The sisters make a valid point, but there is no need to compare themselves to a lesbian couple in order to claim discrimination. They are also being discriminated against because they are not married to each other. It is examples like this that support the argument that inheritance and estate taxes ought to be levied once per generation rather than upon each transfer. Unfortunately that is an argument that works best before legislatures than before courts.

Pat Cain, Santa Clara, California, USA

Patricia Cain, Santa Clara, California

The exception tests the rule. And in this case the rule is perfectly justified. The tax exemption applies to married couples. If the Burdens were a married couple (whether heterosexual or homosexual) then they would receive the tax exemption. As they're not, they don't. It's like complaining that you don't receive a tax break that's for single mothers when you don't have children.

Octavia, OXford,

An easy andwer for the government is to scrap inheritance tax altogether. It is already a seriously onerous tax.

D avid Porter, Hull,

I live my mum, never moved out because with house prices the way they are I can not afford to. I am going to have to investigate whether it is possible to put my name on the title deeds to the house in order to try and avoid 'death tax'. I am worried that I am going to be hit with a huge tax bill in 30 years time

Glen, london, england

Its about time inheritance tax was abolished - why should we have to pay tax on something that has been paid for using already taxed monies ? Of course this will never happen because of the revenue being generated. Its a matter of time before we give all our income to the government and they give us pocket money instead !

waldekev, baughurst, hants

scrap inheritance tax!

Rich, Northampton,

I say increase the inheritance tax, and abolish all tax concessions, including those between married couples and civil partnerships. It is grossly unfair that some people inherit huge sums of money, while others receive nothing. Adding tax-free concessions into the mix merely adds insult to injury.

Matthew Bulley, London, UK

Why is there such a tax anyway? Im i the only person that thinks its wrong that the government should get 40%, given that it was already taxed when it earned by the person whom died.

Paul, St Ives,

If there was any justice the Government would not have a leg to stand on. However the ruling of the European Court, that giving tax benefits 'to achieve legitimate social policy aims', will allow any government to behave in any way it chooses. Another reason for Britons, and indeed all Europeans, to reject further integration into a monolithic European Government.

Roger Sykes, Christchurch, New Zealand

Amin Aswet, part of the point of the Burden sisters' argument is down to the fact that, as sisters, they are excluded from the group of people who are capable of entering into a civil partnership. In effect, it's the same situation as with a brother and sister who wished to marry.

Jonathan Dawkins, Bristol,

Hmmm...as the piece says, 'The Government says that favourable tax treatment for civil partners is justified, because it encourages committed relationships.'

Now, why is it not in the 'Government's' interest that two sisters whom have lived together all their lives should be seen as being in a 'committed relationship' as well? I don't see the issue here myself, but then again, I'm not a lawyer nor am I a politician (thank God!).

Elisha Moor, London, England

To Amin Aswet Unfortunately because these two ladies are related they are prohibited from entering into a civil partnership

Gill, London, England

Whatever the merits of changing the tax system to allow for this sort of situation, why is the comparison to gay couples necessary? It's almost as if to say "if those freaks can get favourable treatment then why are we being denied?" I don't recall any elderly brother-sister pairs in the past complaining that married couples have an unfair advantage. A committed gay couple with a civil partnership is no less a real couple than a married one.

Richard , London,

Jerry Springer wouldn't have a prob with the old ducks getting hitched, he'd have them on his show, for sure!

Celine Tucker, Lake Niagra, Canada

Suggest the sisters enter into a civil partnership

Amin Aswet, Gibraltar,

What a sorry country. I hope the Burden sisters - and common sense - will prevail.

I'm not holding my breath though.

lawrence brooker, London, England