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8 REASONS FOR BANNING GAY MARRIAGE

• Homosexuality is not natural, much like eyeglasses, polyester, birth control and the enduring chart career of Westlife.

• Heterosexual marriages are valid because they produce children. Infertile couples and old people can't legally get married because the world needs more children

• Obviously, gay parents will raise gay children, since straight parents only raise straight children.

• Straight marriage will be less meaningful if gay marriage is allowed, since Britney Spears' 55-hour just-for-fun marriage was meaningful.

• Heterosexual marriage has been around a long time and hasn't changed at all; women are property, blacks can't marry whites, and divorce is illegal.

• Gay marriage will change the foundation of society. Heterosexual marriage has been around for a long time, and we could never adapt to new social norms because we haven't adapted to new things like cars or longer lifespan.

• Children can never succeed without a male and a female role model at home. That's why single parents are forbidden to raise children.

• Gay marriage will encourage people to be gay, in the same way that hanging around tall people will make you tall.

SMOKE FREE ZONE?

Smoker? Want to quit? You' re not alone.

In one recent study 50% of LGBT individuals asked said that they smoked, while another national study claims that 70% of all smokers want to quit. So why do you want to quit? Do you want be fitter, or is it because you've got other things to spend your money on? Whatever the reason, and however you want to try, one of the most effective ways is with support. Which is why the LGBT Centre for Health and Wellbeing, Edinburgh, and Lothian NHS Board have joined forces to develop a unique LGBT specific smoking cessation programme.

There are disproportionately high levels of smoking within LGBT communities compared to the general population. 57.1% of lesbians and 48% of gay men said they smoked, compared to national survey figures of 26% and 28% respectively for the general population.

The programme will support LGBT smokers who want to stop smoking by offering group and individual sessions run by LGBT agency staff and volunteers. We promise no lectures - just skilled support from LGBT organisations! These courses will be the first of their kind in South East Scotland and we're hoping that it will be as popular and successful as those already in action elsewhere in the UK.

For info on which LGBT groups and organisations will be running a smoking cessation course -

Sally, LGBT Centre for Health and Wellbeing 0131 523 1104