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31/03/2004
Gay couples to gain legal recognition through civil partnerships
Same-sex couples will gain formal legal recognition of their relationships by entering into a civil partnership, under proposals outlined to Parliament today.
At present same-sex couples have no recognition under the law, but a range of rights and responsibilities would flow from entering a civil partnership, helping same-sex couples to organise their lives together, according to the Civil Partnership Bill – published by Deputy Minister for Women and Equality Jacqui Smith.
The main provisions in the Bill include:
She added: "Same-sex couples often face a range of unnecessary problems in their everyday lives because of a lack of legal recognition of their relationships. The Civil Partnership Bill aims to eradicate this by providing same-sex couples with the opportunity to gain recognition of their relationship for the first time. It shows that we really value the diversity of the society we live in."
The process of entering a civil partnership would be administered by the local registration service. On the day of registration, each member of the couple would sign the register in the presence of the registration officer and two witnesses. There would also be a formal, court-based process for dissolution of a civil partnership.
In the interests of creating parity across the United Kingdom, the Civil Partnership Bill is intended to legislate for the whole of the UK. Scottish Ministers will ask the Scottish Parliament to agree to a 'Sewel motion' to include Scottish provisions in the Civil Partnership Bill.
The Northern Ireland Assembly is currently in suspension but in its absence, and following consultation, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has also endorsed this approach.
Nine other countries in the European Union already have some provision for recognising those in committed same-sex partnerships.
(gmcg)
At present same-sex couples have no recognition under the law, but a range of rights and responsibilities would flow from entering a civil partnership, helping same-sex couples to organise their lives together, according to the Civil Partnership Bill – published by Deputy Minister for Women and Equality Jacqui Smith.
The main provisions in the Bill include:
- responsibility to provide reasonable maintenance for civil partners and children of the family;
- full recognition for the purposes of life assurance;
- ability to succeed to tenancy rights;
- social security and pension benefits;
- and the ability to gain parental responsibility for their civil partner's children.
She added: "Same-sex couples often face a range of unnecessary problems in their everyday lives because of a lack of legal recognition of their relationships. The Civil Partnership Bill aims to eradicate this by providing same-sex couples with the opportunity to gain recognition of their relationship for the first time. It shows that we really value the diversity of the society we live in."
The process of entering a civil partnership would be administered by the local registration service. On the day of registration, each member of the couple would sign the register in the presence of the registration officer and two witnesses. There would also be a formal, court-based process for dissolution of a civil partnership.
In the interests of creating parity across the United Kingdom, the Civil Partnership Bill is intended to legislate for the whole of the UK. Scottish Ministers will ask the Scottish Parliament to agree to a 'Sewel motion' to include Scottish provisions in the Civil Partnership Bill.
The Northern Ireland Assembly is currently in suspension but in its absence, and following consultation, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has also endorsed this approach.
Nine other countries in the European Union already have some provision for recognising those in committed same-sex partnerships.
(gmcg)
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31 July 2012
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The number of civil partnerships in the UK has soared, provisional ONS figures found. Data released by the Office for National Statistics showed that the numbers of people entering into civil partnerships last year rose by 6% from the figure the year before.
Civil Partnerships Booming In UK
The number of civil partnerships in the UK has soared, provisional ONS figures found. Data released by the Office for National Statistics showed that the numbers of people entering into civil partnerships last year rose by 6% from the figure the year before.
05 December 2005
‘Gay marriage’ becomes legal
Around a thousand gay couples are expected to register for the new civil partnerships, which became law today. The Civil Partnership Act allows gay couples to register their intent to form a civil partnership.
‘Gay marriage’ becomes legal
Around a thousand gay couples are expected to register for the new civil partnerships, which became law today. The Civil Partnership Act allows gay couples to register their intent to form a civil partnership.
15 September 2005
‘Gay marriages’ publicity campaign launched
The government has launched a new publicity campaign to highlight the new civil partnerships legislation. The new legislation, which became law last November, provides same-sex couples with the same rights in areas such as tax, pensions and benefits as heterosexual couples.
‘Gay marriages’ publicity campaign launched
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16 December 2014
Scotland's Same-Sex Marriage Law Comes Into Effect
A new same-sex marriage law has come into effect in Scotland. Under the new law, same-sex couples can give notice of their intention to marry, and existing civil partnerships can be converted to a marriage – which one couple is understood to have done already, shortly after midnight when the law came into force.
Scotland's Same-Sex Marriage Law Comes Into Effect
A new same-sex marriage law has come into effect in Scotland. Under the new law, same-sex couples can give notice of their intention to marry, and existing civil partnerships can be converted to a marriage – which one couple is understood to have done already, shortly after midnight when the law came into force.
17 February 2011
Churches 'Opened' To Gay Ceremonies
As part of its commitment to advancing equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGB and T) people, the UK Government has announced that religious buildings will be allowed to host civil partnership registrations.
Churches 'Opened' To Gay Ceremonies
As part of its commitment to advancing equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGB and T) people, the UK Government has announced that religious buildings will be allowed to host civil partnership registrations.
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