Parliament and Politics: Gay vote likely on 16 February

THE COMMONS vote on whether the age of consent for homosexuals should be reduced to 16, in line with heterosexuals, or 18 is likely to be taken on 16 February or soon afterwards.

The traditional once-a-session vote on hanging will take place the same evening.

The February date is the earliest available, but may clash with the return from a visit to Moscow by John Major, who wants to participate.

The European Parliament will, next Monday evening, debate the ending of discrimination against all homosexuals.