The House of Commons voted to back the Civil Partnership bill last night, whilst simultaneously rejecting a Conservative amendment viewed by many as a "wrecking tactic". Members voted 381 to 74 against the amendment, which called for the rights and responsibilities offered to lesbian and gay couples to be extended to siblings, carers and other people in non-sexual relationships. Tabled by Conservative backbenchers Edward Leigh, Christopher Chope and Gerald Howarth, the amendment claimed that the bill on offer would create injustices for such people, despite being designed to end discrimination against same-sex couples. more at: http://uk.gay.com/headlines/7106