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Civil Partnership Act 2004

Changes to legislation:

Civil Partnership Act 2004, Chapter 1 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 19 November 2024. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations. Help about Changes to Legislation

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Chapter 1U.K.Registration

Formation, eligibility and parental etc. consentE+W

2Formation of civil partnership by registrationE+W

(1)For the purposes of section 1, two people are to be regarded as having registered as civil partners of each other once each of them has signed the civil partnership document—

(a)at the invitation of, and in the presence of, a civil partnership registrar, and

(b)in the presence of each other and two witnesses.

(2)Subsection (1) applies regardless of whether subsections (3) and (4) are complied with.

(3)After the civil partnership document has been signed under subsection (1), it must also be signed, in the presence of the civil partners and each other, by—

(a)each of the two witnesses, and

(b)the civil partnership registrar.

(4)After the witnesses and the civil partnership registrar have signed the civil partnership document, the relevant registration authority must ensure that—

(a)the fact that the two people have registered as civil partners of each other, and

(b)any other information prescribed by regulations,

is recorded in the register as soon as is practicable.

(5)No religious service is to be used while the civil partnership registrar is officiating at the signing of a civil partnership document.

(6)“The civil partnership document” has the meaning given by section 7(1).

(7)“The relevant registration authority” means the registration authority in whose area the registration takes place.

Commencement Information

I1S. 2 wholly in force at 5.12.2005; s. 2 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 263; s. 2(4)(b) in force for certain purposes at 15.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/1112, art. 2, Sch. 1 and otherwise 5.12.2005 insofar as not already in force by S.I. 2005/3175, art. 2(1), Sch. 1; s. 2(1)-(3), (4)(a), (5)-(7) in force at 5.12.2005 insofar as not already in force by S.I. 2005/3175, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

3EligibilityE+W

(1)Two people are not eligible to register as civil partners of each other if—

F1(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b)either of them is already a civil partner or lawfully married,

(c)either of them is under [F218], F3...

(d)they are within prohibited degrees of relationship [F4, or

(e)either of them is serving a life sentence in a prison or other place of detention and is subject to a whole life order.]

[F5(1A)But two people are not ineligible to register as civil partners of each other by reason of either of them falling within paragraph (e) of subsection (1) if each of them falling within that paragraph has permission from the Secretary of State to register as a civil partner of the other.

(1B)The Secretary of State may not give permission under subsection (1A) unless satisfied that exceptional circumstances exist which justify the permission being given.]

(2)Part 1 of Schedule 1 contains provisions for determining when two people are within prohibited degrees of relationship.

[F6(3)In this section—

  • “life sentence” has the meaning given by section 34(2) of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997;

  • “whole life order” means an order that section 28(5) to (8) of that Act (early release of person serving life sentence) is not to apply to a person.

(4)A person is to be treated for the purposes of this section as being subject to a whole life order if—

(a)the person is serving a life sentence passed before 18 December 2003,

(b)the sentence was passed in circumstances where the sentence was fixed by law,

(c)before 18 December 2003 the person was notified in writing by the Secretary of State (otherwise than in a notice expressed to be provisional) that the Secretary of State does not intend that the person should ever be released on licence, and

(d)an order has not been made in relation to the sentence under paragraph 3(1)(a) of Schedule 22 to the Criminal Justice Act 2003 (mandatory life sentences: transitional cases).]

Textual Amendments

F3Word in s. 3(1)(c) omitted (2.8.2024) by virtue of Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 (c. 21), ss. 76(2)(a), 81(2); S.I. 2024/846, reg. 2(b)

F74Parental etc. consent where proposed civil partner under 18E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Registration procedure: generalE+W

5Types of pre-registration procedureE+W

(1)Two people may register as civil partners of each other under—

(a)the standard procedure;

(b)the procedure for house-bound persons;

(c)the procedure for detained persons;

(d)the special procedure (which is for cases where a person is seriously ill and not expected to recover).

(2)The procedures referred to in subsection (1)(a) to (c) are subject to—

(a)section 20 (modified procedures for certain non-residents);

(b)Schedule 3 (former spouses one of whom has changed sex).

(3)The procedures referred to in subsection (1) (including the procedures as modified by section 20 and Schedule 3) are subject to—

(a)Part 2 of Schedule 1 (provisions applicable in connection with prohibited degrees of relationship), F8...

F9(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4)This section is also subject to section 249 and Schedule 23 (immigration control and formation of civil partnerships).

Textual Amendments

6Place of registrationE+W

(1)The place at which two people may register as civil partners of each other—

(a)must be in England or Wales,

(b)F10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(c)must be specified in the notices, or notice, of proposed civil partnership required by this Chapter.

(2)F11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F12(3)Subsections (3A) and (3B) apply in the case of registration under the standard procedure (including that procedure modified as mentioned in section 5).

(3A)The place must be—

(a)on approved premises, or

(b)in a register office.

(3B)If it is in a register office, the place must be open to any person wishing to attend the registration.

(3C)In this Chapter “register office” means a register office provided under section 10 of the Registration Service Act 1953.]

[F13(3D)Where, further to regulations under section 6A of this Act or section 2 of the Civil Partnerships, Marriages and Deaths (Registration etc) Act 2019, an approval of premises for the purposes of subsection (3A)(a) has effect—

(a)only in relation to civil partnerships formed by two people of the same sex, or

(b)only in relation to civil partnerships formed by two people of the opposite sex,

the premises are “approved premises”, for the purposes of this Part, only in relation to civil partnerships of that sort.]

(4)F14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5)F14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F10S. 6(1)(b) repealed (5.4.2011) by Equality Act 2010 (c. 15), ss. 202(2), 211(2), 216(3), Sch. 27 Pt. 1 (as substituted by S.I. 2010/2279, art. 13, Sch. 2) (with ss. 6(4), 205); S.I. 2011/1066, art. 2(h); S.I. 2011/2646, art. 2

F11S. 6(2) repealed (5.4.2011) by Equality Act 2010 (c. 33), ss. 202(2), 211(2), 216(3), Sch. 27 Pt. 1 (as substituted by S.I. 2010/2279, art. 13, Sch. 2) (with ss. 6(4), 205; S.I. 2011/1066, art. 2(h); S.I. 2011/2646, art. 2

[F156APower to approve premisesE+W

(1)The [F16Secretary of State] may by regulations make provision for and in connection with the approval by registration authorities of premises for the purposes of section 6(3A)(a).

(2)The matters dealt with by regulations may include—

(a)the kind of premises in respect of which approvals may be granted;

(b)the procedure to be followed in relation to applications for approval;

(c)the considerations to be taken into account by a registration authority in determining whether to approve any premises;

(d)the duration and renewal of approvals;

(e)the conditions that must or may be imposed by a registration authority on granting or renewing an approval;

(f)the determination and charging by registration authorities of fees in respect of applications for the approval of premises and in respect of the renewal of approvals;

(g)the circumstances in which a registration authority must or may revoke an approval;

(h)the review of any decision to refuse an approval or the renewal of an approval, to impose conditions on granting or renewing an approval or to revoke an approval;

(i)the notification to the Registrar General of all approvals granted, renewed or revoked;

(j)the keeping by registration authorities of registers of approved premises;

(k)the issue by the Registrar General of guidance supplementing the provision made by the regulations.

[F17(2A)Regulations under this section may provide that premises approved for the registration of civil partnerships may differ from those premises approved for the registration of civil marriages.

(2B)Provision by virtue of subsection (2)(b) may, in particular, provide that applications for approval of premises may only be made with the consent (whether general or specific) of a person specified, or a person of a description specified, in the provision.

