Next of Kin in the UK

[raphjd]

In the UK gay couples are treated as such, even if they don't have a civil partnership, when it comes to getting state benefits. The same applies to hetero couples. So far the equality issue is intact.

However, excluding relationship by blood, your hetero spouse and gay/lesbian partner can also be your next of kin. Now here is where the UK fails in their "separate, but equal" rubbish.  Non married hetero couple that have lived together for 6 months or more are also considered next of kin.  The same rule DOES NOT apply to non civil partnershiped gay couples.

So someone tells you that gays have total equality in the UK, excluding the word "marriage" and all the international acceptance that word has, just remember this.  It's one of a number of things in the UK where we are still 2nd class citizens.

[MrMazda]

Reasons why I'm glad I live in Canada. According to the Canadian system, whether you're heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, trisexual, etc. etc. there is no difference in the rules from one to another. As long as you meet the minimum required live-together time, or have a piece of paper that says you're married, all benefits apply.

[leatherbear]

Well let us hope that this will be corrected soon in the UK.

[raphjd]

So far 3 UK governments {Blair, Brown and the current coalition} have said they do not intend to revisit the gay rights issue as we are already equal.

[leatherbear]

 A blind man can see this obvious gap in the system.

Politicians….... :xpl:

[MrMazda]

Perhaps a petition and some lobbying may be in order.

[notquiteme]

go and get it done so the rest of the world can start!