Here are the key points of the Civil Partnerships Bill, which allows same-sex couples to get legal recognition for their relationships.
Tying the knot
-
Couples would enter civil partnerships in local registration services
-
Each partner would have to sign the register in the presence of the registration officer and two witnesses
-
There would also be a formal, court-based process for dissolving the partnership
Main partnership rights
- Social security and pension benefits, including right to benefit from a dead partner's pension
- Full recognition for life assurance schemes
-
Ability to succeed to tenancy rights
-
Next-of-kin visiting rights in hospitals
Responsibilities
-
Providing reasonable maintenance for civil partners and children of the family
- Ability to gain parental responsibility for a partner's children
|
 |
BBC NEWS: VIDEO AND AUDIO
The BBC's James Westhead
"Some Christian groups claim marriage will be undermined"


RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites


|