Bbc Article

Gay men, lesbians and bisexuals would be granted many of the same rights as married couples under UK Government plans for legally-recognised civil partnerships.

Barbara Roche, the Minister for Social Exclusion and Equalities, says there is a strong case for allowing same-sex couples to register their relationships.

This seems to be equating gay relationships with marriage and I think that is very wrong

Colin Hart

Christian Alliance

Co-habiting couples do not receive the same tax breaks or entitlements that married couples enjoy, including access to a partner's pension.

Civil partnerships could give homosexual couples property and inheritance rights for the first time.

Under the plans, those who register their partnership will also receive next-of-kin status, without which partners cannot be consulted about hospital treatment.

The government is set to unveil detailed proposals for change next summer and consult on the issue before bringing in legislation.

Any bill would be likely to run into opposition in the House of Lords.

Britons support unmarried couples

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There is already a register for gay couples in London - but it does not confer legal rights.

Mrs Roche says the idea is not about being politically correct but about recognising how society has changed.

She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "There are a number of people in gay relationships, in lesbian relationships, who are in loving relationships but their partnerships have no recognition in law.

Roche: Change would send a strong message against homophobia

"What I am seeking to do is to say I think there is a strong case for considering a civil partnership registration scheme."

Earlier, she told the Independent newspaper the change would also send a powerful message that homophobia was unacceptable and still far too widespread.

Mrs Roche said that many gay people had been refused hospital visits or excluded from funerals, while others had had to sell their homes to pay inheritance tax.

Eight European Union countries, Canada and several American states already gave legal status to civil partnerships, said Mrs Roche.

A new survey of British social attitudes this week suggested a "dramatic" shift in the way the public view homosexuality.

We certainly welcome it and would hope that the government will go on and recognise these relationships in full

David Allison, spokesman for OutRage!

In 1985, 70% of people thought homosexuality was "always" or "mostly" wrong.

Now that view is shared by under half (47%) of people, while a third of people says it is "not wrong at all", suggested the National Centre for Social Research survey.

Some religious groups, however, are set to oppose moves to put gay relationships on a firmer footing.

Colin Hart, director of the Christian Institute, told Today he was sad about the plans "because marriage is supported by the state because it is a relationship for the bringing up of children".

"It