Pensions - Articles - Pensions equality for same-gender married couples

 As the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill begins its journey through the legislative machinations the Bill summarises the effect on death benefits payable from a pension scheme.

 Broadstone pensions consultant David Brooks commented:
 “It is astonishing that the Government has gone so far as to extend marriage rights to same-sex couples but continued to discriminate against Civil Partnerships so that a same-sex survivor is only entitled to benefits after 5 December 2005.

  “Why is this allowed to continue? A man marrying a woman today would be entitled to a full spouse’s pension while a man marrying another man will only be entitled to a restricted benefit.

  “Why not take the opportunity to correct this anomaly that is clearly discriminatory, and may (if a recent employment tribunal is to be believed) be contrary to the EU Equal Treatment Directive?”