Dec 5, 2005 / 22:00 pm
An archbishop had urged the government to implement public policy that would support marriage as a new civil partnership for homosexuals came into effect yesterday.
Since the Civil Partnership Act came into effect, more than a dozen homosexual couples have registered for the new legal partnership.
The new legislation makes the union as legally binding as a heterosexual marriage and grants homosexual couples the same tax and inheritance rights as heterosexual married couples. It will also grant them pension rights and paternal responsibility for each other's children.
However, Archbishop Peter Smith of Cardiff is warning that civil partnerships for homosexuals will undermine the institution of marriage.
"What the government should do in terms of public policy is support marriage rather than undermine it," said Archbishop Peter Smith of Cardiff, reported the BBC.
As of Dec. 5, same-sex couples could give notice of their intent to form a civil partnership. Ceremonies will take place as of Dec. 21.
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