Litigation Letter
Civil partnerships
On 5 December the Civil Partnership Act 2004 will introduce far-reaching changes to the rights of same-sex couples. Cohabitees
in a gay or lesbian relationship will be able to get legal recognition for their relationship, by registering a civil partnership.
This will allow them to gain many new rights and responsibilities. Rights such as housing rights and welfare benefits may
be affected by whether or not the couple chooses to enter into a civil partnership.