"Gay and lesbian couples will be awarded the same legal rights as married couples under plans outlined by the government.
These will include pension and property entitlements if couples register their commitment in a civil ceremony.
The moves will give next-of-kin rights in hospitals, allow gays to benefit from a dead partner's pension and exempt them from inheritance tax on a partner's home.
However, the changes have been criticised by human rights campaigners who complain that heterosexual non-married couples are discriminated against.
Under the plans, gay couples will not be entitled to a "marriage" ceremony, but will be able to sign an official document at a register office in front of the registrar and two witnesses.
Heterosexual couples will not be eligible for the registration scheme, a decision attacked by veteran gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell.
Mr Tatchell said: "It is divisive, heterophobic and discriminatory to exclude unmarried heterosexual couples," he said.
"Cohabiting heterosexuals also lack legal recognition and protection. This is a grave injustice."
He added: "It is a pity the government has opted for an unimaginative, watered down version of marriage, instead of having the foresight to devise an entirely new, modern legal framework for partnership recognition.""
-- William T Goodall Mail : [EMAIL PROTECTED] Web : http://www.wtgab.demon.co.uk Blog : http://radio.weblogs.com/0111221/
One of the main causes of the fall of the Roman Empire was that, lacking zero, they had no way to indicate successful termination of their C programs. -- Robert Firth
_______________________________________________ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
