In a statement issued last week on the Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales website, they claim the government will “pay for further work to be done to explore whether within the law there might yet be ways found which will enable the adoption work to carry on and for our agencies to continue.”

Earlier this year the Sexual Orientation Regulations came into force, making it illegal to discriminate against gay, lesbian and bisexual people when providing goods and services, including adoption agencies.

The Roman Catholic Church tried to get an opt-out from the regulations for their adoption agencies, but after a Cabinet row they were unsuccessful.

The Church was given 18 months to adjust its practices so that it can allow gay couples to adopt from its agencies or close them down.

A spokesperson from the DCSF told PinkNews.co.uk: “We don’t provide money to get around government regulations.

“The funding is being made available for grants to all voluntary adoption agencies in England and Wales.

“It is being made available for a specific purpose: to enable voluntary adoption agencies to access the legal, financial and/or human resource advice they need to maintain and/or develop their family-finding services for `difficult to place’ children, including as a result of changes to the legislative context within which they work.”

Reverand Martin Reynolds, from the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement and himself an adoptive parent, thinks that the agencies should be honest and acknowlede that they have been “allowing gay couples to adopt for years but with only one of the partners registering as the parent.

“The great work that they do should be preserved,” he added.

Ben Summerskill, chief executive of Stonewall said: “We are delighted that the adoption agencies are required to comply with the law.

“We trust that agencies, that are already in financial difficulty, will not use the cloak of compliance with the law as an excuse for closure.”

MP Chris Bryant, a former Anglican priest, said that he thought the “dogmatic position of the Catholic Church is unnecessary.

“Some very difficult children have found loving homes in gay couples,” he added.

Stephen Smith, 38, was attacked with a hammer by a man he had met on the internet after he made it clear he did not want a committed relationship.

Gareth Jeffrey had bombarded him with text messages threatening to kill him, which Mr Smith said he reported to officers before the attack took place in March 2003.

Among the texts Jeffrey sent was one saying he had lain in wait for Mr Smith in a pub while carrying a carving knife.

The attack, which took place outside of Smith’s home when he was on his way to work, left him with three depressed fractures of the skull.

Jeffrey is now serving a ten year sentence after pleading guilty at Lewes Crown Court for causing GBH with intent and threats to kill.

Heather Williams, Mr Smith’s lawyer, told Brighton paper The Argus that the Sussex force had failed to adhere to its policy on domestic violence and had breached its duty under the Human Rights Act.

Edward Faulks, the chief constable of Sussex Police, said the introduction of the Human Rights Act had not altered the law on the “duty of care.”

Mr Smith’s lawyers said he would receive “substantial” damages should he win the case.

However, it will allow each bishop to decide whether or not to employ them.

The decision comes after a week of debate at the churches annual meeting, with the 86 member governing synod voting 50 to 34 to change the rules.

Marit Tingelstad, head of the Bishop’s Council for Norway’s Hamar distric said on state radio network NRK: “This will create peace in the church, and securing for homosexual clergy.”

However not all church members are pleased with the decision.

Bishop Ole D. Hagesaeter, of the Bjoergvin district, said, “This is a sad day for the church. It will be a splitting factor and lead to many feeling homeless in the church.”

Under Norwegian law, gay couples have rights comparable to those of married heterosexuals, apart from church weddings and adoption.

The church counts nearly 85 percent of Norway’s 4.7 million people as members.

Kayiode Dexter Telesford, who had been living for several years under the name of Kellie Telesford, died of strangulation at her home on Leander Road in Thornton Heath.

The police are treating the death as suspicious, and have asked anyone who saw Telesford between the 15th and 21st of November to contact them immediately.

One neighbour told thisislocallondon.co.uk “There’s been a lot of police activity round here. I can’t believe something like that has happened.

“I heard the police breaking in through the door the other day but I didn’t know why. Now I’ve heard what’s happened, it’s made me feel very uneasy.” he added.

Anyone with information should call 020 8721 4205 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Peter Tatchell began his first campaign in 1967 in his native Australia against the death penalty and opposition to conscription and the Australian and US war against the people of Vietnam.

