^{All the Answers to Your Legal Questions about Equal Marriage}

by Pink Lobster Dating's LGBT Legal Advisor

Harjit Sarang

^{Should I transfer my civil partnership for a legal equal marriage after March 29th?}

^{A civil marriage puts you in the same position as you would be in if you entered into a civil partnership.  From March 29th 2014, you can choose a civil partnership or a civil marriage (gay/lesbian couples).  Sadly, those already in a civil partnership will have to wait until possibly the end of the year to convert their civil partnership into a civil marriage.  The mechanics are yet to be decided.   Whether you should do it, is a personal choice.  Some feel that having a civil partnership is a forced ‘outing’ because you are declaring your sexual orientation when asked a question about marital status.  Others, choose to see it as pride.  Heterosexual couples will not have the option of entering into a civil partnership which is something that I disagree with.  Marital status and description should be the same regardless of sexual orientation in my view.} 

^{What’s the difference between a ‘civil partnership’ and a ‘legal marriage’?}

^{In terms of legal rights and duties towards one another, there is not very much difference between a civil marriage and a civil partnership save for a few differences in pension rights and obviously the description depending on how much emphasis you choose to put on it.}   

^{What should I do if my vicar or rabbi refuses to marry me after March 29th?}

^{The legislation provides that religious institutions will not be forced to conduct religious ceremonies and the ‘Quadlock’ prevents you from suing the organisation for discrimination against a couple based on sexual orientation.  However, I suspect that this will be challenged and the European Court will be asked once again to decide on whether Religion can override a fundamental Human Right to marry.  It depends on the religion as to what challenge you can bring within that institution.}   

If you would like further legal advice and guidance your can get in touch with Harjit by emailing hs@pinklobsterdating.com