‘It’s about equality’ – couple look to civil partnership
IN 2004 the Civil Partnership Act came into force, enabling same-sex couples to obtain formal recognition of their relationships.
But such recognition was not made available to heterosexual couples who didn’t want to marry.
Cue numerous calls for “straight equality”, epitomised by the legal battle fought by British couple Charles Keidan and Rebecca Steinfeld.
They called for heterosexuals to have the right to civil partnerships and the Supreme Court agreed.
Alison Lynch and Sam Rowe, who live in Grangetown, Cardiff, couldn’t agree more. They said long-term couples, regardless of their sexuality, should have the same legal rights and protections as married couples – right down to the tax benefits.
Alison, 32, said: “It’s about equality. We always knew marriage wasn’t for us, but ultimately what we want isn’t that different. It’s about getting our partnership recognised legally. It’s not really about the tax benefits, which really are very tiny, or even the excuse to have a party.”
The Conservative Government announced on October 2 that civil partnerships would soon be available to opposite-sex couples in England and Wales.
“This latest announcement by the Tories will create another choice for people like us who want to have our commitment to each other realised within a legal framework, but without all the connotations that go with marriage,” said Alison, a manager working with people recovering from substance abuse.
Remaining unmarried makes it difficult to access some of the advantages married couples enjoy, like pension plans, tax breaks and automatic inheritance.
Alison’s argument is not that poor heterosexuals are being treated unfairly compared to their gay counterparts.
Rather, she said she wanted to be able to have the choice about how their relationship was cemented legally. She said she genuinely wanted the best for her and her family.
Partner Sam Rowe, 34, is a researcher in astronomy and physics at Cardiff University. The pair met while studying at the university in 2005 and have been together for five years. They have a two-year-old son, Rowan.
“It’s about Rowan really,” said Alison. “We want him to grow up with stability, which isn’t available if we remain cohabiting partners.”
Sam agreed and said: “We have older members of our family who are keen to see our relationship legally recognised. It is meaningful for them as well.”
While Alison’s and Sam’s parents got married some 30 years ago, both knew it would never be something for them.
“It was a different time back then, when our parents married, but we still hold the same values,” explained Alison. “History hasn’t always been the kindest to women – the idea that they are ‘given’ to a man. This move by Theresa May gives us an opportunity to do something different, for us.”
“We just assumed we would have to have a ‘humanist’ ceremony or something,” added Sam.
When the announcement was made by Theresa May, the couple straightaway had calls from all of their family and friends, who were excited for the couple.
“They phoned us up and said, ‘Finally, this is for you guys’ and were really happy for us,” said Alison.
The couple will be the first in the queue when the law is finally passed and straight couples can go ahead and apply for a civil partnership.
Although Alison had never dreamed of a wedding, she did love a good party, she said.
“We imagine it will be a similar ceremony to that which happens at a registry office, with a big party afterward.
“There won’t be a big white dress, probably just a party dress, maybe not even a dress at all.”
“Although I might have to buy a new suit,” said Sam.
Alison added: “We are really excited. It feels very real, and finally we can get to have a big party and have our partnership realised by law.”