Equal rights for homo- and heterosexual couples?

Sexual Discrimination Case in European Court

The company gives free travel passes to the partners and spouses of its heterosexual employees. Partners of gays or lesbians, however, are excluded.

Lisa Grant and her partner, Jill Percey

Jill Percey explains the couple's case

Ms Grant says that in effect she is being paid less than her heterosexual colleagues. She sees South West Trains to be in breach of European law, which says men and women should get equal pay without discrimination based on sex.

Her case was referred to the European court by a British industrial tribunal.

Both South West Trains and the Government deny this is sex discrimination, because male homosexuals would be treated in the same way.

Representing Ms Grant in the European court is Cherie Booth, QC, one of the country's most experienced barristers specialising in employment laws. But Mrs Booth is also the wife of Prime Minister Tony Blair - so it will be her arguing the case against the lawyers of the government.

A ruling is not expected for several months.