Wolfgang wrote:

"...Same as in mixed sex marriage: right to choose a common name, right to immigration for a foreign partner, right to refuse court testimony, right to alimony, same treatment in life and illness insurances, right to be informed (and asked) by doctors in case of severe illness of partner, some rights for common care for a child brought into the marriage by a partner..."

It will be interesting to see if these rights are recognised in the rest of the EC if resident outside Germany and the effect this will have on attitudes in other member states. I can see some Tories sharpening the daggers already.

Regards

Walrus