Tens of thousands of people have demonstrated in Washington for equal rights for homosexuals. The organisers say 150,000 protesters turned out.

One of their demands is that President Barack Obama makes good his promise that lesbians and gays in the US armed forces can be open about their sexuality. At the moment, they are required to keep their sexuality secret under the 'don't ask, don't tell' rule.

On Saturday, Mr Obama pledged to get rid of the rule. The protesters are also calling on the president to move positively on gay marriage. He has said he will take steps to allow same-sex marriage to be recognised under US law.

photos: Flickr/talkradionews and Flickr/chrisafer