Updates on Same Sex Marriage in Scotland

 “The Scottish Government announced on Monday 13 October 2014 plans for commencing most of the rest of the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act 2014 (including same sex marriage; changing existing Scottish civil partnerships to marriage and the provisions on gender recognition).  The “go live” date will be 16 December.   This means that:

• Same sex couples will be able to give notice of intention to marry on 16 December – the relevant updated Marriage Notice form will be available in due course.

• The first marriage ceremonies of same sex couples could take place on 31 December, after the usual clear 14 day notice period has expired and subject to the usual checks (e.g. on divorces of any previous marriages). You should contact the local registrar about your plans at the earliest opportunity.

• The first changes of civil partnerships registered in Scotland to marriages through the administrative route in Scotland could take place on 16 December.  Again the relevant application form will be available in due course. However, you should make an appointment to speak to the local registrar about your plans at the earliest opportunity. 

• Same sex couples will be able to give notice of intention to enter a religious or belief civil partnership on 16 December – the relevant updated Civil Partnership Notice form will be available in due course.

• From 16 December, people in a marriage solemnised in Scotland will be able to apply to the Gender Recognition Panel and obtain a full Gender Recognition Certificate without the need for divorce.

 All this is subject to Parliamentary approval of an Order under the section 104 of the Scotland Act 1998 at the UK Parliament and the associated Scottish Statutory Instrument at the Scottish Parliament.”