By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 12:54 AM on 04th March 2010

Gays and lesbians in civil partnerships would receive extended paternity and maternity leave under the Tories.

David Cameron made the pledge in an interview with the gay magazine Attitude.

The Tory leader said the party’s proposal to extend paternity and maternity rights would apply to same-sex couples who adopted children or used artificial insemination.

Under Labour plans, maternity leave is to be extended to 52 weeks by 2010. After the first 26 weeks, parents can choose whether the mother or the father stays at home.

Conservative plans are more flexible, allowing parents up to 26 weeks of leave together.

Mr Cameron repeated his promise that gays in civil partnerships would enjoy the same tax breaks as married couples.

And he apologised for his party’s previous support for Section 28, the ban on promoting homosexuality in schools.