Church leader supports gay unions

Civil partnerships have been legal in the UK for a few years

The leader of the Methodist Church in Jersey has said he wants to see greater equality for people in same-sex relationships in the island.

The States are due to debate the legality of civil partnerships later.

The partnerships, which give gay couples similar rights to married couples in the UK, are not legally recognised in Jersey.

The Reverend David Coote said he hoped politicians would realise that civil partnerships were sensible and just.

He said he supported the introduction of civil partnerships in Jersey.

A civil partnership is a sensible and just arrangement for those in a committed, loving same-sex relationship The Reverend David Coote

"I feel it is a matter of justice," he said.

Civil partnerships were introduced in the UK in 2005.

They offer gay couples the same inheritance, pension, tax, immigration and property rights as people who are married.

The States of Jersey have drawn up a Civil Partnerships Act which, if passed, would legally recognise the unions.

The church still affirms that traditional marriage is the way forward for most people, Mr Coote told BBC Jersey.

"But for those that cannot enter into that kind of relationship because of their sexuality, it seems entirely fair that there is the opportunity for a just and fair relationship which enables them to have legal security."

When Jersey's politicians debate the legality of civil partnerships they should do it sensitively and openly, he said.

"I hope in the end they will see that a civil partnership is a sensible and just arrangement for those who are in a committed, loving same-sex relationship," Mr Coote added.

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