Since the 2004 introduction of the Civil Partnership Act – which allows for two people to be registered as civil partners at a British Consulate in the presence of an officer in the Diplomatic Service – 487 couples have so far registered their partnerships in this way.

Welcoming the figures, Chris Bryant said:
 
'I am delighted that, as we approach the 5th anniversary of the Civil Partnership Act 2004, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has been able to register almost 500 civil partnerships across the world, in countries where the couples would not otherwise have been able to.

We have always taken a strong line on protecting and enhancing human rights around the world and it's a delight that we can do so in such a practical way.

There's a lot more to do, especially in certain countries. The Foreign Office will continue to look for opportunities to raise such issues with these countries and hopefully we will make inroads.

Consuls, who often have to deal with really tough issues like child abduction, tell me the civil ceremonies we provide are one of the most enjoyable things they do.

The award, perhaps not surprisingly, for the largest number of civil partnerships goes to Sydney.'

Notes for Editors

1. Civil partnership registration allows same sex couples to have their relationship legally recognised under UK law.  By registering their relationship it gives them the same rights as a married couple in areas like tax, social security, inheritance and workplace benefits. Some countries object to Civil Partnerships under their own law but do not object to the FCO performing them in Consulates.  

2. The figures were released today in a Parliamentary Question - number 296863.

3.  The table below provides information on the countries where British Consulates can register Civil Partnerships and the number registered since the introduction of the Act.

Countries where civil partnerships can be registered	Registrations
Argentina	7
Australia (except Tasmania*)	308
Austria	2
Bulgaria	1
Canada*	1
Colombia	19
Costa Rica	0
Croatia	1
Czech Republic*	3
Guatemala	3
Hungary*	4
Ireland	17
Israel	1
Japan	22
Latvia	0
Malta	0
Moldova	0
Mongolia	0
Panama	4
Peru	7
Philippines	0
Portugal	7
South Africa*	19
Switzerland*	5
Turkmenistan	0
Uruguay	0
Venezuela	7
Vietnam	49
Total	487
* Have subsequently introduced their own Civil Partnership legislation

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