crime covers insulting comments and anything “that a reasonable person would consider to be threatening or abusive.”
It is enough that a person is found to have likely understood that the comments would be abusive or insulting as opposed to intending to be abusive or insulting.
Figures such as J.K. Rowling have been threatened with arrest for her public position in opposition to transgender laws.
This creates a curious conflict, as courts support such views when enforcing biological limits on access to prisons and other areas.
In the United States, there is a division on the issue. Some states, like Maine, require correctional housing to match the gender identification of the inmate rather than the biological sex at birth. Faced with lawsuits and legislative inquiries, the Maine Correctional Department continues to defend its policy. Other states have barred such transgender placement.
This coming week, we are awaiting major rulings on transgender controversies in the United States.
In Little v. Hecox, the Court is considering whether laws that categorically require sports participants to compete based on their biological sex violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.
In West Virginia v. B.P.J., the Court is considering two questions: (1) whether Title IX prevents a state from limiting sports teams to biological sex at birth, and (2) whether such a limitation violates the Equal Protection Clause.
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China Sanctions 10 US Defense, Rare Earth Firms, Restricts 46 From Govt Procurement Weeks After Pentagon Blacklist
China said on Monday that it will add 10 American firms to its export control list, including two rare earth firms MP Materials and USA Rare Earth, while also restricting 46 US firms from government procurement, signalling it would respond to Washington’s recent expansion of a military blacklist, even amid a broader stabilization of bilateral ties, the SCMP reported.
The Ministry of Commerce said in a statement on Monday that the 10 American firms to be added to the export control list were
- AVEOX (Simi Valley, California)
- Red Cat Holdings and Teal Drones (South Salt Lake, Utah)
- IMSAR (Springville, Utah)
- Jaia Robotics (Bristol, Rhode Island)
- Ball Aerospace & Technologies (Broomfield, Colorado)
- Oshkosh Defense (Oshkosh, Wisconsin)
- L3Harris Maritime Services (Norfolk, Virginia)
- MP Materials (Las Vegas, Nevada)
- USA Rare Earth (Stillwater, Oklahoma)
It's notable that China's commerce ministry had already imposed curbs on a number of these listed firms and their subsidiaries, both in 2024 and 2025 over US arms sales to Taiwan. More notably, the inclusion of critical rare earth players like MP Materials and USA Rare Earth underscores Beijing's willingness to weaponize its monopoly over the global magnet and rare earths supply chains.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce said the decisions were made in response to “malicious actions” by the US government, after the US Department of Defence expanded its list of “Chinese military companies”.
China’s Ministry of Commerce in Beijing. Photo: EPA-EFE/File photo“China has decided, in accordance with the relevant laws and provisions… to include Aveox, Inc. and nine other US military-related entities on the export control list. The export of dual-use items to these entities is prohibited, and no export operators shall violate the above provisions,” said the commerce ministry spokesperson.
Analysts said that the measures from both sides so far were unlikely to significantly derail relations, though they also warned of the impact from any escalation.As we reported, on June 9, the Pentagon said it was adding dozens of Chinese companies - including tech giants Alibaba and Baidu - to a list of entities it says were linked to China’s military, widening a blacklist perceived as targeting sectors at the heart of US-China technological competition. The designation cut the firms off from US defense procurement; however, Baidu had quickly shot back, calling the suggestion that it is a military company "totally baseless".
So the U.S. publishes a list of Chinese Military Companies—which imposes no sanctions or restrictions on those companies, it’s just a list—and China responds with actual export controls on multiple U.S. companies. Seems like a good time for Commerce to issue the Entity List… https://t.co/3JIAMuWVfK
— Chris McGuire (@ChrisRMcGuire) June 22, 2026The commerce ministry cited provisions of China’s laws on export control of dual-use items - products with both civilian and military applications - as well as the need to safeguard national security and fulfill "international non-proliferation obligations."
Specifically, export operators are prohibited from shipping dual-use items to the 10 firms. Organizations and individuals from any country or region are also prohibited from transferring or providing any dual-use item that originated in China to these businesses.
The notice mandated that any export currently under way that falls under the law must be stopped immediately.
Taiwan remains a sticking point in this tense ongoing diplomatic and defense tug-of-war, but Rubio has still lately confirmed that a proposed $14 billion arms package to Taiwan remains "under review" - in the wake of fierce Beijing objections.
According to the Wall Street Journal, here what was likely behind Beijing's calculus:
China’s actions on Monday “likely serve to build leverage for China in the ongoing negotiations with the U.S.,” said Henry Gao, a trade expert and professor of law at Singapore Management University. “In terms of the trade truce, this development introduces additional friction, but it does not necessarily derail the process.”