“It is a great honour and privilege to have been part of the international human rights movement,” said Mr Tatchell.

“Over the last four decades, I have been involved in campaigns that have contributed to many spectacular human rights achievements: the fall of the dictatorships in Spain and Chile, independence for East Timor, an end to apartheid in South Africa, peace in Vietnam and the north of Ireland, and the transition to democracy in the former Soviet bloc states of Eastern Europe and the Baltics.”

He will celebrate 40 years of human rights campaigning on

10 December 2007, Human Rights Day, by staging a protest.

In the evening he will attend the Human Rights Awards 2007, which is

jointly organised by Liberty and Justice.

After moving to London in 1971, aged 19, he became a leading activist in the Gay Liberation Front (GLF); organising sit-ins at pubs that refused to serve “poofs”, and protests against police harassment and the medical classification of homosexuality as an illness.

Recently he was assaulted while taking part in a Pride demonstration in Moscow, and was detained by Russian police.

As well as his campaign work he also regularly writes for The Guardian and hosts a weekly current affairs programme broadcast on internet channel 18 Doughty St, entitled Talking with Tatchell.

He is the Green Party parliamentary candidate for Oxford East, and party’s spokesperson on human rights.

Lance Corporal Kerry Fletcher, 31, claims she was picked on because of her sexuality and that the staff sergeant sent her text messages indicating he wanted to have sex with her when she was working at an army stables in North Yorkshire.

The sergeant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has maintained his innocence despite an internal army inquiry indicating that he most likely did sent the messages.

“I have been protesting my innocence for the past three years. I still remain innocent and I still didn’t do it,” he said.

He told the Leeds tribunal yesterday, that Fletcher had suggested he should be a sperm donor and once said: “You have quite a bulge, I was wondering if it was big or just scrunched up in briefs?”

The staff sergeant described how Miss Fletcher had often been late for duties and insubordinate towards him.

He said after a period of leave he decided “enough was enough” and decided to enforce discipline more severely.

He denied he had singled her out for more severe treatment because she had rejected his sexual advances.

He was asked how he felt when he heard about the allegations Miss Fletcher had made against him.

“I had 20 years of exemplary service. I had never had anything like this happen to me. I was absolutely fuming,” he said, according to The Sun.

The hearing continues.

Yvonne Buschbaum said that a persistent achilles tendon injury and a feeling that she was “emotionally in the wrong body” have contributed to her decision to end her career.

The 27-year-old said on her website: “For many years, I have had the feeling I am in the wrong body.

“Those who know me have seen a clear fault. I feel like a man and yet must live my life in the body of a woman.

“I would not like to be misjudged any longer.

“I am conscious of the fact that transsexuality is a difficult topic, but I don’t want to be involved in a game of hide-and-seek with the truth.

“I appeal to the public’s understanding, to respect my decision and not draw any wrong conclusions.”

The German, who won bronze at the 1998 European Championships and came sixth in the Sydney Olympics in 2000 also added: “I am just daring to show what is the real me.”

Trans people are not very visible in sport, but earlier this year, former tennis star Renne Richards admitted to Reuters that she regretted the fame she received from her gender re-assignment surgery in 1975.

In April Los Angeles Times sportswriter Mike Penner revealed

he was about to undergo a sex reassignment operation and later returned to the Times as a female sports writer.

She sued the Sunday Sport after story entitled “Sam’s sex and drugs shame” hit newsstands on 22 July this year.

Two topless photos of Janus, taken by her ex boyfriend Doug Harwood, accompanied the article.

As well as the lesbian claims it was also said that the EastEnders actress took part in “coke-fuelled threesomes.”

Her solicitor David Price said: “The truth is that, contrary to the article, at no time did the claimant and Mr Harwood have sexual relations in the presence of others, let alone indulge in a drug-fuelled orgy of the kind described in the article.

He told the High Court: “I am pleased to tell your Lordship that the defendants are here today to apologise to the claimant for publishing the article.

