Your oven-ready roundup of stuff that didn’t quite merit a free-standing post… 

Opposite-sex civil partnership

On Monday, it became possible for opposite-sex couples in England and Wales to choose to enter into a civil partnership rather than getting married. Those who entered into civil partnerships in jurisdictions that already provide for them, such as the Isle of Man, the Netherlands, South Africa and New Zealand, had their unions recognised automatically as from Monday; however, the first civil partnership ceremonies in England and Wales may not take place until 31 December, since 29 days’ notice is required and in certain cases, this may be extended to 71 days, depending on immigration status. A civil partnership does not require a ceremony and couples can choose to sign the schedule in front of two qualified witnesses by booking a statutory ceremony appointment; however, it is possible to combine the signing with a full ceremony.

Adoption and discrimination

In 2016, Adopt Berkshire refused to register Sandeep and Reena Mander, a British couple of Sikh heritage, with the agency and told them that their chances of adopting would be improved if they looked to adopt in India or Pakistan. Continue reading →