General Chat

I'm not talking about Christian anything, I asked the question about civil partnerships which isn't anything to do with religion.

I've pondered the question for a while now, thought that it'd be a good idea for lots of reasons, and would suit lots of people.

If it ever becomes an option, and you decide to have a civil partnership Amanda I want to be there :-D

Perhaps I should see my MP and ask him to make civil partnerships an option for all :-D

John,,,,without a Will a partner doesnt get automatic rights of assets in a civil partnership between same sex couples.Its rocky ground as the partner is not lawfully classed as NOK.

Marriages and civil partnerships in a registry office can be between a man and a man, a man and a woman or a woman and a woman. It is a legal ceremony and means that there is a commitment in front of witnesses and assets go to the partner on death etc.

They can be blessed in any church or any place of worship if someone is prepared to bless the union. And plenty of Vicars and congregations would be prepared for that.

Don't know about other faiths, but there are strict rules about Christian marriage,
Firstly it should be between two believers in Christ. We were grilled quite hard by our Vicar in North Wales back in 1979, and I think that still happens.
Secondly, it must be between a man and a woman.
Thirdly, it should be for the procreation of children.
Rules are for the strict obedience of fools and the guidance of wise men, so some relaxation in those rules ie elderly couples who are unlikely to have children unless their names are Abraham and Sarah. But you can see that a Christian marriage is very different from a civic marriage (or partnership) that is later blessed in a church ceremony

Edit Had not realised that same sex marriage was not yet allowed in UK. Being debated next week in House of Commons apparently.

I've often pondered that question myself . I've been with my OH for almost 21 years but we have never got round to tieing the knot . I've been " me " for so many years and don't like the idea of being Mrs him ..... lol
I like the idea of being civil partners much more .

You're probably right, Sue - but there are inheritance and next of kin issues. I think most couples are taxed seperately now I think about it....

I am not overly bothered about a sheet of green paper anyway.

Eldrick, I don't think there are any tax advantages now for a married couple, if there is I haven't found one :-(

I can see no reason why there should not be a 'common law partner agreement' for hetero and gay couples apart from the huge sums any authority engaged to set it up would waste!

Marriage isn't for everyone gay or straight!

The marriage act can only be performed lawfully by the acts of whatever between a man and woman.

,,,,,,I supose a civil partnership would amount to living together.

Mind some marriages would be better as a civil partnership.
:-D :-D

How interesting, I had never thought about it, but yes why can´t heterosexual couples have a civil partnership.

Great post Lynda

Interesting question. I suppose the answer that springs to mind is to do with the shock and horror of calling a homosexual union a marriage, so the term civil partership seems to have been used to avoid that.

However, it exists in France (called a PAC) and 95% of 'marriages' under this are heterosexual .For every 3 'marriages, there are 2 PAC's in that country. I see there is at least one couple campaigning to be allowed to unite in a civil partnership, which seems to make sense to me.

They claim - and I agree - that the term 'marriage' has a symbolism going back hundreds of years and was devised to give the man control over a woman. I see no reason why a couple should not be able to choose their own particular brand of making their union 'lega'l and claim the tax and other advantages shared by any other couples, of whatever sexual persuasion.

So why not - good post!

I have never thought about, but is a civil partnership much different to a registry office wedding.
I don't really know as I have not been to a civil partnership service.

I wonder why heterosexual couples can't choose to have a civil partnership instead of marriage, I'm sure it would suit some people more than marriage would.

Or is there a reason why it isn't available to heterosexual couples?