(2C)The power conferred by section 258(2), in its application to the power conferred by this section, includes in particular—

(a)power to make provision in relation to religious premises that differs from provision in relation to other premises;

(b)power to make different provision for different kinds of religious premises.]

(3)Without prejudice to the width of subsection (2)(e), the [F18Secretary of State] must exercise his power to provide for the imposition of conditions as mentioned there so as to secure that members of the public are permitted to attend when two people sign the civil partnership schedule on approved premises in accordance with section 6(3A)(a).

F19(3A). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F20(3B)“Civil marriage” means marriage solemnised otherwise than according to the rites of the Church of England or any other religious usages.

(3C)“Religious premises” means premises which—

(a)are used solely or mainly for religious purposes, or

(b)have been so used and have not subsequently been used solely or mainly for other purposes.]]

Textual Amendments

F17S. 6A(2A)-(2C) inserted (11.7.2011) by Equality Act 2010 (c. 33), ss. 202(3), 216(3) (with ss. 6(4), 205); S.I. 2011/1636, art. 2(c)

F20S. 6A(3A)-(3C) inserted (11.7.2011 so far as relating to the insertion of s. 6A(3B)(3C)) by Equality Act 2010 (c. 33), ss. 202(4), 216(3) (with ss. 6(4), 205); S.I. 2011/1636, art. 2(d)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

7The civil partnership documentE+W

(1)In this Part “the civil partnership document” means—

(a)in relation to the special procedure, a Registrar General’s licence, and

(b)in relation to any other procedure, a civil partnership schedule.

(2)Before two people are entitled to register as civil partners of each other—

(a)the civil partnership document must be delivered to the civil partnership registrar, and

(b)the civil partnership registrar may then ask them for any information required (under section 2(4)) to be recorded in the register.

The standard procedureE+W

8Notice of proposed civil partnership and declarationE+W

[F21(1)For two people to register as civil partners of each other under the standard procedure a notice of proposed civil partnership must be given—

(a)if the proposed civil partners have resided in the area of the same registration authority for the period of 7 days immediately before the giving of the notice, by each of them to that registration authority;

(b)if the proposed civil partners have not resided in the area of the same registration authority for that period, by each of them to the registration authority in whose area he or she has resided for that period.]

(2)A notice of proposed civil partnership must contain such information as may be prescribed by regulations.

(3)A notice of proposed civil partnership must also include the necessary declaration, made and signed by the person giving the notice—

(a)at the time when the notice is given, and

(b)in the presence of an authorised person;

and the authorised person must attest the declaration by adding his name, description and place of residence.

(4)The necessary declaration is a solemn declaration in writing—

(a)that the proposed civil partner believes that there is no impediment of kindred or affinity or other lawful hindrance to the formation of the civil partnership;

[F22(b)that the proposed civil partners have for the period of 7 days immediately before the giving of the notice had their usual places of residence in the area of the registration authority, or in the areas of the registration authorities, to which notice is given.]

[F23(c)that the proposed civil partner believes all of the information stated in the notice, and all information and evidence supplied with the notice, is true.]

(5)Where a notice of proposed civil partnership is given to a registration authority in accordance with this section, the registration authority must ensure that the following information is recorded in the register as soon as possible—

(a)the fact that the notice has been given and the information in it;

(b)the fact that the authorised person has attested the declaration.

[F24(5A)Subsection (5) is subject to section 9F.]

(6)“Authorised person” means an employee or officer or other person provided by a registration authority who is authorised by that authority to attest notices of proposed civil partnership.

(7)For the purposes of this Chapter, a notice of proposed civil partnership is recorded when subsection (5) is complied with.

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I2S. 8 partly in force; s. 8 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 263; s. 8(2) in force for certain purposes at 15.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/1112, art. 2, Sch. 1 and otherwise 5.12.2005 insofar as not already in force by S.I. 2005/3175, art. 2(1), Sch. 1; s. 8(3) - (7) in force at 5.12.2005 insofar as not already in force by S.I. 2005/3175, art. 2(1), Sch. 1; s. 8(1) never in force;

[F258AAdditional information if party not relevant nationalE+W

(1)This section applies to notice of proposed civil partnership given to a registration authority in accordance with section 8 if one, or each, of the parties to the proposed civil partnership is not a relevant national.

(2)But this section does not apply if Schedule 3 applies to the proposed civil partnership.

(3)For each party to the proposed civil partnership who is not a relevant national, the notice must include whichever of statements A, B or C is applicable to that person.

(4)Statement A is a statement that the person has the appropriate immigration status.

(5)Statement B is a statement that the person holds a relevant visa in respect of the proposed civil partnership.

(6)Statement C is a statement that the person neither—

(a)has the appropriate immigration status, nor

(b)holds a relevant visa in respect of the proposed civil partnership.

(7)If the notice contains the statement referred to in the first column of an entry in this table, the notice must be accompanied by the information and photographs referred to in the second column of that entry (insofar as that entry is applicable to the parties to the proposed civil partnership)—

If the notice includes this statement......the notice must be accompanied by...
Statement A (in respect of one or both of the parties to the proposed civil partnership)For each party in respect of whom statement A is made, details of the particular immigration status which that party has
Statement B (in respect of one or both of the parties to the proposed civil partnership)

1For each party, a specified photograph of that party

2For each party in respect of whom statement B is made, details of the relevant visa which that party has

Statement C (in respect of one or both of the parties to the proposed civil partnership)

1For each party, a specified photograph of that party

2For each party, the usual address of that party

3For each party whose usual address is outside the United Kingdom, an address in the United Kingdom at which that party can be contacted by post

4For each party who has previously used any name or names other than the person's name stated in the notice of proposed civil partnership in accordance with regulations under section 8(2), a statement of the other name or names

5For each party who currently uses, or has previously used, an alias or aliases, a statement of the alias or aliases

(8)If the notice contains more than one of statements A, B and C, subsection (7) must be complied with in relation to each of those statements; but where the notice contains statements B and C, subsection (7) does not require the notice to be accompanied by more than one specified photograph of each party.

(9)If the notice includes statement C for a party to the proposed civil partnership—

(a)the notice may be accompanied by a statement (“statement D”) of that person's immigration position in the United Kingdom;

(b)if the notice is accompanied by statement D for a party to the proposed civil partnership, the person may provide the registration authority with details of his or her immigration position in the United Kingdom; and

(c)if any such details are provided, the registration authority must record them.

(10)In this section—

(a)a reference—

(i)to a person having the appropriate immigration status, or

(ii)to a person holding a relevant visa,

has the same meaning as in section 49 of the Immigration Act 2014;

(b)a reference to the particular immigration status which a person has is a reference to the immigration status set out in any of paragraphs (a) to (c) of section 49(2) of that Act which the person has;

(c)a reference to a person's immigration position in the United Kingdom includes a reference to the person's not being entitled to be in the United Kingdom.

(11)In this section “specified photograph” means a photograph that is in accordance with regulations made under section 9E (and for this purpose “photograph” includes other kinds of images).]

Textual Amendments

F25S. 8A inserted (20.10.2014 for specified purposes, 1.3.2015 in so far as not already in force) by Immigration Act 2014 (c. 22), s. 75(3), Sch. 4 para. 20 (with Sch. 9 para. 66); S.I. 2014/2771, art. 3(e); S.I. 2015/371, art. 2(1)(f)

[F269EvidenceE+W

(1)A notice of proposed civil partnership under section 8 must, in relation to each of the parties to the civil partnership, be accompanied by specified evidence of the following matters—

(a)the person's name and surname;

(b)the person's date of birth;

(c)the person's place of residence;

(d)the person's nationality.

