Legislating for Equality?

The Civil Partnerships legislation sought to put same-sex relationships on an equal footing with opposite sex relationships in a wide range of areas, including social rights, welfare, child support, and support for employment through the tax credits system. Among other things, the changes have tried to ensure that controversial aspects like the cohabitation rule operate fairly. This article examines the changes, and evaluates their success and the likely areas that the courts will have to address.