Civil Partnerships
House of Lords
Written answers and statements, 29 September 2008
Lord Lester of Herne Hill (Spokesperson in the Lords (Discrimination Law Refrom), Women and Equality; Liberal Democrat)
asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will encourage the introduction of European Union legislation or legislation in the other member states of the European Union for the mutual recognition of same-sex marriages, civil unions and civil partnerships.
Baroness Ashton of Upholland (President of the Council, Privy Council Office; Labour)
We are proud of our legislation introducing civil partnerships for same-sex couples and we encourage other countries to do likewise. Many types of same-sex relationship formalised in other EU countries are recognised as equivalent to civil partnerships in the United Kingdom. These include those registered in Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Luxemburg, the Netherlands and Spain.
We encourage other member states to recognise UK-registered civil partnerships. However, the terms under which same-sex relationships are legally recognised is ultimately a domestic policy matter and is therefore for each member state to determine for itself.