MP Materials, which enjoys financial backing from the Pentagon, is a leading U.S. miner and processor of rare earths. Although USA Rare Earth is less established as a player in the emerging industry, both companies are aggressively ramping up capacity in an attempt to break China’s stranglehold over the global supply chain of the key materials. MP Materials and USA Rare Earth didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
Meanwhile, the Chinese Ministry of Finance also released a statement saying it would restrict 46 US firms from government procurement, excluding those involved in China-based US-Sino joint ventures, effective immediately. The list of 46 US companies includes Lockheed Martin, Raytheon Missiles & Defence, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, BDS (Boeing Defence, Space & Security), General Dynamics Land Systems and Javelin Joint Venture, a 50-50 partnership between Lockheed Martin and Raytheon.
Cameron Johnson, a partner at Shanghai-based consultancy Tidalwave Solutions, said the move is Beijing’s “brushback pitch” – a warning against other possible sanctions on China or its firms.
“This is a reaction to the US’ recent blacklisting by the Pentagon,” he said. “This also serves as a warning against any possible sanctions, such as ones targeting China’s open-source AI tools that are currently being discussed in the US.”
Johnson said that more trade sanctions were likely from both the US and China, as both countries attempt to increase leverage before President Xi Jinping’s visit to the US in September.
“So when they meet, they can use these measures as chips at the bargaining table,” he said.
Earlier this month, the Pentagon added technology giant Alibaba Group Holding, electric vehicle makers BYD and Nio, search engine Baidu, robot maker Unitree Robotics, networking equipment maker TP-Link and other Chinese companies in artificial intelligence, biotechnology and the solar sector to a list of “Chinese military companies”.
The designation, under Section 1260H of the National Defence Authorisation Act, can complicate firms’ access to US capital markets and government business, although it does not automatically trigger sanctions. Observers also said “reputational stigma” could affect the Chinese firms involved, and that the move could pave the way for tougher sanctions by the US.
For China, Johnson said the top leadership was also continuing to expand its export controls to blunt the impact from the US, particularly in non-proliferation compliance or in relation to activities or commodity trading it sees as detrimental to China and its companies.
Xin Qiang, a professor and deputy director of the Centre for American Studies at Fudan University, said Beijing was making it clear it would fight back against trade sanctions or designations, but that the ball is now in the US’ court.
“Beijing is making it clear it’s not afraid of tactical confrontation” he said.
Xin, however, warned that any further escalation could cast a pall over Xi’s planned September trip to the US.
“I think the next step will likely depend on whether the US continues to introduce new sanctions or confrontational measures. If so, China will certainly retaliate. If this falls into a vicious cycle, the impact will be extremely negative.”
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Colombian Bonds, Stocks Rise As Trump-Backed "El Tigre" Defeats Socialist Rival
Summary:
- Colombian Bonds, Stocks Rise as Right-Wing, Trump-Backed Espriella Wins Vote
- Trump-Backed "El Tigre" Wins Colombia Presidency As Socialist Era Ends
Colombian-dollar bonds surged across the curve on Monday, led by notes due in 2054, as traders bet that right-wing Abelardo de la Espriella's presidential win will cut taxes, reduce spending, crack down on crime, and reopen the oil industry to unleash an energy revolution.
The streets of Bogotá have erupted in celebration after it was announced that El Tigre has won the presidential election. pic.twitter.com/hB9zqgjBZW
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) June 21, 2026According to Bloomberg data, bonds due in 2054 led the advance, up 0.8 cent to 116.9 cents on the dollar.
Colombian 2036 dollar bonds are rising. Peso jumped 1.5%.
Colombia's version of the S&P 500, COLCAP, jumped 4% on Monday, with energy stocks leading, up 7.2%.
Credicorp said Colombian stocks could rise 5% following the election and as much as 20% over the longer term, while local yields could slide by 150-200 bps in the months ahead.
BTG Pactual analyst Munir Jalil penned a note earlier today that outlined De la Espriella's win as "directionally constructive given the market-friendly platform on security, taxes, investment, and hydrocarbons."
"However, the near-term asset rally may be more contained than after the first round, as part of the outcome was already priced and the external backdrop is less supportive," Jalil said, adding, "We expect the COP and TES to react positively at first. Still, the move's durability should depend on the cabinet, the transition, fiscal signals, and the ability to build a stable congressional majority."
De la Espriella's government plan
JPMorgan analyst Diego Pereira said, "A one-point win is still a win, but one this thin reshapes both the mandate and the politics of delivery across fronts."
Pereira's view on Colombian markets:
Local markets:
We remain OW TES and long Sep-2030 TES, expecting the next leg of the rally to be driven by greater clarity on governability and fiscal consolidation plans. We stay MW COP and close the outright short COP vs BRL and MXN we had as a hedge for our position in bonds as the market settles after the open
Sovereign credit:
We reduce our OW weighting from 1.0 to 0.5 given potential tensions during the transition period from the revealed stark polarization.
Corporate Credit:
In the corporate space, we have expressed our view on Colombia’s elections through OW recommendations on the belly of Ecopetrol’s curve — the '32s, '33s, and '36s — alongside an OW on Bancolombia’s 2034 notes
Equities:
With today’s official confirmation of Abelardo de la Espriella’s victory, we view the result as confirmation of a policy regime change, which should support a broader re-rating in Colombian equities. From an equity strategy perspective, Energy offers the clearest opportunity around this outcome, and Ecopetrol (Neutral, covered by Milene Carvalho) stands out as the most direct way to gain exposure.
