Ai Shinozaki in blue jean

For Ai Shinozaki.Three words from me "Huge and Cute"

Brian Brown Is Ever So Pissed About NOM Being Labeled A Hate Group

"This is an absurd distraction emanating from a once-great organization’s real mission---with all the actual hate groups out there, how can Southern Poverty Law Center stoop so low? This report is not an attack on NOM but on the majority of Americans who believe that to make a marriage you need a husband and wife. It is also further proof of what NOM has been saying: today’s gay marriage movement is no longer about tolerance, live or let live—it’s about driving out dissenting voices from the public square.

"Gay marriage now serves as the tip of the spear to a new campaign to demonize and generate hatred against those who adhere to traditional views of sex and marriage. Regular readers of NOM’s work know how we characterize gay people: those who support our vision of marriage, we welcome to join our work. For gay marriage advocates (the majority of whom are not gay) we say: we think you are wrong, and we will fight for our right to vote for marriage in the public square." - NOM president Brian Brown.

Yeah, as for that section I bolded, yes, Brian...we DO know how NOM characterizes gay people and it IS hatefully. We see the evidence every day and this week your Facebook moderator threw all pretensions out of the window.

Quote Of The Day - Tony Perkins

"The Southern Poverty Law Center is a massively funded liberal organization that operates under a veneer of public justice when, in fact, they seem more interested in fundraising ploys than fighting wrongdoing.

"This is a deliberately timed smear campaign by the SPLC. The Left is losing the debate over ideas and the direction of public policy so all that is left for them is character assassination. It's a sad day in America when we can not, with integrity, have a legitimate discussion over policy issues that are being considered by Congress, legislatures, and the courts without resorting to juvenile tactics of name calling.

"The Left's smear campaigns of conservatives is also being driven by the clear evidence that the American public is losing patience with their radical policy agenda as seen in the recent election and in the fact that every state, currently more than thirty, that has had the opportunity to defend the natural definition of marriage has done so. Earlier this month, voters in Iowa sent a powerful message when they removed three Supreme Court justices who imposed same-sex marriage on the state. Would the SPLC also smear the good people of Iowa?

"Family Research Council will continue to champion marriage and family as the foundation of our society and will not acquiesce to those seeking to silence the Judeo-Christian views held by millions of Americans. We call on the Southern Poverty Law Center to apologize for this slanderous attack and attempted character assassination." - Family Research Council president Tony Perkins.

Notice how all these reactions are coming on Thanksgiving, when none of their followers will hear about it?

Quote Of The Day - Tony Perkins

"The Southern Poverty Law Center is a massively funded liberal organization that operates under a veneer of public justice when, in fact, they seem more interested in fundraising ploys than fighting wrongdoing.

"This is a deliberately timed smear campaign by the SPLC. The Left is losing the debate over ideas and the direction of public policy so all that is left for them is character assassination. It's a sad day in America when we can not, with integrity, have a legitimate discussion over policy issues that are being considered by Congress, legislatures, and the courts without resorting to juvenile tactics of name calling.

"The Left's smear campaigns of conservatives is also being driven by the clear evidence that the American public is losing patience with their radical policy agenda as seen in the recent election and in the fact that every state, currently more than thirty, that has had the opportunity to defend the natural definition of marriage has done so. Earlier this month, voters in Iowa sent a powerful message when they removed three Supreme Court justices who imposed same-sex marriage on the state. Would the SPLC also smear the good people of Iowa?

"Family Research Council will continue to champion marriage and family as the foundation of our society and will not acquiesce to those seeking to silence the Judeo-Christian views held by millions of Americans. We call on the Southern Poverty Law Center to apologize for this slanderous attack and attempted character assassination." - Family Research Council president Tony Perkins.

Notice how all these reactions are coming on Thanksgiving, when none of their followers will hear about it?

Brian Brown Is Ever So Pissed About NOM Being Labeled A Hate Group

"This is an absurd distraction emanating from a once-great organization’s real mission---with all the actual hate groups out there, how can Southern Poverty Law Center stoop so low? This report is not an attack on NOM but on the majority of Americans who believe that to make a marriage you need a husband and wife. It is also further proof of what NOM has been saying: today’s gay marriage movement is no longer about tolerance, live or let live—it’s about driving out dissenting voices from the public square.

"Gay marriage now serves as the tip of the spear to a new campaign to demonize and generate hatred against those who adhere to traditional views of sex and marriage. Regular readers of NOM’s work know how we characterize gay people: those who support our vision of marriage, we welcome to join our work. For gay marriage advocates (the majority of whom are not gay) we say: we think you are wrong, and we will fight for our right to vote for marriage in the public square." - NOM president Brian Brown.

Yeah, as for that section I bolded, yes, Brian...we DO know how NOM characterizes gay people and it IS hatefully. We see the evidence every day and this week your Facebook moderator threw all pretensions out of the window.

Pope Benedict: Even If God Did Make You Gay, You Still Should Not Be Gay

In another excerpt from his coming book/interview, Pope Benedict says that he doesn't know if people are born gay or not. But even if God did make you this way, you shouldn't BE this way. Or something.

He said it was still an open question whether homosexual inclinations are innate or arise early in life. In any case, he said, if these are strong inclinations, it represents "a great trial" for the homosexual. "But this does not mean that homosexuality thereby becomes morally right. Rather, it remains contrary to the essence of what God originally willed," he said.

Remember, God doesn't make mistakes. But if he DOES make mistakes, that's your problem to deal with. Benedict also says there's no inherent contradiction in calling homosexuals "intrinsically disordered" and still offering them respect. Got that? Yes, you are a mentally ill freak. But we mean that in the nicest way.

Quote Of The Day - Matt Barber

"So, center-right America: If you happen to believe in the sanctity of natural marriage and that, as a culture, we're best served by honoring the Judeo-Christian sexual ethic of our forefathers, you're now an official 'hater.'

"Of course, the tired goal of this silly meme is to associate in the public mind's eye mainstream conservative social values with racism, white supremacy and neo-Nazism. The ironic result, however, is that, as typically occurs with such ad hominem and hyperbolic attacks, the attacker ends up marginalizing himself and galvanizing his intended target (I'm rubber, you're glue and all that).

"Hence, beyond a self-aggrandizing liberal echo chamber, the SPLC - and by extension the greater "progressive" movement - has become largely, as it stews in its own radicalism, just another punch line. It's often said that the first to call the other a Nazi has lost the argument. Congratulations, conservative America: They're calling you a Nazi. Carry on." - Liberty Counsel spokesbigot Matt Barber, riding the waahbulance over the SPLC's new hate groups list.

