‘A question of equality and choice’: same-sex couples’ attitudes towards civil partnership after the introduction of same-sex marriage

What is it about?

This study examined the attitudes of those in a legally recognised same-sex relationship within the UK towards civil partnership in the context of marriage equality. We found that people were divided in their views about civil partnership, largely along the lines of their relationship status. Those who had converted a civil partnership to a marriage (or intended to do so), tended to view civil partnership as a stepping stone towards equality and felt that civil partnerships should no longer be available. They felt that having two forms of relationship recognition is confusing and that calls for allowing different-sex couples to have civil partnerships fail to acknowledge that they are a vestige of previous inequality. Meanwhile those in a civil partnership tended to view them as a modern form of relationship recognition, free from the cultural connotations of marriage. They generally believed civil partnership should be extended to people in different-sex relationships. Some participants were more ambivalent about the future of civil partnerships but felt that either they should be abolished or extended to different sex couples. While opinions were divided, there was a general consensus that the current system was inadequate and that the law should treat everyone the same irrespective of sexual orientation.

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Why is it important?

The perspectives of same-sex couples are important for policy makers to consider when making decisions about the future of civil partnership. Findings are also relevant for policy makers internationally with a global trend towards legalising same-sex marriage in contexts where civil unions for same-sex couples previously existed. A key finding is that same-sex couples were divided with regards to the meaning they attached to civil partnership, viewing it either as a vestige of previous inequality that should be abolished or a more modern form of relationship recognition that should be extended to different sex couples. Despite divided opinion, there was a consensus that the law should treat people the same irrespective of sexual orientation.