Britain’s New Civil Partnerships Include Inheritance Rights

The newly enacted British law authorizing civil partnerships is discussed in Ellen Tumposky, Britain’s Gay, Lesbian Couples Soon Can Walk Down the Aisle, USA Today, Nov. 25, 2005, at 9A.  According to the article:

Beginning Dec. 5, same-sex couples older than 16 can give legal notice of their intention to form a partnership. Ceremonies can be held after a 15-day waiting period.

Hundreds of couples across Britain are expected to register as soon as the law comes into effect. Among them: singer Elton John, 58, and his longtime partner David Furnish, 43, a Canadian filmmaker. * * *

Britain joins a number of other European countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, France and Belgium, in recognizing same-sex unions either as civil partnerships or gay marriages. Despite opposition from some Christian groups, the issue is far less contentious here than in the USA * * *

British same-sex couples who enter into civil partnerships will have the same rights as married heterosexual couples, including inheritance and pension rights, bereavement benefits and next-of-kin standing.