Straight couples ‘could be allowed to enter into civil partnerships’
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The Government is poised to back a bill that would allow straight couples to enter into civil partnerships, it has been reported.
Ministers are expected to support the private member's bill drawn up by Tory MP Tim Loughton when it gets its second reading in the Commons February, according to the Sunday Times.
Currently, straight couples are not allowed to enter into civil partnerships, but supporters of the change claim it will help stabilise unmarried couples.
Former children's minister Mr Loughton told the paper he was “optimistic” about the likelihood of the law changing.
Education Secretary Justine Greening has previously voiced her support for the measure, telling a Bright Blue event: “I’m all for equality.”
Sir Paul Coleridge, The founder of the Marriage Foundation, said he supported Mr Loughton’s plans, telling the paper: “What matters is that people make a decisive, truthful commitment to each other before they enter into a relationship which leads to children.”
