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Civil partnerships in focusThe Civil Partnership Act allows same-sex couples to enjoy the same rights and responsibilities as heterosexual married couples. The Act came into effect on December 5, 2005. It gives rights equivalent to marriage to same sex couples who register their relationship as a Civil Partnership. Before civil partnership, same-sex couples could be in relationships for their whole lives but have no pension rights, often had their homes threatened or lost to inheritance tax and had no status as next of kin in the event of the death of one partner. The legal rights apply only to same sex couples who officially register their partnership through the same process as a heterosexual couple marrying at a registry office. This enables the same sex registered couple to claim the same tax arrangements as apply to married couples, the same access to next-of-kin rights, and no liability for inheritance tax. The scheme is for adult same-sex couples who are not in an existing registered partnership or marriage and are not closely related. Couples who register have legal status as 'registered civil partners' and acquire a package of rights and responsibilities in the same way as married couples.
Rights and responsibilities include:
Happy coupleOne couple who took advantage of the new law are Barbara North and her partner Glen Rowe who, after being together for 11 years, were persuaded to go ahead and tie the knot."It was more our friends and colleagues at work who prompted us to think about it," said Barbara who works with partner Glen at the Tesco store in Market Deeping. Lincolnshire. "They were really excited about the change in the law and told us to go for it. "We'd been together a long time and so didn't need much persuasion. We registered our partnership with the local register office and the ceremony took place in January last year. "Our boss and colleagues were brilliant. They organised the do afterwards at a local pub and paid for everything. We had a ball, the whole day was fantastic, and we were both so relaxed. "We'd like to say a big thank you to our good friends and colleagues who helped make it a very memorable occasion."  Printer Friendly Page  Email to a Friend
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