I guess some people prefer to retain their names and pass on a hypenated name to their child - i like this idea - in preference to everyone having the same name. why is there the push for gay and lesbian couples to want desperately to be the same as hetrosexual couples in the recognition of everyone having the same name. Surnames do matter - but not everyone wants to give up their own surname and take on a partners - jsut for the sake of recognition.

Surnames indicate heritage, culture and where you come from. my background is important to me and i want to pass that onto my children - hypenated surnames are a good way of doing it without losing my name in the process.

i don't believe in changing my name to my partners - i wouldn't do it if i was married to a man. I made the mistake of changing my name to my partners surname at the time when i was 19 and it was the wrong decision for her and I.

Idon't necessarily think that in a nation where marriage is not recognised - simply changing your name so that everyone is the same is enough. I have no desire to be like everyone else.