Quote Of The Day - Matt Barber

"So, center-right America: If you happen to believe in the sanctity of natural marriage and that, as a culture, we're best served by honoring the Judeo-Christian sexual ethic of our forefathers, you're now an official 'hater.'

"Of course, the tired goal of this silly meme is to associate in the public mind's eye mainstream conservative social values with racism, white supremacy and neo-Nazism. The ironic result, however, is that, as typically occurs with such ad hominem and hyperbolic attacks, the attacker ends up marginalizing himself and galvanizing his intended target (I'm rubber, you're glue and all that).

"Hence, beyond a self-aggrandizing liberal echo chamber, the SPLC - and by extension the greater "progressive" movement - has become largely, as it stews in its own radicalism, just another punch line. It's often said that the first to call the other a Nazi has lost the argument. Congratulations, conservative America: They're calling you a Nazi. Carry on." - Liberty Counsel spokesbigot Matt Barber, riding the waahbulance over the SPLC's new hate groups list.

Pope Benedict: Even If God Did Make You Gay, You Still Should Not Be Gay

In another excerpt from his coming book/interview, Pope Benedict says that he doesn't know if people are born gay or not. But even if God did make you this way, you shouldn't BE this way. Or something.

He said it was still an open question whether homosexual inclinations are innate or arise early in life. In any case, he said, if these are strong inclinations, it represents "a great trial" for the homosexual. "But this does not mean that homosexuality thereby becomes morally right. Rather, it remains contrary to the essence of what God originally willed," he said.

Remember, God doesn't make mistakes. But if he DOES make mistakes, that's your problem to deal with. Benedict also says there's no inherent contradiction in calling homosexuals "intrinsically disordered" and still offering them respect. Got that? Yes, you are a mentally ill freak. But we mean that in the nicest way.

US judge says lesbians can be ‘cured’ by male soldiers

An American judge has been accused of advocating corrective rape for lesbians.

Joe Rehyansky, a part-time magistrate and Vietnam veteran, wrote on conservative news site The Daily Caller that lesbians should be allowed to serve in the military because straight male soldiers could “convert” them.


The Daily Caller swiftly removed some of his remarks but not before they were picked up by other websites.

Mr Rehyansky, of Hamilton County, Tennessee, argued that men were naturally more promiscuous than women and “it fell to men to swing through the trees and scour the caves in search of as many women as possible to subdue and impregnate – a tough job but someone had to do it”.

Then, he claimed that the “promiscuity” of gay men, coupled with HIV, would have “the potential for disastrous health consequences” if gay men were allowed to serve openly in the military.

“Gays spread disease at a rate out of all proportion to their numbers in our population and should be excluded from the military,” he argued.

He continued: “Shouldn’t the overwhelmingly straight warriors who answer their county’s call be spared the indignity of showering with other men who achieve lascivious enjoyment from the sight of those lithe naked bodies, and who may be tempted to seek more than the view?”

Lesbian military personnel, who Mr Rehyansky praised for their “medical and administrative specialties”, should be allowed to serve because they apparently have low sex drives.

His final argument, which has now been removed by The Daily Caller, was as follows: “My solution would get the distaff part of our homosexual population off our collective ‘Broke Back,’ thus giving straight male GIs a fair shot at converting lesbians and bringing them into the mainstream.”

Mr Rehyansky was accused of advocating corrective rape for lesbians by some commentators.

Blogger Amanda Hess sardonically noted: “Once all the lesbians are easily accessible in one place, an army of straight dudes will turn them all straight, presumably through that time-tested tactic of subduing and impregnating women against their will.”

US judge says lesbians can be ‘cured’ by male soldiers

An American judge has been accused of advocating corrective rape for lesbians.

Joe Rehyansky, a part-time magistrate and Vietnam veteran, wrote on conservative news site The Daily Caller that lesbians should be allowed to serve in the military because straight male soldiers could “convert” them.


The Daily Caller swiftly removed some of his remarks but not before they were picked up by other websites.

Mr Rehyansky, of Hamilton County, Tennessee, argued that men were naturally more promiscuous than women and “it fell to men to swing through the trees and scour the caves in search of as many women as possible to subdue and impregnate – a tough job but someone had to do it”.

Then, he claimed that the “promiscuity” of gay men, coupled with HIV, would have “the potential for disastrous health consequences” if gay men were allowed to serve openly in the military.

“Gays spread disease at a rate out of all proportion to their numbers in our population and should be excluded from the military,” he argued.

He continued: “Shouldn’t the overwhelmingly straight warriors who answer their county’s call be spared the indignity of showering with other men who achieve lascivious enjoyment from the sight of those lithe naked bodies, and who may be tempted to seek more than the view?”

Lesbian military personnel, who Mr Rehyansky praised for their “medical and administrative specialties”, should be allowed to serve because they apparently have low sex drives.

His final argument, which has now been removed by The Daily Caller, was as follows: “My solution would get the distaff part of our homosexual population off our collective ‘Broke Back,’ thus giving straight male GIs a fair shot at converting lesbians and bringing them into the mainstream.”

Mr Rehyansky was accused of advocating corrective rape for lesbians by some commentators.

Blogger Amanda Hess sardonically noted: “Once all the lesbians are easily accessible in one place, an army of straight dudes will turn them all straight, presumably through that time-tested tactic of subduing and impregnating women against their will.”

Five arrested in Met raids for anti-gay and transphobic crimes

Five people in London were arrested on suspicion of homophobic and transphobic crimes yesterday as part of a series of dawn raids.

A total of 247 people were arrested in connection with hate crimes in yesterday’s Met police operation.


The raids were timed to coincide with International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, known as White Ribbon Day, and the majority of arrests related to domestic violence.

Of the five arrested in connection with anti-gay and anti-trans crime, one man was arrested in Islington for a public order offence on October 26th which allegedly involved homophobic abuse. He was bailed to return pending further enquiries.

Another man, aged 40, was also arrested in Islington and charged with a public order offence after allegedly verbally abusing a victim.

In Kensington, a man was arrested for breaching a restraining order which was issued in relation to homophobic harassment. He was bailed to return.

A man was arrested in Wandsworth for a public order offence. He was said to have verbally abused a trans woman and was bailed to return.

The fifth arrest concerned an incident in which two people were attacked in the street by a gang in Westminster. One person was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and bailed to return.

There were also 19 arrests connected to racist offences and one relating to crimes against the vulnerable or elderly by members of their own family or carers.

Yesterday, Detective Superintendent Darren Williams, the head of the Public Protection Unit, said: “We know that these types of crime are still under reported and we will continue to work hard to gain the trust and confidence of communities so that victims feel that they can come forward.

“My key message to victims of these offences is tell us what is happening so we can help you but if you can’t tell the police – tell someone.”

The raids were part of Operation Athena and, since 2006, have been carried out twice yearly to coincide with White Ribbon Day in November and the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia in April.