“The defendants have agreed to pay the claimant a substantial sum in damages together with her legal costs.

“They have also undertaken not to repeat the allegations or republish the photographs.”

Ms Janus joined the EastEnders cast in May.

The use of the drug facilitates longer and rougher sex, as well as increasing the body’s uptake of fluids.

The research, published in the online edition of Sexually Transmitted Infections, shows gay men are still the highest risk group in terms of UK HIV infection, with 84% of all new cases in 2005 being the result of gay sex.

The risky behaviour of gay men in the UK is said to be behind the statistic, with 50% reporting having had unprotected sex in the past year.

The re-emergence of syphilis and chlamydia indicate that the sexual health of gay men is a cause for concern.

As regard poppers use, the researchers said:

“The attributable risk of nitrite inhalants to HIV seroconversion among gay men in the UK is high and reduction in their use during HIV serodiscordant unprotected intercourse be adopted as a population level goal/objective by prevention programmes.”

It is not the first time drugs have been blamed for raising HIV infection rates.

Use of crystal meth in the gay community has been blamed in the press for a loss of inhibitions leading to dangerous sexual activity.

Twenty year old Alberto Ruggin was dismissed by his priest after featuring on a television programme where he revealed his sexuality.

His priest, Don Paolino Bettanin, from the northern Italian town of Padua, claimed he was “disgusted” by the whole affair, but added that he had suspected it.

“I tried to explain to him that a true Christian respects everybody. He accused me of not revealing my sexuality sooner, but admitted he had suspected it. The truth is that he’s scared of what people might say. So, I’m turning to the Bishop.” Mr Ruggin told Reuters.

He had sung in the church choir since he was thirteen and was openly gay with his family, who had urged him to come out.

Paolo Bonolis, one of Italy’s best loved TV personalities, who presented the program described Ruggin as having “extraordinary courage in a highly discriminative world.”

The documentation takes the form of correspondence sent between embassies throughout the EU and dates back as far as May 2005.

It refers specifically to the case of two boys, Mahmoud Asqari, who was under 18 at the time the alleged offence was committed, and Ayad Marhouni who were hung in public.

Many gay rights activists argue they were executed for consensual gay sex, while other sources claim the boys were guilty of rape.

The government papers show moves from a British embassy official asking other embassies in Iran to “put pressure on the Judiciary to send out guidance in the form of a circular or order by Judiciary Chief, Ayatollah Shahroudi,” to obligate the Muslim nation to make sure all judges were aware that those under 18 should not be executed.

It also shows that although the two boys may not have been executed solely because of the homosexual aspect for the crime, the punishment was carried out “before all legal means to avoid the execution had been exhausted.”

A further conversation between a Parliamentary Union and the Iranian Majles (legislative body) in May 2007 showed that “according to Islam gays and lesbianism were not permitted. He [an Iranian representative] said that if homosexual activity is in private there is no problem, but those in overt activity should be executed.”

According to the transcript he initially said “torture” but changed the wording to “execution.”

He also argued that “homosexuality is against human nature” and that “humans are here to reproduce. Homosexuals do not reproduce.”

According to Iranian human rights campaigners, over 4,000 lesbians and gay men have been executed since the Ayatollahs seized power in 1979.

To see the full transcripts of the FCO documents click here.

Jan Vinzenze Krause, director of the Institute for Condom Consultancy said the idea came from the idea that the condom should fit the man, and not the other way round.

Speaking to Spiegel Online he said: “If you go into a drug store to buy condoms, the ones they sell are mainly suited to men with the average penis length of 14.5 centimetres (5.51 inches), but a lot of people have penises that are smaller or larger than that.

“This would represent a revolution in the condom market,” he added.

The device works by spraying liquid latex straight on to the penis, which covers it in a matter of seconds.

The spray-on condom will, however, work out as more expensive than conventional ones.

The chamber will cost around £11 to £18 and the liquid latex refills, which produce between 10 and 20 condoms depending on size, will be priced at between £3.50 to £7.

That amounts to around 70p per condom, compared with around 35p per conventional sheath.