[F27(1A)If a party to the proposed civil partnership is a relevant national within the meaning of section 30A(ab) the notice of proposed civil partnership under section 8 must also be accompanied—

(a)where the party falls within section 30A(ab)(i), by an electronic certificate which confirms that the leave referred to in that provision has been granted; or

(b)where the party falls within section 30A(ab)(ii)—

(i)by a certificate of application which confirms that the application referred to in regulation 4 of the Citizens' Rights (Application Deadline and Temporary Protection) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 has been made; and

(ii)by evidence that the relevant period referred to in regulation 4 of those Regulations has not expired.]

(2)A person giving a notice of proposed civil partnership under section 8 must provide the registration authority to which the notice is given with specified evidence—

(a)as to whether the person has previously formed a civil partnership or been married; and

(b)if so, as to the ending of the civil partnership or marriage.

(3)In this section “specified evidence” means evidence that is in accordance with regulations made under section 9E.

Textual Amendments

F26Ss. 9-9F substituted for s. 9 (20.10.2014 for specified purposes, 1.3.2015 in so far as not already in force) by Immigration Act 2014 (c. 22), s. 75(3), Sch. 4 para. 21 (with Sch. 9 para. 66); S.I. 2014/2771, art. 3(e); S.I. 2015/371, art. 2(1)(f)

9AAdditional evidence if party not relevant nationalE+W

(1)This section applies to notice of proposed civil partnership given to a registration authority in accordance with section 8 if one, or each, of the parties to the proposed civil partnership is not a relevant national.

(2)If the notice includes statement A (referred to in section 8A(4)), and accordingly is accompanied by details of the particular immigration status which a party to the proposed civil partnership has, the notice must be accompanied by specified evidence of that status.

(3)If the notice includes statement B (referred to in section 8A(5)), the notice must be accompanied by specified evidence of the holding of the relevant visa by the party to the proposed civil partnership.

(4)If, in accordance with section 8A(7), the notice is accompanied by the usual address of a party to the proposed civil partnership, the notice must also be accompanied by specified evidence that it is that party's usual address.

(5)If the notice includes statement D (referred to in section 8A(9)), the notice may be accompanied by evidence of the person's immigration position in the United Kingdom.

(6)If subsection (2) or (3) applies to the notice, and the notice is not accompanied by the specified evidence required by that subsection, the notice must be accompanied by—

(a)photographs and addresses of the kinds referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 in the relevant entry in section 8A(7);

(b)as respects the usual address of each party that is provided in accordance with paragraph (a), specified evidence that the address provided is that party's usual address; and

(c)addresses, names and aliases of the kinds referred to in paragraphs 3 to 5 in the relevant entry in section 8A(7) (insofar as those paragraphs are applicable to the parties to the proposed civil partnership).

(7)In this section—

  • “relevant entry in section 8A(7)” means the second column of the last entry in the table in section 8A(7);

  • “specified evidence” means evidence that is in accordance with regulations made under section 9E.

Textual Amendments

F26Ss. 9-9F substituted for s. 9 (20.10.2014 for specified purposes, 1.3.2015 in so far as not already in force) by Immigration Act 2014 (c. 22), s. 75(3), Sch. 4 para. 21 (with Sch. 9 para. 66); S.I. 2014/2771, art. 3(e); S.I. 2015/371, art. 2(1)(f)

9BChange of usual address or UK contact addressE+W

(1)The Secretary of State may, by regulations, make provision about the giving to the Secretary of State of—

(a)notice of a person's usual address, if the person's notified usual address changes;

(b)notice of a UK contact address, if the person's notified usual address is not in the United Kingdom;

(c)notice of a person's UK contact address, if the person's notified UK contact address changes;

(d)evidence of any address notified in accordance with regulations under paragraph (a), (b) or (c).

(2)The provision that may be made in regulations under this section includes—

(a)provision imposing a requirement on a person;

(b)provision about the rejection of information or evidence which there are reasonable grounds to suspect to be false.

(3)Regulations under subsection (1)(d) may, in particular, make any provision of the kind that may be made under section 9E(3).

(4)In this section—

  • “notified UK contact address” means an address in the United Kingdom, at which a person can be contacted by post, that has been notified in accordance with—

    (a)

    section 8A(7) or 9A(6), or

    (b)

    regulations under this section;

  • “notified usual address” means the usual address of a person that has been notified in accordance with—

    (a)

    section 8A(7) or 9A(6), or

    (b)

    regulations under this section.

Textual Amendments

F26Ss. 9-9F substituted for s. 9 (20.10.2014 for specified purposes, 1.3.2015 in so far as not already in force) by Immigration Act 2014 (c. 22), s. 75(3), Sch. 4 para. 21 (with Sch. 9 para. 66); S.I. 2014/2771, art. 3(e); S.I. 2015/371, art. 2(1)(f)

9CRejection of false information or evidenceE+W

(1)A registration authority may reject—

(a)any information or photograph provided under section 8, 8A or 9A, or

(b)any evidence provided under section 9 or 9A,

if (in particular) the registration authority has reasonable grounds for suspecting that the information, photograph or evidence is false.

(2)If the registration authority rejects any information, photograph or evidence, the registration authority may proceed under this Act as if the rejected information, photograph or evidence had not been provided.

(3)This section does not limit the powers of registration authorities to reject anything provided under any other enactment.

Textual Amendments

F26Ss. 9-9F substituted for s. 9 (20.10.2014 for specified purposes, 1.3.2015 in so far as not already in force) by Immigration Act 2014 (c. 22), s. 75(3), Sch. 4 para. 21 (with Sch. 9 para. 66); S.I. 2014/2771, art. 3(e); S.I. 2015/371, art. 2(1)(f)

9DAmendment of notice and evidence provisionsE+W

(1)The Secretary of State may by order—

(a)amend section 8A or 9A so as to vary the information that must or may be given in cases where that section applies;

(b)amend section 9 or 9A so as to vary the matters in respect of which specified evidence must or may be given in cases where that section applies;

(c)make such provision (including provision amending section 9B or 9E or any other enactment) as the Secretary of State considers appropriate in consequence of provision made under paragraph (a) or (b).

(2)The Secretary of State must consult the Registrar General before making an order under this section.

Textual Amendments

F26Ss. 9-9F substituted for s. 9 (20.10.2014 for specified purposes, 1.3.2015 in so far as not already in force) by Immigration Act 2014 (c. 22), s. 75(3), Sch. 4 para. 21 (with Sch. 9 para. 66); S.I. 2014/2771, art. 3(e); S.I. 2015/371, art. 2(1)(f)

9ESpecified evidenceE+W

(1)The Registrar General may make regulations about the evidence that is required to be given for the purposes of section 9.

(2)The Secretary of State may make regulations about the evidence that is required to be given for the purposes of section 9A.

(3)Regulations under this section may, in particular, make provision about—

(a)the kind of evidence which is to be supplied;

(b)the form in which evidence is to be supplied;

(c)the manner in which evidence is to be supplied;

(d)the period within which evidence is to be supplied;

(e)the supply of further evidence;

(f)the sufficiency of evidence supplied;

(g)the consequences of failing to supply sufficient evidence in accordance with the regulations (including provision to secure that, in such a case, a particular decision is made or is to be treated as having been made);

(h)the retention or copying of evidence supplied.

(4)In this section “evidence” includes a photograph or other image.

(5)The Registrar General must obtain the approval of the Secretary of State before making regulations under this section.

(6)The Secretary of State must consult the Registrar General before making regulations under this section.

