Channel Islands flying the flag for LGBT rights

Rainbow flags are being flown above a number of buildings in Guernsey and Jersey today to promote equality and diversity in the islands.

Equality charity Liberate met with Guernsey's chief minister this morning to mark the start of their Rainbow dress-down day - with Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq sporting a rainbow tie presented to him by the group.

He told ITV News the flags were a gesture to show that Guernsey now takes equality seriously.

States departments and businesses in Guernsey are carrying the flag - which is the symbol of the LGBT community - as well as above Mont Orgeuil Castle and other locations in Jersey.

Martin Gavet from Liberate said support from politicians has played a crucial part in the group's success since it launched 9 months ago.

Guernsey is currently consulting on plans for equal marriage legislation, while Jersey's Chief Minister yesterday outlined recommendations for new laws to allow same-sex marriage.

Read: Jersey set to legalise same-sex marriage within three years