Overview

This bill amends the Civil Partnerships, Marriages and Deaths (Registration etc.) Bill to extend civil partnerships to heterosexual couples in England and Wales. It allows the Secretary of State to create regulations to implement this change by December 31, 2019, addressing various legal implications, including parenthood, gender recognition, financial consequences, and the potential conversion between marriages and civil partnerships.

Description

The bill inserts a new clause enabling the Secretary of State to extend civil partnerships to opposite-sex couples through regulations. These regulations must be in force by December 31, 2019. The Secretary of State is also empowered to make further provisions addressing:

• Parenthood and parental responsibility within civil partnerships.
• The implications of gender recognition certificates on civil partnerships.
• Financial implications (e.g., pensions and social security).
• Legal recognition of similar relationships formed outside the UK.
• The possibility of converting a marriage to a civil partnership and vice versa, potentially restricting or ending existing conversion rights.
• Protecting the ability to act in accordance with religious beliefs regarding civil partnerships.

The bill also allows the Secretary of State to amend, repeal, or revoke existing primary legislation to accommodate these changes. Consultation is mandated before creating regulations concerning marriage-to-civil-partnership conversions.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify direct government spending figures. However, implementing the changes, including creating and enforcing regulations, managing potential legal challenges, and updating related government systems, is likely to incur costs to the UK government. The exact amount will depend on the specifics of the regulations.

Groups Affected

• Heterosexual couples: Gain the option of forming a civil partnership.
• Government bodies: Responsible for implementing regulations and updating relevant laws and systems.
• Legal professionals: Will be involved in interpreting and applying the new regulations.
• Religious organizations: May have concerns about the implications for religious beliefs and practices.
• Pension and social security providers: Will need to adapt their systems to accommodate the changes.

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