Five arrested in Met raids for anti-gay and transphobic crimes

Five people in London were arrested on suspicion of homophobic and transphobic crimes yesterday as part of a series of dawn raids.

A total of 247 people were arrested in connection with hate crimes in yesterday’s Met police operation.


The raids were timed to coincide with International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, known as White Ribbon Day, and the majority of arrests related to domestic violence.

Of the five arrested in connection with anti-gay and anti-trans crime, one man was arrested in Islington for a public order offence on October 26th which allegedly involved homophobic abuse. He was bailed to return pending further enquiries.

Another man, aged 40, was also arrested in Islington and charged with a public order offence after allegedly verbally abusing a victim.

In Kensington, a man was arrested for breaching a restraining order which was issued in relation to homophobic harassment. He was bailed to return.

A man was arrested in Wandsworth for a public order offence. He was said to have verbally abused a trans woman and was bailed to return.

The fifth arrest concerned an incident in which two people were attacked in the street by a gang in Westminster. One person was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and bailed to return.

There were also 19 arrests connected to racist offences and one relating to crimes against the vulnerable or elderly by members of their own family or carers.

Yesterday, Detective Superintendent Darren Williams, the head of the Public Protection Unit, said: “We know that these types of crime are still under reported and we will continue to work hard to gain the trust and confidence of communities so that victims feel that they can come forward.

“My key message to victims of these offences is tell us what is happening so we can help you but if you can’t tell the police – tell someone.”

The raids were part of Operation Athena and, since 2006, have been carried out twice yearly to coincide with White Ribbon Day in November and the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia in April.

London gay charity hopes to keep premises

London Friend hopes to buy the central London property it currently rents from Islington council after being told the building is to be sold imminently.

Founded in 1972, the charity offers counselling and support to lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people and receives little state support.

The charity was told last Friday that the building, on Caledonian Road, was to be put up for auction in three weeks.

London Friend chief executive Matthew Halliday said he was told that the charity would not be given “preferential treatment” or time to consider its options if it wished to purchase the property.

In a letter to council chief executive John Foster, he said he was “shocked” at having been given three weeks’ notice of the sale and that the “lack of consultation” undermined the charity’s 33-year relationship with the council.

London Friend’s rent was increased by 23 per cent this year, in line with other council-let properties in the area, and Mr Halliday said he feared that a commercial landlord could raise rates dramatically.

But this afternoon, after PinkNews.co.uk contacted Islington council, a spokesman said the building had been removed from the auction.

Cllr Richard Greening, Islington Council’s executive member for finance said: “We have received London Friend’s letter and are happy to talk to them about the possibility of them acquiring the property. It has been removed from this auction.”

Mr Halliday, who said he had not been informed that the auction had been cancelled, said: “I am so pleased that Islington council have acknowledged our concerns and are looking to help to continue to support Islington’s and London’s LGBT residents.

“If possible I hope to be able to discuss with the council how we may be able to purchase the London Friend Centre as a continuing resource and asset for London’s LGBT community.”

London gay charity hopes to keep premises

London Friend hopes to buy the central London property it currently rents from Islington council after being told the building is to be sold imminently.

Founded in 1972, the charity offers counselling and support to lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people and receives little state support.

The charity was told last Friday that the building, on Caledonian Road, was to be put up for auction in three weeks.

London Friend chief executive Matthew Halliday said he was told that the charity would not be given “preferential treatment” or time to consider its options if it wished to purchase the property.

In a letter to council chief executive John Foster, he said he was “shocked” at having been given three weeks’ notice of the sale and that the “lack of consultation” undermined the charity’s 33-year relationship with the council.

London Friend’s rent was increased by 23 per cent this year, in line with other council-let properties in the area, and Mr Halliday said he feared that a commercial landlord could raise rates dramatically.

But this afternoon, after PinkNews.co.uk contacted Islington council, a spokesman said the building had been removed from the auction.

Cllr Richard Greening, Islington Council’s executive member for finance said: “We have received London Friend’s letter and are happy to talk to them about the possibility of them acquiring the property. It has been removed from this auction.”

Mr Halliday, who said he had not been informed that the auction had been cancelled, said: “I am so pleased that Islington council have acknowledged our concerns and are looking to help to continue to support Islington’s and London’s LGBT residents.

“If possible I hope to be able to discuss with the council how we may be able to purchase the London Friend Centre as a continuing resource and asset for London’s LGBT community.”

David Cameron tells gay men ‘get tested for HIV’

Prime minister David Cameron has urged gay men to use condoms, get tested for HIV and support each other in tackling the virus.

In a message for Boyz magazine for World AIDS Day, he said that HIV infection rates had increased in the last decade.

Mr Cameron also praised the “iconic” and “hard-hitting” tombstone AIDS ads of the 1980s but PinkNews.co.uk understands there are no plans to return to the controversial campaigns.

HIV activists are divided on the ads. Some argue that they “demonise” HIV-positive people, while others argue that a tougher new strategy is needed.

Mr Cameron wrote: “[The tombstone ad] was hard-hitting and thought-provoking. And yes, at times, it made uncomfortable viewing. But that was the point. It had such a positive effect on waking up my generation to the dangers of AIDS.

“More than twenty years on and we have come far. Prejudice is falling – though we still have to fight it. And increasingly effective medical treatments have been found – though there is still no cure and no one should be complacent, treatments are complex and have side-effects.

“However, one area where progress has not been good enough is infection rates. Over the last ten years, they have actually increased.”

Mr Cameron thanked the gay community for its work on HIV but said the fight was “still far from won”.

“You need to support each other in avoiding the virus. You still need to practice safe sex. You need to test and to know your HIV status,” he said. ” And as a society we need to continue to fight prejudice and stigma, especially as they can be a barrier to testing and treatment.

“I talk a lot about responsibility when it comes to my politics. And this World AIDS Day it’s important everyone thinks about the responsibility they have towards themselves, their partners and the wider community. Only together can we fight and then beat HIV and AIDS.”

Alan Wardle, head of health improvement at HIV charity Terrence Higgins Trust, told PinkNews.co.uk: “It is very welcome that the prime minister recognises that HIV remains a very serious issue and that we need to increase focus around testing.”

He added: “There need to be continued [HIV] campaigns, continued testing and efforts to tackle stigma.

“There should also be compulsory sex education in schools – a lot of young gay men are leaving school without any information, making them very vulnerable when they go out in pubs and clubs.”

David Cameron tells gay men ‘get tested for HIV’

Prime minister David Cameron has urged gay men to use condoms, get tested for HIV and support each other in tackling the virus.

In a message for Boyz magazine for World AIDS Day, he said that HIV infection rates had increased in the last decade.

