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Heterosexual couple lose court appeal fight to enter civil partnership Heterosexual couple lose court appeal fight to enter civil partnership
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A heterosexual couple have lost their Court of Appeal battle for the right to enter into a civil partnership.A heterosexual couple have lost their Court of Appeal battle for the right to enter into a civil partnership.
Rebecca Steinfeld and Charles Keidan, who objected to the "patriarchal baggage" of marriage, wanted to secure legal recognition of their six-year relationship but were prevented because the Civil Partnership Act 2004 says only same-sex couples are eligible. Rebecca Steinfeld and Charles Keidan, who objected to the "patriarchal baggage" of marriage, wanted to secure legal recognition of their six-year relationship but were prevented because the Civil Partnership Act 2004 says only same-sex couples are eligible. 
The academics, who live in Hammersmith, west London, and have a 20-month-old daughter, said the Government's position is "incompatible with equality law".The academics, who live in Hammersmith, west London, and have a 20-month-old daughter, said the Government's position is "incompatible with equality law".
In November, they challenged High Court judge Mrs Justice Andrews's decision to dismiss their judicial review action.In November, they challenged High Court judge Mrs Justice Andrews's decision to dismiss their judicial review action.
 
However the Court of Appeal dismissed their challenge.However the Court of Appeal dismissed their challenge.
More follows Karon Monaghan QC said: "They wish very much - and it is of very considerable importance to them - to enter into a legally regulated relationship which does not carry with it patriarchal baggage, which many consider comes with the institution of marriage."
Dan Squires QC for the Secretary of State for Education, who has responsibility for equalities within Government, said that a decision was taken, after two public consultations and debate in Parliament, not at this stage to extend civil partnerships to opposite-sex couples, abolish them or phase them out.
It was decided to see how extending marriage to same-sex couples impacted on civil partnerships before making a final decision which, if reversed in a few years' time, would be disruptive, unnecessary and extremely expensive.
He described the judge's decision as "unimpeachable".
Speaking outside the court, Ms Steinfeld said: "We are pleased that today's ruling has shown that the Government must act very soon to end this unfair situation.
"All three judges agreed that we're being treated differently because of our sexual orientation, and that this impacts our private and family life.
"All three rejected the argument that we could 'just get married'. All three emphasised that the Government cannot maintain the status quo for much longer - they are on borrowed time."
Ms Steinfeld said Lady Justice Arden accepted their case on almost every point.
"We lost on a technicality, that the Government should be allowed a little more time to make a decision.
"So there's everything to fight for, and much in the ruling that gives us reason to be positive and keep going."
Mr Keidan said: "The Court of Appeal has made it clear the status quo cannot continue.
"The Government should now recognise the benefits of opening civil partnerships to mixed-sex couples.
"The measure is fair, popular, good for families and children, and long overdue. They have everything to gain."
He said the couple intended to appeal the dismissal in the Supreme Court.
Additional reporting by Press Association