Textual Amendments

F26Ss. 9-9F substituted for s. 9 (20.10.2014 for specified purposes, 1.3.2015 in so far as not already in force) by Immigration Act 2014 (c. 22), s. 75(3), Sch. 4 para. 21 (with Sch. 9 para. 66); S.I. 2014/2771, art. 3(e); S.I. 2015/371, art. 2(1)(f)

9FRecording of information in the register: compliance with requirementsE+W

The registration authority must not enter in the register the information relating to a proposed civil partnership mentioned in section 8(5) in a case where any of the requirements imposed by or under any of the following provisions of this Act is applicable but is not complied with—

  • section 8A(3) to (7);

  • section 8A(8);

  • section 9(1);

  • section 9A(4) or (6);

  • section 18(3);

  • section 19(3);

  • [F28section 19(5A);]

  • paragraph 5(1) of Schedule 1;

  • paragraph 4 of Schedule 23.

Textual Amendments

F26Ss. 9-9F substituted for s. 9 (20.10.2014 for specified purposes, 1.3.2015 in so far as not already in force) by Immigration Act 2014 (c. 22), s. 75(3), Sch. 4 para. 21 (with Sch. 9 para. 66); S.I. 2014/2771, art. 3(e); S.I. 2015/371, art. 2(1)(f)

10Proposed civil partnership to be publicisedE+W

(1)Where a notice of proposed civil partnership has been given to a registration authority, [F29the registration authority must keep the relevant information on public display during the waiting period.]

(2)“The relevant information” means—

(a)the name of the person giving the notice,

(b)the name of that person’s proposed civil partner, and

(c)such other information [F30included in the notice of proposed civil partnership] as may be prescribed by regulations.

[F31(3)All information that a registration authority is required for the time being to keep on public display under subsection (1) must be kept on display by it at one register office provided for a district within its area.]

Textual Amendments

F26Ss. 9-9F substituted for s. 9 (20.10.2014 for specified purposes, 1.3.2015 in so far as not already in force) by Immigration Act 2014 (c. 22), s. 75(3), Sch. 4 para. 21 (with Sch. 9 para. 66); S.I. 2014/2771, art. 3(e); S.I. 2015/371, art. 2(1)(f)

Commencement Information

I3S. 10 wholly in force at 5.12.2005; s. 10 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 263; s. 10(2)(c) in force at 15.4.2005 for certain purposes by S.I. 2005/1112, art. 2, Sch. 1; s. 10 in force at 5.12.2005 insofar as not already in force by S.I. 2005/3175, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

11Meaning of “the waiting period”E+W

In this Chapter “the waiting period”, in relation to a notice of proposed civil partnership, means the period—

(a)beginning the day after the notice is recorded, and

(b)subject to section 12, ending at the end of the period of [F3228] days beginning with that day.

Textual Amendments

F26Ss. 9-9F substituted for s. 9 (20.10.2014 for specified purposes, 1.3.2015 in so far as not already in force) by Immigration Act 2014 (c. 22), s. 75(3), Sch. 4 para. 21 (with Sch. 9 para. 66); S.I. 2014/2771, art. 3(e); S.I. 2015/371, art. 2(1)(f)

12Power to shorten the waiting periodE+W

(1)If the Registrar General, on an application being made to him, is satisfied that there are compelling reasons because of the exceptional circumstances of the case for shortening the period of [F3328] days mentioned in section 11(b), he may shorten it to such period as he considers appropriate.

(2)Regulations may make provision with respect to the making, and granting, of applications under subsection (1).

(3)Regulations under subsection (2) may provide for—

(a)the power conferred by subsection (1) to be exercised by a registration authority on behalf of the Registrar General in such classes of case as are prescribed by the regulations;

(b)the making of an appeal to the Registrar General against a decision taken by a registration authority in accordance with regulations made by virtue of paragraph (a).

[F34(4)If a proposed civil partnership is referred to the Secretary of State under section 12A—

(a)any application under subsection (1) is to be made to the Secretary of State; and

(b)the power conferred by subsection (1) is exercisable by the Secretary of State.

(5)If the Secretary of State grants an application made under subsection (1), the Secretary of State must give notice of the grant of the application to—

(a)the applicant,

(b)the registration authority to which notice of the proposed civil partnership was given, and

(c)if different, the registration authority responsible for issuing the civil partnership schedule under section 14(1) in relation to the proposed civil partnership.

(6)Regulations under subsection (2) do not apply to applications made to the Secretary of State in accordance with subsection (4).

(7)The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision with respect to the making, and granting, of applications made in accordance with subsection (4).

(8)The Secretary of State must consult the Registrar General before making regulations under subsection (7).]

Textual Amendments

F26Ss. 9-9F substituted for s. 9 (20.10.2014 for specified purposes, 1.3.2015 in so far as not already in force) by Immigration Act 2014 (c. 22), s. 75(3), Sch. 4 para. 21 (with Sch. 9 para. 66); S.I. 2014/2771, art. 3(e); S.I. 2015/371, art. 2(1)(f)

F33Word in s. 12(1) substituted (20.10.2014 for specified purposes, 1.3.2015 in so far as not already in force) by Immigration Act 2014 (c. 22), s. 75(3), Sch. 4 para. 23(2) (with Sch. 9 para. 66); S.I. 2014/2771, art. 3(e); S.I. 2015/371, art. 2(1)(f)

F34S. 12(4)-(8) inserted (20.10.2014 for specified purposes, 1.3.2015 in so far as not already in force) by Immigration Act 2014 (c. 22), s. 75(3), Sch. 4 para. 23(3) (with Sch. 9 para. 66); S.I. 2014/2771, art. 3(e); S.I. 2015/371, art. 2(1)(f)

Commencement Information

I4S. 12 wholly in force at 5.12.2005; s. 12 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 263; s. 12(2) in force at 15.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/1112, art. 2, Sch. 1; s. 12(1)(3) in force at 5.12.2005 insofar as not already in force by S.I. 2005/3175, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

[F3512AReferral of proposed civil partnership to Secretary of StateE+W

(1)On every occasion when notice of proposed civil partnership is given under section 8, the registration authority must decide whether or not each of the parties to the proposed civil partnership is an exempt person.

(2)But this section does not apply if Schedule 3 applies to the proposed civil partnership.

(3)In making a decision under subsection (1) about a party to a proposed civil partnership, a registration authority may rely on any advice given in relation to that decision by the Secretary of State.

(4)In a case where—

(a)section 8A applies to the notice of proposed civil partnership, and

(b)specified evidence required by section 9A(2) or (3) in relation to a party to the proposed civil partnership is not produced in accordance with that section,

the registration authority must decide that that party to the proposed civil partnership is not an exempt person.

(5)If the registration authority decides that either of the parties is not an exempt person, or that both of the parties are not exempt persons, the registration authority must—

(a)refer the proposed civil partnership to the Secretary of State;

(b)notify the parties to the proposed civil partnership that the proposed civil partnership must be referred to the Secretary of State;

(c)give the parties to the proposed civil partnership prescribed information about—

(i)the effects of the referral;

(ii)the requirement under regulations under section 9B to notify the Secretary of State of changes of address.

(6)The registration authority must act in accordance with regulations when complying with the duty in subsection (5)(a) to refer a proposed civil partnership to the Secretary of State.

(7)Regulations may, in particular, make provision about—

(a)the form, manner or timing of the referral of a proposed civil partnership;

(b)information, photographs or evidence — or copies of any of those things — to be included with the referral of a proposed civil partnership.

(8)If the registration authority refers the proposed civil partnership to the Secretary of State, this Act has effect in relation to the proposed civil partnership subject to the modifications in Schedule 3A.

