Homosexuality, Civil Rights | featured news

The Boy Scouts of America put off a decision Wednesday on whether to lift its ban on gay members and leaders, saying the question will be taken up at the organization's national meeting in May.

Jubilant gay rights advocates called the results a historic turning point, a sign that public opinion is shifting in their direction.

For the first time, a lesbian couple today marked a time-honored Navy homecoming tradition in which a sailor is chosen to be the first off the ship to exchange a kiss with a loved one, The Virginian-Pilot reports.

The U.S. lobbied intensively for the resolution, which supports equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation. The move "puts the issue squarely on the U.N.'s agenda," a U.S. official says.