Now that same-sex marriage has arrived (at least in England and Wales), what of Civil Partnerships?
For the time being they clearly cannot be abolished, since they are the only form of partnership recognition open to same-sex couples in Northern Ireland – where the Stormont Assembly has twice voted down moves to open up marriage.
The government is consulting on public opinion as to what to do with civil partnerships: keep them as they are, phase them out (outside Northern Ireland, presumably), or open them up to any couple rather than have them limited to same-sex couples.
The consultation on the future of civil partnership runs fpr one more week – until 17 April. Manchester bi group BiPhoria’s response calls for civil partnerships to continue and to be opened up to couples regardless of gender; whether you agree or disagree, look sharpish and have your say!