(9)In this section—

(a)a reference to a person being an exempt person has the same meaning as in section 49 of the Immigration Act 2014;

(b)“prescribed information” means information prescribed in regulations;

(c)“regulations” means regulations made by the Secretary of State after consulting the Registrar General.]

Textual Amendments

F26Ss. 9-9F substituted for s. 9 (20.10.2014 for specified purposes, 1.3.2015 in so far as not already in force) by Immigration Act 2014 (c. 22), s. 75(3), Sch. 4 para. 21 (with Sch. 9 para. 66); S.I. 2014/2771, art. 3(e); S.I. 2015/371, art. 2(1)(f)

F35S. 12A inserted (20.10.2014 for specified purposes, 1.3.2015 in so far as not already in force) by Immigration Act 2014 (c. 22), s. 75(3), Sch. 4 para. 24 (with Sch. 9 para. 66); S.I. 2014/2771, art. 3(e); S.I. 2015/371, art. 2(1)(f)

13Objection to proposed civil partnershipE+W

(1)Any person may object to the issue of a civil partnership schedule under section 14 by giving any registration authority notice of his objection.

(2)A notice of objection must—

(a)state the objector’s place of residence and the ground of objection, and

(b)be signed by or on behalf of the objector.

(3)If a notice of objection is given to a registration authority, it must ensure that the fact that it has been given and the information in it are recorded in the register as soon as possible.

Textual Amendments

F26Ss. 9-9F substituted for s. 9 (20.10.2014 for specified purposes, 1.3.2015 in so far as not already in force) by Immigration Act 2014 (c. 22), s. 75(3), Sch. 4 para. 21 (with Sch. 9 para. 66); S.I. 2014/2771, art. 3(e); S.I. 2015/371, art. 2(1)(f)

14Issue of civil partnership scheduleE+W

(1)As soon as the waiting period in relation to each notice of proposed civil partnership has expired, the registration authority in whose area it is proposed that the registration take place is under a duty, at the request of one or both of the proposed civil partners, to issue a document to be known as a “civil partnership schedule”.

(2)Regulations may make provision as to the contents of a civil partnership schedule.

(3)The duty in subsection (1) does not apply if the registration authority is not satisfied that there is no lawful impediment to the formation of the civil partnership.

(4)If an objection to the issue of the civil partnership schedule has been recorded in the register, no civil partnership schedule is to be issued until—

(a)the relevant registration authority has investigated the objection and is satisfied that the objection ought not to obstruct the issue of the civil partnership schedule, or

(b)the objection has been withdrawn by the person who made it.

(5)“The relevant registration authority” means the authority which first records that a notice of proposed civil partnership has been given by one of the proposed civil partners.

[F36(6)This section has effect subject to section 14A.]

Textual Amendments

F26Ss. 9-9F substituted for s. 9 (20.10.2014 for specified purposes, 1.3.2015 in so far as not already in force) by Immigration Act 2014 (c. 22), s. 75(3), Sch. 4 para. 21 (with Sch. 9 para. 66); S.I. 2014/2771, art. 3(e); S.I. 2015/371, art. 2(1)(f)

Commencement Information

I5S. 14 wholly in force at 5.12.2005; s. 14 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 263; s. 14(2) in force at 15.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/1112, art. 2, Sch. 1; s. 14(1)(3)-(5) in force at 5.12.2005 insofar as not already in force by S.I. 2005/3175, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

[F3714ANotice of proposed civil partnership: false information or evidenceE+W

(1)A registration authority may refuse to issue a civil partnership schedule under section 14(1) in a case where—

(a)notice of a proposed civil partnership has been given under section 8, and

(b)a registration authority has reasonable grounds for suspecting that a relevant decision was made incorrectly because of the provision of false information or evidence.

(2)If a registration authority refuses to issue the schedule, the parties to the proposed civil partnership are to be taken not to have given notice under section 8; but that does not prevent criminal proceedings from being brought against either party, or any other person, in relation to the giving of the notice.

(3)This section does not limit the powers of registration authorities to refuse to issue civil partnership schedules.

(4)In this section—

  • “evidence” includes a photograph or other image;

  • “exempt person” has the same meaning as in section 12A;

  • “relevant decision” means a decision of a registration authority that a party to the proposed civil partnership is an exempt person.]

Textual Amendments

15Appeal against refusal to issue civil partnership scheduleE+W

(1)If the registration authority refuses to issue a civil partnership schedule—

(a)because an objection to its issue has been made under section 13, or

(b)in reliance on section 14(3) [F38or 14A],

either of the proposed civil partners may appeal to the Registrar General.

(2)On an appeal under this section the Registrar General must either confirm the refusal or direct that a civil partnership schedule be issued.

[F39(3)In a case where—

(a)in reliance on section 14A, a registration authority refuses to issue a civil partnership schedule, and

(b)on an appeal against the refusal, the Registrar General directs that a civil partnership schedule be issued,

section 14A(2) is of no effect — and is to be taken to have never had any effect — in relation to the parties' giving of notice under section 8.]

Textual Amendments

16Frivolous objections and representations [F40and appeals]: liability for costs etc.E+W

(1)Subsection (3) applies if—

(a)a person objects to the issue of a civil partnership schedule, but

(b)the Registrar General declares that the grounds on which the objection is made are frivolous and ought not to obstruct the issue of the civil partnership schedule.

(2)Subsection (3) also applies if—

(a)in reliance on section 14(3), the registration authority refuses to issue a civil partnership schedule as a result of a representation made to it, and

(b)on an appeal under section 15 against the refusal, the Registrar General declares that the representation is frivolous and ought not to obstruct the issue of the civil partnership schedule.

(3)The person who made the objection or representation is liable for—

(a)the costs of the proceedings before the Registrar General, and

(b)damages recoverable by the proposed civil partner to whom the objection or representation relates.

[F41(3A)If—

(a)in reliance on section 14A, a registration authority refuses to issue a civil partnership schedule, and

(b)on an appeal against the refusal, the Registrar General declares that the appeal is frivolous,

the person making the appeal is liable for the costs of the proceedings before the Registrar General.]

(4)For the purpose of enabling any person to recover any [F42costs and damages in accordance with subsection (3) or (3A)], a copy of a declaration of the Registrar General purporting to be sealed with the seal of the General Register Office is evidence that the Registrar General has made the declaration.

Textual Amendments

17Period during which registration may take placeE+W

(1)The proposed civil partners may not register as civil partners of each other on the production of the civil partnership schedule until the waiting period in relation to each notice of proposed civil partnership has expired.

(2)Subject to subsection (1), under the standard procedure, they may register as civil partners by signing the civil partnership schedule [F43[F44at any time during] the applicable period F45...].

(3)If they do not register as civil partners by signing the civil partnership schedule before the end of the applicable period—

(a)the notices of proposed civil partnership and the civil partnership schedule are void, and

(b)no civil partnership registrar may officiate at the signing of the civil partnership schedule by them.

(4)The applicable period, in relation to two people registering as civil partners of each other, is the period of 12 months beginning with—

(a)the day on which the notices of proposed civil partnership are recorded, or

(b)if the notices are not recorded on the same day, the earlier of those days.]

Textual Amendments

F26Ss. 9-9F substituted for s. 9 (20.10.2014 for specified purposes, 1.3.2015 in so far as not already in force) by Immigration Act 2014 (c. 22), s. 75(3), Sch. 4 para. 21 (with Sch. 9 para. 66); S.I. 2014/2771, art. 3(e); S.I. 2015/371, art. 2(1)(f)

F44Words in s. 17(2) substituted (1.10.2012) by Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 (c. 9), ss. 114(3)(a), 120 (with s. 97); S.I. 2012/2234, art. 3(m)

The procedures for house-bound and detained personsE+W

18House-bound personsE+W

(1)This section applies if two people wish to register as civil partners of each other at the place where one of them is house-bound.

