Civil partnerships had already been permitted in the UK since
2005, following the Civil Partnership Act. This gave rights and
responsibilities to same-sex couples that were identical to civil marriage
between opposite-sex couples. They were entitled to the same property rights,
the same exemption on inheritance tax, the same social security and pension
benefits, full life insurance recognition, the ability to get parental
responsibility for a partner's children, as well as next of kin rights in
hospitals.
This
angered some Christian groups concerned that the sanctity of marriage was being
threatened. It was criticised by gay rights activists, however, for not going
far enough – since the Act stopped short of awarding full marriage status,
which they still viewed as a form of discrimination.
The
gay rights movement continued to gain momentum. A public consultation was
conducted in 2012, aimed at further reform. This was supported by conservative
Prime Minister David Cameron as part of a modernising drive included in his
party's election manifesto. It was proposed that full marriage rights be
granted to gay couples in England and Wales by 2015.* In the end, the agreed date was 29th March
2014,* with Scotland following by early 2015.* Ireland would also follow during the first
half of 2015.* However, its neighbour, Northern Ireland,
would not.* Including these new additions, over 20
countries around the world recognise gay marriage or have it legalised in some
jurisdictions.*
References
References
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-14960357
Accessed 20th December 2013.
Same-sex weddings to begin in March, BBC:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-25321353
Accessed 20th December 2013.
"The first gay ceremonies are expected in early 2015."
See New poll shows majority of Scots in favour of same-sex marriage, Herald Scotland:
http://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/wider-political-news/new-poll-shows-majority-of-scots-in-favour-of-same-sex-marriage.22872271
Accessed 20th December 2013.
Govt will 'actively support' same-sex marriage referendum in 2015, RTÉ:
http://www.rte.ie/news/2013/1105/484662-same-sex-marriage/
Accessed 20th December 2013.
Stormont gay marriage debate position 'unacceptable', BBC:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-24744874
Accessed 20th December 2013.
http://www.pewforum.org/2013/12/19/gay-marriage-around-the-world-2013/
Accessed 20th December 2013.
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