The Civil Partnership Act 2004 marked the first attempt at allowing same-sex couples the option to acquire the same legal rights as married heterosexual couples. This was an important step in achieving equality for same-sex couples, as no legal provision existed for such couples prior to this legislation. Since this legislation became effective in 2005, more than 40,000 couples have subsequently registered for a civil partnership.
The Coalition Government has sought to build upon this vital work, as the plan "Working for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Equality" which was set out in June 2010 made it apparent that civil partnership ceremonies should no longer be banned from religious premises. This has now become possible on account of an amendment to the Equality Act 2010. Importantly, however, this change does not compel religious organisations to host civil partnership ceremonies but rather leaves it to the discretion of religious groups as to whether to host them or not.
The Government is now consulting with groups in order to establish what the next step for same-sex equality should be. These meetings will involve not only lesbian, gay and bisexual people but also those from religious groups in order to ensure that a balanced approach is achieved.
I believe that marital rights should be equalised and that the unnecessary prohibition on same-sex couples being able to marry should therefore be removed. This has also recently become the official policy of the Liberal Democrat Party. Unfortunately, however, we are governing as the junior partners in a Coalition Government, which means that certain compromises inevitably need to be made. Nevertheless, I do believe that this change which we have brought forward is a vital achievement, and it is one which importantly allows those same-sex couples who do have a religious faith the opportunity to legally recognise their relationship in a meaningful religious setting.
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