Queen Elizabeth II of the UK has - in her opening parliamentary speech - announced plans to accord same-sex couples legal recognition for the first time.

Although the legislation will not legalise gay marriage, the bill will include pension and property entitlements as well as tax and inheritance rights similar to those enjoyed by married couples if couples register their commitment in a civil ceremony.

Called the Civil Partnership Registration Scheme, same-sex partners would pay a license fee and sign an official document in front of the registrar and two witnesses; there is however no provision for a ceremony.

There is no minimum period of time same-sex couples have to live together to be eligible for the rights. Should the couple decide to break up, the partnership could be dissolved through a "formal, court-based process."

According to the BBC, gay couples will enjoy the following rights under the plans set out in the consultation paper:

- Visiting rights in hospitals
- An ability to gain parental responsibility for each other's children
- Recognition for immigration purposes
- Joint state pension benefits
- Obligation to support each other financially
- Ability to claim compensation for fatal accidents or criminal injuries
- Recognition under inheritance and intestacy rules
- The right to register their partner's death and continue tenancy of a property
- Exemption from inheritance tax on a partner's home
- Exemption from testifying against each other in court

Gay and civil rights groups in the UK have welcomed the announcement with Stonewall releasing a statement calling the move a "hugely significant milestone."

While the bill has faced criticism for failing to offer similar rights to unmarried heterosexual couples, defenders have pointed out that co-habiting heterosexual couples can choose to marry.