Letter: Housing rights for gay couples
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: The Government's determination to oppose Glenda Jackson's amendment to the Housing Bill, which would have given cohabiting same- sex partners a legal right to succession of a tenancy, merely illustrates ministers' steadfast refusal to concede equal legal rights to homosexual couples ("Late deal saves housing bill", 1 May).
The Government must surely know that no form of "guidance" to local authorities can possibly take the place of legal protection for bereaved individuals, who, in the absence of a joint tenancy, will continue to live in fear of eviction in the wake of their partner's death.
One hopes that Michael Brown and Edwina Currie - the two ostensibly "pro- gay" Tory MPs who were seduced by the argument for guidelines instead of legislation on this issue, thus ensuring the amendment's defeat - will now do some serious soul-searching. Come the general election, gay and lesbian voters may wish to punish their complacency.
John Jackson
London SW16
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments