Civil Partnership By Xmas 2005

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The first Civil Partnerships will take place before Christmas 2005, uk.gay.com can reveal, with the government announcing an official implementation date of December 5th.

Announced today to the delight of same-sex couples looking to make use of the new legislation, the Civil Partnership Act will come into force on the 5th, allowing for ceremonies to take place on 21st December.

The gap between the two dates allows for the 15-day waiting period required.

The Act will be the first time those same-sex couples who wish to sign up will have legal recognition and similar rights to married heterosexual couples.

Women and Equality minister Jacqui Smith said she was aware that many couples were "eager" to hear the official date.

"I know how much this legislation means to a great many same-sex couples across the country who are eager to finally get legal recognition for their relationships," she said today.

"This legislation is going to make a real difference to these couples and it demonstrates the Government's commitment to equality and social justice," she added.

Additionally, Ms Smith said the new laws would have a direct impact on British society and the place of lesbian and gay people within it.

"I hope this Act will help create a more equal society," she said, adding that "it opens the way to respect, recognition and justice for those who have been denied it for too long."

The Act will allow same-sex couples to have their relationship recognised at an official ceremony similar to a civil marriage.

Already, Register Officers in major cities - including Brighton, Newcastle, Liverpool, Birmingham and boroughs within London - have started to take expressions of interest from couples looking to have an early union.

The bill introducing Civil Partnership was passed in the Houses of Parliament last year, but the government said it would need a year to allow for implementation strategies.

At one point, many couples feared the new laws would be delayed until early 2006.

Gay rights group Stonewall celebrated the announcement today.

"We're delighted that the government has announced a date for implementation of these new laws," the charity's Alan Wardle told UWD.

"For many lesbians and gay men, Christmas will come early this year."

aslo visit our Civil Partnership Q&Q page