Government moves on same-sex civil partnerships

12.00.00am GMT Thu 20th Dec 2001

The Government's position on same-sex civil partnerships is moving in the right direction, according to London's LibDem MEP Baroness Sarah Ludford.

In her interview with www.epolitix.com back in early November, the Equality Minister Baroness Morgan of Huyton stated:

"There is an increasing public debate on rights for same-sex partnerships and I think it's one that the Government is watching with interest because there are clearly areas where most people would recognise that at the moment there is some unfairness."

Now, in response to a written parliamentary question tabled by Baroness Sarah Ludford in the House of Lords, Lord Privy Seal Lord Williams of Mostyn has announced that the Government is examining the possibility of creating same-sex partnerships.

He stated that the creation of same-sex partnerships would have "significant financial and administrative implications and the Government cannot commit itself to making any changes in these areas before undertaking a comprehensive analysis of all the implications. The Government will now be examining the issues in detail."

Sarah Ludford commented:

"I am pleased that there has been clear movement in the Government's position. They are now proactively examining the issues around same-sex partnerships in detail rather than just sitting back and watching the public debate. I very much hope that we are about to follow the lead of many other European countries and allow people to enter into meaningful civil partnerships."