Free condoms in France, plus an update on the “tridemic” in today’s Bwoglines.

Happening in the World: France will now make condoms free for anyone under the age of 25, according to Emmanuel Macron. The new change will take effect on January 1, and the French president said the move is a response to a recent rise of sexually transmitted diseases among young people in the country. Girls and women in France under 25 could already access free birth control; however, that program did not specifically address access to contraception for transgender and nonbinary people. (AP)

Happening in the US: Legislation protecting same-sex marriage in the US has been passed by Congress and will now go to President Biden to be signed Tuesday. The bill was prompted by concerns that Obergefell v. Hodges—the 2015 Supreme Court decision that guaranteed marriage equality—could be at risk following the reversal of Roe v. Wade. However, the bill does not require states to allow same-sex couples to marry like Obergefell; rather, states would not be able to invalidate current marriages in the case that Obergefell is overturned. (AP)

Happening in NYC: New York City health officials have released an advisory urging city residents to wear masks as the “tridemic”— a surge in COVID-19, influenza, and RSV cases—rages on. The advisory recommends use of masks in all indoor spaces for all New York residents. NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan said in a tweet “While respiratory viruses are spreading at high levels in NYC, there are common-sense ways to protect yourself and your loved ones this holiday season: vaccination, boosters, wearing a mask indoors or among crowds and staying home if you don’t feel well.” (WNBC)

Happening in Our Community: The Low Library Rotunda will be transformed into “the ultimate study break spot” tomorrow for the 5th annual Low Lounge: A Winter Workshop. There will be performances from student groups, giveaways, a hot beverage station, and more, from 11 am to 3 pm. This year, Community Impact will also be collecting winter clothing donations, and asks guests to “Please bring any lightly used jackets, sweaters, hats, gloves, and scarves for donation.” RSVP is encouraged, but not required.

French pharmacy via Wikimedia Commons