The Civil Partnership Act 2004

The Civil Partnership Act 2004 is legislation in the UK that grants same-sex couples legal recognition of their relationship, similar to marriage. It allows partners to register their union, affording them rights regarding inheritance, pensions, and social benefits, and responsibilities including tax and next-of-kin decisions. The act aimed to provide equality by formally recognizing same-sex relationships without calling it marriage. It also established legal procedures for forming and dissolving civil partnerships. Overall, it offers same-sex couples a recognized, legally binding partnership with rights and protections comparable to those of marriage.