Britain’s gay marriage scheme is “sexual apartheid” say human rights group

Gay rights group OutRage! said today that the Civil Partnerships Scheme is “welcome, but flawed”. The group called for same-sex marriages.

The Civil Partnership Act that comes into force on December 5th 2005, will allow gay weddings in all but name. However, OutRage!, led by human rights campaigner, Peter Tatchell said that Britain operates a “sexual apartheid” system of marriage.

Brett Lock, a spokesman for the group said: “While there is much cause for celebration as gay couples are granted the rights enjoyed by their heterosexual friends, it is not yet true equality.”

Mr Lock claimed that by operating two distinct process for straight and gay relationships the government defines gays and lesbians as “second-class citizens.”

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-230.html

Arguements for and against full marriage aside, I think this is an interesting use of the word "apartheid." Months ago I remember reading somewhere that the struggle for gay rights should use the word apartheid rather than civil rights because apartheid comes closer to defining the issues and isn't as like to inflame sentiment in the black community about LGBTs "hijacking" the phrase civil rights.