The Prime Minister has announced upcoming changes in the law that will allow mixed-sex couples to choose to enter a civil partnership rather than getting married.
The move to extend civil partnerships ends months of uncertainty after the government suffered defeat in the Supreme Court in June of this year. Judges held that it was discriminatory to restrict civil partnerships to same-sex couples, a decision which put pressure on the government to allow heterosexual couples to enter into such unions. The Supreme Court had unanimously ruled that the human rights of Rebecca Steinfeld and Charles Keidan had been breached by preventing them from entering into a civil partnership.
In her statement at the Conservative party conference, Theresa May announced that the ban on mixed-sex couples entering civil partnerships would come to an end.
Mrs May said: “This change in the law helps protect the interests of opposite-sex couples who want to commit, want to formalise their relationship, but don’t necessarily want to get married….By extending civil partnerships, we are making sure that all couples, be they same sex or opposite sex, are given the same choices in life.”
How can Breakthrough Family Law help?
Our experienced team of family lawyers can provide clear, straightforward advice on all matters relating to civil partnerships for both same-sex and opposite-sex couples. Our friendly and approachable lawyers can provide accurate and up-to-date guidance on civil partnership law to help you plan for the future in a way that suits you.
Speak with a member of our team today on 01494 776 696 or use our online form to arrange an appointment.