A heterosexual couple who want to enter a civil partnership instead of getting married have been granted the right to take their case to the UK Supreme Court. The couple are currently prevented from doing so by the Civil Partnership Act 2004, which only applies to same-sex couples, and they argue the State’s position is “incompatible with equality law”.

The couple say that not all families are comfortable with marriage, but want the “financial and legal protection” that a civil partnership provides. The Equal Civil Partnerships Campaign argues marriage comes with religious connotations and notions of patriarchy. Rebecca Steinfeld, who is bringing the case with her partner, Charles Keidan, said: “We hope the Supreme Court will deliver a judgment that will finally provide access to civil partnerships for thousands of families across the country.” Theirs solicitor Louise Whitfield said: “This is a very significant achievement for my clients as the Supreme Court only gives permission for a very small number of cases each year – those that are the most important for the court to consider.”