EU: The European Parliament is expected to vote later today on a resolution seeking to ban homophobia and to ensure that same- sex partners enjoy the same "respect, dignity and protection as the rest of society".
A joint resolution, supported by most of the large political groupings in the parliament except the EUN, of which Fianna Fáil is a part, is aimed at taking a proactive stance against homophobia across the Union.
The move is seen as the first stage in a campaign to ensure that each of the 25 member states is forced to recognise gay marriages or be sanctioned by the commission if it fails to allow them to be recognised.
The resolution, which is supported by the Socialists and Liberals and Greens, has emerged following a report compiled by the commission on the rise of homophobia in the Union.
The report was critical of both the Polish and Latvian governments.
Poland banned a gay parade in June last year and the Latvian government also attempted to ban a similar parade and has changed its constitution to specify that marriage can only be between heterosexual partners.
The joint proposal from the political groupings seeks to guarantee freedom of movement of "Union citizens and their family members and registered parties of either gender".
The EPP, PES, ALDE, Greens and GUE group are also supporting a motion calling on the commission to start infringement proceedings against any member state which fails to implement the directive on equal treatment in employment and education.
The vote will take place later today.