(2)A person is house-bound at any place if, in relation to that person, a statement is made by a registered medical practitioner that, in his opinion—

(a)because of illness or disability, that person ought not to move or be moved from the place where he is at the time when the statement is made, and

(b)it is likely to be the case for at least the following 3 months that because of the illness or disability that person ought not to move or be moved from that place.

(3)The procedure under which the two people concerned may register as civil partners of each other is the same as the standard procedure, except that—

(a)each notice of proposed civil partnership must be accompanied by a statement under subsection (2) (“a medical statement”), which must have been made not more than 14 days before the day on which the notice is recorded,

(b)the fact that the registration authority to whom the notice is given has received the medical statement must be recorded in the register, and

(c)the applicable period (for the purposes of section 17) is the period of 3 months beginning with—

(i)the day on which the notices of proposed civil partnership are recorded, or

(ii)if the notices are not recorded on the same day, the earlier of those days.

(4)A medical statement must contain such information and must be made in such manner as may be prescribed by regulations.

(5)A medical statement may not be made in relation to a person who is detained as described in section 19(2).

(6)For the purposes of this Chapter, a person in relation to whom a medical statement is made is to be treated, if he would not otherwise be so treated, as resident and usually resident at the place where he is for the time being.

Commencement Information

I6S. 18 wholly in force at 5.12.2005; s. 18 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 263; s. 18(4) in force for certain purposes at 15.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/1112, art. 2, Sch. 1 and otherwise 5.12.2005 insofar as not already in force by S.I. 2005/3175, art. 2(1), Sch. 1; s. 18(1)-(3)(5)(6) in force at 5.12.2005 insofar as not already in force by S.I. 2005/3175, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

19Detained personsE+W

(1)This section applies if two people wish to register as civil partners of each other at the place where one of them is detained.

(2)“Detained” means detained—

(a)as a patient in a hospital (but otherwise than by virtue of section 2, 4, 5, 35, 36 or 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983 (c. 20) (short term detentions)), or

(b)in a prison or other place to which the Prison Act 1952 (c. 52) applies.

(3)The procedure under which the two people concerned may register as civil partners of each other is the same as the standard procedure, except that—

(a)each notice of proposed civil partnership must be accompanied by a supporting statement, which must have been made not more than 21 days before the day on which the notice is recorded,

(b)the fact that the registration authority to whom the notice is given has received the supporting statement must be recorded in the register, and

(c)the applicable period (for the purposes of section 17) is the period of 3 months beginning with—

(i)the day on which the notices of proposed civil partnership are recorded, or

(ii)if the notices are not recorded on the same day, the earlier of those days.

(4)A supporting statement, in relation to a detained person, is a statement made by the responsible authority which—

(a)identifies the establishment where the person is detained, and

(b)states that the responsible authority has no objection to that establishment being specified in a notice of proposed civil partnership as the place at which the person is to register as a civil partner.

(5)A supporting statement must contain such information and must be made in such manner as may be prescribed by regulations.

[F46(5A)Where the detained person is serving a life sentence and is subject to a whole life order, each notice of proposed civil partnership must also be accompanied by a statement made by the Secretary of State not more than 21 days before the day on which the notice is recorded stating that the detained person has the permission required by section 3(1A).

(5B)The fact that the registration authority to whom a notice of proposed civil partnership is given has received a statement under subsection (5A) must be recorded in the register.]

(6)“The responsible authority” means—

(a)if the person is detained in a hospital, the hospital’s managers;

(b)if the person is detained in a prison or other place to which the 1952 Act applies, the governor or other officer for the time being in charge of that prison or other place.

(7)“Patient” and “hospital” have the same meaning as in Part 2 of the 1983 Act and “managers”, in relation to a hospital, has the same meaning as in section 145(1) of the 1983 Act.

[F47(7A)“Life sentence” and “whole life order” have the meanings given by section 3(3) of this Act and section 3(4) (persons treated as being subject to a whole life order) applies for the purposes of this section.]

(8)For the purposes of this Chapter, a detained person is to be treated, if he would not otherwise be so treated, as resident and usually resident at the place where he is for the time being.

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I7S. 19 wholly in force at 5.12.2005; s. 19 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 263; s. 19(5) in force for certain purposes at 15.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/1112, art. 2, Sch. 1 and otherwise 5.12.2005 insofar as not already in force by S.I. 2005/3175, art. 2(1), Sch. 1; s. 19(1)-(4)(6)-(8) in force at 5.12.2005 insofar as not already in force by S.I. 2005/3175, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

Modified procedures for certain non-residentsE+W

20Modified procedures for certain non-residentsE+W

(1)Subsection (5) applies in the following [F48two] cases.

(2)The first is where—

(a)two people wish to register as civil partners of each other in England and Wales, and

(b)one of them (“A”) resides in Scotland and the other (“B”) resides in England or Wales.

(3)F49. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4)The [F50second] is where—

(a)two people wish to register as civil partners of each other in England and Wales, and

(b)one of them (“A”) is [F51an officer, seaman or marine borne on the books of one of Her Majesty's ships at sea.] and the other (“B”) resides in England or Wales.

(5)For the purposes of the standard procedure, the procedure for house-bound persons and the procedure for detained persons—

(a)A is not required to give a notice of proposed civil partnership under this Chapter;

[F52(b)B may make the necessary declaration without reference to A's usual place of residence for any period;]

(c)the waiting period is calculated by reference to the day on which B’s notice is recorded;

(d)the civil partnership schedule is not to be issued by a registration authority unless A or B produces to that registration authority a certificate of no impediment issued to A under the relevant provision;

(e)the applicable period is calculated by reference to the day on which B’s notice is recorded and, where the standard procedure is used in the [F53first case], is the period of 3 months beginning with that day;

(f)section 31 applies as if in subsections (1)(a) and (2)(c) for “each notice” there were substituted “ B’s notice ”.

(6)“The relevant provision” means—

(a)if A resides in Scotland, section 97;

(b)F54. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(c)if A is [F55an officer, seaman or marine borne on the books of one of Her Majesty's ships at sea], section 239.

(7)F56. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

The special procedureE+W

21Notice of proposed civil partnershipE+W

(1)For two people to register as civil partners of each other under the special procedure, one of them must—

(a)give a notice of proposed civil partnership to the registration authority for the area in which it is proposed that the registration take place, and

(b)comply with any requirement made under section 22.

(2)The notice must contain such information as may be prescribed by regulations.

(3)Subsections (3) to (6) of section 8 (necessary declaration etc.), apart from paragraph (b) of subsection (4), apply for the purposes of this section as they apply for the purposes of that section.

Commencement Information

I8S. 21 wholly in force at 5.12.2005; s. 21 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 263; s. 21(2) in force for certain purposes at 15.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/1112, art. 2, Sch. 1 and otherwise 5.12.2005 insofar as not already in force by S.I. 2005/3175, art. 2(1), Sch. 1; s. 21(1)(3) in force at 5.12.2005 insofar as not already in force by S.I. 2005/3175, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

22Evidence to be producedE+W

(1)The person giving a notice of proposed civil partnership to a registration authority under the special procedure must produce to the authority such evidence as the Registrar General may require to satisfy him—

(a)that there is no lawful impediment to the formation of the civil partnership,

(b)that the conditions in subsection (2) are met, and

(c)that there is sufficient reason why a licence should be granted.

