And the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, opposes gay marriage but supports civil partnerships, which he says have addressed the injustices faced by same-sex couples.

BBC: Gay marriage: Roman Catholic archbishops step up fight

The issue has split the church since 2003 amid a row over gay cleric Jeffrey John becoming Bishop of Reading.

BBC: CofE drops opposition to gay bishops in civil partnerships

With Gabriel Byrne, Marcia Gay Harden, John Turturro, Jon Polito, J.

NEWYORKER: Miller��s Crossing

Here you'll find Gay Talese on Joe DiMaggio, John Updike on Ted Williams' last at-bat, Grantland Rice on the death of Babe Ruth, and more.

FORBES: Magazine Article

While Collins is the first male athlete in a major North American professional league to come out while intending to keep playing, several have previously spoken after they retired about being gay, including the NBA's John Amaechi, the NFL's Esera Tuaolo and Major League Baseball's Billy Bean.

NPR: 'I'm Gay': NBA Player Jason Collins Breaks Barrier

John Hemming said the register would make life easier for gay couples.

BBC: City recognises 'gay marriages'

Dr John has been at the centre of the row over gay bishops, having twice been put forward for the role in the Church of England.

BBC: former Bishop of Oxford, Lord Harries of Pentregarth

Former basketball star John Amaechi is one of the world's most high-profile gay athletes, having come out in 2007.

BBC: Fifa boss Sepp Blatter sparks Qatar gay controversy

Michael McKean and John Michael Higgins are priceless as Stefan Vanderhoof and Scott Donlan, a gay couple from New York City.

CNN: graphic