The Equal Civil Partnerships campaign pursued a dual strategy through the law courts of England and through parliament to ensure the introduction of mixed-sex civil partnerships – a process which was completed in England and Wales at the end of 2019.
Since the introduction of the Civil Partnership Act (2004) same sex couples have been able to enter into civil partnerships. The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 legalised same sex marriages in England and Wales from March 2014. (Scotland, operating under devolved law also allows both same sex marriage and civil partnerships.) Since that date, same sex couples, quite rightly, have the option to choose the best legal framework for their own relationship.
Mixed sex couple, however, had only the choice of marriage when many couples would prefer to formalise their relationship – and enjoy the security and benefits of a legal partnership – through the formation of a civil partnership.
The Equal Civil Partnerships Campaign Group focussed upon changing the law so that all couples have the same access to choose the type of framework they want for their relationship, a framework which will protect all couples, legally and financially in the eyes of the law.
