IT is good that homosexual couples will now have equal rights with married couples.

However, it is also time that unmarried heterosexual couples had those rights. Instead we have to listen to that sanctimonious, patronising woman MP practically blackmailing everyone into a marriage that may not be wanted.

What gives the Government the right to dictate how people may choose to live their lives?

Many an unwed partnership lasts a great deal longer than some "legal" marriages.

When unwed partnerships require any assistance, i.e. sickness benefit or any other, they are treated as being married.

Governments can't expect to have their cake and eat it. If, for one system, they are treated as such, then, for pension rights and legalities upon death of one of them, they should be treated similarly.

It is just plain hypocritical of them to differentiate in that manner.

Janet S Kitchen,

Ashley Park Road,

York.

Updated: 11:31 Friday, July 04, 2003