De la Espriella's win on Sunday night is part of a once-in-a-generation political shift across Latin America, a region ruled for years by nation-killing socialist regimes that have been voted out of office due to failed progressive policies sparking violent crime waves and economic turmoil. The rise of market-friendly, right-wing leaders has sparked rallies across the continent.
Amazing what happens when USAID gets defunded.
A right wing wave of governments in South America via @DatosAme24
June 2023:
🔴Left wing: 10
🔵Right wing: 3
June 2026:
🔵Right wing: 7 (+4)
🔴Left wing: 6 (-4) https://t.co/jMzPwokz4k pic.twitter.com/GHpFVVqKFx
Take Argentina, for instance, where assets have jumped under right-wing President Javier Milei as he pushes to reset the economy.
Trump-Backed "El Tigre" Wins Colombia Presidency As Socialist Era EndsSouth America is undergoing a once-in-a-generation political realignment as voters turn against left-wing and unhinged socialist governments and embrace common-sense right-wing leaders who promise law and order, economic reform, and national renewal.
¡Gracias, Colombia!
Casi 13 millones de colombianos depositaron su confianza en José Manuel Restrepo, en el Tigre y en este gran sueño llamado Patria Milagro.
Este respaldo histórico nos llena de gratitud, pero también de una enorme responsabilidad. Hoy comienza una nueva etapa… pic.twitter.com/137k5Q6wzo
The political shift across the Americas gained further momentum on Sunday evening after Abelardo de la Espriella, backed by President Trump, won Colombia's presidential runoff in a narrow victory over left-wing senator Iván Cepeda. This is a major blow to the socialists, coming after four years under the left-wing administration of Gustavo Petro.
🚨 BREAKING: Trump-endorsed right-wing Colombian presidential candidate Abelardo De La Espriella STUNS THE WORLD and WINS the presidential election
He plans to go FULL BUKELE MODE, locking up criminals en masse, destroying the cartels and cooperate with President Trump… pic.twitter.com/FwrAGyHnsc
With 99.65% of ballots counted in the preliminary tally, de la Espriella had 12.91 million votes, or 49.65%, compared with Cepeda's 12.67 million, or 48.7%. The margin was about 248,000 votes, narrower than de la Espriella's first-round advantage three weeks earlier.
🚨 ÚLTIMA HORA: Abelardo de la Espriella gana la segunda vuelta presidencial en Colombia, según el preconteo. Llega a 12.901.860 votos, frente a 12.646.859 alcanzados por Iván Cepeda, con el 99,45 % de las mesas informadas
Siga el cubrimiento especial 👉🏻 https://t.co/W9Dw3E7iPd pic.twitter.com/NN12XhyqQe
Polymarket
BREAKING: Polymarket projects Abelardo “El Tigre” de la Espriella has won the Colombian presidential election — 99% chance. pic.twitter.com/HwunMz0QRQ
— Polymarket (@Polymarket) June 21, 2026De la Espriella, who has referred to himself as El Tigre (the Tiger), has now put Colombia back on track to shift right after four years of disastrous socialism. This follows recent right-wing victories in Honduras and Chile, with Peru also leaning right. The 2024 re-election of right-wing Nayib Bukele, who fundamentally transformed El Salvador into one of the region's safest countries, is another example.
In 2023, Javier Milei was sworn in as president of Argentina, aiming to reverse years of far-left control that had devastated the nation with inflation and debt. Earlier this year, U.S. Delta Force operators removed socialist Nicolás Maduro from power in Venezuela.
The shift across the Americas is part of a broader backlash against progressive policies that have sparked surging violent crime, economic stagnation, debt traps, currency declines, and collapsing public confidence.
Americas Political Map: Presidential Shift From Left To Right
Country-by-country presidential shift tracker
Back to De La Espriella, who ran on a simple platform popular among right-wing leaders in the Americas: restore law and order and rescue the country from the economic ruin progressives had created. He has also vowed to "disembowel" the left in Colombia.
Meanwhile, Petro, who was constitutionally barred from seeking re-election and backed Cepeda, alleged irregularities in the preliminary vote count and blamed Israel...
"This means that the software was compromised and others wrote data for polling stations and voting posts. The only entity in the world capable of doing that is the state of Israel," Petro wrote on X.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro declares the results of the ongoing Presidential Runoff Election to be invalid, following the loss of left-wing ruling party candidate Iván Cepeda and close win of Trump-backed far-right candidate Abelardo de la Espriella. Petro claims that… pic.twitter.com/92hiJ96eUD
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) June 21, 2026The pattern is clear: the Western Hemisphere experimented with nation-killing progressive policies that have largely failed and have entered a rejection phase. This gives rise to right-wing governments that support Trump, coinciding with his mission to clean up the West, whether by dismantling narco-terrorist command-and-control structures, pushing Chinese influence out of the region, or simply stopping the rise of socialism and communism.
Tyler Durden Mon, 06/22/2026 - 09:15