LRSA Conference - GRO Marriage and civil partnership update Presented by: Eric Powell Date: 23 April 2014

Content Marriage of same sex couples Sham marriages/civil partnerships Government consultations

Marriage of same sex couples Key Changes Phase 1 – delivered 13 March Civil marriage for same sex couples Religious marriage for same sex couples –Religious consent Phase 1a – June 2014 Phase 2 (by end 2014) Conversions from CP to marriage Marriage continuing on gender recognition CP continuing on both parties obtaining gender recognition

Conversions Straight forward administrative process Face to face –Evidence of identity and CP –Statement that CP not subsequently dissolved –That CP should be converted to marriage Cost recovery fee RON system will be updated Electronic registration Option for celebratory non statutory service following conversion

Processes Gender recognition Will be administered by GRO Following formal Gender recognition Couple will be provided with new marriage or CP certificate Certificates must not inadvertently “out” an individual Original entry will be annotated

Immigration Bill Phase 1 (2 months after Royal Assent) – enhanced data sharing powers includes - –Pre-notice s24 reports –Reporting immigration offences, e.g. overstayers –Data sharing with local authorities –Sharing information with each other –Data sharing with OGD’s Phase 2 – implementation of referral scheme (Spring 2014) –Referral of those in scope of the scheme to Immigration Enforcement –Change to notice period

Phase two provisions Overview All Marriage/CP subject to 28 day notice Anglican marriages involving non EEA national Designated Register Offices retained All marriages within scheme referred to IE S24 reports will remain

Sham Marriages/CP Taking a notice – Phase 2 Taking a notice – Evidence –Everyone will be required to produce evidence of name, surname, date of birth, place of residence, nationality and immigration status –Those in scope of the scheme will be required to provide a photograph –Non EEA nationals must make a statement as to their immigration status –Those in scope of the scheme will also have to provide their usual address/contact address –Evidence relating to the ending of a previous marriage or civil partnership, if applicable.

Sham Marriages/CP Referral to Home Office - proposals Referral to IE IE will contact the couple and the registration officer before the end of the 28 day waiting period to advise either – –the waiting period has been extended to 70 days, or –the Certificate for Marriage/CP Schedule can be issued If the waiting period is extended IE will contact the couple and the registration officer before the end of the 70 days to advise either – –the Certificate for Marriage/CP Schedule can be issued, or –the couple have not complied with the scheme and therefore the Certificate for Marriage/CP Schedule cannot be issued –If the 28 or 70 day period lapses and the authority has not been received from IE the certificate for marriage/Schedule may be issued

Government consultations Review of Civil Partnerships –Publication of outcome by winter 2014 Review of Belief Marriages –Formal government consultation –Publication of outcome by 1 January 2015 –Order making power contained within Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013

Questions ?