This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-39028814

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Ruling due on civil partnership challenge Ruling due on civil partnership challenge
(about 5 hours later)
A Court of Appeal ruling on whether a heterosexual couple can have a civil partnership is due later.A Court of Appeal ruling on whether a heterosexual couple can have a civil partnership is due later.
Rebecca Steinfeld and Charles Keidan, from London, took their case to the Court of Appeal following a defeat at the High Court last year.Rebecca Steinfeld and Charles Keidan, from London, took their case to the Court of Appeal following a defeat at the High Court last year.
They are challenging a ruling that they could not have a civil partnership because they did not meet the legal requirement of being the same sex.They are challenging a ruling that they could not have a civil partnership because they did not meet the legal requirement of being the same sex.
The couple said they faced discrimination.The couple said they faced discrimination.
The Civil Partnership Act 2004 - which applies throughout the UK - requires that partners be "two people of the same sex".The Civil Partnership Act 2004 - which applies throughout the UK - requires that partners be "two people of the same sex".
It grants gay couples legal rights similar to those given to married couples.It grants gay couples legal rights similar to those given to married couples.
The introduction of same-sex marriage - which became legal in England, Wales and Scotland in 2014 - has since given gay couples a choice between that and civil partnership.The introduction of same-sex marriage - which became legal in England, Wales and Scotland in 2014 - has since given gay couples a choice between that and civil partnership.
At the High Court, Ms Steinfeld and Mr Keidan argued that, as a heterosexual couple, they did not have the same choice as gay couples and were therefore discriminated against.
Ms Steinfeld said: "When we started our legal battle for the right to form a civil partnership three years ago we could never have envisaged the incredible levels of support that would follow.
"It really is remarkable but it just speaks to the fact that opening civil partnerships is popular, fair and would be good for families and children."
'Equality and choice''Equality and choice'
Kate Stewart and Matthew Cole, 46, decided to get a civil partnership in Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory, in June 2016, after deciding marriage was not for them.Kate Stewart and Matthew Cole, 46, decided to get a civil partnership in Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory, in June 2016, after deciding marriage was not for them.
"It just felt to be a more appropriate way to formalise the recognition of our relationship," said Dr Stewart, from Derby."It just felt to be a more appropriate way to formalise the recognition of our relationship," said Dr Stewart, from Derby.
"I have been married before... but Matthew and I didn't feel that marriage reflected our relationship."I have been married before... but Matthew and I didn't feel that marriage reflected our relationship.
"The institution [of marriage] is very much unequal depending on your religion."The institution [of marriage] is very much unequal depending on your religion.
"We therefore felt it wasn't a status we were comfortable with because it still had hangovers of inequality from the past.""We therefore felt it wasn't a status we were comfortable with because it still had hangovers of inequality from the past."
Dr Stewart, 48, said although they believe marriage is right for some couples, it was about having the choice.Dr Stewart, 48, said although they believe marriage is right for some couples, it was about having the choice.
They wanted recognition of their relationship after 10 years together.They wanted recognition of their relationship after 10 years together.
But their civil partnership is not legally recognised in the UK.But their civil partnership is not legally recognised in the UK.
"We paid for ceremony in pounds, we have a certificate, it was all very British, but as soon as we were back home we didn't have legal recognition," Dr Stewart said."We paid for ceremony in pounds, we have a certificate, it was all very British, but as soon as we were back home we didn't have legal recognition," Dr Stewart said.
"The declaration that we were both each other's partner was quite moving... we were on an equal footing. It was surprisingly touching.""The declaration that we were both each other's partner was quite moving... we were on an equal footing. It was surprisingly touching."
Why choose civil partnership over marriage?Why choose civil partnership over marriage?
Are you in a heterosexual relationship and hoping to be able to have a civil partnership? Email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk with your views and experiences. At the High Court, Ms Steinfeld and Mr Keidan argued that, as a heterosexual couple, they did not have the same choice as gay couples and were therefore discriminated against.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways: Ms Steinfeld said: "When we started our legal battle for the right to form a civil partnership three years ago we could never have envisaged the incredible levels of support that would follow.
Or use the form below "It really is remarkable but it just speaks to the fact that opening civil partnerships is popular, fair and would be good for families and children."
Civil Partnerships explained
What do you want to know about civil partnership and marriage? Send us your question and a BBC correspondent will answer a selection.
Use this form to ask your question: