Gay couples currently have few rights under UK law

Gay partners could get the same rights as married couples if a proposed new Bill is passed by Parliament.

The proposal from a Liberal Democrat peer - which would also apply to unmarried heterosexual couples - could see two gay people getting legal recognition for their relationship.

Backed by gay rights group Stonewall, Lord Lester's Bill proposes the establishment of "civil partnerships", provides for the registration of the partnership and sets out the ensuing legal consequences.

The Bill, which also contains a provision for terminating such a partnership, will be launched in the Lords on Thursday with a second reading debate set for 25 January.

Currently the rights enjoyed by married couples, such as the automatic right of inheritance in the event of a spouse dying intestate or the right of succession to certain tenancies and to pension funds, are denied to non-married couples.

Stonewall's executive director Angela Mason said: "There is a very strong moral and practical case for changing the law to recognise same-sex partnerships.

"The law in this country is unnecessarily cruel and discriminatory.

"This Bill is not about gay marriage. It is about allowing couples in mutually caring relationships to provide for and protect each other."

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