Shirley-Anne Somerville

For the first time, mixed-sex couples are to have the right to enter a civil partnership in Scotland after MSPs voted to pass the Civil Partnership Bill.

The new legislation means that all couples in Scotland will have the same choices should they decide they want a legally recognised relationship.

Secondary legislation in the Scottish and UK Parliaments will be necessary for mixed-sex civil partnerships to take place in Scotland, and this work will now be progressed.

Social Security Secreatry Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “This legislation helps enshrine the principles of equality and freedom of choice for all couples in law.

“It means that – just like same sex couples – mixed sex couples will be able to choose between civil partnership or marriage, whichever they feel is best for them.

“This latest reform to the law demonstrates the Scottish government’s commitment to creating a fairer Scotland that promotes equality for all.”