Curator Eugenio Viola told Associated Press: “It was made clear to us that it would be better to remove the piece.”

The Catholic Anti-Defamation League protested about the appearance of the sculpture, claiming it is a defamation of the head of state of the Vatican.

They threatened to press charges.

“It is a vulgar offence against Christ’s Vicar and the feelings of the Roman Catholics,” a spokesman said.

Milan culture counsellor Vittorio Sgarbi told Ansa IT:

“This exhibition represents gay Pride. It gives space to artists who show homosexual aesthetics in a flashy, proud way with a few irrepressible provocations.”

He said of the Papal sculpture:

“I’ll keep it with me so that I can give the Pope back the decorum he deserves.”

The removal of the provocative sculpture led Mr Sgarbi to cancel the ban imposed on under-18s.

A second controversial piece featuring a photo of Romano Prodi’s spokesperson speaking to a transgender prostitute was also pulled.

The opening was postponed for three days to remove the sculptures and replace catalogues.

The Pope piece, entitled “Miss Kitty,” was created by Paolo Schmidlin.

The exhibition starts with late nineteenth century pieces up to the present day and features works by 150 different artists including Andy Warhol, Gilbert and George, American photographer Bruce Weber and Britain’s David Hockney.

The exhibition is staged in Milan’s Palazzo della Ragione until November 11th.

His body was discovered on Wednesday and he was pronounced dead at Altnagelvin hospital.

Mr Johnston was a hairdresser and support counsellor for gay group Rainbow Project.

Rainbow Project member David Cartney told Belfast Today

“The event has sent waves of shock throughout both the gay and wider community, many of whom are struggling to understand what is happening.”

The Foyle branch of Rainbow Project cancelled holiday arrangements yesterday to mourn Mr Johnston and to provide support for anyone who needed to talk.

His mother told Derry Journal that her son was a “lovely wee boy” and appealed to other suicidal people to seek help instead of taking their lives.

“The news has completely turned my life upside down. This is the worst thing that can happen to a mother. Eamon was the last person you would expect to commit suicide.”

Mr Johnston’s best friend told the paper: “Eamon helped me through my own battle with suicidal thoughts over the last few months. I had no idea he was going through the same thing himself.”

Four years ago Mr Johnston told local press after winning Mr Gay Derry:

“I was pretty nervous about the Gay UK thing…my feeling now is this; you have to be seen out there; you can’t hide in a corner or we’ll never get anywhere.”

Mr Johnston’s death is the eighth suicide of a young person in Derry in the past few months.

A spokesperson for Police Service of Northern Ireland told Belfast Today that they are investigating the death but a crime is not suspected.

Tributes have been paid to Mr Johnston on his bebo site.

His funeral will be held on Sunday morning at 11am after Mass at St Colomba’s Church, Long Tower.

Dr. James Holsinger has been critcised by gay rights groups, physicians and politicians for writing in 1991 that gay sex is unnatural and unhealthy.

In his paper for the United Methodist Church, Holsinger said that gay sex was dangerous because, “when the complementarity of the sexes is breached, injuries and diseases may occur.”

“Questions have been raised about my faith and about my commitment to the health and well-being of all Americans, including gay and lesbian Americans,” he told the Senate Health Committee.

“I am deeply troubled by these allegations, they do not represent who I am, what I believe, or how I have practised medicine for the past 40 years.

“I can only say that I have a deep appreciation for the essential human dignity of all people regardless of background or sexual orientation.

“Should I be confirmed as surgeon general, I pledge to you to continue that commitment.”

Committee chairman Senator Edward Kennedy said he was concerned that if Dr Holsinger is appointed then he could let his personal beliefs affect his professional judgement.

He referred to the controversial paper, Pathophysiology of Male Homosexuality.

Dr Holsinger claims now the document is unscientific and does not represent his current views.

“Dr Holsinger’s paper is ideological and decidedly not an accurate analysis of the science then available on homosexuality.

“Dr Holsinger’s paper cherry picks and and misuses data to support his thesis that homosexuality is unhealthy and unnatural,” Sentor Kennedy said.

