Posted by
Greg England on Wednesday, August 01, 2007 5:33:01 PM
The UK’s Law Commission has lost the plot
I am referring to their latest harebrained proposal to reinstate the ‘common law marriage’. Contrary to popular belief, common law marriages do not exist in the UK, and have not existed since the Marriage Act of 1753 (special rules apply in Scotland).
However, in their infinite wisdom, the Law Commission has decided that a change in the law is required. It wishes to save couples from financial hardship and it is reacting to changes in lifestyles (the 2001 census recorded over two million cohabiting households).
http://www.lawcom.gov.uk/cohabitation.htm
Here are some extracts from their arguments:
“The result of the current law’s inadequacy is hardship for many cohabitants on separation and, as a consequence, their children. This comes at a great personal cost to those involved. And in many cases relationship breakdown may lead to reliance on the State in the form of claims to welfare benefits and social housing.”
How can I oppose such legislation? It’s for the children, remember. In the spirit of ‘attack is the best form of defence’ they then go on to criticise potential opponents of the legislation, stating that:
“There will always be reasons why cohabitants do not or cannot take steps to protect themselves. In particular, it is often not feasible for a person simply to “get married” as his or her partner may not agree to do so. In such circumstances the only alternatives are to put up with the existing position or to leave the relationship.”
How can I strenuously object?
Well think about it. For the first time in over 250 years it will be possible for someone to become married to you without even trying. No bended knee or engagement ring will be necessary. No public ceremony, no banns, no softly spoken words. No “speak now and forever hold your peace.”
Other areas of life require verbal and written contracts.
But give someone a house key ... wait a couple of years ... and watch them take your house!
(And who says you even shared a bed ...)