Same Sex Partnerships and Marriages

Marriage

As of April 2005, there are only four places in the world that allow same sex marriages - Belgium, Holland, Canada and Massachusetts, United States. However, Canada is the only one that does not have any residency laws regarding who can enter these marriages - for instance, Massachusetts has a resident only policy and Belgium has a minimum three month residency requirement. However, if you do manage to get married abroad, please bear in mind that the marriage will have no legal standing on your return to the UK.

Civil Partnership

Although marriage between same sex couples is not legally recognised in the United Kingdom, the Civil Partnership Act, passed in November 2004, will allow same sex couples to have the right to form legally binding partnerships, entitling them to the same tax and pension benefits that married couples have. From 5 December 2005, couples will be able to give notice of their intention to register at a registry office and should be able to sign a Civil Partnership Register 15 days later.

Couples can arrange a Civil Partnership Ceremony to compliment the signing of the register. In many areas, a Registrar at the Register Office will be able to conduct a ceremony for you, at the same time as the legal signing or at another time or place. If not, they should be able to direct you to resources to assist your planning.

Blessings or Affirmations

There are a number of ministers or celebrants who are willing to perform blessing or affirmation ceremonies.

The Metropolitan Community Church http://www.mccchurch.org/ is a church which celebrates the union of and gives a blessing for same sex couples and transsexuals, and their celebrants may be willing to travel to conduct ceremonies at a location of your choice. Originating in 1968, it has twelve branches in the UK, including Brighton, Manchester Edinburgh and London.

The Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement http://www.lgcm.org.uk/ can also arrange blessings, and can put you in touch with a minister or priest.

There are many Humanist celebrants, such as the Pink Triangle Trust http://www.galha.org/ptt/ who will be willing to perform an affirmation ceremony, the content of which may be decided between you. This will allow you to write your own vows of commitment to each other, creating a very personal celebration of your union.