Iomfats.org

P/2003/570

20 November 2003

CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS MEET WITH MASSIVE APPROVAL

Jacqui Smith, Deputy Minister for Women and Equality, revealed overwhelming public support for a Civil Partnership scheme for same-sex couples in a report published today.

The report shows that 83 percent of respondents to the Government's consultation were in favour of the proposals. The Government intends to legislate as soon as parliamentary time allows.

Jacqui Smith said:

"I am delighted that there has been such a tremendous response to our consultation paper.

"This clearly demonstrates that it is time for the law to change to reflect the reality of people's lives.

"Same-sex couples have been invisible in the eyes of the law for too long.

"The right to be treated equally and fairly is fundamental. It is the foundation upon which everything else depends and allows individuals to pursue the other aspects of their lives.

"I intend to bring forward legislation as soon as parliamentary time allows."

A number of rights and responsibilities would flow from Civil Partnership registration to help couples to organise their lives together.

- Rights and responsibilities during the partnership would include:

- joint state benefits;

- ability to gain parental responsibility for each other's children;

- obligation to maintain each other financially.

- Rights and responsibilities following the death of one partner would include:

- right to register the death of a partner;

- right to claim a survivor pension;

- eligibility for bereavement benefits;

- compensation for fatal accidents or criminal injuries;

- recognition under inheritance and intestacy rules;

- tenancy succession rights.

Consultation responses were gathered from Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual groups, voluntary organisations, unions, local authorities, businesses, equality groups and religious groups.

The Governments report on the public consultation is available on the DTI website.

Notes for Editors

1. The report on the responses to the consultation Civil Partnership: a framework for the legal recognition of same-sex couples can be found at www.womenandequalityunit.gov.uk

2. A total of 3,167 responses were received.

3. Nine other countries in the European Union already have provision for recognising those in committed same-sex partnerships. Civil partnership registration is well-established as a way of providing legal recognition for same-sex couples.

Department of Trade and Industry

7th Floor 1 Victoria Street London SW1H 0ET

Public Enquiries +44 (0)20 7215 5000
Textphone +44 (0)20 7215 6740
(for those with hearing impairment)
http://www.dti.gov.uk