Hundreds of LGBT activists have protested in Nepal to push for LGBT protections in the country’s new constitution.

The rally took place in Kathmandu, and drew around 500 participants carrying colourful flags and banners.

Pinky Gurung, of the Blue Diamond Society said: “Our main demand is that the rights of the sexual minorities should be guaranteed in the new constitution.”

As well as constitutional protections, the protesters also called for equal marriage for gay and lesbian couples.

This would also include joint property purchasing power, joint bank accounts and inheritance rights.

Nepal earlier this year issued its first gender ‘x’ passport.

The only other countries which allow third-gender, or gender ‘x’ passports are Australia and New Zealand.

The move by Nepal has been hailed as a huge step forward by LGBT activists.

The country, which announced in January that it would introduce third gender passports, has been hailed as one of the most progressive on LGBT rights.

Nepal in 2011 added third gender categories to its census and citizenship cards.