• The United Kingdom offers "civil partnership" to same-sex couples.rings jewelry marriage image by Pali A from Fotolia.com
  
  As of 2010, none of the countries of the United Kingdom recognize same-sex marriages. They do, however, recognize "civil partnerships," unions that accord the same legal rights of marriage to same-sex couples. Whether full marriage will be extended to same-sex couples remains a hotly contested issue throughout the UK, with LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) groups and liberal democrats primarily supporting the change.
  
  

History

• The Matrimonial Causes Act of 1973 established marriages between same-sex couples as void. While the prohibition remained in place, in 2004, the Civil Partnership Act allowed same-sex couples to enjoy the same legal consequences as married people through "civil partnerships." Same-sex marriages established outside of the UK are also recognized as civil partnerships. This ruling was tested in the 2006 court case of Celia Kitzinger and Sue Wilkinson, who married in Vancouver and sought to have their marriage recognized in the UK. The high court ruled against them. In April of 2010, liberal democrats, the party closest to supporting same-sex marriage, introduced an LGBT manifesto, a policy document outlining the party's commitment to LGBT votes. However, they did not include any pledges of support for same-sex marriage. In July of 2010, Liberal Democrat deputy leader Simon Hughes voiced support for full same-sex marriage legislation, and a prediction of its legalization within the term.
  
  

Benefits of Civil Partnerships

• A civil partnership is intended to provide same-sex couples full legal support equal to that of a heterosexual marriage. For example, when one spouse or member of a civil partnership dies, the survivor may inherit property with tax advantages and rights to any pensions. Just like a spouse, a member of a civil partnership has full next-of-kin rights for hospital visitation. In a court of law, a civil partnership, like a marriage, excuses one partner from testifying against the other.
  
  

Limitations on Civil Partnerships

• In terms of law, the limitations of civil partnerships are the same as those of marriage. Civil partnerships must take place between individuals 16 years of age or older. They may not be established between two people in a "prohibited degree of relationship;" for example, two siblings or a parent and child cannot engage in a civil partnership. However, the union does not explicitly apply only to individuals in a sexual relationship. In fact, two people living in separate homes may enter into the civil partnership. As with a marriage, when seeking a civil partnership, advance notice of 15 days must be given before the union can be celebrated. In cases demonstrated as urgent, special exceptions may be made. A civil partnership also cannot be formed if either of the parties are in another civil partnership or in a marriage.