Clause 170 - Grounds on which civil partnership is voidable
Civil Partnership Bill [Lords]
Public Bill Committees, 26 October 2004, 11:00 am
Ms Angela Eagle (Wallasey, Labour)
Can the hon. Gentleman say how such provisions would be a protection, as they would simply void a civil partnership as they can void a marriage? Is that not closing the stable door after the horse has bolted? If we wish to protect people from communicable sexual diseases, it cannot be done by voiding a marriage. It must be done by proper education in such matters prior to people beginning sexual relations with each other, regardless of whether they are married, in civil partnerships or not. Even if he does not approve of it, he will surely admit that quite a lot of sexual relations go on outside of marriage.