Italy kicks off long awaited debate on same-sex civil unions

Italy has finally begun debating a bill to allow same-sex couples to enter civil unions. The debate began on the 14th of October, 2015 on the long-awaited bill, which has the support of Premier Matteo Renzi. Although the debate began this week, campaigners are not holding their breath as the issue is a contentious one,

More people than ever are coming out on Facebook

Research from Facebook shows that more and more people on the platform are opening up about the gender and sexuality. The social network has been monitoring statistics relating to coming out – from expressing an ‘interested in’ of the same gender, or from specifying a custom gender identity. It noted that “consistent with popular perceptions”, more and

On September 17th, 2015, the autumn work agenda of the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania was approved and contains a long list of initiatives seeking to limit LGBT* rights. Firstly, there is the infamous amendment to the Law on the Fundamentals of Protection of the Rights of Child of the Republic of Lithuania, prohibiting

EU Parliament calls for action to better trans people’s job situation

LGL welcomes the European Parliament’s adoption of the Zaborska Report [1] on equal opportunities and equal treatment of men and women in matters of employment and occupation. Amongst other things the report also calls for trans people’s improved access to justice, proactive measures, non-discrimination laws, and trans-friendly workplaces. It is to highlight in particular that

Association LGL Launches Informational Brochure on Domestic Violence for LBT* Women

What are the main causes and consequences of domestic violence? Is this problem relevant not only for the different-sex couples, but also for the same-sex couples? Where to seek for help, when encountering this negative phenomenon? Is the legal regulations, aiming at preventing domestic violence in Lithuania, is fully applicable to the LBT* women? According

Lithuanian Parliament Rejects Civil Partnership Bill

On October 14th, 2015 the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania rejected a bill on registered partnership that had been drafted by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Lithuania and proposed to introduce the institution of registered partnership for different-sex couples. 27 members of the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania voted in

A new HIV vaccine – developed by the scientist who discovered the virus causes AIDS – has begun human trials.   Robert Gallo, who also invented the HIV blood test, and a team at the University of Maryland School of Medicine launched its Phase 1 clinical trial on Thursday (8 October). ‘Our HIV/AIDS vaccine candidate is designed to

Boys can now wear skirts to school in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico’s Education Minister has announced changes to a school uniform code that lets boys wear skirts. Minister Rafael Roman confirmed changes today that are intended to make the US territory’s strict uniform policy more LGBT-inclusive and less restrictive. The Puerto Rico Department of Education requires all students to wear school uniforms – only providing exemptions

Sydney Mayor marries same-sex couple inside British consulate

Despite same-sex marriage remaining banned in Australia, Sydney’s Lord Mayor has performed a same-sex wedding ceremony inside the British consulate. Australia’s anti-gay marriage former PM Tony Abbott plotted to stall same-sex marriage earlier this year when it was set to come to a vote, instead proposing a plebiscite (public vote) to be held in 2017. Though Mr Abbott

“Baltic Pride” 2016 Slogan Has Been Selected!

Our voters have made up their mind! The online voting platform, dedicated to the selection of the official “Baltic Pride” 2016 slogan, has captured your attention – we have received nearly 400 votes by the members of the local LGBT* community and their supporters. The voting was extremely close. The winning slogan has gained its

Report: Workshop on International Bisexual Visibility Day at LGL

As every year since 1999, on 23rd October occurred the Bisexual Visibility Day that heads to recognize and celebrate bisexuality and to preserve and mark its differences from other LGBT* groups. This year the LGL celebrated it with the “Bi Creative” workshop – which was not, as one might think, only about freeing the mind

Rainbow Catholic network launches as Pope condemns same-sex marriage

LGBT Catholics from over 31 countries have launched a global network, as the Pope rallies against same-sex marriage. As he opens the Church’s annual synod, Pope Francis this week suggested that same-sex marriage is a “passing fad”. The Pontiff insisted the church cannot be “swayed by passing fads or popular opinion”, adding: “God’s dream for