The European Court of Human Rights has quite a case on its agenda today. Two elderly spinters, Joyce and Sybil Burden, have lived together since the beginning of time, and feel entitled to the same protection from inheritance tax afforded married and same-sex couples. Marc Shoffman of Pink News UK writes:

Last year’s implementation of the Civil Partnership Act brought inheritance laws for gay couples in line with those of married couples, meaning a surviving spouse will inherit their partner’s estate without paying tax.

But the law does not apply to family members living together, which Joan and Sybil claim is a contravention of their human rights.

We'd love to see these girls win the case, although we can't help but fear the political consequences for gays. One can almost hear Phelps practicing his speech about gays and incest. Something to look forward to, at least…