Tag Archives: UK

Alan Cumming For Yes Scotland

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British PM David Cameron Pleads With Scots Not Rip Apart “Family Of Nations”

Via Reuters: British Prime Minister David Cameron on Wednesday begged Scots not to rip apart the United Kingdom’s “family of nations”, flying to Scotland to man the barricades against a surge in support for independence eight days before a referendum. Cameron appealed to Scots to use their heads and their hearts when they voted on Sept. 18. He reminded them …

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UK: Feds Offer More Perks To Scotland As Polls Swing To Secession Side

The British government is “scrambling” to offer more perks to Scotland after a recent poll shows a slim majority are now in favor of independence. British finance minister George Osborne said on Sunday that plans would be set out in the coming days to give Scotland more autonomy on tax, spending and welfare if Scots vote against independence in a …

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Another Royal Baby Is Coming

Via the Telegraph: Forget tea time, beefeaters or those derelict red phone boxes – nothing makes you feel more proud to be British that the world’s most photogenic royal couple announcing that they’re expecting a second child. And with ten days until Scotland votes on whether to remain part of the – proudly royal – British union, could the excitement …

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SCOTLAND: Pro-Independence Group Aims To Place LGBT Rights In New Constitution

Next week a subgroup of the Yes Scotland secession movement will hold a meeting to discuss enshrining LGBT rights in a new national constitution. YES LGBT and MSP Patrick Harvie will host the conference on Monday in Glasgow, and will address issues such as the written constitution, equality law, gender recognition, asylum policy and foreign policy. An introduction to the …

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Poppers Linked To Eye Damage

Via Reuters: A club drug and aphrodisiac since the 1970s, inhaled “poppers” are increasingly linked to eye damage – possibly due to a new formulation – according to a short report from the UK. The case study describes a 30-year-old white male who developed vision loss in both eyes after inhaling poppers. The researchers noticed subtle changes in the form …

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NORTHERN IRELAND: Bakery Faces Court For Refusing To Make Pro-Gay Cake

A bakery in Northern Ireland is facing legal action after refusing to make a Sesame Street-themed pro-marriage cake for an LGBT rights group. Via the Belfast Telegraph: The Equality Commission has told the owner of Asher’s Baking Company that it has broken the law by refusing to bake a cake for a member of a gay rights group. Daniel McArthur …

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AUSTRALIA: Gay Couple Legally Marries At British Consulate In Sydney

Gay Star News has the story: From today British consulates around Australia are allowed to marry same-sex couples where at least one of the parties is a UK citizen. What is believed to be the first such marriage in Australia took place today around 3pm at the British consulate near Sydney’s Circular Quay and involved a Scottish Australian couple. Peter …

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NORTHERN IRELAND: Legislature Rejects Marriage Bill By Vote Of 51-43

Via the Guardian: Amnesty International has warned that a legal challenge is likely to the Northern Ireland assembly’s decision to block a gay marriage equality bill. A Sinn Féin motion to bring in gay marriage to Northern Ireland was defeated by 51 votes to 43. It was the third time in the past 18 months that Stormont has rejected same-sex …

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80 Year-Old Salsa Dancer Wows Judges, Draws Controversy On Britain’s Got Talent

Via the Guardian: It felt like another Susan Boyle moment, in the opening episode of the new series of Britain’s Got Talent, when a 79-year-old grandmother suddenly revealed herself to be an extraordinary salsa dancer. But the shock on the faces of Simon Cowell and his fellow judges on the ITV talent show as Sarah “Paddy” Jones was thrown into …

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Prime Minister David Cameron Celebrates Start Of Marriages In England & Wales

“The introduction of same-sex civil marriage says something about the sort of country we are. It says we are a country that will continue to honour its proud traditions of respect, tolerance and equal worth. It also sends a powerful message to young people growing up who are uncertain about their sexuality. It clearly says ‘you are equal’ whether straight …

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BRITAIN: On Eve Of Legal Gay Marriage, Church Of England Softens On Issue

The Guardian reports that the Church Of England has softened its stance on same-sex marriage, which becomes legal in England and Wales at midnight today. The Archbishop of Canterbury has signalled that the Church of England will mount no more resistance to gay marriage among churchgoers. “I think the church has reacted by fully accepting that it’s the law, and …

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BRITAIN: Vicar Visits Gay Bar To Offer Homosexuality “Cure” To Its Patrons

Via Kent Online: The boss of Canterbury’s only gay bar says a vicar offered to “cleanse” its customers and cure them of their homosexuality. Tony Butcher said he was left flabbergasted when the clergyman popped into Limes Lounge in Rosemary Lane, which he claims has been hounded by homophobic opposition ever since it opened six months ago. [snip] “I have …

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SCOTLAND: Queen Elizabeth Gives Royal Assent For Gay Marriage Law

Gay Star News reports: Queen Elizabeth II has signed same-sex marriage into law in Scotland today (13 March). By the end of the year, Scottish gay couples will be able to unite in matrimony. It is the last step in the long battle to get the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Bill through Parliament, making it an Act. Alex Neil, …

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Eurovision 2014: United Kingdom’s Entry

Also choosing their Eurovision entry this week was the United Kingdom. The Independent writes: Unknown singer-songwriter Molly Smitten-Downes has been chosen to represent Britain in this year’s Eurovision song contest. The singer bucks the recent trend of bringing back once-famous British acts such as Bonnie Tyler and boy band Blue to represent the UK in the contest. Smitten-Downes, who goes …

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Scotland Offers Asylum To Gay Ugandans

Via the Herald Scotland: Scotland is to offer asylum to Ugandans facing persecution under the country’s oppressive new legislation against its gay population. Humza Yousaf, Minister For External Affairs, has written to UK Foreign Secretary William Hague detailing the Scottish Government’s gesture to welcome “any Ugandan” persecuted by the new laws. It comes on the back of an outcry from …

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NORTHERN IRELAND: Activists Threaten To Sue For Marriage After Scotland Vote

Saying that they are happy but frustrated about Scotland’s approval of same-sex marriage yesterday, activists in Northern Ireland say they may turn to the courts. Via Gay Star News: John O’Doherty, director of The Rainbow Project in Belfast and chair of Equal Marriage NI, told Gay Star News he applauded Scotland’s politicians for voting in favor of equality.  ‘But it’s …

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Scotland Marriage Vote: February 4th

The Scottish Parliament will have its final debate and vote on same-sex marriage on February 4th.  The Equality Network yesterday gave a statement to Pink News: After six years of campaigning for equal marriage there is now less than a fortnight to go until the final vote. Scotland can be proud that we have produced one of the most progressive …

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Northern Ireland Legalizes Gay Adoption

At least there’s some good news this week. Via BBC News: A ban on gay and unmarried couples applying to adopt children in Northern Ireland has been removed. They may now apply in the same way as heterosexual couples. Health Minister Edwin Poots had tried to challenge an appeal court decision to extend adoption rights to gay couples. However, the …

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LIVE VIDEO: Scottish Parliament To Vote On First Reading Of Gay Marriage Bill
UPDATE: Bill Passes By 98-15 Vote!!!

The Scottish parliament today will take its first vote on same-sex marriage. The chamber is presently debating a defense industry bill, but the marriage act is expected to come up around noon, NYC time. Bonus: The accents! Ministers said the move was the right thing to do but the Church of Scotland and Catholic Church are opposed. Under the bill, …

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