Registrars cannot be forced to
carry out civil partnerships

In his legal opinion James Dingemans QC argues it would be unlawful to apply disciplinary proceedings against a registrar who refuses to register a civil partnership on grounds of his/her religious beliefs. Mr Dingemans also argues that councils can refuse to use the council's 'marriage room' for the registration of civil partnerships.

Last year, the Association of Registrars of Scotland said most of its 200 members would not perform civil partnership ceremonies because of religious or moral objections (see The Sunday Times, 4 April 2004).

The Western Isles Council is backing its registrars who have refused to conduct the registrations. The Council will meet its legal obligations but will not offer additional 'ceremonies'.

Speaking today, Colin Hart (Director of The Christian Institute) said, "Civil Partnerships are hugely controversial. The public is sharply divided on the subject. Many registrars do not believe it is right to register a homosexual partnership. I support their right to refuse to conduct such registrations. Any attempt to apply disciplinary proceedings against such registrars is unlawful and is a form of discrimination against Christian registrars. Registrars' liberty of conscience should not be threatened by state coercion."

"I support any council that decides not to hold ceremonies for civil partnerships and uses a separate room other than the council's 'marriage room' for registration. They are acting lawfully. The Government says a civil partnership is not a 'gay marriage', so let councils act on that basis."

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