Menu
05/12/2005
‘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.
However, the first ceremonies will be held until later this month – beginning in Northern Ireland on December 19, Scotland on December 20 and England and Wales on December 21.
Under the new legislation, gay couples will be able to sign an official document in front of a registrar and two witnesses. Registration will only be available for homosexuals, not as an alternative for heterosexual couples.
The new legislation will grant same-sex couples virtually the same rights as married couples, such as the same pension rights and an exemption from inheritance tax.
If the partnership breaks down, the couple will also have to go through a ‘divorce’, the same as married couples.
Brighton and Hove looks set to be the busiest area of the UK for the new partnership ceremonies, with 510 provisional bookings so far. It is followed by Westminster with 140, Manchester with 88 and Newcastle with 80.
(KMcA/SP)
The Civil Partnership Act allows gay couples to register their intent to form a civil partnership.
However, the first ceremonies will be held until later this month – beginning in Northern Ireland on December 19, Scotland on December 20 and England and Wales on December 21.
Under the new legislation, gay couples will be able to sign an official document in front of a registrar and two witnesses. Registration will only be available for homosexuals, not as an alternative for heterosexual couples.
The new legislation will grant same-sex couples virtually the same rights as married couples, such as the same pension rights and an exemption from inheritance tax.
If the partnership breaks down, the couple will also have to go through a ‘divorce’, the same as married couples.
Brighton and Hove looks set to be the busiest area of the UK for the new partnership ceremonies, with 510 provisional bookings so far. It is followed by Westminster with 140, Manchester with 88 and Newcastle with 80.
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
31 March 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.
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.
11 December 2012
CofE Gay Marriage Outlawed
Performing gay marriage ceremonies in the Church of England and Church in Wales is to be banned, the government has announced. The move comes as a result of new 'opt-in' laws which will allow some religious institutions to perform marriage ceremonies for same-sex couples.
CofE Gay Marriage Outlawed
Performing gay marriage ceremonies in the Church of England and Church in Wales is to be banned, the government has announced. The move comes as a result of new 'opt-in' laws which will allow some religious institutions to perform marriage ceremonies for same-sex couples.
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.
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
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.
31 July 2012
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.
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.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
