Until 2017, anyone who wanted to say at least "some form of yes" to each other as a same-sex couple had to rely on a registered civil partnership. Many spoke of a "second-class marriage" in this context, as those involved did not have the same rights by far as heterosexual couples in a classic marriage.
Since 01 October 2017, however, things have changed. Because: On this day, the Marriage Opening Act came into force. This enabled not only men and women, but also same-sex couples to marry. Marriage was no longer officially a construct between a man and a woman, but could be celebrated regardless of gender.
This was an important step in many respects. Among other things, because the registered civil partnership was still far from being available to every queer couple.
Who was allowed to register their civil partnership?
In general, the registered civil partnership was aimed at all people with the same gender entry. This means: man and man and woman and woman were allowed to have their civil partnership "confirmed" in this way.
However, people who had opted for the gender entry "diverse" were excluded from this right. Marriage for all, in contrast to the registered civil partnership, now takes a completely different approach. Because: Here, everyone - regardless of gender or self-identification - is allowed to marry.
However, since marriage was opened to all, there are no longer any new registered civil partnerships. This means that couples who were already engaged can now no longer partner up. Instead, same-sex couples have now been put on an equal footing with heterosexual couples.
The registered civil partnership was followed by marriage for all: What should be considered now?
Heterosexual and homosexual couples must observe the same details as far as possible with regard to marriage. The sexes or the gender of the spouses no longer play a role.
Some "basic rules" from the registered civil partnership have also been adopted. The following pointers will help:
- Marriage, or marriage for all, is a construct of two people who must both be of legal age.
- You must not be married or partnered.
- A relationship in a straight line must not exist.
- The spouses must provide identification, their birth certificates and registration certificates.
The point of contact for everything to do with marriage for all is the registry office. The civil servants have already performed many same-sex marriages since the abolition of registered partnerships. They know their stuff and are happy to help those with questions about bureaucratic procedures and the like.
Can a registered civil partnership be made into a marriage?
Those who already live in a registered civil partnership and now want to take the "next step" can also have their partnership converted into marriage for all. However, this is not a "must". Couples who wish to do so can continue to live in a registered civil partnership. However, it is important to remember that the two options are not equal.
Differences can be seen, among other things, with regard to the protection afforded by the Basic Law and the adoption of children.
Couples who have decided to convert their registered civil partnership into marriage for all first go to the relevant registry office. Here, various documents must then be presented, including the certificate for the civil partnership. Another special feature: the rights and obligations associated with a classic marriage then apply retrospectively from the start of the registered civil partnership.
The fact that same-sex couples now have the opportunity to enter into marriage for all is the result of numerous efforts. Since the registered civil partnership was replaced by marriage for all, thousands of couples have said yes to each other.
Very interesting I do not know yet whether I will enter the times but also did not know that everything is so possible. But how does it look like someone has his personal experience? I would be interested to know how something like this can happen, I imagine it is a bit more complicated. With me it was often that I had fun with men who had not come out. Do not think everyone takes something like that always loose on or?