The TUC has welcomed the government's consultation on giving lesbian and gay partners the same right to civil marriage as heterosexual couples.

Currently the law only allows civil partnerships for same sex couples while marriage is reserved for heterosexual partners, so the TUC supports the government's decision to review this. 

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: 'Opening up civil marriage to same sex couples would be a welcome step forward on the long journey towards achieving equality for LGBT people.

'However, not including religious ceremonies for same sex couples or civil partnerships to heterosexuals who might want this option in the consultation is very short-sighted - and shows we still have a very long way to go before we can talk about real equality and inclusion.'

The government consultation on equal civil marriage is open until 14th June 2012. The reform would have the force of law in England and Wales, but not Scotland or Northern Ireland.