BULGARIA BANS DISCRIMINATION
Bulgaria's parliament banned discrimination based on sexual orientation and a number of other factors Sept. 16.
A nine-member commission will hear discrimination cases, require the accused to prove the discrimination did not occur, and mete out penalties when appropriate.
All nations planning to join the European Union are required to protect gays and lesbians from discrimination.
SECTION 28 DEAD
The anti-gay British law Section 28 will be officially dead on Nov. 18 when recent legislation passed by the House of Lords and the House of Commons takes effect.
Enacted by the Tory government in 1988, the section states: 'A local authority shall not (a) intentionally promote homosexuality or publish material with the intention of promoting homosexuality; (b) promote the teaching in any maintained school of the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship.'
The section was repealed locally in Scotland three years ago.
BRITAIN TO PAY MILITARY PENSIONS TO GAY PARTNERS
Same-sex partners of British military personnel killed in the line of duty will receive a military widows' pension, the Ministry of Defence announced Sept. 15.
The surviving partner will have to prove the relationship was 'substantial' to qualify for the benefit.