Legal status for same-sex partners

Government plans to recognise same-sex relationships have been welcomed by unions and the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC).

Barbara Roche, minister for social exclusion and equalities, announced last month that she believes there is a "strong case" for allowing same-sex couples to register their partnerships. This would give them rights to property and inheritance, as well as next-of-kin status for example in relation to medical treatment.

Roche told The Independent newspaper that: "A partnership registration scheme would bring benefits to individuals who registered. I believe it would also bring benefits to the whole community. It would send a powerful message about the acceptability of same-sex relationships and about the unacceptability of the homophobia still far too prevalent in our society."

However, there are as yet no firm proposals, and the government intends to publish a consultation paper this summer.

EOC chair Julie Mellor welcomed the statement saying: "Everyone deserves the right to be treated with respect when they use everyday facilities and services - when they go to the bank or visit the hospital for example. This is now a major missing piece of the jigsaw."