[F57(2)The conditions are that one of the proposed civil partners—

(a)is seriously ill and not expected to recover,

(b)cannot be moved to a place where they could be registered as civil partners of each other under the standard procedure, and

(c)understands the nature and purport of signing a Registrar General's licence.]

(3)The certificate of a registered medical practitioner is sufficient evidence of any or all of the matters referred to in subsection (2).

Textual Amendments

23Application to be reported to Registrar GeneralE+W

On receiving a notice of proposed civil partnership under section 21 and any evidence under section 22, the registration authority must—

(a)inform the Registrar General, and

(b)comply with any directions the Registrar General may give for verifying the evidence given.

24Objection to issue of Registrar General’s licenceE+W

(1)Any person may object to the Registrar General giving authority for the issue of his licence by giving the Registrar General or any registration authority notice of his objection.

(2)A notice of objection must—

(a)state the objector’s place of residence and the ground of objection, and

(b)be signed by or on behalf of the objector.

(3)If a notice of objection is given to a registration authority, it must ensure that the fact that it has been given and the information in it are recorded in the register as soon as possible.

25Issue of Registrar General’s licenceE+W

(1)This section applies where a notice of proposed civil partnership is given to a registration authority under section 21.

(2)The registration authority may issue a Registrar General’s licence if, and only if, given authority to do so by the Registrar General.

(3)The Registrar General—

(a)may not give his authority unless he is satisfied that one of the proposed civil partners is seriously ill and not expected to recover, but

(b)if so satisfied, must give his authority unless a lawful impediment to the issue of his licence has been shown to his satisfaction to exist.

(4)A licence under this section must state that it is issued on the authority of the Registrar General.

(5)Regulations may (subject to subsection (4)) make provision as to the contents of a licence under this section.

(6)If an objection has been made to the Registrar General giving authority for the issue of his licence, he is not to give that authority until—

(a)he has investigated the objection and decided whether it ought to obstruct the issue of his licence, or

(b)the objection has been withdrawn by the person who made it.

(7)Any decision of the Registrar General under subsection (6)(a) is final.

Commencement Information

I9S. 25 wholly in force at 5.12.2005; s. 25 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 263; s. 25(5) in force at 15.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/1112, art. 2, Sch. 1; s. 25(1)-(4)(6)(7) in force at 5.12.2005 by S.I. 2005/3175, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

26Frivolous objections: liability for costsE+W

(1)This section applies if—

(a)a person objects to the Registrar General giving authority for the issue of his licence, but

(b)the Registrar General declares that the grounds on which the objection is made are frivolous and ought not to obstruct the issue of his licence.

(2)The person who made the objection is liable for—

(a)the costs of the proceedings before the Registrar General, and

(b)damages recoverable by the proposed civil partner to whom the objection relates.

(3)For the purpose of enabling any person to recover any such costs and damages, a copy of a declaration of the Registrar General purporting to be sealed with the seal of the General Register Office is evidence that the Registrar General has made the declaration.

27Period during which registration may take placeE+W

(1)If a Registrar General’s licence has been issued under section 25, the proposed civil partners may register as civil partners by signing it at any time within 1 month from the day on which the notice of proposed civil partnership was given.

(2)If they do not register as civil partners by signing the licence within the 1 month period—

(a)the notice of proposed civil partnership and the licence are void, and

(b)no civil partnership registrar may officiate at the signing of the licence by them.

SupplementaryU.K.

28Registration authoritiesE+W

In this Chapter “registration authority” means—

(a)in relation to England, a county council, the council of any district comprised in an area for which there is no county council, a London borough council, the Common Council of the City of London or the Council of the Isles of Scilly;

(b)in relation to Wales, a county council or a county borough council.

29Civil partnership registrarsE+W

(1)A civil partnership registrar is an individual who is designated by a registration authority as a civil partnership registrar for its area.

(2)It is the duty of each registration authority to ensure that there is a sufficient number of civil partnership registrars for its area to carry out in that area the functions of civil partnership registrars.

(3)Each registration authority must inform the Registrar General as soon as is practicable—

(a)of any designation it has made of a person as a civil partnership registrar, and

(b)of the ending of any such designation.

(4)F58. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

30The Registrar General and the registerE+W

(1)In this Chapter “the Registrar General” means the Registrar General for England and Wales.

(2)The Registrar General must provide a system for keeping any records that relate to civil partnerships and are required by this Chapter to be made.

(3)The system may, in particular, enable those records to be kept together with other records kept by the Registrar General.

(4)In this Chapter “the register” means the system for keeping records provided under subsection (2).

[F5930ZA.Religious involvement: protection against compulsionU.K.

(1)A protected person may not be compelled by any means (including by the enforcement of a contract or a statutory or other legal requirement) to—

(a)seek or consent to the approval of religious premises for the purposes of section 6(3A)(a),

(b)allow religious premises to be used as the place at which two people register as civil partners of each other under this Part, or

(c)provide, arrange, facilitate, participate in, or be present at—

(i)an occasion during which two people register as civil partners of each other on religious premises under this Part, or

(ii)a ceremony or event in England or Wales to mark the formation of a civil partnership,

where the person does not wish to do things of that sort in relation to civil partnerships generally, or those between two people of the same sex, or those between two people of the opposite sex.

(2)In this section—

  • “protected person” means—

    (a)

    a religious organisation,

    (b)

    a constituent body or part of a religious organisation, or

    (c)

    a person acting on behalf of, or under the auspices of, such an organisation, body or part,

    but does not include a civil partnership registrar;

  • “religious premises” has the meaning given by section 6A(3C).]

Textual Amendments

[F6030ARelevant nationalsU.K.

In this Chapter “relevant national” means—

(a)a British citizen,

[F61(aa)an Irish citizen, or

(ab)a person who is not an Irish citizen and who—

(i)has leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom which was granted by virtue of residence scheme immigration rules within the meaning given by section 17 of the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act 2020, or

(ii)is an applicant for the purposes of regulation 4 of the Citizens' Rights (Application Deadline and Temporary Protection) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (applications which have not been finally determined by the deadline) where the relevant period within the meaning of that regulation has not expired.]

F62(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F62(c). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]

Textual Amendments

F60S. 30A inserted (20.10.2014 for specified purposes, 1.3.2015 in so far as not already in force) by Immigration Act 2014 (c. 22), s. 75(3), Sch. 4 para. 27 (with Sch. 9 para. 66); S.I. 2014/2771, art. 3(e); S.I. 2015/371, art. 2(1)(f)

31Offences relating to civil partnership scheduleE+W

(1)A person commits an offence if he issues a civil partnership schedule knowing that he does so—

(a)before the waiting period in relation to each notice of proposed civil partnership has expired, [F63or]

(b)after the end of the applicable period, F64...

F65(c). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2)A person commits an offence if, in his actual or purported capacity as a civil partnership registrar, he officiates at the signing of a civil partnership schedule by proposed civil partners knowing that he does so—

(a)at a place other than the place specified in the notices of proposed civil partnership and the civil partnership schedule,

[F66(aa)on premises that are not approved premises although the signing is purportedly in accordance with section 6(3A)(a),

F67(ab). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]

(b)in the absence of a civil partnership registrar,

(c)before the waiting period in relation to each notice of proposed civil partnership has expired, or

(d)even though the civil partnership is void under section 49(b) F68....

(3)A person guilty of an offence under subsection (1) or [F69(2)(a), (aa), (b), (c) or (d)] is liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or to a fine (or both).

[F70(3A)A person guilty of an offence under subsection (2)(ab) is liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years or to a fine or both.]