Mr Cameron also praised the “iconic” and “hard-hitting” tombstone AIDS ads of the 1980s but PinkNews.co.uk understands there are no plans to return to the controversial campaigns.

HIV activists are divided on the ads. Some argue that they “demonise” HIV-positive people, while others argue that a tougher new strategy is needed.

Mr Cameron wrote: “[The tombstone ad] was hard-hitting and thought-provoking. And yes, at times, it made uncomfortable viewing. But that was the point. It had such a positive effect on waking up my generation to the dangers of AIDS.

“More than twenty years on and we have come far. Prejudice is falling – though we still have to fight it. And increasingly effective medical treatments have been found – though there is still no cure and no one should be complacent, treatments are complex and have side-effects.

“However, one area where progress has not been good enough is infection rates. Over the last ten years, they have actually increased.”

Mr Cameron thanked the gay community for its work on HIV but said the fight was “still far from won”.

“You need to support each other in avoiding the virus. You still need to practice safe sex. You need to test and to know your HIV status,” he said. ” And as a society we need to continue to fight prejudice and stigma, especially as they can be a barrier to testing and treatment.

“I talk a lot about responsibility when it comes to my politics. And this World AIDS Day it’s important everyone thinks about the responsibility they have towards themselves, their partners and the wider community. Only together can we fight and then beat HIV and AIDS.”

Alan Wardle, head of health improvement at HIV charity Terrence Higgins Trust, told PinkNews.co.uk: “It is very welcome that the prime minister recognises that HIV remains a very serious issue and that we need to increase focus around testing.”

He added: “There need to be continued [HIV] campaigns, continued testing and efforts to tackle stigma.

“There should also be compulsory sex education in schools – a lot of young gay men are leaving school without any information, making them very vulnerable when they go out in pubs and clubs.”

New Tory head in Europe accused of ‘trying to block gay equality’

The new head of the Conservatives in the European Parliament has been accused of trying to block a motion to call for recognition of civil partnerships across Europe.

Conservative MEP Martin Callanan, who began his new post this week, tabled amendments to a motion calling for member states to recognise legal documents, including civil partnership certificates.

Mr Callanan argued that the issue was a matter of states’ sovereignty but Labour MEPs accused him of trying to block equality.

Three amendments were tabled to the motion by Mr Callanan and Polish Law and Justice Party MEP Konrad Szymanski, who said last year his party would always vote against gay marriage and adoption.

The Polish party and the Conservatives are part of the European Conservatives and Reformists Group.

One amendment called for the deletion of a pledge to “strongly support plans to enable the mutual recognition of the effects of civil status documents” and add a reference to recognise “member states’ sovereignty in family law matters”.

The other two referred to respecting the principle of subsidiarity, or that government should not interfere more than is necessary with decisions regarding citizens.

The motion was passed without the amendments. It does not change the law but is seen as a step towards future legislation on recognition of relationships.

Arlene McCarthy MEP, Labour’s spokeswoman on the European Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee, said: “I am shocked that a Tory MEP felt the need to table amendments to this report deleting the reference to civil partnerships.

“They seem to be saying that people in a civil partnership in the UK don’t deserve to have their partnership recognised when travelling abroad.”

Labour MEP Michael Cashman, who is gay, added: “Claims that mutual recognition will ‘undermine national sovereignty’ are plain wrong: it won’t affect national marriage or partnership laws, but simply recognise civil unions that already exist.”

Mr Callanan could not be reached for comment but a Conservative spokesman said that while the party supports civil partnerships, it does not believe the EU should force countries to recognise them.

He told PinkNews.co.uk: “Our amendments sought to ensure that matters related to family law are decided under unanimity with all 27 countries agreeing, rather than under a Qualified Majority system where one country could find its family law altered against its will.

“We fully support civil partnerships in the United Kingdom and we hope that other countries will cooperate to ensure that such partnerships are recognised abroad. However, we do not believe that it should be the place of the European Union to dictate family law or social policy in another country.”

The Conservative Party has promised to push for international recognition of UK civil partnerships.

An equalities manifesto earlier this year said: “We will use our relationships with other countries to push for unequivocal support for gay rights and for UK civil partnerships to be recognised internationally.”

Last year, the party left its EPP grouping in the European Parliament to join the European Conservatives and Reformists Group, which includes the Polish Law and Justice Party.

A number of the Polish party’s senior politicians have made homophobic statements, with the late president Lech Kaczynski banning Pride marches.

David Cameron has consistently said that the Polish party are not homophobic, although the Tories’ most senior gay MP, Nick Herbert, said in March that other parties had unsavoury European allies.

“Labour is allied with parties who have banned gay pride and called homosexuality a disease; the Liberal Democrats with a party that called it a mental disability,” he wrote in the Guardian.

He is thought to have been referring to Labour’s Bulgarian and Lithuanian allies, and to the Lib Dems’ Latvian and Lithuanian allies.

New Tory head in Europe accused of ‘trying to block gay equality’

The new head of the Conservatives in the European Parliament has been accused of trying to block a motion to call for recognition of civil partnerships across Europe.

Conservative MEP Martin Callanan, who began his new post this week, tabled amendments to a motion calling for member states to recognise legal documents, including civil partnership certificates.

Mr Callanan argued that the issue was a matter of states’ sovereignty but Labour MEPs accused him of trying to block equality.

Three amendments were tabled to the motion by Mr Callanan and Polish Law and Justice Party MEP Konrad Szymanski, who said last year his party would always vote against gay marriage and adoption.

The Polish party and the Conservatives are part of the European Conservatives and Reformists Group.

One amendment called for the deletion of a pledge to “strongly support plans to enable the mutual recognition of the effects of civil status documents” and add a reference to recognise “member states’ sovereignty in family law matters”.

The other two referred to respecting the principle of subsidiarity, or that government should not interfere more than is necessary with decisions regarding citizens.

The motion was passed without the amendments. It does not change the law but is seen as a step towards future legislation on recognition of relationships.

Arlene McCarthy MEP, Labour’s spokeswoman on the European Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee, said: “I am shocked that a Tory MEP felt the need to table amendments to this report deleting the reference to civil partnerships.

“They seem to be saying that people in a civil partnership in the UK don’t deserve to have their partnership recognised when travelling abroad.”

Labour MEP Michael Cashman, who is gay, added: “Claims that mutual recognition will ‘undermine national sovereignty’ are plain wrong: it won’t affect national marriage or partnership laws, but simply recognise civil unions that already exist.”

Mr Callanan could not be reached for comment but a Conservative spokesman said that while the party supports civil partnerships, it does not believe the EU should force countries to recognise them.

