More than half of Italians think that same-sex couples should have more rights, but only 43% believe that they should have the right to marry.

The Italian Istituto Nazionale di Statistica (national institute of statistics) released its first survey on homosexuality in the Mediterranean country, in Rome this morning (17 May).

More than one million Italians describe themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender and two million revealed to have had a same-sex relationship or experience.

Attempts to ‘cure’ lesbian, gay and bisexual people aren’t medically justified and endanger patients, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) said today.

And it wants those who try to carry out the unjustified ‘therapies’ exposed and punished by national authorities.

PAHO’s released a position statement on the issue to tie in with International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO).

Activists in Iran, one of the most homophobic countries in the world, braved persecution today (17 May) by publicly unfurling a rainbow flag to mark the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO).

Campaigners in the Muslim state's capital Tehran also distributed leaflets and flew multi-colored balloons to raise awareness of LGBT rights.

Singer Clay Aiken says he is more enthusiastic than ever about voting for President Barack Obama after his historic endorsement of same-sex marriage last week.

'I think all gay men and women are probably more energized to vote for President Obama now,' Aiken said during an appearance on CBS's Face the Nation on Sunday. 'I'll definitely be helping out.'

Britain was revealed as the gay rights capital of Europe, according to the first study of its kind to be published on Tuesday (15 May).

The European International Lesbian and Gay Association Europe (ILGA-Europe) index, which rates 49 countries on more than 40 categories, rated the UK as the top country for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people to exercise their legal rights.

Britain allows same-sex couples to obtain a civil partnership, apply for joint adoption, and discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited.

As President Barack Obama basked in the glow of supporters thrilled with his endorsement of gay marriage this week, his presumed opponent in next fall's presidential election has been dealing with reports that he was an anti-gay prep school bully.

A new report on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Iran highlights the problems they face in their own country and when they flee into exile.

Small Media and veteran UK-based gay activist Peter Tatchell will launch the LGBT Republic of Iran report in London on 16 May, a day ahead of International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO).

LGBT rights activists in Malaysia say they will not be holding a IDAHO - International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia - event next week because of ‘security concerns’.

President Barack Obama's official stance that he is still 'evolving' on the issue of gay marriage continued to be scrutinized on Tuesday (8 May).

For the second day in a row, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney faced questions about the president's position which is being increasingly focused on following Vice President Joe Biden's public support of marriage equality this week.

With Christian extremists leading the campaign against gay people in Africa a Protestant pastor in Cameroon, Jean-Blaise Kenmogne, has become an unlikely defender of lesbian and gay rights.

Being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender carries huge risks in Cameroon; same-sex sexual acts are illegal under section 347 of the penal code with a penalty of five years imprisonment and a fine of 20,000 to 200,000 Cameroon Francs. If the offender is under the age of 21 a more severe punishment is likely.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay has spoken out in advance of International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO).

Fighting prejudice against sexuality and gender identity through education will be the theme of this year’s IDAHO which will be commemorated by almost 40 countries on 17 May.

In the video Pillay discusses the human cost of homophobia and transphobia, with many people across the world being ‘arrested, signalled out, being tortured, or even killed just for being in a loving relationship’.

Countries around the world will stand united in a landmark event to tackle homophobic and transphobic bullying in schools in two weeks’ time.

Fighting homo/transphobia through education will be the theme of this year’s International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) which will be commemorated by almost 40 countries on 17 May.

More countries are joining a list which already includes Burma, Fiji and Haiti who have never taken part before.