Regulations will cover civil partners

The government is consulting on changes to the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003, to take account of new civil partnerships for same-sex couples.

The regulations outlaw discrimination in employment on grounds of sexual orientation. One of the proposed amendments states that the regulations consider a civil partner's status to be the same as that of a spouse - so that civil partners treated less favourably than married people will be able to bring a dicrimination claim.

The other amendment makes it clear that entitlement to certain benefits can be limited to spouses and civil partners.

If approved, the amendments will take effect from 5 December 2005 - the date when the Civil Partnership Act comes into force.

The consultation closes on Friday 13 May. For more information, visit www.dti.gov.uk/er/equality/eer_2003_amendments.htm