140.—(1) The Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986(1) is amended as follows.
(2) In Article 32 (definition of “nearest relative”)—
(a)in paragraph (1)(a), after “spouse” insert “or civil partner”;
(b)in paragraph (4)—
(i)in sub-paragraph (b), after “spouse” insert “or civil partner”;
(ii)in sub-paragraph (c), after “spouse” insert “, civil partner”;
(c)in each of paragraphs (5) and (6)(b)—
(i)after “married patient” insert “or a patient who has a civil partner”;
(ii)after “unless the spouse” insert “or civil partner”.
(3) In Article 33 (children and young persons in care), for “husband or wife” substitute “spouse or civil partner”.
1986/595 (N.I. 4), as amended by paragraph 67 of Schedule 29 to the Civil Partnership Act 2004.