General Chat

I would be interested to know what people think about the partnership register that should be working by the end of the year. I'm not very informed about it but my understanding is that it will help sort out the legal problems for gay couples over tenancies, inheritances and pensions. Do you think this is right or is it going too far or not far enough?

I think its about time.

Seems a sensible way of dealing with problems regarding intestacy.

hiya david .i think they should have you same rules as everyone. live and let live x 'i am what i am'

hi david, i agree with everyone else! equal rights! bryan.

Definately equal rights. jude sarf wales

Thanks all - I know some people feel that it won't be enough unless the church marry same-sex couples the same as heterosexuals but I'm not sure that will ever happen - personally I'd like to see gays have the same right to a civil ceremony as straight couples - not sure if a partnership register isn't a bit of a sop but it will at least ensure some security for same sex relationships

Sorry I disagree, but then I'm straight. One man for One woman, as it states in the bible. God did not intend men to 'marry' men or women with women. You did ask for an opinion and I'm giving it. Sorry if it offends anyone. One has to be so careful on this board. Jo.

The Bible says a lot of things and can be slanted to support many different and opposing points of view. The Civil partnership bill will give legal rights and protection to people who chose to live as a couple. Jane

What's the bible got to do with it? especially in this day and age with the decline in church attendences, and lack of interest in what this 'great book' has to say.

I think it's a start in the right direction. Sue xx

Jane I'm actually quite ignorant about the register - is it relevant for any partners who want to register their relationship as opposed to marrying (for those who can)? Jo Have to agree with Jane - it's not a good idea to use the Bible against homosexuality because the Bible contains so many contradictiory directives - as a christian myself I understand one of the most important messages to be not to judge other people - though I don't always manage it:)

Hi David, I can't remember exactly who is covered in the Bill, although there was some talk of it covering straight couples if that was what they wanted, but I've a feeling that was dropped as it would get away fron the central issue of giving the legal rights& protection to same-sex couples which straigh couples can achieve through marriage. I think the Bill is available somewhere online, but I don't have an address for it. Jane

a partner for life is a partner for life!!! What ever the sexuality!!

Thanks Jane - I'll have to read up on it but at least I know it's called the Civil partnership bill now lol

Hi Susanne The London Partnership Register is great for making a statement of your commitment to someone but unfortunatly don't have any legal rights or protection behind it, but it was another small step in the right direction. Jane

Doesn't matter whether it's a gay or straight relationship it's still a relationship! Equality for all! becx

A long time in the coming...

Mea Have I got it wrong or isn't Bush intending to revoke some of the gay 'marriage' laws in some states? Patty I didn't know Canada dealt with the issue in such a mature and democratic way. A vicar I know believes that the clergy should have the discretion to bless same sex unions as they do where a bride or groom is divorced but feels that the term marriage can't be applied to a church sanctioned union. I don't have a problem with this at all. I think that changing the definition of civil unions is the best way forward.

It's about time! As for the bible - if you follow it word for word, everything you do is a sin. The bible doesn't even let women have rgiths, shall we take them away too? No offence, but God has a funny way of showing that he cares. I know about free will and all of that, but surely he would intervene when he sees people destroying each other in a massive way.