Supporters of gay, lesbian and bisexual people's rights have expressed support for the freedom of those who criticise them, casting doubt on claims by a Christian group who suggested that gay rights activists are trying to stifle free speech.

US activists working for the inclusion of gay, lesbian and bisexual people in the military have been urged to avoid an uncritical approach to the armed forces. They are being encouraged to oppose militarism as well as homophobia.

The Muslim commentator Inayat Bunglawala has called on the Muslim community to be more supportive of its gay and lesbian members. He suggested that "Muslim and some Christian communities" were not showing "respect and tolerance".

The Anglican Communion's first openly gay bishop has received a standing ovation at the Greenbelt festival in Cheltenham. Gene Robinson's call for a sexual ethic based on integrity and trust was greeted with prolonged applause.

The Greenbelt Christian festival in Cheltenham has attracted over 15,000 participants despite attacks from conservative campaigners opposed to the invitation of a gay bishop.

Human rights campaigners in Zimbabwe believe they have a 50:50 chance of seeing the rights of gay, lesbian and bisexual people protected in the country's new constitution. This would overturn existing Zimbabwean law.

The Quakers have become the first major denomination in Britain to endorse same-sex marriage, putting themselves in conflict with the law. Their example is an inspiration to people in other denominations struggling for equality.

Emotions ran high in York this morning as Quakers agreed to carry out same-sex marriages on the same basis as marriages for opposite-sex couples. The decision came after an intense week of debate and reflection at British Quakers' Yearly Meeting.

Britain's Quakers appear to be on the brink of a decision to put same-sex and heterosexual marriage on an equal footing. This morning will see the final stage of their discussions on the issue at their Yearly Meeting in York.

Britain's Quakers formally began their discussions on same-sex partnerships at their Yearly Meeting yesterday. They are considering whether to carry out commitment ceremonies for same-sex couples on the same basis as heterosexual weddings.