Man and husband (From Gazette Series)

Man and husband

SAME sex couples across the county have started registering their intent to cement their relationships with civil partnerships.

The introduction of the Civil Partnership Act 2004 provides for the recognition of rights and responsibilities for same sex couples including pension and inheritance rights and benefits similar to those gained through a traditional marriage.

Notice of intention to form a civil partnership started on Monday although there is a 15-day waiting period - the earliest a civil partnership can be formed is December 21.

During the first week of the new legislation (December 5-9) 56 couples have registered their intention for a civil partnership with five couples registering at Stroud Registry Office.

One of the first couples to have a ceremony in Stroud on December 21 will be gay couple Ash, 28, and Martin, 21, both from Dursley. They have been a couple for 18 months.

Ash told the Gazette this week: "It is something that I have wanted to do for a long time - Martin has as well. It is a day that we are both looking forward to."

Sally Bye, head of registration and coroner services at Gloucestershire County Council, said: "We are delighted to be able to introduce this service for the local gay and lesbian community. From the responses we received from our consultation with local people we are now able to provide a ceremony for those who wish to have one."

Cllr Shaun Parsons, the authority's cabinet member for fire and regulation, said: "Gloucestershire County Council's Registration Service has always prided itself in the professional way it provides services to the people of the county.

"The Civil Partnership registration and ceremonies are another example of how we deliver services in an understanding and expert way. I would like to thank all staff involved for their hard work in making the new legislation work for Gloucestershire."