Civil Partnerships Possible For All Couples

Thursday, 3 March 2022 12:48

All couples in Jersey will be able to have a civil partnership.

Politicians have voted to change the law to open them to opposite-sex couples.

Existing marriages can also converted into a civil partnership.

“I am extremely pleased that the States Assembly has approved these laws. This is a turning point in addressing inequality in our marriage and civil partnerships and I hope that more will follow in the near future.” - Deputy Gregory Guida, Home Affairs Minister.

The minimum age for a person to enter a marriage or civil partnership has been raised from 16 to 18, in compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)

If either person in union that took place in another country was under the age of 18, it will be not be recognised in Jersey.

The States has also agreed that the Superintendent Registrar can refused to register a child's name if it could cause them harm or embarrassment.

“These are important amendments to the laws relating to marriage, civil partnership and birth registration which reflect a commitment to equality and the rights of children. I look forward to the near future when these amendments will come into force and Islanders will be able to take advantage of these provisions.” - Claire Follain, Superintendent Registrar.

The law changes will come into effect later this year.