Law leaves gay couples in ‘financial’ limbo

GROWING numbers of long-term gay and lesbian couples are being left in financial limbo because of the lack of legal recognition of their relationships, it is claimed.

Support groups say some face being left in financial penury at an advanced age as family members of the deceased can successfully challenge wills and, because gay partners are not regarded as spouses, they can be hit with crippling inheritance tax bills.

“People are building their lives together and then they discover they cannot have anything,” said Marie Mulholland, manager of Gay Community News.