Law on civil partnership enacted by summer

A NEW law which will give people in long-term relationships many of the statutory rights of married couples is expected to be on the statute books before the summer.

The Civil Partnership Bill has been broadly welcomed by civil rights activists and, in particular, the Gay and Lesbian Network (GLEN).

However, a spokesperson for GLEN said yesterday the bill had shortcomings and they would continue to press for full marriage status for same-sex couples.