Britain proposes "civil partnerships": ...gay rights group Stonewall welcomed the bill. "This is a hugely symbolic step towards recognition of long-term gay partnerships," said chief executive Ben Summerskill. "At last, we're seeing legislation which reflects the reality of 21st century life. Finally, young gay people will grow up knowing that as adults they'll be entitled to exactly the same respect as everyone else. If it becomes law, the Bill will have huge cultural and social significance," he said. However, asked to comment on the revised take-up figures, gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell said: "Many gay people see the civil partnerships as an inferior, second class form of partnership recognition. "They would prefer to hold out for the full legal equality of same-sex marriage."