News about the Scottish Executive's consultation on civil partnerships plus relevant official links.

The text of the Bill as introduced in the House of Lords on 30th March 2004.

Text of the Bill as brought from the House of Lords on 5th July 2004. Includes Explanatory Notes. [html, pdf]

Text of the Bill as amended in Standing Committee D on 26th October 2004. [html, pdf]

List of amendments tabled in the House of Lords to the Bill introduced in the House of Lords on 30th March 2004 and published as HL Bill 53.

The text of the Bill as introduced in the House of Lords on 9th January 2002.

Hansard transcript of the introduction of the Bill by Lord Lester of Herne Hill. On Question, Bill read a first time, and to be printed.

Hansard transcript of the debate. On Question, Bill read a second time, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House.

Directory of links to documents and debates.

Official government site contains full information about registration, its conditions and requirements, the ceremony and schedule of dates. FAQ and downloadable documents.

Official text from 25 November 2004.

Summarises some of the current law relating to the legal rights of cohabitants in England and Wales, and sets out some of the situations in which unmarried couples have particular rights or duties. Analyses and compares the provisions of Bills 36 2001-02 and HL Bill 41 2001-02. Published 19th March 2002.

Official government site includes the Consultation paper, Consultation Analysis report and latest news releases.

Hyperlinked encyclopedia article offers an overview.

Government site presents the official policy plus information about similar legislation in other countries.