State-sponsored homophobia: mapping gay rights. Queen fights for gay rights: Monarch makes historic pledge on discrimination and hints that if Kate DOES have a girl that means equal rights to the throne. First time Her Majesty has signalled support for gay rights in 61-year reignAlso promotes 'empowerment' of women in drive to boost human rightsInsiders say her decision to highlight the event is a 'watershed' moment By Simon Walters Published: 22:05 GMT, 9 March 2013 | Updated: 22:58 GMT, 9 March 2013 Her Majesty The Queen will sign the Commonwealth Charter in her first public appearance since leaving hospital after suffering from a stomach bug The Queen will tomorrow back an historic pledge to promote gay rights and ‘gender equality’ in one of the most controversial acts of her reign. In a live television broadcast, she will sign a new charter designed to stamp out discrimination against homosexual people and promote the ‘empowerment’ of women – a key part of a new drive to boost human rights and living standards across the Commonwealth.
A diplomatic source added: ‘The impact of this statement on gay and women’s rights should not be underestimated. Same-sex marriage now legal as first couples wed. 29 March 2014Last updated at 16:34 GMT Peter McGraith and David Cabreza, John Coffey and Bernardo Marti, and Andrew Wale and Neil Allard were among the first gay couples to marry The first same-sex weddings have taken place after gay marriage became legal in England and Wales at midnight. Politicians from the main parties have hailed the change in the law. David Cameron said the move sent a message that people were now equal "whether gay or straight", but some religious groups remain opposed. Scotland passed a similar law in February; the first same-sex marriages are expected there in October.
In an article for the Pink News website, the prime minister wrote: "This weekend is an important moment for our country. "It says we are a country that will continue to honour its proud traditions of respect, tolerance and equal worth. " The law change would encourage young people unsure of their sexuality, he added. Teresa Millward and Helen Brearley married in Halifax Continue reading the main story. Basu: Shepard scholarship winner finds success. Ten years ago, Julius Carter headed into his high school graduation with much to be proud of. He was a great student, senior class president at Lincoln High School in Des Moines, where he ran track, played football, danced and sang in the show choir.
He had a full-ride scholarship to the University of Iowa, where he hoped to study medicine. But entering Veterans Memorial Auditorium, Julius was distracted. “On my right were about 20 people holding signs saying, ‘God hates fags,’ ” he recalled while he was in Des Moines for his 10-year Lincoln class reunion. “And on my left were about 300 people with signs like ‘God loves Julius.’ ” The Rev. At the time, Julius was also dealing with rejection from his parents, who belonged to a church intolerant of gays. Much can happen in 10 years. After graduation, he moved to Chicago and got a spot in a theater troupe, supplementing the low pay by working at a fitness club. Much can change in 10 years, and much has. And so is he. Indian gay student granted asylum in Australia. 'Because I am gay, I am denied the chance to po.