Civil unions for UK gays by Christmas

Same-sex couples in the UK will be able to have their relationships legally recognised when new civil union laws come into effect on 5 December, the government said this week.

The Civil Partnerships Bill, passed by parliament last year, gives same-sex couples the right to form legally binding partnerships and entitles them to some of the same tax and pension rights married couples have, Associated Press reported.

“This legislation is going to make a real difference to these couples, and it demonstrates th