Does this mean that gays and lesbians may get married is it a Gay Marriage?

The Civil Partnership Act does create a new legal relationship of civil partnership, in so much that two people of the same-sex can form and legalise, by signing a registration document.

Gay Marriage or Same Sex Wedding is not a service performed in a church, but it does provide same-sex couples a wide range of legal matters that opposite-sex couples also enjoy, who have entered into a civil marriage.

What are the laws relating to Gay Divorce?

Remember it isn't a gay marriage or same-sex marriage as such, there is a line between 'legal' and 'civil'. Divorce is a legal issue and although, as a gay couple, you may feel married, it is a civil union. Having said that; on dissolution (divorce), partners may have a legal right to; reasonable maintenance, entitlement to a share of the property, lump sum orders, property adjustment orders, and pension sharing orders; as in a conventional divorce. The grounds for dissolution include, Unreasonable behaviour, Two years of separation with both party's consent to the dissolution, Five years of separation without the requirement for consent, and Desertion for a continuous period of two years.

Instead of being 'husband and wife', wife & wife, husband and husband, you are 'civil partners' and this status attracts common law benefits and equal rights such as assessment in the same way spouses are, for child support. You are treated equally for life assurance and employment benefits such as pension. Lesbian and gay couples will be given the same tax rights as heterosexual married couples and in terms of 'wills & probate'; recognition under intestacy rules. You also receive recognition for immigration and nationality purposes.

So, what is the real difference between marriage and civil partnerships?

The difference between marriage and civil partnerships is that couples won't be able to conduct their partnership ceremony in a religious place such as a Church of England. Although it is worth seeking a Metropolitan Community Church near you because they may carry out a commitment ceremony for you but you will still need to have a Civil Partnership ceremony.

Civil Partnership ceremonies may only legally take place in front of a CP Registrar and you will need two witnesses. The civil partnership will be complete when the same-sex couple signs a civil partnership agreement and thus making a legal commitment to each other.
The Civil Partnership Act is geared towards same-sex couples, lesbians and gays, not opposite sex couples or mixed-sex because they can actually get married in the traditional manner. Like marriages, you cannot enter into a Civil Partnership if you are already married or indeed in a civil partnership already. You must be over 16 and seek parents' consent if under 18.

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