Main | Tuesday, November 24, 2009

UK Straight Couple Denied Civil Union

In a reversal of the usual story, a straight couple has been denied a civil partnership in the UK because those are only for the gays. Via Pink News:
Tom Freeman and Katherine Doyle, both 25, arrived at Islington Town Hall in London this morning to register their intention to have a civil partnership. As they had anticipated, they were given a letter of refusal. Head of democratic services John Lynch wrote: "I do not wish to comment on your views on marriage but would point out that part one of the Civil Partnerships Act 2004 states that a civil partnership is a relationship between two people of the same sex and therefore we would not be able to take notice of your proposed civil partnership." Speaking outside the building, the couple said: "Today we have been refused access to a legal institution because of our sexuality. We are saddened and disappointed. In a democratic state, all institutions should be open to all people. We are going to take legal advice and take it to the European Court of Human Rights if necessary."
Noted gay activist Peter Tatchell supports the couple, saying, "Two wrongs do not make a right and we want equality in law for everyone."

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