HEADLINES
CIVIL UNION ACT CLARIFIED:
The Department of Home Affairs has clarified the status of religious leaders and same-sex marriage in South Africa.
CIRCUMCISION & AIDS: MORE PROOF:
Another two studies in Kenya and Uganda have added further weight to evidence that circumcision among men lowers the risk of contracting HIV.
UN RECOGNISES LGBT GROUPS:
In a historic move, a UN body has granted consultative status to three European gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender organisations.
ELTON TO HEAD DIANA MEGA-CONCERT:
Princes William and Harry have announced that Sir Elton John will head a concert to commemorate the life of their mother Princess Diana.
SA GAY MARRIAGE LAW CAUSES UPROAR IN ZIM:
The legalisation of same-sex marriage in South Africa has caused controversy among Zimbabwean politicians.
US WAR EFFORT HAMPERED BY ANTI-GAY POLICIES:
A gay military support group says that the US military's anti-gay policies have hampered the country's efforts in Iraq.
OUT DEMANDS POLICE PROTECTION FOR LGBT PEOPLE:
OUT has issued a statement claiming that Brooklyn police have refused to work with it to stop hate crimes against LGBT people in Tshwane.
UK GAY PARTNERSHIP EXPLOSION:
A UK government minister has spoken of her delight that around 1650 gay and lesbian couples are ‘getting hitched’ every month.
CONSERVATIVE U.S. JEWS SEND MIXED MESSAGE:
Conservative Jewish leaders in the U.S. have approved same-sex unions and gay ordination but, bizarrely, still voted to ban gay sex.
OUT TO PICKET POLICE STATION:
Tshwane-based LGBT rights group, OUT, will be picketing the Brooklyn police station to address hate crimes and to protest against raids on Camp David.
SA TV’S FIRST GAY WEDDING:
Popular television show, Isidingo, will broadcast South Africa’s first soapie same-sex marriage this week.
SA’S FIRST GAY WEDDING:
It’s been reported that South Africa’s first legal same-sex wedding took place in George on Friday.
WORLD AIDS DAY INFO BITES:
On World Aids Day we present a selection of news bites from around the world on the state of the epidemic.
WORLD AIDS DAY: TREATMENT A PIPE DREAM:
African governments - including South Africa - have been slated for their continued lack of anti-AIDS treatment.
GAY MARRIAGE LEGAL!:
In a surprising move, Vice President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka has signed the Civil Union Act into law – finally legalising same-sex marriages in South Africa.
COURT BLOCKS CAMP DAVID PICS:
The Pretoria High Court has blocked a newspaper from publishing pictures taken of nude patrons during the recent police raid on the Camp David bar.
YOUTH FOCUS OF NEW AIDS PLAN:
Young people between 15 and 24 have been identified as the priority by the country’s new HIV/AIDS strategic plan, due to be presented to the country on Friday.
VACANCIES AT OUT:
Tshwane-based LGBT rights group, OUT, is looking for candidates to fill the posts of Sexual Health Manager and Advocacy Officer.
GAY MARRIAGE BILL MOVES FORWARD:
The Civil Union Bill has been passed by the National Council of Provinces, paving the way for President Mbeki to sign the law by Friday.
TRANSGENDER CHARACTER FOR US SOAP:
The US soap series, All My Children, will introduce an ongoing transgender character and storyline this week.