Explanatory note

This Order amends Schedule 21 to the Civil Partnership Act 2004 (“the Act”) and applies section 246 of the Act to provisions of certain existing subordinate legislation.

Section 246 of the Act provides that references to “step” relationships and “in laws” in any provision to which the section applies are to be read as including relationships arising through civil partnership. Section 246 applies to the provisions of the Acts specified in Schedule 21 to the Act. Article 2 amends Schedule 21 by adding further provisions of various Acts to that Schedule. Article 3 applies section 246 of the Act to the provisions of subordinate legislation listed in the Schedule to the Order.

A regulatory impact assessment has not been prepared for this Order, as it has no impact on the costs of business, charities, voluntary bodies or any public bodies distinct from that of the Act itself. A full regulatory impact assessment for civil partnership was published alongside the Act and can be viewed at http://www.dti.gov.uk/access/ria/index.htm#equality.