01/03/2006
Bittersweet Union: A second gay marriage in the UK has ended in tragedy as one of the pair died just ten days after their civil partnership ceremony. Tony Williamson was suffering from a brain tumor but he and his partner Eric Stone, together five years, were able to take their vows on December 21st.
Said Stone: "I was with him right to the end. We knew he was very poorly, but he was determined we would have our ceremony on the first day of the new civil partnerships. I think that kept him going and I have wonderful memories of that day. He was a very strong and determined person who will be missed by everyone who knew him." Unfortunately, Stone himself is suffering from lung cancer. This is the second reported civil partnership to end due to terminal illness. Fortunately, both couples were able to finally be seen as equal citizens in the eys of the law and get what they wanted, to be married.
Posted 12:15 PM EST by Andy Towle in Gay Marriage | Permalink
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...but the UK does not allow marriage (yet).
a "civil partnership" is indeed "civil" but unfortunately not "proper" in the eyes of the UK.
tho they're light years ahead from the oppressive USA.
Posted by: A.J. | Jan 3, 2006 12:35:51 PM
It's proper enough to allow these men some legal dignity in their loss - their civil partnership gives them the same rights at this time as a married couple:
* The right to be next of kin automatically - which prevents families taking over after death and excluding the surving partner, which is all too common
* The right to inherit if there is no will - again all too common, with the associated rights of equal tax treatment compared to traditionally married couples
* The right for the surviving partner to continue a tenancy if they were renting their accomodation, rather than being kicked out on the street...
All this and more by right in law, at this sad time.
To be honest, I don't even know what AJ means by "proper in the eyes of the UK".
Posted by: Alan | Jan 3, 2006 3:34:45 PM
Alan is right.
Especially when a spouse dies -- that's when we need the protection of the law.
Posted by: Marc | Jan 4, 2006 6:54:37 AM