Shareholders in Exxon Mobil, the world's largest publicly quoted energy firm, yesterday defeated proposals put forward by environmentalists and social activists at the firm's annual meeting. Two of the proposals tabled won significant backing, however.

A resolution seeking more information on Exxon's plans to comply with the Kyoto protocol in countries where the greenhouse gas reduction treaty has been signed received backing from 28% of shareholders.

More than 29% supported a resolution calling on Exxon to introduce a clause in its equal opportunity rules banning discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Britain's Co-operative Insurance Society said earlier this week that it planned to withhold its vote for the re-election of Lee Raymond as chief executive of the energy firm on "ethical grounds". The CIS, which holds $25m worth of Exxon stock, has accused the firm of lobbying against the Kyoto treaty.

The company's directors were re-elected with 97% of the vote.