Mixed sex civil partnership law comes into force

Opposite-sex couples in Scotland who do not wish to marry, can now take steps to formalise their relationship in a civil partnership.

From 1 June 2021, under the Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act 2020 couples can submit a notice of intention to the registrar to enter a mix-sex civil partnership. With a 28 day notice period, the first ceremonies, could take place from 30 June.

The law change followed a ruling of the UK Supreme Court that it was discriminatory for same sex couples to have the option to marry or enter a civil partnership, whereas the latter route was barred to mixed sex couples.

Civil partners have the same legal rights as married couples, including financial claims if they split up, and succession rights on death.