Liberty today welcomed government proposals to to give same-sex partners legal rights which will make them married in all but name.

In future gay and lesbian couples will have the same rights over pensions, inheritance tax, property, and social security benefits as married hetrosexual couples.

Gareth Crossman, Liberty policy officer said:
'Many same-sex couples in longstanding relationships have had to battle through the courts in order to gain the most basic rights. I hope the government has the courage to stick to its guns and go-ahead with this much needed reform.'