A MOVE that could see relationships between homosexuals being officially recognised has been welcomed by gay rights activists in the area.

Equal opportunities minister, Baroness Sally Morgan, last week announced she was considering allowing gay men and lesbians to register their relationships.

Louise Ashworth, 39, from Deepdale, is an equalities officer for the Preston branch of Unison.

She said: "We welcome this step, but it is still about equity rather than equality and we are still not considered deserving of the same rights as straights.

"It still stands that you can be sacked for being homosexual, although thanks to a new European directive this will be changed by December 3 2003."

But Louise, a lesbian, said she felt she was often treated as a second class citizen because of her sexuality.

And homosexual Peter Fielding, 39, of New Hall Lane, Preston, welcomed the move, but said he thought a same sex register was still only meeting gay needs half way.

"It is a step in the right direction," he said: "but it is still insulting to say we don't deserve to get married.

"I do not think that the church will ever allow gay or lesbian marriages, even though we put money in the collection."

A spokesperson for the Church of England confirmed that it regarded marriage as a union for life between heterosexuals, but said it tried to support all people in their personal relationships.

Gay MP David Borrow, who represents South Ribble, also welcomed the move. He said: "Setting up a register would avoid the tragic situation of someone having died or being in hospital and the partner not being contacted.

"I think that it would be largely symbolic as well as giving homosexuals rights such as with benefits, death duties and pensions."