Civil Partnership:  Gays in Northern Ireland Have Two-Day Start on Rest of UK

 
 

51 Year-Old Act on Definitions Causes Incorrect Calculations
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LONDON, October 27, 2005  –  The first registrations for Civil Partnerships in the United Kingdom will take place on Monday December 19 in Northern Ireland – two days before England, Scotland and Wales ­– the Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP) in Belfast said today.

  


But the regulations are not ‘cast in stone’ as the DFP Minister, Lord Rooker, has yet to give final approval.

It had been widely reported in the British media – including by UK Gay News – that the first partnerships in the UK would be in Northern Ireland on December 20.  But calculations did not take into consideration a 51 year-old Northern Ireland Act.

The Civil Partnership Act 2004 comes into effect throughout the UK on December 5, the first day when gay couples can give notice of intention of registering a partnership.

In Northern Ireland, there is a 14 day “waiting period” between the date of giving notice and the actual day of registration, while in England, Scotland and Wales it is 15 days.  This reflects the provision of civil marriage in each of the countries.

However, there is a further difference between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.  And that is on how the days are ‘counted,’ which falls within the Northern Ireland Interpretation Act 1954

As in the case of civil marriage, the day of the registration is counted in the 14 days whereas in England, Scotland and Wales the 15 day period is “clear days” with the day of registration not included – again in line with civil marriage. 

The Women and Equality Unit at the DTI in London have confirmed that the first registrations of civil partnerships will be on December 21 in England and Wales.  And the General Record Office for Scotland has confirmed the December 21 date in their jurisdiction.

■ The Women and Equality United have today published their October e-bulletin on Civil Partnerships.  This issues focuses on Civil Partnership and Council Tax in England and Wales.

Guidance on Civil Partnerships in Northern Ireland is available here (Adobe Acrobat Reader is required)..
 

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Posted: 27 October 2005 at 18:30 (UK time)
 

 

 
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