Military Ban on Gay Behaviour Upheld in S.Korea

South Korea's Constitutional Court on Thursday upheld a military law banning homosexual behaviour, saying the need to maintain discipline takes precedence over individual sexual freedom.

In a 5-4 split decision, the court ruled that the military criminal code which punishes homosexual behaviour with up to one year in prison is constitutional.

Military Gay Ban Overturned in US House
In a move that brings it one step closer to allowing gay troops to serve openly, the US House of Representatives voted to overturn the military's Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy.

"The legal code cannot be seen as discrimination against gays because such behaviour, if left unchecked, might result in subordinates being harassed by superiors in military barracks," it said in a statement.

The law's purpose was to ensure discipline within the whole military organisation, the court said.

The ruling came after an army military court filed a petition with the Constitutional Court. It asked whether the military criminal code, written in 1962, was discriminatory against gay soldiers and thus unconstitutional.

Gay Ban Closer To Being Lifted In US Military
Top US defense leaders will announce Tuesday a series of steps toward realizing President Barack Obama's vow to repeal a ban on gays serving openly in the military, The Washington Post reported.

Homosexuality is not illegal under the civil legal code.

Source-AFP

6-Month Gay Law Anniversary Celebrated By Thousands In Gay Pride March in Mexico
Thousands of people took part in a gay pride parade, celebrating Mexico City's historic decision six months ago to become the first city in Latin America to allow same-sex marriage.

Moscow Gay Pride Ban Not an Issue With Rights Activists
Gay rights activists vowed on Thursday to go ahead with a gay pride demonstration in Moscow this weekend, despite a ban by the city authorities.