civil partnerships?

Vlad_Dracul · 11-01-2007, 12:41

I feel i really should know this but can anyone explain what the difference is between a "civil partnership" and a marriage?

I am assuming that civil partnerships were just legalised so that same sex people could have the same legal rights as an opposite sex couple who were married?

If so then what are we saying? Are we saying that civil partnerships (hereafter called CP becuase it is a pain to type) and marriages are two different things in that they both confer the same legal rights but that marriage confers something extra?

If so what is THAT extra? Is it something tangible or something more etherial ?

I currently live with a female person but we are not married. Why can i not enter into a civil partnership arrangment such as that which is afforded to same sex people who form partnerships? i.e a partnership which bestows the same legal rights as a CP but without the marriage bit i.e the bit which i am assuming is "extra" to a CP and is as yet, not further described,though i await enlightenment.

Hope this enquiry isnt too confusing-if it is,I'll try to elaborate/simplify as necessary.

Pierre · 11-01-2007, 12:52

As far as I am aware there is no difference between a Civil Partnership and a Civil Marriage.

I suppose the difference in terminology was to suggest that the partnership is for same sex couples and the marriage for hetrosex couples but I fail to see why such a differentiation is neccessary

superbiatch · 11-01-2007, 13:28

I'd happily consider a civil partnership if it means that my partner would have all the rights such as next of kin etc, but i'm not really one for 'marriage'.

To me marriage is religious and unnecessary but thats just my opinion, so don't shoot me!

**Hugh** · 11-01-2007, 13:30

Linky

BBC Q&A

"On a technical level there are differences. A partnership is formed when the second of the two parties signs the partnership papers. This is not necessarily a public ceremony or even an event that happens at the same time as the first signature.
This flexibility means that couples can essentially become partnered in private, if they wish. In contrast, a marriage happens when the partners exchange spoken words and also sign the register. Another important distinction is that marriage as a word has religious connotations, even if a ceremony is only civil. Marriages can be conducted by Church of England clergy without any civil preliminaries being required. Civil partnerships are only conducted by registrars. "

superbiatch · 11-01-2007, 13:37

Well thats just not fair :p

Seems that hetrosexuals cannot have a civil partnership, at least not for now anyway.

**Hugh** · 11-01-2007, 13:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by superbiatch

Well thats just not fair :p

Seems that hetrosexuals cannot have a civil partnership, at least not for now anyway.

I think it's called a registry office ceremony

superbiatch · 11-01-2007, 13:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by foreverwar

I think it's called a registry office ceremony

Even thats a bit too formal for me hehe!

**Maggy J** · 11-01-2007, 15:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by superbiatch

Even thats a bit too formal for me hehe!

It as formal as YOU want it to be.Frankly it sounds like you object to signing the documents and it won't matter what type of service you chose you would still have to give your correct name,DOB and correct marital status.Apart from that I can't see why even that is too formal.

superbiatch · 11-01-2007, 15:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Incognitas

It as formal as YOU want it to be.Frankly it sounds like you object to signing the documents and it won't matter what type of service you chose you would still have to give your correct name,DOB and correct marital status.Apart from that I can't see why even that is too formal.

I'd just like my partner to have the same rights as someone in a civil partnership ie equitable treatment for important financial matters, such as inheritance, pensions provision, life assurance and maintenance where children are involved and also next of kin rights. Thats not what a marriage is to me, the above is just planning for any eventualities.

**Maggy J** · 11-01-2007, 15:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by superbiatch

I'd just like my partner to have the same rights as someone in a civil partnership ie equitable treatment for important financial matters, such as inheritance, pensions provision, life assurance and maintenance where children are involved and also next of kin rights. Thats not what a marriage is to me, the above is just planning for any eventualities.

So you mean you want a religious service in a place of worship?Or you think that ALL couples living together should automatically get all the above civil rights without signing any papers no matter what their gender?

I'm not having a go I'm trying to understand what your position is... sounds some what contradictory at first reading.

superbiatch · 11-01-2007, 15:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Incognitas

So you mean you want a religious service in a place of worship?Or you think that ALL couples living together should automatically get all the above civil rights without signing any papers no matter what their gender?

I'm not having a go I'm trying to understand what your position is... sounds some what contradictory at first reading.

I don't mind signing any papers at all. I'm happy to do so to provide for my family and partner. What i don't agree with is the religious side to 'marriage' - to quote the BBC link earlier "Another important distinction is that marriage as a word has religious connotations..."

I think thats the bit i object to most.

I know, i have some weird opinions on things. But i am headstrong and please remember these are only 'my opinions'

**Maggy J** · 11-01-2007, 15:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by superbiatch

I don't mind signing any papers at all. I'm happy to do so to provide for my family and partner. What i don't agree with is the religious side to 'marriage' - to quote the BBC link earlier "Another important distinction is that marriage as a word has religious connotations..."

I think thats the bit i object to most.

I know, i have some weird opinions on things. But i am headstrong and please remember these are only 'my opinions'

I'm still confused..you can still get all the above surely in a civil partnership?

http://www.direct.gov.uk/RightsAndRe...937&chk=/et8pN

superbiatch · 11-01-2007, 15:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Incognitas

I'm still confused..you can still get all the above surely in a civil partnership?

http://www.direct.gov.uk/RightsAndRe...937&chk=/et8pN

Yes but a civil partnership is for gay couples, not hetrosexuals. So as it stands i can be married, or live as a common law wife.

**Hugh** · 11-01-2007, 16:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by superbiatch

Yes but a civil partnership is for gay couples, not hetrosexuals. So as it stands i can be married, or live as a common law wife.

But if you get married in a registry office, it is just the 99.9 % the same as a civil partnership, except in a civil partnership ceremony, you don't have to say "I do" in public (but you can if you wish - which was done at the civil partnership ceremony I attended in February). Other than that, the only difference is the "religious connotations", which you don't have to have.

btw, it's heterosexuals...

"A partnership is formed when the second of the two parties signs the partnership papers. This is not necessarily a public ceremony or even an event that happens at the same time as the first signature.
This flexibility means that couples can essentially become partnered in private, if they wish. In contrast, a marriage happens when the partners exchange spoken words and also sign the register."

superbiatch · 11-01-2007, 16:10

And suddenly there was light, never really looked at it like that before.

I have been married before and have to admit the religious side is quite offputting for me personally