The Legal Differences in Civil Partnership V Civil Marraige

SparkyTech

This is something that has always confused me

I understand that the moral difference in civil marriage and civil unions are the definition of what a marriage is - ie the union of one man one woman or a same sex partner as 'marriage' in the eyes of the law, religious definitions of this etc.

However, in practical terms, what does this difference in definition of a union entail between 'civil partnership' and 'civil marriage'? From what I garner in the civil partnership bill, inheritance/tax rights/couple adoption will be on a par with heterosexual couples on most respects? Or am I incorrect? Is it purely the definition of marriage or are there legal differences in rights granted to gays V's straights even with this legislation?

Sir Ophiuchus

Among other things, in the Constitution the State "pledges itself to guard with special care the institution of Marriage, on which the Family is founded, and to protect it against attack".

The words "civil partnership" don't come up there.

Annasopra

The main legal differences are as I understand it is adoption and constitutional protection - A married couple are the only ones who can adopt jointly - also marriage is constitutionally protected but CP is not - what exactly that means is not clear

rainbow kirby

Marriage Equality have done a pretty decent analysis of the CP bill.

Annasopra

rainbow kirby wrote: »

Marriage Equality have done a pretty decent analysis of the CP bill.

Yes but that was published in August 2008 - so it would not analyse any subsequent amendments or the finance and social welfare bills - in effect that analysis is fine for august 2008 but it does not analyse the final laws in place