30th October 2009

Labour Europe Minister, Chris Bryant MP today announced that almost 500 civil partnerships have so far been celebrated in British consulates around the world.

Since the 2004 introduction of the Civil Partnership Act – which allows for two people to be registered as civil partners at a British Consulate in the presence of an officer in the Diplomatic Service – 487 couples have so far registered their partnerships in this way.

Welcoming the figures, Chris Bryant said:
 
"I am delighted that, as we approach the 5th anniversary of the Civil Partnership Act 2004, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has been able to register almost 500 civil partnerships across the world, in countries where the couples would not otherwise have been able to.

"We have always taken a strong line on protecting and enhancing human rights around the world and it's a delight that we can do so in such a practical way.

"There's a lot more to do, especially in certain countries. The Foreign Office will continue to look for opportunities to raise such issues with these countries and hopefully we will make inroads.

"Consuls, who often have to deal with really tough issues like child abduction, tell me the civil ceremonies we provide are one of the most enjoyable things they do.

"The award, perhaps not surprisingly, for the largest number of civil partnerships goes to Sydney."

Richard Angell,National Secretary of LGBT Labour said:
 
"Having a Labour Government in the UK has brought Civil Partnerships to every corner of the world. 487 same sex legal partnerships have taken place in 20 different countries since 2004; 6 of these countries have since legislated for gay marriage, civil partnerships or something similar. British Embassies in a further 9 countries are licenced to conduct British Civil Partnership but had yet to perform their first.
 
"This is Labour delivering equality, not just to the UK, but British people abroad and the world at large. This will de-mystify same sex marriage to its opponents and provide hope for those struggle for LGBT equality across the globe. LGBT Rights are Human Rights - Only Labour delivers Equality."

More information about Civil Partnerships in Embassies:

1. Civil partnership registration allows same sex couples to have their relationship legally recognised under UK law.  By registering their relationship it gives them the same rights as a married couple in areas like tax, social security, inheritance and workplace benefits. Some countries object to Civil Partnerships under their own law but do not object to the FCO performing them in Consulates. 
2. The figures were released today in a Parliamentary Question - number 296863.
3. The table below provides information on the countries where British Consulates can register Civil Partnerships and the number registered since the introduction of the Act.