Divorce Attorneys
EU backs gay man’s pension rights
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Tadao Maruko’s partner died in 2005 but the pension fund refused him a widower’s pension and the case was sent to the European Court of Justice (ECJ). The court ruled that refusing a pension was direct discrimination if the partnership was comparable to marriage. Mr Maruko’s lawyers predict the case will have repercussions in EU countries where same-sex partnerships are legal. “I’m happy. It’s a very important step,” lawyer Helmut Graupner told the BBC News website. “This will help all those countries which have registered partnerships. It’s the first time the ECJ has ruled in favour of same-sex couples.” |
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