Same-sex Couples | findings

The Civil Partnership Act is thought to have had positive impacts on the lives of same-sex couples who have registered their partnership - with some positive knock-on effects for couples who haven't registered their partnership.

The Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations are welcome for offering greater protection from discrimination and harassment in the workplace. However, employers need to do more to promote these regulations.

The Adoption and Children Act is likely to increase the pool of prospective adoptive parents among some same-sex couples, but professionals working in the field need to improve their understanding of same-sex relationships and families.

The legislation was found to:
• provide a concrete set of rights that increase a sense of belonging and legitimacy in society
• signal the unacceptability of discrimination against same-sex couples and lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) parents and employees
• help reinforce the view that same-sex relationships are 'normal', thereby dispelling stereotypes
• increase the sense of security and stability of couples and their families, through reaffirmation of a couple's relationship and through greater recognition by other families and wider society.

On the other hand:
• the income of some same-sex couples will suffer: new rules govern the assessment of same-sex couples' eligibility for benefits and tax credits, irrespective of their civil partnership status
• civil partnerships perpetuate inequality because they are different to marriage
• drawing attention to same-sex couples and LGB employees might provide some service providers and employers with the opportunity to express their prejudices
• legislation is not enough to foster full social inclusion - a change in cultural attitudes is needed.