May 16

Monday 16, 2005:

Kuwait permits women's suffrage in a 35-23 National Assembly vote.

Monday 16, 1960:

Theodore Maiman operates the first optical laser, at Hughes Research Laboratories in Malibu, California.

Thursday 16, 1929:

In Hollywood, California, the first Academy Awards are handed out.

Thursday 16, 1918:

The Sedition Act is passed by the U.S. Congress, making criticism of the government a jailable offense.

Sunday 16, 1204:

Baldwin IX, Count of Flanders is crowned first Emperor of the Latin Empire.

More on May, 16

• May, 16 in History
• People Born on May, 16
• They left us on May, 16