Opposite-sex civil partnership push

A consultation is being held on the possibility of civil partnerships being available to opposite-sex couples in Scotland.

The Scottish Government is seeking public views on the issue following a UK Supreme Court ruling that legislation governing civil partnerships in the UK is incompatible with the European Convention on Humanrights(echr),asonly same-sex couples can enter the partnerships.

The consultation puts forward two options – retaining the status quo or opening up civil partnerships to oppositesex couples.

Social security and older people secretary Shirley-anne Somerville said: “This is very simply about ensuring equality. The Supreme Court made it clear that the Civil Partnership Act 2004 is not compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights because civil partnership is open to same-sex couples only whereas marriage is open to everyone. That judgment related to England and Wales, but the facts and circumstances in Scotland are very similar.

“Therefore, we must now consult on the future of civil partnership in Scotland and I would urge anyone with an interest in this area to take part.”

Campaigners Rebecca Steinfeld and Charles Keidan won their Supreme Court challenge in June when justices ruled the Civil Partnership Act’s restriction to same sex couples was discriminatory.