Andrew Warren Challenges Governor’s Authority in Legal Battle to Reclaim His Position

A Florida prosecutor who was removed from his post by Governor Ron DeSantis is now suing to regain his position, accusing the governor of overstepping his powers and violating his constitutional rights. Andrew Warren, the elected State Attorney for Florida’s 13th Judicial Circuit, was dismissed by DeSantis in August after joining over 100 US officials in pledging not to prosecute abortion providers or those offering gender-affirming care to transgender youth.

Warren, who was first elected in 2016 and re-elected in 2020, has condemned the removal as a “blatant abuse of power” and an infringement on his First Amendment rights. He argues that DeSantis’s actions undermine the results of a free and fair election, as well as the state constitution. In a federal lawsuit filed this week, Warren asserts that the constitution’s meaning should be determined by the courts, not by DeSantis’ interpretation to silence dissent and favour his supporters.

Warren’s removal came after he signed pledges to use discretion in not criminalising abortion or gender-affirming healthcare, in response to the US Supreme Court’s overturning of abortion rights. Florida’s new anti-abortion law, which bans the procedure after 15 weeks with no exceptions for rape or incest, was a significant point of contention.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Warren described his removal as an unlawful action, saying he was escorted from his office by an armed deputy and replaced with someone loyal to DeSantis. The governor’s executive order claimed Warren’s refusal to enforce certain laws, including those targeting transgender healthcare, demonstrated “incompetence” and “willful defiance of his duties”.

Despite the absence of current Florida laws criminalising gender-affirming care or transgender rights, DeSantis argued that Warren’s stances violated state laws and undermined the rule of law. Warren’s refusal to prosecute abortion-related cases was deemed by the governor to have “nullified” Florida law, which DeSantis argued justified his suspension.

In the midst of this, Florida continues to push measures to restrict access to gender-affirming care for trans youth and has joined other states in moving to block Medicaid coverage for transgender adults. Meanwhile, the state’s Board of Medicine is considering regulations that would prevent minors from accessing gender-affirming treatments, despite contrary recommendations from federal health authorities and medical experts.

Former Vice President Warns Against Defunding the FBI, Stresses Support for Law Enforcement

Mike Pence, the former Vice President, strongly condemned the wave of criticism aimed at federal law enforcement by several of his Republican peers following the FBI’s search of Donald Trump’s home in Florida last week. Speaking at St. Anselm College in New Hampshire, Pence emphasised that while it is acceptable to question the legal investigation into Trump, attacking the FBI is unjustified.

The FBI’s search of Trump’s residence was part of an ongoing inquiry into the possible theft and retention of classified documents, despite repeated requests for their return. In response, a number of Republican lawmakers, loyal to Trump, have advocated for cutting the FBI’s funding as a form of retribution.

Pence, however, voiced his disagreement with such rhetoric. “We can hold the Attorney General accountable for his decisions without targeting the dedicated law enforcement officers at the FBI,” Pence stated. He went on to underline the importance of supporting those in law enforcement, asserting, “The Republican Party stands with the men and women who protect us at all levels. Attacks on the FBI must cease. Calls to defund the FBI are just as wrong as calls to defund the police.”

Despite Pence’s calls for restraint, federal agencies have reported a surge in threats against FBI personnel since the raid, with FBI Director Chris Wray condemning these threats as both “dangerous and deplorable.” In a stark incident last week, an armed individual was shot dead by police after attempting to storm the FBI’s Cincinnati office.

Critics argue the role should have gone to a woman, sparking a fierce debate about gender representation.

The appointment of Jason Grant as Scotland’s first “Period Dignity Officer” has sparked significant backlash, with critics questioning why a man was chosen for a position aimed at tackling issues surrounding menstruation and menopause. The role, which involves promoting access to free sanitary products in schools and colleges across the Tay region, has been met with criticism, with many arguing that it should have been filled by a woman.

Grant, a former personal trainer from Dundee, will also address issues related to menopause as part of his responsibilities. His appointment comes shortly after Scotland became the first country in the world to pass legislation ensuring free access to sanitary products for all who need them.

Radio host Gina Davidson criticised the move as “the epitome of mansplaining,” while tennis legend Martina Navratilova labelled the decision “f****** ridiculous,” questioning whether men would be appointed to roles traditionally associated with women’s health. Susan Dalgety, a prominent women’s rights campaigner, also voiced her disapproval, tweeting that the appointment of a man was baffling.

The job description emphasised the importance of a candidate having experience engaging with diverse groups, particularly young people who menstruate. Despite the controversy, a spokesperson for the Period Dignity Working Group, which oversees the role, defended Grant’s appointment, stating that he was the most qualified candidate for the position and highlighting the importance of changing the cultural narrative around periods.

Scottish National Party MP Ian Blackford also expressed his preference for a woman in the role, arguing that it would better reflect the policy’s aims. However, the working group maintains that the appointment was made based on Grant’s ability to implement the new legislation effectively.

Grant, who has spoken publicly about the need to normalise discussions around menstruation and menopause, stated that his position as a man could help reduce stigma and encourage more open conversations. He also highlighted that the issue affects not just women, but society as a whole, and stressed the importance of engaging people of all genders in these discussions.

Under the Scottish Government’s Period Products Act, councils and educational institutions are required to make period products available for free to those in need, and organisations are being given the flexibility to decide how to best meet the needs of their communities.

Official warns of human rights abuses in Rwanda, as government seeks to suppress details in legal case.

A Foreign Office official has voiced strong opposition to the UK government’s controversial plan to deport migrants to Rwanda, according to court documents that have surfaced. The documents, which the government wishes to keep hidden, raise serious concerns about Rwanda’s human rights record, including state control, arbitrary detention, torture, and even killings.

The government has sought a Public Interest Immunity (PII) certificate from the High Court to prevent the release of these sensitive passages, arguing that revealing them could harm international relations and pose a risk to national security. However, media outlets, including the BBC, the Times, and the Guardian, are pushing for the documents to be made public, citing the public interest in transparency.

Organisations and asylum seekers who oppose the Rwanda deportation plan are also backing efforts to disclose the full content of the documents. A decision on the application is expected soon, with a draft ruling set to be delivered by Wednesday.

Neil Sheldon QC, representing the Foreign Secretary, defended the government’s stance, stating that the request is limited to withholding only a few brief passages and that the majority of documents have already been disclosed. Christopher Knight, who represents some of the claimants, argued that the criticisms contained in the documents are significant, highlighting one passage where a Foreign Office official warns of Rwanda’s extensive surveillance network and the government’s use of extreme measures, including torture and killings, to maintain control.

The planned Rwanda deportation policy, designed to deter migrants crossing the English Channel into the UK, has been met with widespread opposition. A full hearing into the legality of the scheme is set for September 5.

The plan has already faced legal challenges, with the first flight of deportees halted in June due to court rulings. The UK government could face a financial loss of £120 million if the court rules against the plan. More than 13,000 migrants have crossed the Channel since the deportation initiative was announced by Home Secretary Priti Patel.