Post by Board Manager on Dec 21, 2005 9:10:00 GMT
The Civil Partnership Act 2004 is now in force, enabling same-sex couples to obtain legal recognition of their relationship.
The Act, which came into force on December 5th 2005, allows couples who form a civil partnership to have a new legal title and status - that of "civil partner".
Civil partners will have equal treatment as married couples enjoy, in a wide range of legal matters including tax, inheritance tax, employment benefits, most state and occupational pension benefits, income -related benefits, tax credits and child support.
In order to form a civil partnership you must first give notice. You can give notice of your intention to form a civil partnership from 5th December 2005, although the earliest a civil partnership can be formed is today, 21st December 2005. A civil partnership can be formed in England and Wales at a register office or an approved premise.
Hundreds of gay couples across England and Wales are preparing to take part in civil partnership ceremonies - and among them are Sir Elton John and David Furnish. The couple's "wedding" has been billed as the showbiz wedding of the year. The pair will tie the knot in a ceremony at the Windsor Guildhall.
Large crowds are expected to turn out for the couple's big day, held at the same venue where the Prince of Wales and Camilla married in April.
Sir Elton, 58, and Canadian film-maker Furnish, 43, have planned a "private and low-key" ceremony. Only their parents - Sir Elton's mother and stepfather, Sheila and Fred Farebrother, and Furnish's parents Gladys and Jack - will witness the vows.
The reception will be a £1m affair with a host of celebrities attending. Guests include Liz Hurley, Sharon Osbourne, Paul O'Grady, Cilla Black, Lulu and Donatella Versace.
The party will be held in two huge marquees erected in the grounds of Sir Elton's Berkshire mansion. Multi-millionaire Sir Elton has requested no presents.
The Act, which came into force on December 5th 2005, allows couples who form a civil partnership to have a new legal title and status - that of "civil partner".
Civil partners will have equal treatment as married couples enjoy, in a wide range of legal matters including tax, inheritance tax, employment benefits, most state and occupational pension benefits, income -related benefits, tax credits and child support.
In order to form a civil partnership you must first give notice. You can give notice of your intention to form a civil partnership from 5th December 2005, although the earliest a civil partnership can be formed is today, 21st December 2005. A civil partnership can be formed in England and Wales at a register office or an approved premise.
Hundreds of gay couples across England and Wales are preparing to take part in civil partnership ceremonies - and among them are Sir Elton John and David Furnish. The couple's "wedding" has been billed as the showbiz wedding of the year. The pair will tie the knot in a ceremony at the Windsor Guildhall.
Large crowds are expected to turn out for the couple's big day, held at the same venue where the Prince of Wales and Camilla married in April.
Sir Elton, 58, and Canadian film-maker Furnish, 43, have planned a "private and low-key" ceremony. Only their parents - Sir Elton's mother and stepfather, Sheila and Fred Farebrother, and Furnish's parents Gladys and Jack - will witness the vows.
The reception will be a £1m affair with a host of celebrities attending. Guests include Liz Hurley, Sharon Osbourne, Paul O'Grady, Cilla Black, Lulu and Donatella Versace.
The party will be held in two huge marquees erected in the grounds of Sir Elton's Berkshire mansion. Multi-millionaire Sir Elton has requested no presents.