The government have announced that same-sex couples in civil partnerships will be able to convert their partnerships into a marriage from December 10.
The first same-sex marriages in England and Wales took place just after midnight on March 29 however, couples who were already in civil partnerships were not able to take advantage of the change in the law.
From December 10 couples who wish to convert their civil partnerships to marriages will simply need to attend a registry office and declare their wishes for the conversion to take place. The new marriage will be back dated to the date of the couple’s original civil partnership ceremony.
The rule change only affects couples in England and Wales. Scotland has separate legislation while Northern Ireland currently has no plans to legalise same-sex marriage.
Following a consultation conducted by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport involving more than 10,000 people the government have also announced that changes to how civil partnerships are not needed at this time despite some campaigners including human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell arguing heterosexual couples should be treated the same. However, the goverment has indicated the issue may be revisited in the future. For the time being civil partnerships being will only be offered as an alternative to marriage for same sex couples.
Mike Weatherley, the Conservative MP for Hove and Portslade, has welcomed the announcement and hailed the move as a great day for equality.
He said: “I am a strong supporter of same-sex marriage and called for this equality legislation to be introduced back in 2011. Since the law came into force, I know that many couples have had the joy of being able to marry the love of their life and am pleased that the Government has announced a date for those wishing to convert existing Civil Partnerships to Marriage. Wednesday 10th December will be another a great day for equality.”
Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton Pavilion, added: We are gradually inching closer to equality and I am pleased the Government has announced a date for when civil partnerships can be converted into marriages. This needs to be an easy and affordable process, so I look forward to the details without further delay. I’ll also keep campaigning for civil partnerships for opposite sex couples and for LGBT couples who get married or enter into civil partnerships to have the same pension rights as opposite sex couples – both are examples of ongoing discrimination that need to be tackled.
South Yorkshire couple Paul and Michael Atwal-Brice had sought legal advice and campaigned for the Government to set a date as they believed it was unfair that same-sex marriage was not available to people who had already shown a serious commitment to their partners by entering into a civil partnership.
Paul said: “We were distraught when we found out at the start of this year that we wouldn’t be able to get married when we had previously planned and we believed it was very unfair that no one could tell us when those in civil partnerships could go through the marriage process.
“We have tried to put pressure on the Government to set a date so that we and other couples can plan for the future and we are so pleased that we now have a date to work towards. It is a shame that there are another seven months to wait but at least we can now look forward to our special day.”
Simon Kirby, MP for Kemptown & Peacehaven, concluded, saying: “I am delighted to hear that we now have a date, in December, for the conversion of civil partnerships to marriages. I have been working hard to ensure this procedure is available as soon as possible.
“I know this procedure has been eagerly awaited by so many LGBT couples and I am pleased for everyone who wishes to change their present status to a full marriage.
“There have been real issues in ensuring this change happens both regarding the status of couples with the Department for Work and Pensions and within the actual systems of Government itself.
“These issues have now been overcome and the waiting is over! As a longstanding supporter of full marriage for LGBT people who currently have a civil partnership, this is great news.
“However, I have written to Ministers at the Department of Culture, Media and Sports asking that the certificate that is given to same sex civil partners who convert their partnerships to a marriage is more than just what is being termed an ‘upgrade’ certificate.”