Two surveys of Conservative candidates have found that the majority support equal gay rights. Between a third and three-quarters said they supported giving gay couples the same rights as heterosexuals.

Foreign minister Chris Bryant said today that the British Foreign Office was encouraging other countries in the EU to recognise civil partnerships performed in the UK. He also said he did not believe aid should be cut to countries which fail to protect gays and lesbians.

Foreign minister Chris Bryant said today that the British Foreign Office was encouraging other countries in the EU to recognise civil partnerships performed in the UK. He also said he did not believe aid should be cut to countries which fail to protect gays and lesbians.

Europe minister Chris Bryant has confirmed he will tie the knot with his partner in parliament next month. Mr Bryant is expected to become the first MP to take advantage of changes which mean gay MPs and their families can celebrate their ceremonies in the same way as heterosexuals.

Europe minister Chris Bryant has confirmed he will tie the knot with his partner in parliament next month. Mr Bryant is expected to become the first MP to take advantage of changes which mean gay MPs and their families can celebrate their ceremonies in the same way as heterosexuals.

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.

Prime minister Gordon Brown paid tribute last night to gay and lesbian members of the armed forces at a reception to mark the contribution of the LGBT community for Britain.

Prime minister Gordon Brown paid tribute last night to gay and lesbian members of the armed forces at a reception to mark the contribution of the LGBT community for Britain.

Welsh party Plaid Cyrmu has launched PlaidPride, an affiliated group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people. The party announced the new group at its spring conference in Cardiff last weekend.