In many jurisdictions registered partnerships were introduced either as a functional equivalent to marriage for same-sex couples or as an alternative to marriage open to all couples. But now that marriage is opened up to same-sex couples in an increasing number of jurisdictions, is there a role and a need for another form of formalised adult relationship besides marriage?
In this book, leading family law experts from 15 European and non-European countries explore the history and function of registered partnership in their own jurisdictions. Further chapters look at the impact of the European Convention on Human Rights and European Union Law on the regulation of registered partnerships. In the concluding chapters the different approaches are analysed and compared.
This book provides the foundation for an informed discussion not only on changes to the implementation of registered partnership schemes, but also more generally for reviewing the law concerning the recognition of adult relationships.