He told PinkNews.co.uk: “Our amendments sought to ensure that matters related to family law are decided under unanimity with all 27 countries agreeing, rather than under a Qualified Majority system where one country could find its family law altered against its will.

“We fully support civil partnerships in the United Kingdom and we hope that other countries will cooperate to ensure that such partnerships are recognised abroad. However, we do not believe that it should be the place of the European Union to dictate family law or social policy in another country.”

The Conservative Party has promised to push for international recognition of UK civil partnerships.

An equalities manifesto earlier this year said: “We will use our relationships with other countries to push for unequivocal support for gay rights and for UK civil partnerships to be recognised internationally.”

Last year, the party left its EPP grouping in the European Parliament to join the European Conservatives and Reformists Group, which includes the Polish Law and Justice Party.

A number of the Polish party’s senior politicians have made homophobic statements, with the late president Lech Kaczynski banning Pride marches.

David Cameron has consistently said that the Polish party are not homophobic, although the Tories’ most senior gay MP, Nick Herbert, said in March that other parties had unsavoury European allies.

“Labour is allied with parties who have banned gay pride and called homosexuality a disease; the Liberal Democrats with a party that called it a mental disability,” he wrote in the Guardian.

He is thought to have been referring to Labour’s Bulgarian and Lithuanian allies, and to the Lib Dems’ Latvian and Lithuanian allies.

Russian gay activists hold first legal demonstration

Gay rights activists in St Petersburg held Russia’s first legal pro-gay demonstration last Saturday.

Around a dozen people gathered in the city centre with placards calling for gay rights, following a European Court of Human Rights ruling last month.

However, they were hugely outnumbered by an estimated 100 counter-demonstrators, who threw eggs and shouted anti-gay abuse.

Reports say no one was injured but gay activists claimed that officers had done little to ensure participants’ protection.

Maria Efremenkova, who organised the gay march, told Gay City News: “These fanatics screamed homophobic insults at us and chanted religious songs and slogans, threw eggs at us, and finally tore down our posters, banners, and rainbow flags, at which point we ended the demonstration after about 40 minutes.”

But she added: “The impact of breaking the silence on homosexuality cannot be overestimated.

“Seeing strong, proud gay people speaking out and standing up for themselves and declaring they want the same human rights as everyone else inspires many people – especially those gays in the closet and young people struggling with creating their own identity in a homophobic society – to know they are not alone.”

Last month, the European Court of Human Rights upheld three complaints over Russian capital Moscow’s ban on gay Pride marches.

Russian gay rights leader Nikolai Alekseev complained to the court that the parade bans in 2006, 2007 and 2008 breached the European Convention on Human Rights.

The court ruled that Russia could not justify bans on gay rights demonstrations.

Russian gay activists hold first legal demonstration

Gay rights activists in St Petersburg held Russia’s first legal pro-gay demonstration last Saturday.

Around a dozen people gathered in the city centre with placards calling for gay rights, following a European Court of Human Rights ruling last month.

However, they were hugely outnumbered by an estimated 100 counter-demonstrators, who threw eggs and shouted anti-gay abuse.

Reports say no one was injured but gay activists claimed that officers had done little to ensure participants’ protection.

Maria Efremenkova, who organised the gay march, told Gay City News: “These fanatics screamed homophobic insults at us and chanted religious songs and slogans, threw eggs at us, and finally tore down our posters, banners, and rainbow flags, at which point we ended the demonstration after about 40 minutes.”

But she added: “The impact of breaking the silence on homosexuality cannot be overestimated.

“Seeing strong, proud gay people speaking out and standing up for themselves and declaring they want the same human rights as everyone else inspires many people – especially those gays in the closet and young people struggling with creating their own identity in a homophobic society – to know they are not alone.”

Last month, the European Court of Human Rights upheld three complaints over Russian capital Moscow’s ban on gay Pride marches.

Russian gay rights leader Nikolai Alekseev complained to the court that the parade bans in 2006, 2007 and 2008 breached the European Convention on Human Rights.

The court ruled that Russia could not justify bans on gay rights demonstrations.

Anti-gay groups upset at being called ‘hateful’

US anti-gay organisations have hit back after being included on a list of ‘hate groups’.

The Family Research Council (FRC) and National Organization for Marriage (NOM) were named by a civil rights body as two of 18 groups which “demonise” gay people and propagate “known falsehoods”.

The list was compiled by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC).

FRC president Tony Perkins accused the centre of slander and claimed his group always worked with ” civility and compassion”.

Calling the list a “deliberately timed smear campaign”, he added: “Family Research Council will continue to champion marriage and family as the foundation of our society and will not acquiesce to those seeking to silence the Judeo-Christian views held by millions of Americans.

“We call on the Southern Poverty Law Center to apologise for this slanderous attack and attempted character assassination.”

According to the SPLC, FRC senior research fellows Tim Dailey and Peter Sprigg have both claimed that homosexuality is linked to paedophilia and Mr Sprigg said in 2008 that there should be “criminal sanctions on homosexual behaviour”.

Another group on the list, the National Organization for Marriage, said the SPLC was trying to equate gay marriage opponents to racists.

President Brian Brown told the Washington Post: “This is about protecting marriage. This isn’t about being anti-anyone.

“The whole idea that somehow those folks who stand up for traditional marriage, like the Family Research Council, are hateful is wrong. [The law center is] trying to marginalise and intimidate folks for standing up for marriage and also trying to equate them somehow to the KKK.”

Last year, NOM was mocked by critics after it produced a video claiming that gay marriage would damage people’s rights and lifestyles.

The group was accused of peddling “outrageous falsehoods” by gay rights campaigners and tried to have its original films removed from YouTube after spoofs were made.

Anti-gay groups upset at being called ‘hateful’

US anti-gay organisations have hit back after being included on a list of ‘hate groups’.

The Family Research Council (FRC) and National Organization for Marriage (NOM) were named by a civil rights body as two of 18 groups which “demonise” gay people and propagate “known falsehoods”.

The list was compiled by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC).

FRC president Tony Perkins accused the centre of slander and claimed his group always worked with ” civility and compassion”.

Calling the list a “deliberately timed smear campaign”, he added: “Family Research Council will continue to champion marriage and family as the foundation of our society and will not acquiesce to those seeking to silence the Judeo-Christian views held by millions of Americans.

“We call on the Southern Poverty Law Center to apologise for this slanderous attack and attempted character assassination.”

According to the SPLC, FRC senior research fellows Tim Dailey and Peter Sprigg have both claimed that homosexuality is linked to paedophilia and Mr Sprigg said in 2008 that there should be “criminal sanctions on homosexual behaviour”.

Another group on the list, the National Organization for Marriage, said the SPLC was trying to equate gay marriage opponents to racists.

President Brian Brown told the Washington Post: “This is about protecting marriage. This isn’t about being anti-anyone.

