The beginning of the twenty-first century has seen the dramatic opening of the institution of marriage to same-sex couples, within certain few countries in Europe and North America. This wave of liberal reform of marriage began with the Netherlands in 2001 and spread quickly to other European countries such as Belgium (2003), Spain (2005), Norway (2009), Portugal (2009), and Iceland (2009). However not all European countries have chosen to legislate in favour of same-sex marriage, as many jurisdictions have opted for an alternative model for relationship recognition such as civil union or partnerships. However in the case of the United Kingdom, does the existence of two institutions that are solely exclusive upon sexuality create unfair discrimination?
This book examines this question and puts forward the moral and legal debate that exists on this topical area. This is done while examining the theoretical argument that may be challenged under the European convention on Human Rights.