The Civil Partnership Act 2004 creates civil partnership. Civil partnership is a legal status similar to marriage but for two people of the same sex. It allows same sex couples to get legal recognition of their relationship. For more information about civil partnership, please see our frequently asked questions (FAQ) page:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/Civil/17867/18313/faq
You can also find information on civil partnership in another part of our family law website - link below:
Marriage and Civil Partnership
The Equality Network produces information on a wide range of issues including civil partnership. Their website is www.equalitynetwork.org.
The Act came into force across the UK on 5 December 2005. Please click on Key Documents to access the key documents associated with this legislation. These include the consultation, Scottish and UK Parliament consideration, and of course the Act as passed by Parliament.
If you have any other queries, the Scottish Government's Civil Law Division is responsible for this area of law in Scotland. You can contact them at: civilpartnershipregistration@scotland.gsi.gov.uk