In the United Kingdom , civil partnerships have identical legal status to a marriage , and partners have all the same benefits and legal rights ; ranging from tax exemptions and joint property rights , to next-of-kin status and shared parenting responsibilities . In the United Kingdom , civil partnerships were introduced in 2005 . The law gives civil partners the same benefits and associated legal rights of marriage ; ranging from tax exemptions and joint property rights , to next-of-kin status and shared parenting responsibilities .