The hearing came two days after former Surgeon General Dr Richard Carmona accused the Bush administration of distorting scientific records to agree with public policy.

Dr Holsinger’s response to how he would stand up to political pressure is that he would rather resign than sacrifice his principles.

A professor at University of Kentucky College of Public Health, he has served as chief medical director of the Department of Veteran Affairs, overseeing America’s largest health care system, with facilities in all fifty states.

If confirmed, Dr Holsinger wants to tackle issues of childhood obesity, improve emergency services and promote a tobacco-free country.

Gay rights groups, the American Public Health Association and 35 members of the House are opposed to his nomination.

In support are former Surgeon General C Everett Koop and the American College of Physicians.

The committee is unlikely to vote before the end of the summer.

It stars Tom Harper as Adam, a gay teacher who lives in Surrey and comes to London on the weekends to go clubbing and pick up men.

A casual encounter with a handsome stranger, Jake (Sean Brenden Brosnan) brings Adam to the attention of powerful, unseen forces.

They rob him of his job and follow his every move.

Suddenly, Adam’s life is a mess, and he’s in serious danger. But why him?

Then Adam discovers that Jake planted on him the only evidence of an affair with a gay royal.

When Jake is found dead, Adam is forced to go on the run.

Director Paul Oremland shot the film using surveillance media techniques, such as CCTV, web cam, mobile phone cameras and video recorders.

PinkNews.co.uk spoke to Tom Harper about his role as Adam.

What interested you in this role?

I was interested in the idea of not being able to escape from an unseen enemy, I also enjoyed the script on my first read, although it took a few readings before I fully understood what was going on.

Surveillance is a film about a gay teacher who is monitored by CCTV and via his web use. Do you think that privacy is downgraded at the cost of public safety?

It seems to me there are two trains of thought on this issue; some people say if you aren’t breaking the law why should you worry about constant surveillance. Other’s say it’s offensive to personal liberty and freedom.

I think the very nature of surveillance can potentially breed a subtle sense of paranoia and distrust. In my everyday experience however, I barely register the cameras everywhere, they are certainly not a preoccupation for me.

I guess my choice of occupation, to be an actor, in itself suggests a comfortableness in being in front of the camera.

How much do you think surveillance is changing and will change the nature of society in a democratic nation?

I think out culture is changing enormously, partly as a result of CCTV.

Can democracy function better with CCTV or will it be destroyed? Who is doing the watching and what is their agenda?

We live in a society obsessed with celebrities, Big Brother, Katie and Peter, Brad and Ang, we lap up the latest antics of so and so in and out of rehab, all the while being silently filmed ourselves every second of every day.

How far do you agree with the messages in this film?

Regarding the ‘gay royal’ aspect of the story, I hope we can one day look at society and see that it is able to embrace any aspect of an individual or group identity, that things wouldn’t have to be hidden away for fear of condemnation.

That all people are measured on the quality of their abilities and potential and are not degraded or diminished for their sexuality, race or gender.

Regarding the message about surveillance there is something quite cyclical about the overall message, that the very medium which threatens the protagonist’s life and reputation also ends up being his saving grace.

Do you have a favourite genre of film that you like to work in?

I love period pieces!

What is next for you?

I am currently working on a film called Telstar, written and directed by Nick Moran and starring Kevin Spacer. It is the story of 1960s producer Joe Meek.

I’m also doing some telly for ITV. I am at a point in my career where I hope to have some choice, but have to consider that there are bills to pay.

Surveillance will be available to download from 18th July on Download to rent/stream (£2.99) or own (£9.99) from http://www.peccadillopod.com/.

Surveillance also stars Simon Callow and Sean Brendan Brosnan. 

Nadine Rodriguez has applied to the High Court for a judicial review to reconsider the non-inclusion of her partner in the tenancy agreement.

As things stand, should Ms Rodriguez die, her partner has no legal right to the apartment and could be forced onto the street.

