The Humanist Society Scotland says mixed-sex couples should have the equality to access civil partnerships if they choose
The Humanist Society Scotland (HSS) is backing calls for civil partnerships to be made available for heterosexual couples as well as those who are same sex.
The charity spoke out because the Scottish Government is said to be considering phasing out the legislation now that same-sex marriage has been approved.
However, campaigners including the HSS, who played a major role in the campaign for equal marriage in Scotland, argue civil partnerships offer all couples greater freedom to celebrate their relationship in a personalised way of their choice.
“Civil partnerships were introduced as a stop-gap measure, short of full equality and for this reason many people are keen to see this scrapped,” HSS registered celebrant, Ross Wright, said.
many mixed-sex couples who are in a second, or subsequent relationship, do not wish to get married for various reasons
“We are very sympathetic to this, however many mixed-sex couples who are in a second, or subsequent relationship, do not wish to get married for various reasons and civil partnerships give such couples a route to legal protection, and security.
“Earlier this year I was approached by a mixed-sex couple who were looking to get a civil partnership, however had to get married instead as that wasn’t an option for them. There may be many more, but we just don’t know.”
The Humanist Society has already asked its network of registered humanist celebrants if they had had any requests from mixed-sex couples to take part in a civil partnership.
One told researchers t hat one woman and her partner didn’t want to have "the perceived ties of marriage" but would have liked "the advantages and protection which a civil partnership would have provided".
While another added: “Since I was authorised in April 2009, I have married two mixed-sex couples who told me they’d have preferred to have entered civil partnerships.
“There may be other couples who don’t want to marry but, knowing they cannot enter civil partnerships, haven’t made themselves known to us, so it’s hard to assess possible demand.”
