Stonewall: Proposals could be important for same sex couples

Gay rights campaign group Stonewall has said proposals to improve the rights of unmarried couples could be "particularly important" for same sex couples.

The Law Commission will today propose that cohabiting couples be given rights similar to those in marriages or civil partnerships.

A Stonewall spokesman told politics.co.uk: "We are really pleased that gay couples have been fully considered as a part of the commission's proposals from the outset."

He said the recommendations could increase choices open to gay and lesbian couples.

After civil partnerships were introduced in December 2005, people in same sex relationships have been able to choose to get married. But these proposals would offer more choice, he said, by allowing couples to choose not to get married without forfeiting rights to property and maintenance.

However, he stressed the proposals’ details would have to be studied before the full implications are known.