The chairman of Gibraltar’s Equality Rights group (GGR) Felix Alvarez said:

“Preventing a same-sex couple from holding a joint tenancy is discriminatory and behind-the-times. Decisions of this sort are only made by politicians with narrow-minded backward views.”

GGR was established in 2000 and, in a community of 27,000 people where politics is dominated by the issue of sovereignty, they are openly campaigning for rights equal to those enjoyed by gay people in the UK.

The Gibraltar government argues that they do not discriminate based on sexual orientation as the laws also apply to heterosexual unmarried couples.

But heterosexual couples can marry.

Gibraltar is a self-governing overseas territory of the United Kingdom, but the government in London have no control over social policy.

Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell of gay rights group OutRage has accused Gibraltar government of state-sanctioned homophobic discrimination.

“After three terms in office, Chief Minister Peter Caruana has failed to provide any significant progress for Gibraltar’s gay and lesbian citizens.

“Same-sex citizens have no legal recognition or rights in Gibraltar. Civil partnerships do not exist,” he said.

“The Chief Minister is out of touch, not only with social progress in the rest of the European Union but also with the greater acceptance of gay people by Gibraltar’s residents.”

Despite claims of British heritage and values Gibraltar’s legislation tells a different story.

“The government’s only recent commitment has been entirely negative and hostile. It has stated that it will only introduce reforms where it is legally compelled to do so,” Mr Alvarez commented.

“Barely eight months ago, Mr Caruana ignored GGR’s formal representations to include sexual orientation in the anti-discriminatory clauses of the new constitution.”

Mr Alvarez said that if the Rodriguez case is successful it will be a huge turning point for LGBT rights in Gibraltar.

The GGR will support the case all the way to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg if necessary.

Ms Rodriguez will be represented by human rights London lawyer Rabinda Singh of Matrix Chambers.

The case will be heard in the autumn.

Last year LGBT marchers were attacked with sticks and stones by a group of young Estonian nationalists while celebrating the country’s gay third pride event.

The press service of the Estonian police told Interfax:

“Considering the problems of last year and possible threats involved in holding the event, the prefecture has advised that the organisers should find a place more suitable for it.

“Since the participants in the parade are many, holding it may disturb the constitutional rights of other citizens to walk the narrow streets of the city.”

Pride spokeswomen Lisette Kampus responded that freedom of assembly is a constitutional right.

Event organisers will be on alert to ensure that paraders will not disturb public order in the old town, which is the most suitable place as it is traffic free.

Ms Kampus said:

“We can not, should not and will not take responsibility for the actions of the people other than the participants.

“If this year someone from the audience on the streets decides to throw stones, eggs, or hit someone in the parade, they are committing a crime and are therefore subject to a punishment.

The police have an obligation to protect the public order and safety of the citizens.”

The parade, the grand finale of the week-long gay culture festival, is to be held on August 11th, under the Council of Europe slogan of ALL DIFFERENT, ALL EQUAL.

He was testifying at a hearing of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform in Washington.

“The reality is that the nation’s doctor has been marginalised and relegated to a position with no independent budget, and with supervisors who are political appointees with partisan agendas,” Dr Carmona told the hearing.

“The job of the Surgeon General is to be the doctor of the nation, not the doctor of a political party.”

Dr Carmona testified that he clashed with the Bush administration over issues of sexuality and contraception, because he opposed the government’s ‘abstinence only’ sex education policy.

His accusations of political interference were supported by former Surgeons General C Everett Koop and David Satcher, who served in the Reagan and Clinton administrations.

Mr Koop, who served between 1981-1989, spent many years trying to change the perception of AIDS from a moral to a public health issue.

He claims that President Reagan wanted to fire him, but chose not to intervene.

His successor Mr Satcher did not receive the same levels of political independence and neither did Dr Carmona.

White House spokesperson Tony Fratto said: “Dr Carmona was given the authority and had the obligation to be the leading voice for the health of all Americans.”

Last month the New York Times reported that potential candidate for Surgeon General Dr James Holsinger suitability for the job, specifically among the LGBT community, because of his anti-gay sentiments.

In 1991 he wrote Pathophysiology of Male Homosexuality, arguing that homosexuality is unnatural and unhealthy.

