More overseas same-sex partnerships recognised in UK law
Seventy-five foreign partnerships will be treated as equivalent to UK civil partnerships.
From 31 January 2013, the number of overseas same-sex relationships that are specified in legislation so that they will be treated as civil partnerships in the UK will be extended.
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Since the there has been a big increase in the number of same-sex relationships recognised in many parts of the world.
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Currently Schedule 20 to the Civil Partnership Act 2004 lists only 25 overseas same-sex relationships which are treated as UK civil partnerships. To bring this up to date, a further 50 will now be added, bringing the total to 75. The was laid before Parliament today.
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Women and Equalities Minister said:
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鈥淚t鈥檚 great to see that so many countries across the world have legalised same-sex unions.听
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鈥淭he Civil Partnership Act 2004 was a significant milestone in UK history. So it鈥檚 completely right that we now ensure our law reflects these changes and set an example for other countries to follow.
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鈥淭his change to the law will make it quicker and easier for couples overseas to determine whether their overseas relationship will be treated as a civil partnership in the UK.鈥�
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We committed in to updating the list by December 2012.听听
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The amendments will make it easier for couples to determine if their relationship is likely to be treated in the UK as a civil partnership, and will also help UK public authorities and businesses to identify their legal status.