Equality - Marriage & Civil Partnership
EQUALITY ACT 2010 – Marriage and civil partnership
Marriage and civil partnership are one of the protected characteristics (PCs) under the Act and it is unlawful for employers to discriminate against employees who fall into one or other of the categories. Single people are not protected. This PC can be the subject of direct and indirect discrimination and victimization.
The Act states that persons who are engaged to be married or are divorcees or persons whose civil partnership has been dissolved do not have the PC.
The Act does not define “marriage” or “civil partnership” and therefore the general law applies.
In the Marriage Act 1949 part of the definition of “marriage” is that for it to be legal it must be for “one man” and “one woman”.
A “civil partnership” is a legal union between two people of the same sex which is registered under the Civil Partnership Act 2004.
Employers must treat civil partners in the same way as married people in a wide range of matters, including employment and vocational training. Any benefits given to married employees must also be offered to civil partners, including flexible working, statutory paternity pay, paternity and adoption leave, health insurance and survivor pensions.
All PBS information sheets are designed to provide the detail you need to implement best business and employment practices. They are not a detailed commentary on the current law and where advice is needed in a specific case you should contact PBS for expert guidance.
Equality/marriage/civil part.