gay community still unaware about civil partnerships

(I-Newswire) November 24, 2005 - A survey of lesbian and gay people shows that many are still unaware about same sex civil partnerships less than two weeks before the Act comes into effect on December 5. Following a 15 day waiting period, the first ceremonies will take place on December 21.

Nearly half (46%) of people surveyed by Westminster City Council admitted they didn't yet know much about same sex civil partnerships.

But when questioned, nearly half of those asked said that they would be likely to take up civil registration and seventeen per cent said it was `very likely' they would be in a civil partnership within three years.

The awareness of how to get a civil partnership is limited, with only a quarter of people suggesting contacting the council or a register office. After this, the next most popular response is to find out via the Internet (5%).

The Council surveyed the lesbian and gay community in bars and clubs along and around Old Compton Street in the heart of London's Soho district on November 10. Results showed a general lack of awareness among members of the gay community about civil partnerships, with the majority of those questioned not knowing how to get one or which venues in Westminster are officially licensed to hold civil partnership ceremonies. Other results include:

25% would contact the council or register office for information on how to get a civil partnership
44% were either very likely or fairly likely to have a civil partnership
33% would opt for a small ceremony

The most popular venues where couples would like to have a partnership ceremony include a Register Office, parks and gardens, country houses and hotels with style and expense being key factors when choosing a venue. In Westminster, the Royal Parks and the Register Office topped the list of favourite locations.

The first same sex civil partnership ceremonies will take place on 21 December. Westminster City Council Register Office has over 100 bookings and the first couple, Roger Lockyer and Percy Stevens will register their partnership at the Register Office at 8am. "We have been together for nearly 40 years, this is a very important day for us and are looking forward to finally having our relationship legally recognised." said Roger.

Westminster City Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for the West End, Cllr Danny Chalkley, said: "Westminster is already the most popular destination in London for marriage, and we hope also to become the most popular venue for civil partnerships. As well as Westminster's Register Office, couples have over 80 other approved venues to choose from in Westminster that are licensed for civil partnership ceremonies. For a full up to date list of venues please see www.westminster.gov.uk/registrar "

For further information please contact Leila Harris on 011 44 207 641 3995.



Leila Harris
Media Relations Officer
Westminster City Council
Tel 011 44 207 641 3995
lharris@westminster.gov.uk

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