The US Scout movement is signalling its readiness to end a ban on gay members and leaders after a wave of protest.

Gay couples who were set to get married in California this week have had to put their wedding plans on hold once again after a federal appeals court said it first wanted to consider the constitutionality of the state's same-sex marriage ban.

A 15-year-old boy was facing a murder charge today, accused of gunning down a classmate in front of horrified pupils during a dispute at a US high school.