Coughlan accused of discriminating against gay couples

The National Gay and Lesbian Federation has accused Mary Coughlan, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, of discriminating against homosexual couples.

Ms Coughlan is due to change the law today to ensure that gay couples do not have the same social welfare rights as heterosexual couples.

Her move to amend the Social Welfare Bill follows a court case taken by a gay couple who claimed they were discriminated against in relation to the Free Travel Scheme.

The couple successfully argued that they were entitled to the same rights as married heterosexuals, who are allowed to take their partner with them for free if they have a travel pass.