NewsWrap for the week ending Dec. 18, 2010

SUMMARY

Stand Down - "Don't Ask Don't Tell" heads to the dustbin of history with its repeal in the US Senate, but outspoken discharged soldier Lt. Dan Choi is sent to a psychiatric hospital after a severe anxiety attack following repeal's initial rejection ...

Fair Trade - attorney for eight British couples prepares a lawsuit to challenge the UK's dual bans on same-gender marriage and heterosexual civil partnerships, but civil unions are increasingly being favored over marriage by heterosexual couples in France ...

Repression Progression - Human Rights Watch details extensive state persecution of LGBT people in Iran, while attacks on sexual minorities are on the rise in many parts of Africa ...

No Kill I - US seeks the restoration of sexual orientation to the named targeted categories in a UN anti-violence resolution ...

Red Card - FIFA president Sepp Blatter apologizes after kicking up a round of global outrage by suggesting that gay fans who plan to attend the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where same-gender sex is outlawed, should "refrain from sexual activities"

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