In the latest challenge to what many see as unfair marriage laws, a straight couple are attempting to register for a civil partnership. They say that a choice of marriage or civil partnership should be open to all couples, regardless of sexuality.

The religion and society think-tank Ekklesia is proposing a new legal framework which can accommodate same-sex marriage ceremonies carried out by religious bodies.

Sweden's parliament has backed a proposal to introduce gender-neutral marriage, becoming the fifth European country to do so. The Church of Sweden will bless same-sex unions but not call them marriage.

A London borough has won its appeal against a ruling that it unlawfully discriminated against a Christian registrar who refused to perform same-sex civil partnerships.