Civil partnerships may be having a resurgence—the number of couples entering into a civil partnership has risen for the first time since gay marriage became legal in 2013
Official ONS figures reveal 890 civil partnerships were formed in 2016, an increase of 3.4% on the previous year. Nearly half of those happy couples were aged 50 years or above, compared to 19% in 2013.
Jo Edwards, partner and head of family at Forsters, pointed out that despite the slight increase, civil partnerships ‘remain relatively unpopular. It appears that with the introduction of same sex marriage, the appetite for civil partnerships has continued to decline.’ However, she said discussions about ways in which couples can formalise their relationships will continue, with heterosexual couple Rebecca Steinfeld and Charles Keidan set to take their fight for a civil partnership to the Supreme Court.
Neil Russell, partner at Seddons, said: ‘The further issue that arises is should this be for the Courts or for Parliament to decide as the outcome may lead to the undermining of the institution of marriage.’
