LGBT workers locked out of pension plans

LGBT workers who opted out of a spouses’ and children’s scheme are not being given a chance to upgrade

Annette McCabe and May Smith: the couple were married last year, but are unable to upgrade McCabes public service pension Picture: Fergal Phillips

Back in 1986, health board worker Annette McCabe was pretty certain she was never going to get married. As a closet lesbian living in Ireland at a time when gays were mostly invisible and homosexual acts were illegal, the prospect of a wife was Narnia territory.

When a circular went around the public service advising staff of a revised pension scheme with benefits for spouses and children, it felt to McCabe like a ...