“The whole idea that somehow those folks who stand up for traditional marriage, like the Family Research Council, are hateful is wrong. [The law center is] trying to marginalise and intimidate folks for standing up for marriage and also trying to equate them somehow to the KKK.”

Last year, NOM was mocked by critics after it produced a video claiming that gay marriage would damage people’s rights and lifestyles.

The group was accused of peddling “outrageous falsehoods” by gay rights campaigners and tried to have its original films removed from YouTube after spoofs were made.

Pentagon: No gay soldiers fired this month

No US troops have been fired for being gay in the last month, the Pentagon has said.

Last month, defence secretary Robert Gates tightened the rules on dismissals, placing the power to sack out gay troops in the hands of just three officials.

Previously, hundreds of officers had the power to fire soldiers whose sexual orientation became known.

Pentagon spokeswoman Cynthia Smith told Associated Press that no discharges had been approved since October 21st. She could not give the total number of discharges for previous months.

Aaron Belkin, an expert on the law and the executive director of the Palm Center at the University of California, said that 428 gay and lesbian troops were honorably discharged under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell in 2009.

He said: “Statistically, it would be extremely unlikely if we had a month in which there were no gay discharges. When you require a service secretary to sign off on a discharge, you are basically saying, ‘We don’t want any people in this category discharged unless there is an exceptional situation.’”

A Pentagon survey on the impact of lifting the ban is due to be released on November 30th. According to reports, it will show majority support among soldiers for repealing the 1993 law.

On Sunday, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Admiral Mike Mullen, said Congress should not wait to repeal the law and should move before the courts do.

He told ABC’s Christiane Amanpour: “The other piece that is out there that is very real is the courts are very active on this, and my concern is that at some point in time the courts could change this law and in that not give us the right amount of time to implement it.

“I think it’s much better done if it’s going to get done, it’s much better done through legislature than it is out of the courts.”

Earlier this month, the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell should stay in place indefinitely after a US district judge ended the ban.

Pentagon: No gay soldiers fired this month

No US troops have been fired for being gay in the last month, the Pentagon has said.

Last month, defence secretary Robert Gates tightened the rules on dismissals, placing the power to sack out gay troops in the hands of just three officials.

Previously, hundreds of officers had the power to fire soldiers whose sexual orientation became known.

Pentagon spokeswoman Cynthia Smith told Associated Press that no discharges had been approved since October 21st. She could not give the total number of discharges for previous months.

Aaron Belkin, an expert on the law and the executive director of the Palm Center at the University of California, said that 428 gay and lesbian troops were honorably discharged under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell in 2009.

He said: “Statistically, it would be extremely unlikely if we had a month in which there were no gay discharges. When you require a service secretary to sign off on a discharge, you are basically saying, ‘We don’t want any people in this category discharged unless there is an exceptional situation.’”

A Pentagon survey on the impact of lifting the ban is due to be released on November 30th. According to reports, it will show majority support among soldiers for repealing the 1993 law.

On Sunday, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Admiral Mike Mullen, said Congress should not wait to repeal the law and should move before the courts do.

He told ABC’s Christiane Amanpour: “The other piece that is out there that is very real is the courts are very active on this, and my concern is that at some point in time the courts could change this law and in that not give us the right amount of time to implement it.

“I think it’s much better done if it’s going to get done, it’s much better done through legislature than it is out of the courts.”

Earlier this month, the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell should stay in place indefinitely after a US district judge ended the ban.

Peter Mandelson won’t rule out a return to politics

Lord Mandelson has said he will not rule out a return to politics.

The peer, who was considered the most powerful out gay man in Britain until Labour lost the general election, had to resign twice from the Cabinet during Tony Blair’s premiership.

He told Total Politics magazine that although he would not “sit by the telephone”, he would not rule anything out.

Lord Mandelson told interviewer Iain Dale: “I tend not to rule out of anything in politics, given my career, given my roller coaster career. Would you predict anything? I don’t think so. But I’m not going to sit by the telephone. I’m not going to hang around in expectation or with some sort of entitlement.

“I will find other things to do in my life. Things that I enjoy, things which I think are stimulating or important but also enable me to earn a living.

“If you were to ask me though, whether fundamentally I’d rather be in public service or the private sector… I’m a public service man. I was brought up in that way and that set of values and motives will never leave me.”

He added: “I’m not quite sure what [I will do], but amongst other things I have to earn a living. I don’t have an income any more.

The peer, who backed David Miliband to win the Labour leadership, said he would be loyal to Labour leader Ed Miliband, although he added that he felt “hurt” and “denigrated” by the latter talking about his”dignity in retirement”.

He said: “I felt as if I was being unfairly treated and packed off rather prematurely to an old folk’s home. I also thought to define himself against New Labour, as opposed to being a development of New Labour, was electorally unwise.

“But again, we’ve all moved on. What I’ve got to do now is remain a candid friend but also constructive and always loyal. I was always loyal.”

A fly-on-the-wall documentary about Lord Mandelson is to be screened on BBC4 this week.

‘Mandelson – The Real PM?’, filmed by Hannah Rothschild, shows the former business secretary in the eight months up to the May election.

Peter Mandelson won’t rule out a return to politics

Lord Mandelson has said he will not rule out a return to politics.

The peer, who was considered the most powerful out gay man in Britain until Labour lost the general election, had to resign twice from the Cabinet during Tony Blair’s premiership.

He told Total Politics magazine that although he would not “sit by the telephone”, he would not rule anything out.

Lord Mandelson told interviewer Iain Dale: “I tend not to rule out of anything in politics, given my career, given my roller coaster career. Would you predict anything? I don’t think so. But I’m not going to sit by the telephone. I’m not going to hang around in expectation or with some sort of entitlement.

“I will find other things to do in my life. Things that I enjoy, things which I think are stimulating or important but also enable me to earn a living.

“If you were to ask me though, whether fundamentally I’d rather be in public service or the private sector… I’m a public service man. I was brought up in that way and that set of values and motives will never leave me.”

He added: “I’m not quite sure what [I will do], but amongst other things I have to earn a living. I don’t have an income any more.

The peer, who backed David Miliband to win the Labour leadership, said he would be loyal to Labour leader Ed Miliband, although he added that he felt “hurt” and “denigrated” by the latter talking about his”dignity in retirement”.

He said: “I felt as if I was being unfairly treated and packed off rather prematurely to an old folk’s home. I also thought to define himself against New Labour, as opposed to being a development of New Labour, was electorally unwise.

“But again, we’ve all moved on. What I’ve got to do now is remain a candid friend but also constructive and always loyal. I was always loyal.”

A fly-on-the-wall documentary about Lord Mandelson is to be screened on BBC4 this week.

