Gloria De Piero, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities has voiced concern over the regulations for converting civil partnerships to marriage, where the ceremonies can take place, and a lack of a marriage certificate for those couples.

In June, the UK Government announced that from the 10th December 2014 couples already in civil partnerships can convert to marriage.

However, Ms De Piero says the regulations state couples can only convert to marriage in a register office with a Superintendent Registrar present, which exempts many register offices and all religious venues.

In a letter addressed to newly appointed Minister for Women and Equalities Nicky Morgan, Ms De Piero also states “serious concern” over the fact that couples will also not be issued a marriage licence on converting, only a slip saying the conversion has taken place.

She writes:

“For so many couples across the country, the conversion of their civil partnership will be a moment no less important to them as to those getting married for the first time. Why has the Government chosen to place such restrictions on civil partnership conversions?”

Gloria De Piero

Ms De Piero calls the new regulations “both discriminatory and unfair”, and asks the Government to consider amending the regulations before they are approved, offering the support of Labour to do so.