PinkNews.co.uk

Jonathan Ross 'not in breach' of broadcasting code over gay adoption joke

Jessica Geen — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:27:00 PDT

Jonathan Ross did not breach the broadcasting code for comments he made about gay children being adopted, Ofcom has ruled.

Queen sends message of support to homophobic church movement

Jessica Geen — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 08:45:16 PDT

The Queen has extended her support to a church movement which denounces homosexuality. The monarch sent two letters of support to the Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans, which fights against the preaching of "false gospels" of homosexuality and other "immoral" sexual behaviour.

Mainstream comic world gets first gay kiss

Staff Writer, PinkNews.co.uk — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 08:48:39 PDT

An X-Men-related comic book is the first mainstream title to feature a gay kiss. X-Factor's 45th issue shows characters Rictor and the previously-possessed Shatterstar sharing a kiss after years of sexual tension and ambiguity.

Schools secretary Ed Balls in crackdown on gay bullying

Jessica Geen — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 05:51:16 PDT

Schools secretary Ed Balls is to issue fresh guidance on how to deal with homophobic bullying in schools. His department issued guidance on how to tackle the issue two years ago but is soon to publish advice on sexist, sexual and transphobic bullying.

Stonewall: Ross's 'light-hearted' comment still encourages bullying

Jessica Geen — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 08:30:06 PDT

Gay rights charity Stonewall has criticised the Ofcom judgement on Jonathan Ross, saying "light-hearted" comments still lead to homophobic bullying in schools.

'God Hates Fags' church to picket Michael Jackson's funeral

Staff Writer, PinkNews.co.uk — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 04:08:52 PDT

Members of the Westboro Baptist Church, who blame homosexuality for the world's ills, have said they will picket the funeral of Michael Jackson.

Russian gay rights activists forced to cancel Obama protest

Jessica Geen — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 06:24:39 PDT

Russian gay activists in Moscow have been forced to cancel a protest timed to coincide with US president Barack Obama's visit to the city.

Police appeal after homophobic attack in London

Staff Writer, PinkNews.co.uk — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 06:03:35 PDT

Police are appealing for witnesses after a homophobic attack on three men on a bus in London. The incident happened on the N94 bus from central London to Shepherd's Bush, at about 4am on Sunday, June 7th.

Colin Powell: 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell should be reviewed'

Jessica Geen — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 03:49:17 PDT

Former US secretary of state and joint chiefs of staff chairman Colin Powell has said the military gay ban should be reviewed. He had previously supported the policy.

Comment: How very dare he! Woolas claims UK fair on LGBT asylum

Paul Canning — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:56:14 PDT

In a shameless piece of bandwagon climbing, immigration minister Phil Woolas has published a piece on LabourList claiming that his department is fair on LGBT asylum. He says he is “proud” that people were at Saturday’s London LGBT Pride march who have won asylum.

Cambridge's Pink Festival cancelled

Staff Writer, PinkNews.co.uk — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 04:17:47 PDT

Cambridge's Pink Festival has been cancelled due to funding difficulties. In a statement released today, organisers said the free event had not secured enough funding and sponsorship, citing the current recession.

Gay presenter Graham Norton's BBC1 show 'axed'

Staff Writer, PinkNews.co.uk — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 03:35:58 PDT

Graham Norton's BBC1 show Totally Saturday has been cancelled due to poor viewing figures, according to reports. According to the Sun, the show was watched by only 2.5 million viewers on Saturday, down from 4.3 million when it began last month.

Senior Church of England Bishop says gays must "repent and be changed"

Staff Writer, PinkNews.co.uk — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 07:59:33 PDT

While just over a million people turned out in London for gay pride, Dr Michael Nazir-Ali, the Bishop of Rochester called on gay people to "repent and be changed" saying the Church of England must not be "rolled over by culture." Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell called on the Bishop to "repent his homophobia."

Gay Tory MP attacks new expenses story

Staff Writer, PinkNews.co.uk — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:05:35 PDT

Openly gay Conservative MP Alan Duncan has attacked the Daily Telegraph over the latest story on his expense claims. According to the newspaper, Duncan claimed £63,000 by "flipping" a mortgage to a property he had owned outright for ten years.

Boos and cheers as politicians address Pride crowds

Staff Writer, PinkNews.co.uk — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 02:09:26 PDT

Just a day after a heated row over homophobia between Labour and the Conservatives, almost one million people gathered in London to celebrate gay Pride.

Peter Tatchell reminds Sarah Brown gays can't marry

Jessica Geen — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 09:33:24 PDT

Gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell has reminded Sarah Brown, the prime minister's wife, that gays cannot get married. She marched in the Pride parade with Stonewall chief Ben Summerskill and gay MEP Michael Cashman as she waved a pink Union flag.

Sarah Brown marches in Pride parade

Jessica Geen — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 09:07:43 PDT

The prime minister's wife Sarah Brown today made history by marching in London's Pride parade.

Gordon and Sarah Brown host Pride reception

Staff Writer, PinkNews.co.uk — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 07:22:08 PDT

Gordon and Sarah Brown hosted an intimate reception in Downing Street's gardens this morning for organisers of London Pride and the pink press.

Gay Tory MPs miss London Pride

Staff Writer, PinkNews.co.uk — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 13:40:31 PDT

Gay Conservative MPs Alan Duncan and Nick Herbert will not attend London Pride today. Instead, shadow culture secretary Jeremy Hunt, who is not even gay, will attend in their place. He is to make a speech at Trafalgar Square this afternoon.

Gay Foreign Office minister Chris Bryant writes to ambassadors attacked over LGBT rights

Jessica Geen — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 04:38:31 PDT

Openly gay Foreign Office minister Chris Bryant has extended his support to two British ambassadors who were criticised for their support of gay rights.