Benefits victory for British gay couples in France
British civil partners living in France are now entitled to the same tax and inheritance benefits as their French counterparts. A legal anomaly previously meant they were treated like any other unmarried couple.
Irish civil partnerships bill progresses through parliament
A bill to allow gay couples the right to civil partnerships is making progress through the Irish parliament. It was presented to parliament in December and completed its second stage in the Dail yesterday. It will now go to a committee for further scrutiny.
Italy opens first transgender prison
Italy is to open its first prison specially for trans inmates. The building, a former halfway house for women, is in the town of Empoli in Tuscany. It will open in late March.
Moscow mayor repeats claims of 'satanic' gay Pride marches
The mayor of Moscow has repeated his claims that gay Pride marches are "satanic". Yury Luzhkov attacked gay-themed events in 2007 as "satanic" in 2007 and banned gay rights campaigners from holding such an event.
Spanish judge closes case on death of Stephen Gately
A Spanish court ruled yesterday that gay Boyzone star Stephen Gately died from natural causes, rather than drugs or alcohol.
Lesbian UKIP MEP barred from standing for re-election
A lesbian UKIP MEP who left the party's European grouping has been told she cannot stand for election under her party. Nikki Sinclaire, an MEP for the West Midlands, was told she had broken party rules.
Mainstream holiday operator to cater for gay couples
Holiday company Thomson has announced it is launching a new holiday brochure aimed at gay couples. The operator said its seven destinations are gay-friendly.
Lesbian UKIP MEP leaves European group
A lesbian MEP for the UK Independence Party has left the group her party joined in the European Parliament. Nikki Sinclaire announced this week that she was leaving the Europe of Freedom and Democracy group.
Portugal votes to legalise gay marriage
Portugal's parliament today voted to legalise marriage for gays and lesbians. The Catholic country will be the sixth in Europe to grant same-sex couples the right to wed, although this will not include adoption rights.
Portugal expected to approve gay marriage this week
Portugal is expected to approve gay marriage this Friday when a bill comes up for debate in parliament. It is thought the law is almost certain to pass, as left-wing parties who are supportive of gay marriage occupy a majority of seats.
Italian footballer player could be punished for gay magazine shoot
An Italian football player who posed in his underwear for a gay magazine could face sanctions from his club. Napoli player Jesus Datalo posed for monthly gay publication Romeo Mag.
Georgian gay rights group raided by police
The Inclusive Foundation, a gay rights group based in the eastern European country of Georgia, was raided by police earlier this month and its leader arrested. European gay organisation ILGA-Europe said the raid was motivated by homophobia.
Lithuanian parliament revises 'gay ban' law
Lithuania has revised a controversial law banning the "promotion" of homosexuality. The country's parliament voted 58-4, with 25 abstentions, to amend the law. It prohibited the "public dissemination" of any materials which could be seen to promote homosexuality.
Head of Russian Orthodox Church condemns discrimination against gays
The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, has said that although homosexuality is still a sin, gay people must not be discriminated against.
Portugal tipped to allow gay marriage
Portugal's government is drawing up a law to allow gay marriage. According to Associated Press, the legislative change would remove any references to gender and if passed, would come in to force by April.
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