---

Civil Partnership Act 2004 (Overseas Relationships and Consequential, etc. Amendments) Order 2005

I thank the Minister for his clear and detailed explanation of the order. I know from discussions with my noble friend Lady Wilcox that the Civil Partnership Act had an interesting time in its passage through the House last year. That said, there appears to be little to object to in the relatively minor and consequential amendments made by the order. It is appropriate to clarify the position regarding overseas relationships that may be treated as civil partnerships. It also appears appropriate to make consequential amendments in respect of technical registration matters, and to make provision for changes in the Marriage Act 1949 and the Civil Partnership Act to allow those who change gender to marry or form civil partnerships without undue delay. On a more general note, how many couples have registered as civil partners since the Act came into force last year?