Same-sex couples will easily be able to convert their civil partnerships into marriages without starting afresh, thanks to new legislation going through parliament at the moment.
Groundbreaking new marriage legislation will allow same-sex couples in a civil partnership to change their partnership to a marriage before this Christmas. These new regulations currently under review before Parliament are expected to be in force from December the 10th. The confirmation of the new policy comes as good news to gay rights campaigners, allowing same-sex couples to convert their civil partnership to marriage.
This can be done simply at a local registry office, or couples can choose a more elaborate marriage ceremony at any approved venue of their choice. Religious premises will also be able to register to marry same-sex couples and it is hoped that this will spur religious organisations on in their recognition of gay partnerships.
Minister for Skills and Equalities, Nick Boles said: “I know how important it is for couples to have the option of marriage available to them. This puts couples in control. They have the choice of whether they would like a simple conversion or would prefer to celebrate the occasion with a ceremony.”
After the ceremony, newlywed couples will be issued with a certificate dating their marriage from the start of their civil-partnership.