Jersey laws changed to mark civil partnerships

People in same-sex relationships in Jersey now have similar rights to married couples

More than 50 pieces of legislation are to be changed ahead of the introduction of civil partnerships, according to government officials.

Same sex couples will soon be able to enter into civil partnerships after the legislation received Royal Assent.

But for civil partners to have the same rights as married couples hundreds of words need to be added to statute books, the chief minister said.

These include social security, pension and housing laws.

Jersey's government approved the new civil partnership law on 12 July 2011, which meant that once the States set a date for it to become law same sex couples would be able to enter a relationship equal to marriage.

Changing laws

At the time more than 30 separate laws, with the oldest dating back to 1862, had to be changed to make sure they comply with the new civil partnerships.

They included legislation to allow same sex couples to adopt children.

States officials say politicians now need to approve changes to about another 50 pieces of legislation that basically involve inserting the words "civil partner" after wife or spouse.

The chief ministers department said this would allow those in civil partnerships to enjoy the same benefits, rights and responsibilities as married couples.