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.

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.

Two Australian sports commentators are facing an investigation by the New South Wales anti-discrimination board for their remarks about men's figure skating.

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".

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.

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.

The city of Beverly Hills has rejected Lauren Ashley, the beauty queen who said that God wanted gay people dead. Ms Ashley, a contestant in the Miss California pageant, claimed to hold the title of Miss Beverly Hills, but a statement from the city says there is no such role.