PM’s civil pact deal for straight couples
CIVIL partnerships are to be offered to heterosexual couples for the first time, Theresa May announced yesterday.
The move means that both straight and gay couples will now be offered “the same choices in life”, the Prime Minister said.
The change in the law, which was welcomed by campaigners, follows four years of pressure on the Government and a ruling by Britain’s highest court.
Mrs May said: “This helps protect the interests of oppositesex couples who want to commit, want to formalise their relationship, but don’t necessarily want to get married.
“As home secretary I was proud to sponsor the legislation that created equal marriage.
“Now, by extending civil partnerships, we are making sure that all couples are given the same choices in life.”
Married
Civil partnerships were created by Tony Blair’s Labour government in 2004 exclusively for gay people, who until that time could not get legal recognition for their relationships.
After David Cameron’s coalition acted in 2014 to enable samesex couples to get married, pressure intensified to extend civil partnerships to heterosexuals.
In June the Supreme Court unanimously ruled in favour of London couple Rebecca Steinfeld and Charles Keidan, who mounted a legal challenge to be allowed to have a civil partnership.
In a statement the couple hailed the news as “a major step in the right direction” but said they would not celebrate until legislation was agreed.
More than three million unmarried couples live together, leaving many with few rights following separation or death.
Martin Loat, of the Equal Civil Partnerships campaign, said: “A promise is a promise but what we need now is action, and soon.” TEARFUL pupils and teachers yesterday laid flowers outside the school where an 11-year-old pupil was knocked down and killed.
They were joined by parents at St Patrick’s Primary School in Rochdale as they paid tribute to “beautiful angel” Marianne Haboc.
Popular year six pupil Marianne was struck by a red Range Rover at 3.30pm on Monday and pronounced dead at the scene.
A 33-year-old woman was yesterday arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and released under investigation.
One father, Danny Brown, 31, said his own 11-year-old daughter had been “really good friends” with Marianne, who was nicknamed MJ.
“She was such a nice, friendly, helpful, intelligent little girl. It is just so, so sad what has happened. She will be sadly missed,” he added.
Other cards left at the scene read “Sleep tight Marianne” and “RIP little one”.
Rochdale Olympic Gymnastics Club also paid tribute to Marianne, who was a member of the group.
“RIP little superstar,” said a message posted on the club’s Facebook page. “No words can describe how we all feel tonight! Fly high.”
Marianne’s school also shared a message writing: “Sadly our school community is grieving for the loss of our Yr 6 pupil Marianne who died following a tragic accident.
“We will maintain a normal routine as far as possible.”
Sergeant Lee Westhead, of Greater Manchester Police, said: “This was an incredibly tragic incident.
“It has left a family heartbroken and we have specially trained officers supporting them at this unimaginably difficult time.”