Marriage and civil partnership

A person has the protected characteristic of marriage and civil partnership if the person is married or is a civil partner. The protection does not extend to those who are single, divorced or engaged to be married. It also does not extend to students under the further and higher education provisions, but does apply to employees.

The Act does not define "marriage" or "civil partnership" and therefore general law applies:

• The Marriage Act 1949 states that for a marriage to be legal it must be between a man and a woman.
• The Civil Partnership Act 2004 allows a civil union between two people of the same sex.
• The Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Act 2013 enables same sex couples to marry in civil ceremonies.

                                
The University will treat civil partners in the same way as married people in a wide range of matters.

Questions?

If you would like any further information on this or any other equality issue please contact the team:

‌‌‌ equalityanddiversity@manchester.ac.uk | 0161 306 5857