Abstract
The 2004 Civil Partnership Act came into effect in the UK in December 2005. It created the legal status of ‘civil partner’ and enabled same-sex couples for the first time to register their relationship and to gain a number of legally recognised rights and responsibilities. This article reports on the findings of a qualitative study that used in-depth interviews with members of same-sex couples to explore the personal impacts of this legislative change on their lives. The research suggests that the Civil Partnership Act has had significant positive impacts in terms of improving the lives of, and reducing perceived discrimination against, same-sex couples. It also highlights a range of effects of the legislation that for some couples were not desired.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call