“As the leading spokesperson for matters of public health, the surgeon general should be guided by sound medical science, not anti-gay views rooted in religion-based bigotry,” said executive director Jeff Lutes of gay rights group SoulForce.

The White House has supported the nomination of Dr Holsinger arguing that he is a strong advocate for all groups without bias.

Confirmation hearings are scheduled for today to decide if Dr Holsinger is to be America’s eighteenth Surgeon General.

If confirmed he will become head of the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.

The Surgeon General is nominated by the U.S. President and confirmed via majority vote by the Senate.

Police arrested over 1000 men in May in poor neighbourhoods of Tehran and other cities as part of a moral ‘crackdown’ on indecent behaviour.

Those arrested will face trial and possible death at a later date.

Judiciary spokesperson Alireza Jamshidi is quoted in The New York Times confirming that the death penalty will be applied on the grounds of, “rape, insulting religious sanctities and laws, and homosexuality.”

It is unclear if any of the men have been accused of consensual gay sex.

Homosexuality is illegal in Iran and is seen as a violation against God.

On July 19th, 2005 two Iranian teenagers, Mahmoud Asgari, 15 and Ayaz Marhoni, 17, from Khuzestan province, were witnessed engaging in homosexual activities in a semi-public area and were hanged for perverting Islamic law.

The National Council of Resistance in Iran issued a press release, 2005 which stated, “the victims were charged with disrupting public order among other things.”

Islamic law states that all sexual acts outside of a heterosexual marriage are forbidden and punishable.

The Iranian clerics will not permit any political party or organisation to endorse LGBT civil rights and no legislation exists to prevent discrimination, harassment, hate crimes and corporal punishment.

Some left-wing Iranian political movements have expressed support for the LGBT community

The Green Party of Iran website states, “Every Iranian citizen is equal by law, regardless of gender, age, race, nationality, religion, marital status, sexual orientation or political beliefs.”

The manifesto of the Worker Communist Party of Iran supports the rights of all individuals “to be completely free in deciding over their sexual relationships with other adults.”

Protests against the hanging of the two gay teenagers were held in Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, Frankfurt, London, Marseilles, Mexico City, Moscow, New York, Provincetown, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Sioux Falls, Stockholm, Tehran, Toronto, Vancouver, Vienna, Warsaw and Washington DC.

Republican Senator David Vitter has been forced to admit he used the escort services of Deborah Jane Palfrey, the “DC madam” who is accused of making nearly $2m (£1m) over thirteen years providing call girls to Washington’s elite.

Senator Vitter strongly opposes gay rights and is a ‘family values’ stalwart.

In 2005 he compared same-sex marriage to hurricanes Katrina and Rita, which devestated his home state of Louisiana.

“It’s the crossroads where Katrina meets Rita. I always knew I was against same-sex unions,” he said.

Senator Vitter said in a statement today that God had forgiven him for his sins, along with his wife.

“This was a very serious sin for which I am, of course, completely responsible.

“Several years ago, I asked for and received forgiveness from God and my wife in confession and marriage counselling.

“Out of respect for my family, I will keep my discussion of the matter there – with God and them. But I certainly offer my deep and sincere apologies to all I have disappointed and let down in any way.”

Ms Palfrey claims the services she provided were erotic roleplay and not sex, and therefore she is innocent.

She posted over 13,000 phone numbers of clients on the net, forcing Senator Vitter to admit he was a client.

He used the escort service while a member of the US House of Representatives, before he became a Senator.

The former ‘madam’ said she published the numbers, which date from 1999 – 2006, to force clients to testify that her services were legal.

“Is it because you are a dirty, f***ing batty boy,” the irate driver of the No 200 bus screamed at him during a road rage incident.

Mr Wardle called the police after blocking in the bus driver with his car when the driver refused to repeat his homophobic comments on June 26th.

Mr. Wardle, from Clapham, said that he did not think the driver knew he was gay, calling it a “lucky guess.”

The police were called, the traffic gridlock got moving and the driver was given a public order caution.