‘Mandelson – The Real PM?’, filmed by Hannah Rothschild, shows the former business secretary in the eight months up to the May election.

Trans woman’s killer sentenced for rape

A man who killed a trans prostitute has been handed an indefinite jail sentence for the earlier rape of another woman.

Neil McMillan, 43, of Brighton, has already been jailed for at least 22 years for the murder of Andrea Waddell, a trans woman.

Five weeks before he strangled Ms Waddell in September 2009, McMillan went to meet a 27-year-old prostitute to pay her money he owed but raped her instead.

He was found guilty of rape by jurors at the Old Bailey last month. They were not told that he had murdered Ms Waddell shortly after the attack.

McMillan’s sentence means that once he has served his 22-year sentence, he will not be released until a parole board is sure he is no longer dangerous.

According to the BBC, Judge Stephen Kramer told him: “You entered a sequence of behaviour involving offending against sex workers that rapidly escalated from rape to murder, over five weeks.

“You pose a future risk of serious harm, namely extreme sexual violence, and those most at risk are female sex workers.”
Police could not uncover a motive for McMillan’s killing of Ms Waddell but theorised he may have become enraged when he realised she was transgender.

Trans woman’s killer sentenced for rape

A man who killed a trans prostitute has been handed an indefinite jail sentence for the earlier rape of another woman.

Neil McMillan, 43, of Brighton, has already been jailed for at least 22 years for the murder of Andrea Waddell, a trans woman.

Five weeks before he strangled Ms Waddell in September 2009, McMillan went to meet a 27-year-old prostitute to pay her money he owed but raped her instead.

He was found guilty of rape by jurors at the Old Bailey last month. They were not told that he had murdered Ms Waddell shortly after the attack.

McMillan’s sentence means that once he has served his 22-year sentence, he will not be released until a parole board is sure he is no longer dangerous.

According to the BBC, Judge Stephen Kramer told him: “You entered a sequence of behaviour involving offending against sex workers that rapidly escalated from rape to murder, over five weeks.

“You pose a future risk of serious harm, namely extreme sexual violence, and those most at risk are female sex workers.”
Police could not uncover a motive for McMillan’s killing of Ms Waddell but theorised he may have become enraged when he realised she was transgender.

Gene Robinson: Archbishop of Canterbury ‘abducted by aliens’ over homosexuality

The Bishop of New Hampshire, Gene Robinson, the first openly gay man to be ordained as a bishop has used his first interview since announcing his retirement to criticse the Archbishop of Canterbury. In a wide ranging interview with The Times, Bishop Robinson says Rowan Williams acts as if he was abducted by aliens and replaced with someone with a completely contrary view on homosexuality.

Rev Robinson was the first openly gay, non-celibate bishop to be elected when he was ordained in 2003. His appointment caused deep rifts between liberals and traditionalists.

“For 18½ centuries we had slavery and we used scripture to justify it … we have used scripture to subjugate and denigrate women … now we happen to be living in a time where we are trying to sort out whether we might have been similarly wrong about homosexuality,” he told the newspaper.

“What I point to is that Jesus clearly felt he had a special ministry and relationship to those who had been pushed to the margins. His central message was that no one is beyond God’s love. I would like to think that Jesus would have been arguing for the full inclusion of gay and lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in the life of the Church and in the life of the secular community.”

Robinson went on to express his perplexion at Dr William’s changing approach to homosexuality. “We were dancing in the streets when Rowan Williams was made Archbishop of Canterbury. We just thought it was a wonderful choice. And we are so perplexed here in the American Church about what he has done, what he has said. I have clergy friends in England who literally studied at Archbishop Williams’s feet when he was teaching and who have said to me it is almost as if aliens have come and taken Rowan away from us and they have left something here that looks like him but we don’t recognise him any more. And that’s from people who know him very very well. His writings and theological thinking have made enormous contributions to our common life. That will continue to be true. But I think writing and teaching is a different gift than leading and presiding over the Communion. And it’s in that latter area that I think we have so much confusion.”

Gene Robinson: Archbishop of Canterbury ‘abducted by aliens’ over homosexuality

The Bishop of New Hampshire, Gene Robinson, the first openly gay man to be ordained as a bishop has used his first interview since announcing his retirement to criticse the Archbishop of Canterbury. In a wide ranging interview with The Times, Bishop Robinson says Rowan Williams acts as if he was abducted by aliens and replaced with someone with a completely contrary view on homosexuality.

Rev Robinson was the first openly gay, non-celibate bishop to be elected when he was ordained in 2003. His appointment caused deep rifts between liberals and traditionalists.

“For 18½ centuries we had slavery and we used scripture to justify it … we have used scripture to subjugate and denigrate women … now we happen to be living in a time where we are trying to sort out whether we might have been similarly wrong about homosexuality,” he told the newspaper.

“What I point to is that Jesus clearly felt he had a special ministry and relationship to those who had been pushed to the margins. His central message was that no one is beyond God’s love. I would like to think that Jesus would have been arguing for the full inclusion of gay and lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in the life of the Church and in the life of the secular community.”

Robinson went on to express his perplexion at Dr William’s changing approach to homosexuality. “We were dancing in the streets when Rowan Williams was made Archbishop of Canterbury. We just thought it was a wonderful choice. And we are so perplexed here in the American Church about what he has done, what he has said. I have clergy friends in England who literally studied at Archbishop Williams’s feet when he was teaching and who have said to me it is almost as if aliens have come and taken Rowan away from us and they have left something here that looks like him but we don’t recognise him any more. And that’s from people who know him very very well. His writings and theological thinking have made enormous contributions to our common life. That will continue to be true. But I think writing and teaching is a different gift than leading and presiding over the Communion. And it’s in that latter area that I think we have so much confusion.”

Tory councillor suspended after being accused of homophobia

A Bristol Tory councillor who criticised gay actor Ian McKellen’s visits to schools has been suspended by his party.

Chris Windows, who represents Henbury ward, has agreed to be “voluntarily suspended”, the Conservative Party said.

He told a council meeting on Tuesday that he was “disturbed” to hear that Stonewall and the actor had been speaking to local children about being gay.

“I am unhappy and a little disturbed at the involvement of Stonewall in our local schools and particularly the use of a certain leading actor as a potential role model for our impressionable young people,” he said.

A Conservative Party statement said: “In light of the controversy surrounding the remarks made by Councillor Chris Windows, from Bristol city council, he has agreed to voluntarily suspend himself from all his council responsibilities for an appropriate period. He has asked the Conservative group to decide upon the length of his voluntary suspension.

“The decision to voluntarily suspend the Conservative whip reflects his deeply held rejection of all forms of homophobia and his regret that offence may have been caused by his remarks.

