Same Sex Marriages

A civil partnership is a legal relationship for couples of the same-sex in the UK.
It gives such couples similar rights to those who are heterosexual and married.

Bear in mind that civil partnerships are comparable, but not the same as marriage. There are a small number of differences between the two which are listed below:

A civil partnership is registered when the second civil partner signs the relevant document, while a civil marriage is registered when the couple exchange spoken words;

Marriage ceremonies for opposite-sex couples can be either religious or civil, whereas a civil partnership can only be created by a civil ceremony.

In the eyes of the law

Civil partners can enjoy equal treatment with married couples in a wide range of legal matters, including:

• Tax, including inheritance tax;

• Employment benefits;

• Most state and occupational pension benefits;

• Income-related benefits, tax credits and child support;

• Duty to provide reasonable maintenance for your civil partner and any children of the family;

• Ability to apply for parental responsibility for your civil partners child;

• Inheritance of a tenancy agreement;

• Recognition under intestacy rules;

• Access to fatal accidents compensation;

• Protection from domestic violence;

• Recognition for immigration and nationality purposes.

The minimum legal age for registering a civil partnership is 16, but written consent still may be required for anyone under 18.

This law was passed in December 2005. This is not an exhaustive list.