Gay pride march in Rome draws 100,000

A large, controversial gay pride march has taken place in Rome.

More than 100,000 people from all over Italy, many dressed in extravagant and colourful costumes snaked past the ruins of the colosseum on their way to a rally outside the Basilica of St John Lateran.

At the head of the procession was Italy's best known gay MP, Vladimir Luxuria.

Roman Catholics and right-wingers have criticised the support given to the event by members of the Italian Government, including the Equal Opportunities Minister, Barbara Pollastrini.

The march was deliberately channelled by the authorities to remain far away from the Vatican, situated on the other side of the river Tiber.