MSPs seek views on Civil Partnership Bill

The bill to make civil partnerships available to different sex couples is to be scrutinised by MSPs on the Scottish Parliament’s Equalities & Human Rights Committee.

Beginning its stage 1 consideration, The committee has issued a call for views on the Civil Partnership (Scotland) Bill, which follows a UK Supreme Court ruling that found the difference in treatment between same sex and different sex couples breached human rights law.

The Bill also makes consequential changes to other legislation, including recognition of certain overseas relationships between different sex couples; amendments so that registration of a civil partnership will not prevent one partner changing legal gender; and creation of an offence of forcing someone into a civil partnership.

Speaking as the call for views was launched, committee convener Ruth Maguire MSP said: "Same sex couples who wish to formalise their commitment to each other currently have the option of either civil partnership or marriage. However, different sex couples only have the option of marriage.

"This bill aims to address this anomaly, allowing all couples the choice between a civil partnership or a marriage.

"The committee wants to find out if this approach is the best way to ensure equality between all those who want to formalise their relationship. We want to hear from individuals and organisations on whether they support extending civil partnerships to different sex couples, if this the right option to pursue, and whether the new legislation will have any impact on human rights or equality issues for any particular groups of people."

Click here to view the call for evidence. Submissions can be made until 31 January 2020.