U.K.: Bill giving new rights to gay couples to be unveiled

[AntiCoup2K4]

Bill giving new rights to gay couples to be unveiled

Sarah Hall and John Ezard
Monday November 24, 2003
The Guardian

Same sex couples will be given rights denied to heterosexual couples who choose not to marry, under legislation to be unveiled this week in the Queen's Speech.

The civil partnership bill will allow gay couples the same rights and responsibilities as married couples, including employment and pension benefits, inheritance and parental rights, recognition for immigration purposes, and exemption from testifying against each other in court.

But the 25% of heterosexual people who chose to cohabit will be denied this, in a move which the Conservatives are warning will prompt fierce clashes.

"There will be a distinction between same sex civil partnerships and opposite ones, which could lead to claims that the government hates straights," warned Alan Duncan, the only openly gay Tory MP. He will speak from the Conservative frontbench on the issue, on which the party will allow a free vote in a move designed to indicate its inclusiveness.

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[funkyflathead]

1. Heteros should get the same rights too n/t

[rjbcar27]

2. They do, they can get married.

:eyes: