Lack of pension equality for same-sex couples ‘is sexual discrimination’
Denying equal pension rights to a same-sex husband – as opposed to a wife – amounts to direct, sexual discrimination, the supreme court has been told in a test case which could affect thousands of couples.
The claim at the UK’s highest court on Wednesday is being brought by John Walker, a former cavalry officer, who is determined to win pension rights for his husband.
Walker, 65, wants to ensure that, should he die first, his 52-year-old husband will be adequately provided for. If he was married to a woman she would be entitled to receive about £45,000 a year for life. Under current law, Walker’s husband would receive about £1,000 a year, his lawyer said.
Lawyers for the human rights organisation Liberty, which is representing Walker, hope to persuade five justices at the court in London to overturn a previous ruling against him.
Liberty has said ensuring a same-sex husband enjoys the same pension rights as a wife could dramatically change the lives of thousands of couples.
Full Content: The Guardian
