Tying the knot

• Couples would enter civil partnerships in local registration services

• Each partner would have to sign the register in the presence of the registration officer and two witnesses

• There would also be a formal, court-based process for dissolving the partnership

Main partnership rights

• Social security and pension benefits, including right to benefit from a dead partner's pension

• Full recognition for life assurance schemes

• Ability to succeed to tenancy rights

• Next-of-kin visiting rights in hospitals

Responsibilities

• Providing reasonable maintenance for civil partners and children of the family

• Ability to gain parental responsibility for a partner's children