From shocking election results to a fake barrister, and marriage equality across Europe to a non-scientist Science minister...

Here's the news you might have missed in May...

Politics

Nick Clegg Went To A Massive Political Rally And Was Surprised That People Liked Him
http://www.buzzfeed.com/emilyashton/nick-clegg-finds-popularity-a-positive

My post-election thoughts
http://viewfromtheshire.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/my-post-election-thoughts.html

Short version: I care more about the results than I thought I would

Election 2015: UKIP controls Thanet Council
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-32672010?SThisFB

Fair play to UKIP - they won the local election to take control of Thanet District Council. Now we will all get to see what happens when they actually have something to be held accountable for...

The election results were brutal for the Lib Dems - but the fight back begins today
http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/the-election-results-were-brutal-for-the-lib-dems--but-the-fight-back-begins-today-10239020.html

I like Tim Farron and like what he says here. I would still prefer a proper leadership contests rather than a coronation though.

Do you miss the Lib Dems yet? Don't worry, you will
http://www.newstatesman.com/helen-lewis/2015/05/do-you-miss-lib-dems-yet-dont-worry-you-will

This “There’s no satisfaction in watching the working poor being penalised to prove us right.”

Welcome to the Liberal Mutualists?

http://jockcoats.me/welcome_liberal_mutualists

People can work together to help themselves without needing big government

The most amazing night of politics I will ever witness

http://markreckons.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/the-most-amazing-night-of-politics-i.html

One of the better reflections on the implications of the election

The SNP's MPs Are Having The Time Of Their Lives At Westminster
http://www.buzzfeed.com/jamieross/aint-no-party-like-an-snp-party

I disagree with their politics but hope they really can shake up parliament

Councillor Monika Juneja pretended to be barrister
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-surrey-32693850

Former Conservative Guildford Borough Councillor broke the law repeatedly but that is ok because "she was very good at her job"

Ukraine crisis: President Poroshenko talks of 'real war' with Russia
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-32805555?SThisFB

"In a video, the men confirmed they were active Russian servicemen, but Moscow said they were no longer employed by the state when they were caught" <-- Clearly being caught terminates your employment!

Everything you need to know about the Tories' Human Rights Act attack in five minutes
http://www.politics.co.uk/comment-analysis/2015/05/19/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-tories-human-rights-ac

So the only barriers that Cameron will have are the House of Commons, the House of Lords, the devolved assemblies/parliaments and the European Union No biggie

How can Britain celebrate Magna Carta and leave the ECHR in the same year?
http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2015/05/how-can-britain-celebrate-magna-carta-and-leave-echr-same-year

It is the essence of democracy that those in power are bound by laws and their powers are limited. That may sometimes be awkward, but these checks and balances are the vital safeguards which protect us against abuse of power by the state. Totally agree

Nebraska abolishes death penalty after veto-override
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-32910693

Go Nebraska!

LGBT

Cyprus government approves civil partnerships

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2015/05/06/cyprus-government-approves-civil-partnerships/

Woop woop!

Anti-gay parenting ‘study’ included a giant and a baby convict

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2015/05/10/anti-gay-parenting-study-included-a-giant-and-a-baby-convict/

Looks a touch dodgy…

The Northern Ireland Pink List

https://stevedonnan.wordpress.com/2015/05/11/the-northern-ireland-pink-list/

Because the campaigns for equality continues

Huzzah, Britain Now Has More Openly Queer Legislators Than Any Other Country

http://www.slate.com/blogs/outward/2015/05/12/britain_has_more_openly_gay_mps_than_any_other_country_by_bspeed8.html

Go us!

Gambian President threatens to ‘slit the throats’ of gay people
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2015/05/13/gambian-president-threatens-to-slit-the-throats-of-gay-people/

I fear for the LGBT citizens of Gambia

LoveProudly: An interview with Stephen Donnan about the fight for Marriage Equality in Ireland (North and South)
http://www.libdemvoice.org/love-proudly-mathew-hulbert-interviews-stephen-donnan-about-the-fight-for-marriage-equality-in-ireland-north-and-south-46070.html

Worth a read on the fight for marriage equality in the Republic and in Northern Ireland

Lord of The Rings star Sir Ian McKellen visits Northampton school to discuss LGBT rights
http://www.northampton-news-hp.co.uk/Lord-Rings-star-Sir-Ian-McKellen-visits/story-26547674-detail/story.html#ixzz3alwtVW7K

We didn't have assembly speakers like this in my day...

We Deserve Better Than This
https://stevedonnan.wordpress.com/2015/05/25/we-deserve-better-than-this/

An interesting read on LGBT rights in Northern Ireland following the Irish referendum: "I am a citizen of both Britain and Ireland and yet I am second class in the state that I call home."

Angela Merkel rules out same-sex marriage in Germany
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2015/05/27/angela-merkel-rules-out-same-sex-marriage-in-germany/

I hope equality comes to Germany sooner rather than later