CofE: Should maintain unique position of marriage

The Church of England (CofE) has said that as long as the "unique position of marriage" is maintained, it will support today's proposals to increase the rights of unmarried couples.

The Law Commission's report is expected to suggest that Britain's two million cohabiting couples should have similar rights to those who are married in the event of a death or separation.

A church spokesman said: “We recognise the need for new legal rights to protect the vulnerable from hardship when relationships that are not based on marriage come to an end."

However, he warned: "Our concern would be with any elements of the proposals that could undermine the unique position of marriage within society.”

"Early reports suggest that the Law Commission’s proposals do not scrap the legal distinction between marriage and cohabitation and do not seek a one-size fits all solution, both of which we welcome," he added.