Although there are many legal hurdles to overcome and technical niggles to iron out, he is hoping it will eventually be available to buy in shops.

The system works a bit like a car wash. The man put his penis in a chamber and presses a button to start the jets of liquid latex, sucked from a detachable cartridge.

The rubber dries in seconds and is later rolled off and discarded like a conventional condom.

The aim is for the process to take just 10 seconds but at present the latex drying time is around 20 to 25 seconds. “We’re working to shorten that time,” said Krause.

Georgia Fuller and Stanley Harris, who both lost their bids for seats, have filed the lawsuit in Georgia claiming that Michelle Bruce falsely identified herself as female in the election earlier this month.

The case, which identifies her as ‘Michael Bruce’, has asked the judge to rule the election invalid and for another one to be ordered.

Bruce’s drivers licence identifies her as a 42-year-old white female.

Speaking to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, she refused to confirm whether or not she has had gender reassignment surgery.

“That’s private,” she said. “The people don’t care about it.”

The Georgia Secretary of State’s inspector general is also reviewing a complaint from the pair to determine if an investigation is needed, spokesman Matt Carrothers confirmed.

Georgia is not known for its sympathy to LGBT rights issues.

Last year courts in the eastern state reinstated constitutional amendments banning gay couples from marrying.

Human Rights Campaign, the largest gay rights group in America, made its announcement, in time for the festive season, due to the company’s refusal to give domestic partner benefits to gay and lesbian workers.

The 2008 Corporate Quality index rated Wal-Mart, along with other retail giants including Toys R Us and Auto Zone, in the red category, advising gays and their supporters to shop elsewhere.

It was a fall of 25 points to 40 from last years guide.

Wal-Mart spokesman David Tovar told USA Today: “We’re proud of our diversity initiatives and we think we are taking the right steps.”

He would not “speculate” on whether the rating would hurt holiday sales.

It is not the first time Wal-Mart has landed itself in hot water around LGBT issues.

Earlier this year it withdrew its membership of the National Lesbian and Gay Chamber of Commerce citing a new policy not to support “contraversial” issues.

Paul Blank, Campaign Director of WakeUpWalMart.com, an action group protesting about what they see as Wal-Mart’s erosion of American worker’s rights, said at the time:

“Wal-Mart should be ashamed that it would define its support for the GLBT community as “highly controversial.”

“While it ignores its explicit support for right-wing George Bush-style Republicans whose policies have cost America middle class jobs, worsened our health care system, helped poison our environment, and blindly support failed strategies in Iraq.”

Last year the Corporate Quality index was downloaded from HRC’s website more than a quarter of a million times.

The site, the first of its kind for the Muslim East African nation, is aimed at the UK Somalian gay community and it is hoped that it will reach those who feel trapped in the homophobic country and show that there are others like them.

A spokesperson for the site, Somaligaycommunity.org, told Pinknews.co.uk: “It is a shame that we are still confronted with so much hate and discrimination for the fact that we are gay, but I believe the only way to overcome this is by educating ourselves and others and having a website like this will play such an important role.”

Somaligaycommunity.org is meant to act as a contact and information point for what he feels is a community “in a state of limbo”, due to not being attached to the Somali community in the UK or the mainstream gay community.

He says that the vitriolic responses written by some people on the website have been “really shocking.”

“I think these people should be respectful of the countries they are in and not say such things.”

Some visitors to the site have called it “disgusting”, with others calling homosexuality an “evil disease.”

The event was held in Buenos Aires, which recently won the trophy in the Gay World Cup, also held in the Latin American country.

According to Reuters, Cesar Cigliutti, President of the Argentine Homosexual Community said at the event: “After sixteen years our motto is celebration.

“This party is a demand, for there to be gays and lesbians dancing in the street is a demand.”

During the evening the event, which took place near the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedeal, attracted crowds of Catholic demonstrators, but they were kept separate from the fun by police.

Speaking to Wikinews, María José Lubertino, Chairwoman of the National Institute Against Discrimination, Xenophobia and Racism said: “This is an advance for democracy, that we can gather so many people to celebrate diversity.