“He intends to use his time away from council business to meet with Stonewall and understand the important work they do to prevent homophobic bullying.”

Mr Windows said he was not homophobic but was concerned that “confused” pupils could get bullied.

Matthew Sephton, chairman of Conservative-affiliated LGBT group LGBTory, said: “Cllr Windows was wrong to make the comments he did. What he said was potentially hurtful to the many young people who suffer from homophobic bullying in their schools.

“The Conservatives made a clear commitment in their equalities manifesto, published before the general election, to tackle homophobic and transphobic bullying in our schools and this work has already begun and has been welcomed by Stonewall. What Cllr Windows said is not compatible with the party’s pledges on this vital issue.”

He added: “I am pleased that Cllr Windows has been suspended from Bristol city council and I hope that, by meeting with Stonewall during the time of his suspension, he will truly appreciate the vital work they do in helping protect our young people from unnecessary and hurtful bullying that can have very serious consequences for our young people, and impact detrimentally on their lives, families and other relationships.”

Tory councillor suspended after being accused of homophobia

A Bristol Tory councillor who criticised gay actor Ian McKellen’s visits to schools has been suspended by his party.

Chris Windows, who represents Henbury ward, has agreed to be “voluntarily suspended”, the Conservative Party said.

He told a council meeting on Tuesday that he was “disturbed” to hear that Stonewall and the actor had been speaking to local children about being gay.

“I am unhappy and a little disturbed at the involvement of Stonewall in our local schools and particularly the use of a certain leading actor as a potential role model for our impressionable young people,” he said.

A Conservative Party statement said: “In light of the controversy surrounding the remarks made by Councillor Chris Windows, from Bristol city council, he has agreed to voluntarily suspend himself from all his council responsibilities for an appropriate period. He has asked the Conservative group to decide upon the length of his voluntary suspension.

“The decision to voluntarily suspend the Conservative whip reflects his deeply held rejection of all forms of homophobia and his regret that offence may have been caused by his remarks.

“He intends to use his time away from council business to meet with Stonewall and understand the important work they do to prevent homophobic bullying.”

Mr Windows said he was not homophobic but was concerned that “confused” pupils could get bullied.

Matthew Sephton, chairman of Conservative-affiliated LGBT group LGBTory, said: “Cllr Windows was wrong to make the comments he did. What he said was potentially hurtful to the many young people who suffer from homophobic bullying in their schools.

“The Conservatives made a clear commitment in their equalities manifesto, published before the general election, to tackle homophobic and transphobic bullying in our schools and this work has already begun and has been welcomed by Stonewall. What Cllr Windows said is not compatible with the party’s pledges on this vital issue.”

He added: “I am pleased that Cllr Windows has been suspended from Bristol city council and I hope that, by meeting with Stonewall during the time of his suspension, he will truly appreciate the vital work they do in helping protect our young people from unnecessary and hurtful bullying that can have very serious consequences for our young people, and impact detrimentally on their lives, families and other relationships.”

Featherstone says government is ‘committed’ to tackling transphobia

Equalities minister Lynne Featherstone has said the government is committed to tackling hate crime against trans people.

Saturday is the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance. The international event, now in its 12th year, remembers trans people who have died as a result of prejudice.

In a message recorded ahead of the event, Ms Featherstone said the government was “determined to tackle hate crime” and was committed to publishing a Transgender Action Plan.

She said: “Together, we must tackle the transphobic prejudice which holds transgender people, and society, back. Equality is for all. That is why we have already committed to improving support and reporting services for transgender victims of hate crime – both by helping transgender people access help and by ensuring that services are better able to meet their needs.

“We cannot turn back time but together we can make a difference. This is our commitment to the memory of those we have lost and to a future free from ignorance and intolerance.

In London, a service will be held between 3pm and 6pm in Room LT1, the Cruciform Building, 5 University Street London WC1E 6JS.

Other events will be held in Brighton, St Andrews, Coventry and Sheffield.

For a full list of UK and worldwide events,

Featherstone says government is ‘committed’ to tackling transphobia

Equalities minister Lynne Featherstone has said the government is committed to tackling hate crime against trans people.

Saturday is the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance. The international event, now in its 12th year, remembers trans people who have died as a result of prejudice.

In a message recorded ahead of the event, Ms Featherstone said the government was “determined to tackle hate crime” and was committed to publishing a Transgender Action Plan.

She said: “Together, we must tackle the transphobic prejudice which holds transgender people, and society, back. Equality is for all. That is why we have already committed to improving support and reporting services for transgender victims of hate crime – both by helping transgender people access help and by ensuring that services are better able to meet their needs.

“We cannot turn back time but together we can make a difference. This is our commitment to the memory of those we have lost and to a future free from ignorance and intolerance.

In London, a service will be held between 3pm and 6pm in Room LT1, the Cruciform Building, 5 University Street London WC1E 6JS.

Other events will be held in Brighton, St Andrews, Coventry and Sheffield.

For a full list of UK and worldwide events,

Video: Prime minister David Cameron tells bullied gay kids ‘things will get better’

Prime minister David Cameron has added his voice to a campaign to support bullied gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans youngsters.

Mr Cameron recorded a video message for gay charity Stonewall in which he urged bullied teens to talk to someone about their problems.

In the message, which went online just after the Conservative Party suspended a councillor accused of homophobia, Mr Cameron said: “You don’t have to struggle on dealing with this on your own. Whether it’s your mum or your dad, or teachers, family friends or people who care about you and want to help you. Speak to them and you’ll feel so much better.

He added: “Britain is a diverse, open, tolerant place. This is not the sort of country where we label people for being different.”

Mr Cameron listed some of the progress made for gay equality and added: “Now, of course, there’s more to be done, which is why this government is working hard to drive homophobic bullying out of our schools.

“But overall, Britain is a place where you can be who you want to be and we should celebrate that.

“Talk to someone – if you do, things really will get better today.”

Today, the Conservative Party suspended a Bristol councillor who said he was “disturbed” that gay actor Sir Ian McKellen was visiting local schools to talk about homophobic bullying.

Chris Windows said he was not homophobic and that such issues should remain in the bedroom.

See below for Mr Cameron’s video message.

Two soldiers held over shooting at Rio de Janeiro Pride

Two soldiers are being held by the Brazilian army after a teenager was shot at Sunday’s Rio de Janeiro Pride.

Nineteen-year-old student Douglas Igor Marques Luiz was shot once in the stomach during the gay festival.

He was treated in hospital and has now been released.

According to Associated Press, the army initially denied being involved in the incident.

It has now confirmed that two sergeants were arrested yesterday and will be questioned by police.

One is said to have admitted shooting the teenager.

Mr Luiz told police that he was verbally abused before being shot.