As of the 31st December, mixed-sex couples in Britain will now be allowed to enter a civil partnership.
Until now, only same-sex couples had been permitted to become civil partners.
Civil partnerships offer almost the same rights as marriage - including entitlements for tax, property and inheritance.
UK Correspondent Natalie Powell has the latest.
IN: Thousands of couples in
OUT: SOC
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http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/1231civilpartnerships-np-generic.mp3