“The police were fantastic, I’m happy with the result,” Mr Wardle, a nurse, told the South London Press.

London General Buses have apologised to Mr Wardle and disciplined the driver.

“All drivers trained by London General undergo a thorough and intensive training programme, which includes a strong emphasis on safety and customer care.

“They are expected to operate their vehicles in a polite, friendly and professional manner, consistent with maximum safety of, and with due concern for, passengers and all road users,” London General Buses told the paper.

Ms Rule has won many awards over the years as a writer, educator, gay rights activist, including the Order of British Colombia 2004.

Born in New Jersey in 1931, Ms Rule moved to Galiano Island, Canada with partner Helen Sonthoff, after a peripatetic childhood in America.

“I was proud and relieved to claim the label Canadian,” Ms. Rule told the Globe and Mail.

In 1964 her first novel Desert of the Heart, a lesbian love story, was published and Ms Rule was publicly outed.

It was made into an award-winning film, Desert Hearts, starring Helen Shaver, in 1985.

In recent years, Ms Rule has opposed gay marriage on the basis that it ‘mainstreams’ gay and lesbian relationships.

“To be forced back into the heterosexual cage of coupledom is not a step forward but a step back into state-imposed definitions of relationships,” she told the paper.

Ms Rule will be admitted to the order today at Galiano Island community hall.

“I chose Canada over fifty years ago, so it’s nice to have Canada choose me,” she told the Globe and Mail.

The hour-long event will take place on August 9th and broadcast live on gay network LOGO and through live streaming at LOGOonline.com

Front runners Hilary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards have confirmed they will participate. Republican hopefuls have also been invited.

The candidates will engage on issues such as relationship recognition, marriage equality, workplace fairness, military, hate crimes and HIV / AIDS.

“In the 2008 presidential elections, issues of concern to the LGBT community have already been at the forefront of the national conversation,” said Mr Solomnese.

“From the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ to the recent signing of a civil unions bill in New Hampshire, there is no doubt that voters will demand answers to important questions affecting our community.”

“We’re honoured to give the presidential candidates a historic opportunity to share their views directly with the LGBT audience,” said Brian Graden, LOGO president.

This first televised debate on LGBT issues is sponsored by LOGO and Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRCF).

Viewers will be able to submit questions online at the HRCF and LOGO websites.

Exit poll data states the LGBT community in the United States makes up approximately four percent of the voting population.

The forum will be held at Studio City, Los Angeles.

The service was intended to help gay Catholics discuss their experiences and pray for understanding of issues of faith.

Following the ban the meeting was held in a location not controlled by the church.

A spokesperson for the Archdiocese asserted that Quest is not a officially recognised group in the Catholic Church.

Quest had planned a Mass and barbecue party at the Chaplaincy Church of St Philip Neri.

Daphne McLeod of campaign group Pro Ecclesia et Pontifece supports the Church’s decision on the basis that Quest dissents from Catholic teaching.

“We would welcome them if, like other organisations, they helped homosexuals to live chaste lives.

“We believe in no sex outside marriage – but they don’t, they encourage active homosexuality,” she told the Liverpool Daily Post.

“It is not compassionate, it is not Christian, and it is extremely disrespectful,” he told the Post.  

The Gay Delhi Sunday School formed last year provides a meeting place for gay men to talk politics and family issues.

The gay scene in larger cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai is increasingly vibrant.

Time Out Delhi was launched three months ago with a homosexual section and listings featuring gay nights and social gatherings.

NGO worker Ranjan, 41, told the Indian Express:

“When we decided to start the socials, it was a conscious decision to be visible, to hold our gatherings in the day in a coffee shop. It was our way of pushing for a bit of public space.”

Ranjan is one of many who are defying the law against homosexuality in India and recent years have seen a fight for acceptance, tolerance and equality of LGBT issues.

A Gay Pride March, held last Sunday, saw a parade of supporters walking to Rabindra Sadan-Nandan, Kolkata’s cultural hub.

The gatherings helped architecture undergraduate Ajay to meet likeminded people and to come out to his father.

