Discrimination
Why do we need a forum?
Older lesbians and gay men face discrimination in
- pensions
- social security
- inheritance
- housing and
- incapacity,
and this discrimination can affect older people when they are most vulnerable and least able to cope.
Equal Rights
If you rented accommodation with your husband or wife and they died you would not expect to have to give up the tenancy. Similarly if your spouse was ill you would expect to be able to be at the bedside and have some say in decisions about their treatment; you might also expect to inherit their pension if they died. If you are in a same sex relationship your rights are likely to be very different, or even non-existent. Same sex partners currently have no right to succeed to tenancies; are often not deemed to be next of kin and few pension schemes make any provision for survivors' benefits for same sex partners.
If you are not your partner's "next of kin" you may not be able to register their death, for example.
Inheritance Tax
Unlike married couples a surviving partner who inherits money or property exceeding the inheritance tax limit will be liable for tax.
For lesbians and gay men making a will is really important to ensure that your wishes are carried out, otherwise your partner could be left without the legacy you intended. Power of Attorney is also useful and is very simple to do. This can ensure that your partner is able to act on your behalf if you become ill or disabled.
Changes Afoot...
On December 6th, 2002, Barbara Roche, the Minister for Social Exclusion and Equalities announced the consultation process for the registration of same sex partnerships, giving us the same rights as married couples. You can read the Independent's report on the announcement.
Then in June 2003 the government published it's consultation document. You can get a copy of the full document or the Executive Summary either in electronic (PDF) format from the Department's web site at http://www.womenandequalityunit.gov.uk/research/index.htm#civilpartnerships. Or you can request a printed copy free of charge by ringing 0870 1502500 and quoting URN03/364 or you can order it online at http://www.dti.gov.uk/publications/ quoting the same reference number.
Legislation is going through parliament at the moment. If you' re feeling political then you can lobby the government and the opposition parties. Stonewall would be very grateful for your support and can help with ideas.
You are welcome to read the Forum's response to the document.