Civil partnership ruling a victory

Responding to the news that the Supreme Court has ruled that mixed-sex couples should be able to enter into civil partnerships, Liberal Democrat Equalities Spokesperson Baroness Meral Hussein-Ece said:

"The Liberal Democrats are delighted by the Supreme Court's decision to rule against the Government and ensure that mixed-sex couples will be able to form civil partnerships.

"This brings into law our Liberal Democrat policy on Equal Marriage in the UK from 2010, where we campaigned for everyone to be able to choose the option that is best suited to their own relationships and life circumstances.

"Now it's up to the Government to get on with the legislation and stop placing hurdles in the way of equality."

Liberal Democrat Baroness Lynne Featherstone, who fought for the Equal Marriage Act to become law, said:

"In Coalition I was the originator and architect of the Equal Marriage Act, and I am delighted that the Supreme Court has chosen to strengthen my legislation.

"This decision is not just symbolic, but moves us one step closer to equality in the eyes of the law."