A controversial law which bans the promotion of gay marriage in Lithuania comes into power on Monday. The law was amended in December after international criticism. Before, it prohibited the “public dissemination” of any materials which could be seen to promote homosexuality.

A girls' dormitory at a South African boarding school has reportedly been closed over allegations of lesbian relationships. Nearly 30 girls have been expelled, local reports said.

Members of the Metropolitan Police Equalities Unit have met with LGBT businesses and the gay media in London. Today's meeting was part of a new initiative to improve the relationship between the police and minority groups.

Human rights activists have called on Turkey to do more to prevent violence against trans people. According to Human Rights Watch, eight trans people have been murdered in Istanbul and Ankara since November 2008 and two trans women have been killed this month.

The commandant of the Marine Corps said yesterday he did not agree with lifting the ban on gay US soldiers being open about their sexuality. General James Conway told a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing that he believed that the "current policy works".

The Australian Senate today rejected a bill to give equal marriage rights to gay citizens. The bill was introduced by the Greens but was defeated 45-5, just days before the world's biggest gay celebration, Sydney Mardi Gras.

The Australian Senate today rejected a bill to give equal marriage rights to gay citizens. The bill was introduced by the Greens but was defeated 45-5, just days before the world's biggest gay celebration, Sydney Mardi Gras.

An Argentinian judge has given a second gay couple permission to get married. Judge Elena Liberatori ruled that the unnamed men in Buenos Aires were exercising their rights.

An Argentinian judge has given a second gay couple permission to get married. Judge Elena Liberatori ruled that the unnamed men in Buenos Aires were exercising their rights.

An Argentinian judge has given a second gay couple permission to get married. Judge Elena Liberatori ruled that the unnamed men in Buenos Aires were exercising their rights.