Test 2

Please select your preferred language.

請選擇你慣用的語言。

请选择你惯用的语言。

English
中文简体
台灣繁體
香港繁體

登入

记住我

初到 Fridae?

Fridae Mobile

Advertisement
Highlights

More About Us

新闻&特写

« 较新的 | 较旧的 »
27 Nov 2003

UK queen announces new bill for same-sex couples

Queen Elizabeth II of the UK has announced in her annual speech that MPs will debate the issue of civil partnerships for same sex couples in the coming session.

Queen Elizabeth II of the UK has - in her opening parliamentary speech - announced plans to accord same-sex couples legal recognition for the first time.

Queen Elizabeth II of the UK
Although the legislation will not legalise gay marriage, the bill will include pension and property entitlements as well as tax and inheritance rights similar to those enjoyed by married couples if couples register their commitment in a civil ceremony.

Called the Civil Partnership Registration Scheme, same-sex partners would pay a license fee and sign an official document in front of the registrar and two witnesses; there is however no provision for a ceremony.

There is no minimum period of time same-sex couples have to live together to be eligible for the rights. Should the couple decide to break up, the partnership could be dissolved through a "formal, court-based process."

According to the BBC, gay couples will enjoy the following rights under the plans set out in the consultation paper:

- Visiting rights in hospitals
- An ability to gain parental responsibility for each other's children
- Recognition for immigration purposes
- Joint state pension benefits
- Obligation to support each other financially
- Ability to claim compensation for fatal accidents or criminal injuries
- Recognition under inheritance and intestacy rules
- The right to register their partner's death and continue tenancy of a property
- Exemption from inheritance tax on a partner's home
- Exemption from testifying against each other in court

Gay and civil rights groups in the UK have welcomed the announcement with Stonewall releasing a statement calling the move a "hugely significant milestone."

While the bill has faced criticism for failing to offer similar rights to unmarried heterosexual couples, defenders have pointed out that co-habiting heterosexual couples can choose to marry.

United Kingdom

读者回应

抢先发表第一个回应吧!

请先登入再使用此功能。

Social


请选择新闻及专栏版本

精选个人档案

Now ALL members can view unlimited profiles!

Languages

View this page in a different language:

赞好

合作伙伴

 ILGA Asia - Fridae partner for LGBT rights in Asia IGLHRC - Fridae Partner for LGBT rights in Asia

Advertisement