“We must work against all types of discrimination and especially on this day against homophobia, and also pursue the rights not afforded to us; for example, the identity of transsexual people.”

The city was the first in South America to legalise same sex unions, in 2002.

The move was aimed at making the need for a father at IVF children unnecessary.

Some peers however said it should uphold the importance of both parents.

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill contains new rules that will allow gay and lesbian couples to become the legal parents of a child conceived through donated sperm, eggs or embryos.

According to the BBC, Lord Darzi had said earlier that it was important to change the law to make sure it “was reflective of modern society.”

“The Bill includes clear recognition of same-sex couples as legal parents of children conceived through use of donated sperm, eggs or embryos,” Lord Dazi added.

Lib Dem peer Baroness Tonge said children could be brought up “very well indeed without either parent in some circumstances.”

She added: “My party has never discriminated against gay people – which this debate is really about – and we will therefore support the removal of these words.”

Labour Peer Lord Brennan, 65, collapsed and required heart massage before the second hearing of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill was adjourned to a later date.

Iain Duncan Smith, a former leader of the Tory party, said on Sunday that the proposals remove the need for a father and therefore threaten society.

Forty-five MPs have signed a motion saying the bill is “profoundly misinformed and clearly undermine the best interests of the child” and the leader of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor, has said the bill is “profoundly wrong.”

The event, now in its 11th year, is aimed at celebrating those working in television as well as individuals who keep HIV/AIDS awareness, education and prevention at the forefront.

The ceremony is due to coincide with World AIDS Day on the 1st December.

This is the eleventh Ribbon of Hope celebration. Previous winners have included Sex and the City, The West Wing and E.R who have all won awards for including story lines about HIV/AIDS.

Paul Colichma, founder of here! said in a statement: “The significance of the Ribbon of Hope taking place on World AIDS Day once again presents an important opportunity to renew awareness while addressing the complacency that currently hampers HIV/AIDS education, prevention and treatment efforts around the world.

“In that vein, here! is honored to be partnering with the Television Academy, once again on this important event and thrilled to be able to make this celebration to here!’s nationwide audience and global online community.”

Six people were charged under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 for the alleged sexual activity that happened in the toilets on Harrison Drive in the New Brighton area of the city earlier this year.

The police officer involved, who has not been named, was fined 13 days pay for the incident through the forces own disciplinary proceedings.

However the arrests have drawn criticism from the gay community, who claim that correct policy and procedure was not carried out.

Speaking to the Liverpool Daily Post and EchoMike Homfray, chairman of the Gay and Lesbian Police Liaison Group, an independent group funded by Merseyside Police, said: “There is a lot of unhappiness and I feel it did a lot of harm.

“Usually there are warnings put up by police for operations. This was not done. We have been following this quite closely. Policy and procedure was seemingly ignored.”

Merseyside Police have defended their actions saying it is standard practice to ask those arrested to identify people they engaged in the offences with.

Two of the six people arrested have pleased guilty to the offences, four are still awaiting trial.

This is the first of Scottsdale’s three part ordinance, including a proposal requiring all of the cities businesses to offer protection for the LGBT community.

There were a few objections to the board’s approval.

According to AP, one resident called the situation “abominable” and called that such behaviour was “deviant” and that such a “choice” did not deserve legal protection.

However, board chairwoman Eula Dean said: “I can recall when it was not popular to use people of colour.

“I look to the policy to protect all people at all times in order to make a safe community for all people at all times.”

Rick Kidder, president of the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce, said many businesses already protect gay and transgender people who work for them but businesses would object if they had to spend a lot of money to offer equal protection.

Some businesses have voiced concerns that they may have to alter their toilets and rest rooms.

Arizona is relatively liberal on the map of states of the US and their treatment of homosexuality.

In November 2006 voters rejected a change in the constitution that would have banned gay marriage and civil partnership laws completely.

Over 30 US states have state law or constitutional banning of civil unions with only Massachusetts allowing full gay marriage.