Gay marriages could be set to receive government backing later this year.

The Department for Trade and Industry revealed on Sunday it is considering changing the laws to create civil partnerships giving gay and lesbian couples the same rights as straight married couples.

Currently gay couples are not entitled to married tax allowances, pension entitlements or inheritance provisions.

Proposals will be outlined in a consultation paper that will be released before MPs break for the summer recess.

"It is an issue we are committed to and we will be publishing a consultation document before the summer," said a DTI spokesman.

The department warned that the proposals would not change any of the provisions for straight couples living together as this would be seen as an attack on the institution of marriage.