The 3 million opposite-sex cohabiting couple families in the UK should keep an eye on the House of Commons this week. A 10-minute rule bill on 21 October by Tim Loughton MP will propose changing the law to permit these “happily unmarried” couples to enter into civil partnerships. Currently, only same-sex couples can enter into a civil partnership, but MPs from across parliament, including Stephen Twigg, Caroline Lucas and Andy Slaughter, agree that the law as it stands is nonsensical on this point and change is well overdue.
The courts also agree that there are questions over whether the current policy contravenes the UK’s equality legislation: permission has been granted for a judicial review to take place on 19-20 January 2016. There are many men and women don’t feel comfortable with the symbolism and cultural baggage of marriage, while others have had negative experiences that have turned them away from the institution. Yet for refusing to partake in marriage, they are discriminated against and denied the same legal and financial rights as couples who do. Unmarried partners (even those with children) do not qualify for the inheritance tax and pension benefits being showered by George Osborne on “couples” (married or same-sex civil partners). Many of these opposite-sex couples would like to qualify by registering a civil partnership, like same-sex couples who do not wish to marry.
Of course there are arguments against opening up civil partnerships to all couples, regardless of sex or sexual orientation. But they end up sounding like countless other arguments throughout history where majorities in the ascendancy have turned a deaf ear to the pleas for equal treatment from people with views that differ from their own. We, supporters of the Campaign for Equal Civil Partnerships, just want equal treatment. If you believe in equality, and want to see the law reflect that, contact your MP and ask them to support the bill on the 21st.
Ava Lee Campaign for Equal Civil Partnerships
Martin Loat CEO, Propeller Group
Fiona Millar Journalist and education campaigner
Gemma Mortensen Yale world fellow
Elsie Owusu Architect
Charles Keidan
Dr Rebecca Steinfeld Political scientist
Peter Tatchell Human Rights Campaigner
Robert Wintemute Professor of human rights law, King’s College London
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