Gay Ministers Voted In By Church of Scotland

Following years of debate between the liberal and traditionalist sides of the church, the Church of Scotland voted to allow gay ministers.

Scottish gay rights campaigners praised the move but the Free Church of Scotland called it a fudge.

Brazil Clears Way for Gay Marriage
In Brazil, a top judicial panel cleared the way for same-sex marriage, ruling that gay couples could not be denied marriage licenses.

The General Assembly pledged commitment to its "current doctrine and practice in relation to human sexuality" but said it would not prevent liberal congregations to opt out of the convention.

The assembly will re-analyse the decision at next year's meeting and draft new regulations if it decides to implement the result of Monday's historic vote.

Church leaders were expected to vote for one of three options: to reject the ordination of gay men and women as ministers, to allow their ordination or to allow their ordination but with the option for individual congregations to opt out.

New Ban on Gay Rights Rally: Moscow
Later this month, Moscow city authorities again turned down demands for a gay rights rally in the Russian capital.

In the end, the Church voted for a fourth proposal put forward by the Very Reverend Albert Bogle.

Bogle's motion to "affirm the Church's historic and current doctrine and practice in relation to human sexuality, (but) nonetheless permit those Kirk Sessions who wish to depart from that doctrine and practice to do so" was carried with 340 votes in favour to 282 against.

Famed Mexican Gay Couple Helps Blaze Adoption Trail
Mexico's most popular gay couple is probably this- one a soap opera actor, the other a theater producer

"We welcome this decision by the Church of Scotland, which is particularly important for the many LGBT people within the Church and their friends and family," said Equality Network policy co-ordinator Tom French.

"This is a positive step forward for a more equal society, and speaks to the progressive values of 21st century Scotland."

Minnesota Governor Legalizes Gay Marriage Bill
After Governor Mark Dayton signed a marriage equality law passed by the legislature last week, Minnesota became the twelfth US state to legalize same-sex marriage.

However, the Free Church of Scotland, which split from the Church of Scotland in the 19th century, called the result "totally confusing".

"The winning motion says that it affirms the historic doctrine of the Church, which is of course opposed to the ordination of ministers in same-sex relationships," said a spokesman.

"Yet at the same time the motion permits congregations to call ministers in same-sex relationships. The whole thing is totally confusing."

Source-AFP