Marc Shoffman was chief correspondent of PinkNews.co.uk between 2005 and 2006. He was online editor between 2006 and 2007.
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16 November 2006PM criticised over ‘disgraceful’ Iran offer 1 PinkNews.co.uk ExclusiveTony Blair is ignoring human rights abuses in Iran, a gay campaigner has warned.Gay activist Peter Tatchell has accused the Prime Minister of "cosying up to Tehran" for his own political aims while ignoring "gross human rights abuses" against gay people, women, students, trade unionists and ethnic minorities. -
16 November 2006Man bailed after gay murder 1 A 50-year-old man arrested following a death at a block of flats in Portsmouth has been bailed.67-year-old Malcolm Bryan, who worked in the entertainment industry booking cabaret artists, was found dead at the bottom of a stairwell in a block of flats in Portsmouth after midnight on September 21.His death is the third gay murder in less than a year. In July Michael Fardon, 45, from Northampton was murdered after a night out at his local the Boston Clipper. -
15 November 2006Gay soldiers appeal US military ban 5 Twelve lesbian and gay veterans of the war on terror have filed a brief in the First Circuit Court of Appeals, in Massachusetts, challenging the constitutionality of the federal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ban on lesbian, gay and bisexual service personnel.The case, Cook v Rumsfeld, was filed on behalf of the plaintiffs by Servicemembers Legal Defence Network (SLDN) and the law firm of Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP. -
15 November 2006Jerusalem gays to continue equality fight 23 Israeli gay campaigners have vowed to continue fighting for equality in Jerusalem after a gay pride rally in the capital city last week.A Hebrew University of Jerusalem stadium hosted 9000 people for a rally last Friday, despite weeks of anti-gay protests and threats of violence from ultra-Orthodox Jews in the area. -
15 November 2006Speak Out about homophobic bullying + Stonewall Cymru is hosting a live web chat during Anti-Bullying Week for young lesbian, gay and bisexual people who are experiencing homophobic bullying in school.Young people will be able to chat with trained advisers from ChildLine and the LGBT Helpline Cymru about their experiences, and receive advice about dealing with anti-gay bullying. -
15 November 2006Gay couple accuses British Airways of homophobia 1 A South African gay couple are demanding 80, 000 rand in damages and an apology from British Airways after claiming they were deliberately stopped from sitting together and alone because of their sexuality.Garrit Brown and Cecil Pickard, boarded a flight from Johannesburg to London in March and were told they could not be guaranteed a seat together and alone in economy class. -
15 November 2006Queen’s speech unveils gay interest laws 1 The next session of Parliament was officially opened today with the Queen unveiling a whole host of bills which will have an impact on the gay community in areas of crime, travel, health and the environment.Gay charity Stonewall's campaign to have homophobic incitement will be buoyed by a new Criminal Justice Bill and disabled people in the community will be pleased to receive free bus travel in England. -
15 November 2006Disabled gays welcome bus concessions 1 PinkNews.co.uk ExclusiveA group representing gay and disabled people has welcomed a commitment to free bus travel for elderly and disabled communities, but warns that more needs to be done.Elderly and disabled people will be able to take advantage of the Concessionary Bus Travel Bill which will provide free travel in England at off-peak times from April 2008. -
15 November 2006Stonewall to propose anti-gay incitement law 1 PinkNews.co.uk ExclusiveGay charity Stonewall has vowed to keep a close eye on the new Criminal Justice Bill announced today as the campaigners aim to have homophobic incitement added to the law.The Queen's speech at the state opening of Parliament today promised a Criminal Justice Bill with new powers to put victims at the centre of the law and order system. -
15 November 2006Ghana visit should address gay rights 1 PinkNews.co.uk ExclusiveGay campaigner Peter Tatchell has called on the government to raise the issue of human rights with the Ghanaian President when he visits the UK in the next parliamentary session.The Queen's speech at the state opening of parliament this morning revealed government plans to host a visit with Ghanaian President John Agyekum Kufuor. -
14 November 2006Gay activists lobby UN over Iran hangings + Gay campaigners are calling on the community to lobby the United Nations and European Union amid reports that ten Ahwazi Arab rights activists are scheduled to be hanged in IranThe men, accused of bombing oil installations, will by hanged from cranes in public, using the slow strangulation method, which is deliberately designed to maximise and prolong their suffering, according to reports in the Iranian media. -
14 November 2006AIDS charity raising HIV awareness in schools 1 The National AIDS Trust (NAT) today launches its Schools Pack in the lead up to World AIDS Day 1 December, a practical resource for teachers providing ideas on integrating HIV into the national curriculum for Key Stages 3 and 4.The pack is designed for use throughout the school year, but has been launched ahead of World AIDS Day, so that teachers can plan lessons and activities for this international day of awareness. -
14 November 2006Gay bar stops two men kissing 24 A gay pub has been accused of being "unprincipled" and "disingenuous" after a customer was told to stop kissing his boyfriend because it is "inappropriate."Scott Blockley, 39, was shocked when the General Manager of the Rose and Crown pub in Greenwich told him to stop kissing his partner Marc Finbow, 24, because other customers may find it offensive. -
14 November 2006UN urged to outlaw anti-gay legislation + Green Party MEP Caroline Lucas has added her name to calls for the United Nations to outlaw anti-gay laws around the world.Dr Lucas, who represents South-East England, has signed up to a letter demanding the UN Human Rights Council adopts a resolution requiring the worldwide decriminalisation of homosexuality. -
14 November 2006Gay choir helping youngsters find a voice + The London Gay Men's Chorus, the UK's largest gay choir, is to launch a youth choir, aimed at 16-21 year olds.Following a successful pilot project last year, the first workshop for those interested in joining the choir, to be known as 'Sing It!' will take place this weekend. -
14 November 2006South Africa set to back gay unions 10 South Africa is set to back a controversial gay partnerships bill which is opposed by religious groups and seen as a disappointment by some gay campaigners.All members of the ruling African National Council have been ordered to vote for the Civil Unions Bill which allows the "voluntary union of two persons, which is solemnised and registered by either a marriage or civil union." -
14 November 2006Africa allows gay weddings 10 The African continent is not known for gay rights, but South Africa has now created a landmark in the region after passing a law allowing same sex marriage.The Civil Unions Bill was passed today by 230 votes to 41, allowing the "voluntary union of two persons, which is solemnised and registered by either a marriage or civil union." -
14 November 2006South African gays demand universal marriage law 10 South African gay groups have welcomed today's historic step taken by the country's Parliament in opening up unions to gays and lesbians, but are disappointed that it will run separately to existing marriage laws.The Civil Unions Bill was passed today by 230 votes to 41, allowing the "voluntary union of two persons, which is solemnised and registered by either a marriage or civil union." -
14 November 2006Gay charity reminds Ruth Kelly of ‘hidden homeless’ 1 PinkNews.co.uk ExclusiveRuth Kelly appears to have forgotten about the gay community again, this time by failing to mention them in a speech about homelessness.The Albert Kennedy Trust, England's only charity supporting housing for members of the LGBT community, criticised Ms Kelly for not mentioning the "hidden homeless." -
14 November 2006Catholic gays oppose pastoral guidelines + Christian gay groups have criticised guidelines approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) today on the attitude towards homosexuality.Officials at the gathering approved a document entitled Ministry to Persons with a Homosexual Inclination: Guidelines for Pastoral Care.The guidelines attempt to create a balance between welcoming gays and lesbians into the Church whilst upholding religious teachings.
