CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS AND DIFFERENT-SEX COUPLES

That this House notes that while same-sex couples are able to form a civil partnership, different-sex couples cannot; further notes that on 2 and 3 November 2016 the Court of Appeal will hear Rebecca Steinfield and Charles Keidan's appeal against the decision of the High Court to reject their application to form a civil partnership; notes that there are an estimated 3 million cohabiting different-sex couples and 1.8 million dependent children who could benefit from the extension of civil partnerships; believes that the current legal situation which prevents different-sex couples from gaining a civil partnership is unfair and prevents many different-sex couples from getting legal recognition and protection for their relationship in a way that matches their values; and supports efforts being made to extend civil partnerships to different-sex couples.