Lithuania sued over transsexual


The 28-year-old man, identified only as Mr L, was born and registered as female, but since 1998 has undergone hormone treatment and breast removal.

His doctors say they will complete the operation only when legal conditions are established.

The case at the European Court of Human Rights claims his rights
were violated.

His lawyers said his rights had been breached on several grounds, including respect for private life, the right to marry, discrimination and the prohibition of degrading treatment.

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Congressman's spouse can't have pension


When same-sex marriage became legal in Massachusetts, among those who tied the knot were former Rep. Gerry Studds and Dean Hara.
But getting married didn't protect them under federal law: Hara has learned he is not eligible for any portion of Studds' estimated annual $114,337 pension following his partner's death last week.

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Gay rights concern for Nepal talks


Gay rights in Nepal may become isolated as talks between the Seven Party Alliance (SPA – government) and the Maoists in Nepal continue, a local LGBT group has warned.

The Blue Diamond Society has expressed concern that gay rights will be forgotten while the country discusses more controversial issues of the future of the monarchy and arms management. 

The interim constitution has not been endorsed and the date for constitutional assembly has also been lingering with the dispute between the SPA and Maoists. 


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'Same-sex bill will make it harder for gays'

The South African Human Rights Commission (HRC) on Monday slammed the Civil Union Bill as unconstitutional, saying it would contribute towards the discrimination and stigmatisation of gays and lesbians.

Instead, the HRC proposed that the Marriage Act should be amended to allow for all persons, whether heterosexual, homosexual or those of intersex status, to marry.


The submission was made during public hearings on the Civil Union Bill in parliament and flows from a 2005 Constitutional Court ruling which gave parliament until December 1 this year to have a law recognising same-sex marriages.