(4)A prosecution under this section may not be commenced more than 3 years after the commission of the offence.

Textual Amendments

32Offences relating to Registrar General’s licenceE+W

(1)A person commits an offence if—

(a)he gives information by way of evidence in response to a requirement under section 22(1), knowing that the information is false;

(b)he gives a certificate as provided for by section 22(3), knowing that the certificate is false.

(2)A person commits an offence if, in his actual or purported capacity as a civil partnership registrar, he officiates at the signing of a Registrar General’s licence by proposed civil partners knowing that he does so—

(a)at a place other than the place specified in the licence,

(b)in the absence of a civil partnership registrar,

(c)after the end of 1 month from the day on which the notice of proposed civil partnership was given, or

(d)even though the civil partnership is void under section 49(b) F71....

(3)A person guilty of an offence under subsection (1) or (2) is liable—

(a)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or to a fine (or both);

(b)on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum.

(4)A prosecution under this section may not be commenced more than 3 years after the commission of the offence.

Textual Amendments

33Offences relating to the recording of civil partnershipsE+W

(1)A civil partnership registrar commits an offence if he refuses or fails to comply with the provisions of this Chapter or of any regulations made under section 36.

(2)A civil partnership registrar guilty of an offence under subsection (1) is liable—

(a)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or to a fine (or both);

(b)on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum;

and on conviction shall cease to be a civil partnership registrar.

(3)A person commits an offence if—

(a)under arrangements made by a registration authority for the purposes of section 2(4), he is under a duty to record information required to be recorded under section 2(4), but

(b)he refuses or without reasonable cause omits to do so.

(4)A person guilty of an offence under subsection (3) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(5)A person commits an offence if he records in the register information relating to the formation of a civil partnership by the signing of a civil partnership schedule, knowing that the civil partnership is void under section 49(b) F72....

(6)A person guilty of an offence under subsection (5) is liable on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or to a fine (or both).

(7)A person commits an offence if he records in the register information relating to the formation of a civil partnership by the signing of a Registrar General’s licence, knowing that the civil partnership is void under section 49(b) F73....

(8)A person guilty of an offence under subsection (7) is liable—

(a)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or to a fine (or both);

(b)on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum.

(9)A prosecution under subsection (5) or (7) may not be commenced more than 3 years after the commission of the offence.

Textual Amendments

34FeesE+W

(1)The [F74Secretary of State] may by order provide for fees F75... to be payable to such persons as may be prescribed by the order in respect of—

(a)the giving of a notice of proposed civil partnership and the attestation of the necessary declaration;

(b)the making of an application under section 12(1) (application to reduce waiting period);

(c)the issue of a Registrar General’s licence;

(d)the attendance of the civil partnership registrar when two people sign the civil partnership document;

(e)such other services provided in connection with civil partnerships either by registration authorities or by or on behalf of the Registrar General as may be prescribed by the order.

[F76(1A)An order under this section may—

(a)specify the amount of any fee payable under the order, or

(b)set out how such a fee is to be determined.

(1B)Subsection (1C) applies where the order provides for a fee to be payable to a registration authority.

(1C)The order may provide for such part of the fee as may be specified by or determined in accordance with the order to be payable by the registration authority to the Registrar General in such circumstances as may be prescribed by the order.]

[F77(2)The order may provide for the reduction, waiver or refund of part or all of a fee whether by conferring a discretion or otherwise.]

[F78(3)Where a civil partnership registrar for any area attends when two people sign the civil partnership schedule on approved premises, in accordance with section 6(3A)(a)—

(a)subsection (1)(d) does not apply, but

(b)the registration authority for that area is entitled from those people a fee of an amount determined by the authority in accordance with regulations under section 6A.]

Textual Amendments

F75Words in s. 34(1) omitted (12.7.2016) by virtue of Immigration Act 2016 (c. 19), s. 94(1), Sch. 15 para. 4(2); S.I. 2016/603, reg. 3(w)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Commencement Information

I10S. 34 wholly in force at 5.12.2005; s. 34 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 263; s. 34(1) in force at 15.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/1112, art. 2, Sch. 1; s. 34(2) in force at 5.12.2005 by S.I. 2005/3175, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

35Power to assimilate provisions relating to civil registrationU.K.

(1)The [F79Secretary of State] may by order make—

(a)such amendments of this Act as appear to him appropriate for the purpose of assimilating any provision connected with the formation or recording of civil partnerships in England and Wales to any provision made F80. . . in relation to civil marriage in England and Wales, and

(b)such amendments of other enactments and of subordinate legislation as appear to him appropriate in consequence of any amendments made under paragraph (a).

(2)“Civil marriage” means marriage solemnised otherwise than according to the rites of the Church of England or any other religious usages.

(3)“Amendment” includes repeal or revocation.

(4)“Subordinate legislation” has the same meaning as in the Interpretation Act 1978 (c. 30).

Textual Amendments

F80Words in s. 35(1)(a) repealed (8.1.2007) by Legislative and Regulatory Reform Act 2006 (c. 51), ss. 30, 33, Sch. (with s. 30(2)-(5))

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

36Regulations and ordersE+W

(1)Regulations may make provision supplementing the provisions of this Chapter.

(2)Regulations may in particular make provision—

(a)relating to the use of Welsh in documents and records relating to civil partnerships;

(b)with respect to the retention of documents relating to civil partnerships;

(c)prescribing the duties of civil partnership registrars;

(d)prescribing the duties of persons in whose presence any declaration is made for the purposes of this Chapter;

(e)for the issue by the Registrar General of guidance supplementing any provision made by the regulations.

(f)for the issue by registration authorities or the Registrar General of certified copies of entries in the register and for such copies to be received in evidence.

[F81(g)for the carrying out by the Registrar General, on request, of searches of entries in the register and the provision, on request, of information contained in the entries (otherwise than in the form of certified copies).]

(3)In this Chapter [F82, except in section 6A [F839B, 9E(2), 12(7) or 12A] ,]“regulations” means regulations made by the Registrar General with the approval of the [F84Secretary of State].

(4)Any power to make regulations or an order under this Chapter is exercisable by statutory instrument.

(5)A statutory instrument containing [F85regulations under section 6A [F869B, 9E(2) or 12A] or] an order under section 34 is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(6)No order may be made under section [F879D or] 35 unless a draft of the statutory instrument containing the order has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.

Textual Amendments

F81S. 36(2)(g) inserted (26.5.2015) by Deregulation Act 2015 (c. 20), ss. 99(2), 115(3)(k)

F83Words in s. 36(3) inserted (20.10.2014 for specified purposes, 1.3.2015 in so far as not already in force) by Immigration Act 2014 (c. 22), s. 75(3), Sch. 4 para. 28(2) (with Sch. 9 para. 66); S.I. 2014/2771, art. 3(e); S.I. 2015/371, art. 2(1)(f)

F86Words in s. 36(5) inserted (20.10.2014 for specified purposes, 1.3.2015 in so far as not already in force) by Immigration Act 2014 (c. 22), s. 75(3), Sch. 4 para. 28(3) (with Sch. 9 para. 66); S.I. 2014/2771, art. 3(e); S.I. 2015/371, art. 2(1)(f)

F87Words in s. 36(6) inserted (20.10.2014 for specified purposes, 1.3.2015 in so far as not already in force) by Immigration Act 2014 (c. 22), s. 75(3), Sch. 4 para. 28(4) (with Sch. 9 para. 66); S.I. 2014/2771, art. 3(e); S.I. 2015/371, art. 2(1)(f)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Yn ôl i’r brig

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