SPAIN – GAY PENGUINS GIVEN EGG TO REAR

Zoo-keepers in Madrid have given a same-sex penguin couple an egg to rear.  The two male Gentoo penguins, called Inca and Rayas have been inseparable since meeting at Faunia Park six years ago.  Each year they have built a nest in the hope of a chick, but with no success….until now.  In a recent interview with a Spanish newspaper, their keeper, Yolanda Martin, said, “We wanted them to have something to stay together for — so we got an egg.  Otherwise they might have become depressed.”  Early reports suggest that the idea has been a great success, with Inca remaining perched on the egg all day and Rayas assuming a protector role.  Stay posted for more info as we get it….

AZERBAIJAN – EUROVISION BRINGS HOPE

With the 57th Eurovision Song Contest having taken place in the capital city of Baku, Azerbaijan’s human rights record has once more been under scrutiny.  International campaigners called on contestants to use the event as a platform to spread messages of tolerance and respect.  Whilst homosexuality was decriminalised in the country in 2001, there are still widespread reports of police harassment and homophobic violence towards the LGBT community.  With the competition’s values of inclusiveness at odds with the Azerbaijani regime, participants were asked to make statements such as ‘I love freedom’ and ‘love everyone’.  The only contestant who chose to meet with local human rights activists was the eventual winner, Loreen from Sweden – karma?

JAPAN – DISNEY'S MAGICAL GAY KINGDOM

Mickey Mouse has emerged as the unlikely champion of same-sex unions in Japan. Tokyo Disneyland said this week it would allow gay couples to hold ceremonies on its grounds, although same-sex weddings have no legal status in Japan. Disneyland’s decision came to light after a female couple inquired about marrying at the resort.They were initially told they would be able to marry provided they were dressed “like a man and a woman”. Disney later contacted the couple to say there had been a misunderstanding and they could wear whatever they pleased and that any same sex couple would be welcome to hold a ceremony there.