“In line with instructions from UK Ministers to use my reserved powers under s81 of the Constitution, I have today given Assent to the Civil Partnership Law and 11 consequential pieces of legislation.
“The 21 day consultation period ended on 31 August. The Attorney General’s Office, Deputy Governor and I have carefully considered all comments received. As a result a number of amendments were made to the draft legislation discussed by the Legislative Assembly. These were aimed principally at strengthening the effectiveness of the Legislation. As previously announced, the title has changed to Civil Partnership in response to feedback received. A number of pieces of consequential legislation have been updated to ensure they apply to those who enter civil partnerships. The changes to the law and the consequential legislation are set out in the attached document.