Civil Partnership Bill

05 Dec 2005

Diane Abbott, MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, today welcomed the coming into force of the new Civil Partnership Act. She said it was a step forward for human rights and would bring Britain closer to eradicating discrimination based on sexual orientation.

The Act gives gay couples the same inheritance, pension, tax and benefit rights as married heterosexuals. Civil partners will also have legal "next of kin" status and, in the event of separation, will have rights over each other's assets and access arrangements to any children from the relationship.

Diane said: “In a free society where we value equality before the law this is long overdue. Denying people the right to marry on the basis of their sexual orientation is a breach of basic human rights. The option to formalise a life-long commitment should be open to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation. Today's legalisation of same-sex civil partnerships is a fundamental step forward for human rights.”

She added: “People who happen to love someone of the same gender will finally be able to enjoy all the legal benefits, as well as responsibilities, that marriage has traditionally conferred.” She continued: “By introducing the civil partnership, which is identical to marriage in all but name, we have come one step closer to eradicating discrimination on the grounds of sexuality.”

Diane said: “I think the Act has consolidated the message that homosexuality is not something to be ashamed of or something deviant to be banished from mainstream society.” She went on: “With the important legal and inheritance aspects involved now solved we can truly focus on changing attitudes for good.”

Diane concluded: “I want to extend my well wishes to all those publishing their ‘wedding banns’ today.”



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