| It is understood well over 100 couples across Scotland have already decided to take advantage of a change in the law to allow them to formalise their relationships this way.
A civil partnership comes into effect when the couple and their witnesses sign a register, however, many want to make it an occasion by exchanging vows like a civil wedding.
Most local authorities have agreed to stage such ceremonies.
In September, Dundee councillors voted 23 to four in favour after hearing that staff at the Registration Office had been consulted and were willing to conduct the events.
That was despite opposition from some religious leaders, including the RC Bishop of Dunkeld, Vincent Logan, who said marriage would be devalued by giving the same privileges to same-sex couples.
The new law comes into force on Monday, but there is 15-day waiting period after notifying the registrar so the first ceremonies will not take place in Scotland until December 20.
A civil partnership gives same-sex couples legal recognition and entitles them to equal treatment with married people in a range of legal matters.
These include the ability to apply for parental responsibility for a partner’s child, various tax, employment and pension benefits, and recognition for immigration and nationality purposes.
The minimum age limit for entering into a civil partnership is 16, the same as for marriage.
n Meanwhile, new measures which will recognise the grief of same-sex partners, grandparents and others over the loss of a loved one were backed by MSPs.
Members of Holyrood’s Justice 1 Committee agreed to expand the categories of family members who may be entitled to claim compensation following a death. |
