On 2nd November 2001 the Daily Express revealed that Equal Opportunities Minister, Baroness Sally Morgan was looking at introducing a nationwide register for same-sex partners. She admitted there was 'space for discussion' on the issue and said the Government was closely watching the GLA registration scheme introduced by Ken Livingstone in September this year. Baroness Morgan also gave a strong hint that the Government would bring gay couples in line with other partnerships by introducing improved pensions and tenancy rights.

The news was said to have infuriated family rights campaigners. Cornelia Oddie, of Family and Youth Concern, said "Gay rights campaigners have won yet another battle." Dr Adrian Rogers, of Family Focus, said: "I think the promotion of homosexuality should be completely unlawful. We are not allowed to promote it in schools so how can we allow local authorities to promote the lifestyle?"

Although Baroness Morgan said the Government would not introduce gay marriage, setting up a register is the closest thing same-sex couples will have to a wedding ceremony. She said: "There's no suggestion whatsoever that the Government would move on the issue of marriage. We are very clear that marriage remains as it is and there would be no change in that. We are watching the debate on the GLA registration scheme with interest and we are also looking at what's happening in other EU countries and I think there is space for a discussion on those issues."

Liberal Democrat spokesman Dr Evan Harris said her comments did not go far enough. "They are meaningless. I am growing increasingly impatient with this Government for failing to act to equalise rights for gay couples. The time for discussion is over. Partnership registers do not go far enough."

Angela Mason welcomed the move, however. She said: "We are very encouraged by Sally Morgan's initiative. Recognition for same- sex partnerships is long overdue. This is really a case of the law catching up with the realities of peoples' lives. This Bill is not proposing gay marriage, but it will stop much of the discrimination against same-sex couples ~ discrimination which is often very distressing and certainly unfair." Ken Livingstone said: "I am pleased that the Government has recognised the success of the London Partnership Register and reacted in a positive way. The public reaction has been overwhelmingly supportive."