Monday, June 30, 2003

UK to Join Canada in Legalizing Gay Unions

The Guardian -- Legal boost for same-sex partners heralds social revolution

The government will today unveil a social revolution giving same-sex partners legal rights, which will make them married in all but name. The changes will give gay and lesbian couples rights over pensions, inheritance tax, property, social security and benefits which have long been taken for granted by married heterosexual people.

They will also take on responsibilities, and one partner may face paying alimony to the other in the event of the legal partnership being dissolved.

The government's plans, to be published in a white paper today, were drawn up by the former equality minister, Barbara Roche, who describes them as "one of the most significant policy reforms that we've had".

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