Exemptions allowing churches to refuse to employ gays to be scrapped following pressure from EU
The European Commission is putting pressure on the British government to drop the exemptions from equality legislation by religious organisations who currently have the right to refuse to employ LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered) staff.
Trans woman in Italian political scandal found dead
A Brazillian trans woman at the centre of a scandal involving an Italian politician has been found dead in a burnt-out basement.
Newspaper roundup: New EU foreign affairs chief Cathy Ashton has strong gay rights record
In a profile published for The Guardian, Caroline Davies argues that the new European Union's new High Representative For Foreign Affairs has a strong history of standing up for equality. In 2006 she was the first recipient of the Stonewall Politician of the Year award.
Gay German spy accused of betraying state secrets
A German spy is on trial accused of handing over secret documents to his lover. The 42-year-old spy, named only as Anton K, reportedly began the affair with a Macedonian translator when he was posted to Kosovo in 2005.
Austria allows civil partnerships but gay adoption ban stays
Austria's government has agreed to legalise civil partnerships for gay couples. The law will come into force on January 1st 2010 if it is approved by parliament. Bans on adoption and fertility treatment will remain.
Workplace equality and violence top concerns for Irish gays and lesbians
A nationwide survey of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people in Ireland has found that their top concerns are equality in the workplace, anti-gay violence and bullying.
French lesbian couple win 11-year battle to adopt
A lesbian couple in France have won their 11-year battle to adopt a child. An administrative tribunal in the eastern town of Besancon granted the couple the right after they had been turned down by regional authorities.
Sweden ordains first openly lesbian bishop
Eva Brunne, Sweden's first openly lesbian bishop, has been sworn into her new role. Brunne, 55, who is in a registered partnership and has a three-year-old son, is also believed to be the world's first lesbian bishop.
France condemns Uganda's proposed anti-gay law
The French foreign ministry has attacked a bill in Uganda which would see gay people facing the death penalty or life imprisonment.
Danish club fires footballer for 'I hate gays' comment
Polish goalkeeper Arek Onyszko has been fired by FC Midtjylland, a Danish football club, for making homophobic comments in his autobiography. The player's book, titled F**king Polack, was released yesterday. In it, he detailed his hate of homosexuality.
Film about gay Neo-Nazis wins top honours at Rome Film Festival
Brotherhood, a film about two male Neo-Nazis who begin a relationship, has won the best film accolade at the Rome Film Festival.
Russian lesbians to marry in Canada today
A Russian lesbian couple will marry in Canada today and then attempt to force their native country to recognise their marriage.
Rome holds flash mobs to call for legal protections for gays
A number of demonstrations were held in Rome, Italy, last weekend to call for more laws to protect gay people from hate crime.
Germany gives pension rights to gay civil partners
Germany's high court today ruled that civil partners of government employees are eligible to receive the same pension rights as their straight married counterparts.
Sweden allows gay couples to marry in church
The Lutheran Church of Sweden has decided to allow gay couples to marry in church. Gay marriage became legal in the country on May 1st, allowing couples to wed in religious or civil ceremonies but not in church.
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