Queen Elizabeth II of the UK has - in her opening parliamentary speech - announced plans to accord same-sex couples legal recognition for the first time.
Queen Elizabeth II of the UK
Called the Civil Partnership Registration Scheme, same-sex partners would pay a license fee and sign an official document in front of the registrar and two witnesses; there is however no provision for a ceremony.
There is no minimum period of time same-sex couples have to live together to be eligible for the rights. Should the couple decide to break up, the partnership could be dissolved through a "formal, court-based process."
According to the BBC, gay couples will enjoy the following rights under the plans set out in the consultation paper:
- Visiting rights in hospitals
- An ability to gain parental responsibility for each other's children
- Recognition for immigration purposes
- Joint state pension benefits
- Obligation to support each other financially
- Ability to claim compensation for fatal accidents or criminal injuries
- Recognition under inheritance and intestacy rules
- The right to register their partner's death and continue tenancy of a property
- Exemption from inheritance tax on a partner's home
- Exemption from testifying against each other in court
Gay and civil rights groups in the UK have welcomed the announcement with Stonewall releasing a statement calling the move a "hugely significant milestone."
While the bill has faced criticism for failing to offer similar rights to unmarried heterosexual couples, defenders have pointed out that co-habiting heterosexual couples can choose to marry.
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