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Vatican authorises blessings for same-sex couples, with caveats
AFP, Published on 18/12/2023
» VATICAN CITY - The Vatican on Monday approved blessings for same-sex couples, a hugely contested issue in the Catholic Church, as long as they are not in contexts related to civil unions or weddings.
Russia moves to ban 'international LGBT movement' for 'extremism'
AFP, Published on 17/11/2023
» MOSCOW - Russian officials said Friday they are seeking a ban on the "international LGBT public movement," building on a crackdown against liberal-leaning groups that has intensified since Moscow deployed troops to Ukraine.
Vatican reaches out to transgender Catholics
AFP, Published on 11/11/2023
» VATICAN CITY - LGBTQ rights campaigners have welcomed a Vatican statement that transgender people can be baptised as a step towards a more inclusive Catholic Church, but denounced caveats that provide cover to those who object.
Exhausted Republicans eye breakthrough in quest for US speaker
AFP, Published on 25/10/2023
» WASHINGTON - After weeks of chaos and vicious infighting, US Republicans were hopeful Wednesday that the party can finally rally round its latest nominee for House speaker -- a staunch Donald Trump ally who spearheaded legal efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
Pope opens Church meeting amid tensions with conservatives
AFP, Published on 04/10/2023
» VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis opened a major congress on the Catholic Church's future Wednesday, vowing open doors to "everyone" despite tensions with conservatives on issues from LGBTQ faithful to the treatment of divorcees.
Slovakia campaign rhetoric raises LGBTQ concern
AFP, Published on 26/09/2023
» BRATISLAVA - A year after a homophobic double murder, Slovakia's LGBTQ community is concerned about the increase in hate speech ahead of elections on Saturday in a country where gay people have few legal rights.
Ugandan charged under anti-gay law faces possible death penalty
AFP, Published on 29/08/2023
» KAMPALA - Ugandan prosecutors have charged a man with "aggravated homosexuality", potentially a capital offence under controversial anti-gay legislation introduced by the country this year, an official said Monday.
Dutch open trailblazing skatepark for LGBTQ people, women
AFP, Published on 14/08/2023
» AMSTERDAM - Skateboarders in colourful outfits zip around a skatepark unique in Amsterdam, one of the first in the world to provide a safe space for LGBTQ and women skaters.
American Red Cross ends blood donation restrictions targeting gay men
AFP, Published on 08/08/2023
» WASHINGTON - The American Red Cross on Monday announced it will now allow gay and bisexual men to donate blood without restrictions that specifically target them over their sexual orientation.
Pilgrims gather in Lisbon ahead of papal visit
AFP, Published on 01/08/2023
» LISBON: Crowds of flag-waving pilgrims converged on Lisbon on Tuesday for the start of a week-long religious festival known as World Youth Day, a day before the arrival of Pope Francis.