- Conference
- 2004 National Women's Conference
- Date
- 15 October 2003
- Decision
- Carried
Conference welcomes the Government’s proposals on legal recognition of same sex partnerships through the introduction of a civil registration scheme. Conference believes that formal recognition of same sex relationships will help combat discrimination against lesbians.
Conference is concerned, however, that while the proposals bring some advantages, they also introduce or highlight some problems. The proposed scheme is for same sex couples only, and is closely modelled on marriage. Conference believes that:
1)the relationship model assumed in the proposals does not reflect the complexities of the real life situations of many of us;
2)whilst registration and marriage should be deemed as evidence of a committed and enduring relationship, non-registration and non-marriage should not be seen as evidence of lack of commitment or significance of the partners to each other;
3)the proposals do nothing to address existing discrimination against unmarried heterosexual couples, but rather add to it, with the risk that the rights of unregistered same-sex couples will be undermined;
4)the debate on a civil partnership scheme should not be used by the Government to impose obligations on couples who choose not to register their partnership, the financial and childcare implications of the proposals will have a greater impact on women due to the disparity in income between men and women and the fact that women remain predominantly responsible for the care of their children;
5)the scheme must be accompanied by strengthened anti-discrimination legislation protecting lesbians, and gay men, from discrimination in the delivery and supply of goods, services and facilities. For example, if the Government’s proposals are agreed, a lesbian couple may register their partnership, but, should they try to celebrate this, may lawfully be refused service in a restaurant or a double room in a hotel.
Conference instructs the National Women’s Committee to:
a)publicise the proposals on registered partnership and UNISON’s response to women members and branch and regional women’s groups;
b)raise UNISON’s concerns at all relevant opportunities both within and outside the union;
c)campaign for:
i)an end to discrimination on the grounds of marital status such as the marriage exemption clause in the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations;
ii)an end to discrimination between unregistered and unmarried partners; regardless of sexual orientation;
iii)anti-discrimination legislation on the grounds of sexual orientation in the delivery and supply of goods and services;
iv)surviving partner pension benefits to be available to all partners, regardless of registration, marriage or sexual orientation.