Is living together the same as marriage?

ANOTHER blow has been dealt against marriage after the Supreme Court ruled that an unmarried mother could have the widowed parent’s allowance (Mail). She had lived with her late partner for 23 years and they had four children together, so why could they not have got married? Marriage is not ‘just a piece of paper’. It gives stability and should be encouraged. B. THOMAS, Billingshurst, W. Sussex. THE decision by the Supreme Court has eroded a core value of our society. Marriage is a solemn vow that has been a foundation of society for centuries. Those who enter marriage know they accept the consequences, as should those who live together without entering such a contract. However, the Supreme Court has chosen to overturn tradition and this decision will have major adverse consequences for society. J. LONGSTAFF, Buxted, E. Sussex. MANY excuses are made by couples for not marrying, but they don’t stand up. Saying you can’t afford a wedding is not a valid reason, as a white dress and bridesmaids are just show; you can get married without all that. If you don’t believe in marriage, why go to court to claim an allowance that is for married people? It has nothing to do with human rights — the decision to have children and live with a man is unaffected. The Supreme Court’s decision is an insult to every married person. MRS W. FREEMAN, Plymouth, Devon. WHEN the father of four children passed away, the mother was unable to claim a benefit because she wasn’t married. We give billions in foreign aid and benefits to those who haven’t paid anything into this country. This couple worked and paid tax, so shouldn’t be punished by outdated rules. RONALD BALL, Farnborough, Hants.