“Two months after I attended my first social I realised I wasn’t alone,” he told the paper.

Hundreds united in Delhi from May 25th to June 3rd this year for the Nigah QueerFest, a media event of features, documentaries and short films about homosexuality and transgender experiences.

Photographer Sunil Gupta commented: “It was an affirmation of their lives and choices that people were desperate to see.”

Not everybody is free to declare their sexuality, in smaller cities, organisations like Sangram are needed to support the rights of sexual minorities.

“We have received queries from many wanting to come out into the open but can’t. Many are caught in heterosexual marriages, some simply don’t have the courage,” said member Arunabha Gath.

For lesbian and bisexual women there are fewer support places available.

“We are silenced. Public spaces are inaccessible for women,” Maya, member of Delhi based support group Sangini, told the Indian Express.

“We don’t even put up stickers advertising our help line number at any public place because we know a woman will not stand up in a public place and scribble that number down. There is always the fear that too many people are watching.”

Despite increased awareness of LGBT issues prejudice still rages, in the last three months there have been at least six reported attacks with victims being mugged, tortured and murdered.

Earlier this year they released their major label debut album Snakehouse with US Tommy Boy Records Silver Label and appeared in gay-orientated True Colours Tour with artists Cyndi Lauper and Erasure.

Mr Silveira is the first transgender artist to be signed to a high-profile label.

He was born as Lillia and by his early twenties had come out as a lesbian.

He was song writing and performing with his band until two years ago when his grandmother died, his father had a stroke, his six-year relationship ended and his band members quit on him.

“I fell apart and started looking in,” recalled Mr Silveira.

“One day I just woke up horrified because I knew the answer, I was like oh my god, its sink or swim.”

Coming to terms with his gender identity, he formed The Cliks with fellow LGBT members Morgan Doctor and Nina Martinez. The songs he wrote and performed were edgier, raw and more intense.

“As a human being, I feel a responsibility to myself to be who I am,” Mr Silveira said of his transition from female to male.

At first glance he is petite with dark hair and prominent features.

On his arm he sports a tattoo of a dragon leaping through flames with the word Survivor, to commemorate his journey.

The Cliks’ singer is not the only trans role model in the entertainment business, where transgender and gay issues are slowly being dealt with in TC shows such as Ugly Betty and the film Transamerica.

The Bournemouth event is now in its fourth year.

The day begins at 1pm with a nautical-themed parade travelling from the suburb of Alum Chine along the beach to the promenade.

From 2pm live acts will perform on the Bandstand, among them local favourite Miss Jason and top cabaret acts.

The Lower Gardens will host stalls providing information on organisations like Over the Rainbow and Gay Guide Bournemouth.

In the evening there will be celebrations in the Triangle, the town’s gay village, from 7pm until the early hours of the morning.

Tina Cousins, Medusa, boy band Billiam will all perform and food and drink will be available at local venues and BBQ stalls.

For entry Bourne Free wristbands must be bought for £5 in advance or £8 on the gate.

The festival has the support of many local groups and businesses such as The Metropolitan Community Church, Bournemouth University and Fire 107.6FM.

“The Metropolitan Community Church have been serving the LGBT community since 1979 and we’re proud to be involved in the Bourne Free Pride Festival again in 2007,” said Reverend Dwayne Morgan of MCC Bournemouth.

The Mayor of Bournemouth Cllr Anne Filer will be visiting in the afternoon.

IT support consultant Ignatius Kloppers van Zyl, 47, set in motion divorce proceedings against Jacques Liebenberg, 36.

Mr Liebenberg’s divorce rights are voided under the terms of a pre-nuptial contract.

They were one of many homosexual couples who took advantage of legislation passed by the South African National Council in December 2006 permitting same-sex marriage.

The South African Parliament was overwhelmingly in favour of this motion, voting 240/41, making South Africa the fifth country in the world and the first in Africa to legalise same-sex marriage.

Mr Van Zyl and Mr Liedenberg married in Johannesburg on February 16th and were formally divorced by Judge Mokgoathleng last week.

Both parties were unavailable for comment.