The Civil Partnership Act

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The Civil Partnership Act of 2004 enabled same sex couples to get a civil partnership, uniting them by law.

The Civil Partnership Act was introduced in 2004 and passed by Westminster Parliament. The act enabled same sex couples to form a civil partnership together - allowing them a certain form of "marriage". It gave them almost all the same rights, obligations and measures as a marriage - however, it is not legally a marriage. Initially civil partnerships were only available to same sex couples, however after 2019 it was expanded to enable opposite sex couples to have a civil partnership as well.

Instantly the question was raised - what is the different between a civil partnership and a marriage?

Civil partnerships are entitled to the same property rights, inheritance tax, social security, pension benefits, tenancy rights, full life insurance recognition, and next of kin rights as married couples. A civil partnership is formed when both individuals sign the Civil Partnership document in front of two witnesses and a registrar. In many ways a civil partnership is very alike a marriage, and was a huge step forward in terms of LGBTQ+ activism and progression, however there are certain details and factors which differentiate it from a legal marriage. Due to this, before same sex marriage was legalised in 2014, many saw the Civil Partnership Act as not a celebration for the LGBTQ+ community, but another reason to continue fighting.

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"When we were young, most of us dreamed of getting married... nobody dreamed of getting a civil partnership." - Peter Tatchell

Many believed that the Civil partnership was simply yet another way to alienate and isolate the LGBTQ+ community from the rest of society. By segregating our union from heterosexual marriage, many believed it pushed the idea that an LGBTQ+ relationship was secondary to a heterosexual relationship. Therefore, many did not raise their glasses in celebration to Civil Partnerships in 2004. Instead, it simply inspired people to fight for equality more so than ever before.

In 2014, same sex marriage became legal in the UK, but same sex partnerships are still available to anyone who wants them. The legalisation of same sex marriage was revolutionary, and a huge step forward for LGBTQ+ couples across the UK, and proof that when you fight hard enough, anything is possible.