SCHEDULES

SCHEDULE 4Referral of proposed marriages and civil partnerships in England and Wales

PART 2Civil partnership

Notice period

I222

In section 11 (meaning of “the waiting period”), for “15” substitute “ 28 ”.

I1I323

1

Section 12 (power to shorten the waiting period) is amended in accordance with this paragraph.

2

In subsection (1), for “15” substitute “ 28 ”.

3

After subsection (3) insert—

4

If a proposed civil partnership is referred to the Secretary of State under section 12A—

a

any application under subsection (1) is to be made to the Secretary of State; and

b

the power conferred by subsection (1) is exercisable by the Secretary of State.

5

If the Secretary of State grants an application made under subsection (1), the Secretary of State must give notice of the grant of the application to—

a

the applicant,

b

the registration authority to which notice of the proposed civil partnership was given, and

c

if different, the registration authority responsible for issuing the civil partnership schedule under section 14(1) in relation to the proposed civil partnership.

6

Regulations under subsection (2) do not apply to applications made to the Secretary of State in accordance with subsection (4).

7

The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision with respect to the making, and granting, of applications made in accordance with subsection (4).

8

The Secretary of State must consult the Registrar General before making regulations under subsection (7).