Govt. to allow opposite-sex couples form civil partnerships

The UK government has committed to changing the law to allow opposite-sex couples form civil partnerships by 31 December. At present, same-sex couples can convert their civil partnership to a marriage, enabling them access to a state bereavement support payment if their partner dies. This will be extended to those in opposite-sex civil partnerships. In a next steps policy paper the government outlines its plans for extending eligibility and the range of rights and entitlements that should be made available to opposite-sex civil partners. It also seeks views on the future of conversion...