Progress Jersey, a political pressure group set up after last year’s elections, says it is time that gay men and lesbians in long-term relationships were given the same legal rights as married heterosexuals.
The UK introduced civil partnerships last year, giving gay couples legal recognition for the first time – it means that they are treated in the same way as married couples in terms of tax, pensions, inheritance, benefits and funeral rights.
Group spokesman Daren O’Toole said: ‘I think it’s a civil rights issue and we are trying to get a level playing field.
For too long gay people have been seen as second class citizens and that is not right in this day and age.’ The group has put together a submission to be considered by States Members and it also hopes to present its petition to the States.
A spokeswoman for Same Difference – a group which organises social events for gay people in Jersey – has welcomed the petition.
