PP807
Analítico de Periódico
BARKER, Nicola
Sex and the Civil Partnership Act : the future of (non) conjugality? / Nicola Barker
Feminist legal studies, Dordrecht, v.14n.2(August2006), p.241-259
Volume subordinado ao tema "Domestic partnerships: stretching the marriage model?"
DIREITO DA FAMÍLIA / Reino Unido, COABITAÇÃO / Reino Unido, HOMOSSEXUALIDADE / Reino Unido, UNIÃO DE FACTO / Reino Unido, MATRIMÓNIO / Reino Unido
This article considers the transgressive and transformative possibilities in the sexual silences of the U.K.'s Civil Partnership Act 2004. The absence of a consummation requirement and adultery as a specific ground of dissolution do open up some possibilities but are not unproblematic. These issues are explored in the context of the Enland and Wales Law Commission's apparent 'return' to a conjugal model in its forthcoming consultation on cohabitation. It is concluded that though the Act may open up possibilities for expanding the legal recognition of relationships beyond those that are sexual, this raises concerns about the further privatisation of care as well as increased state intervention in relationships. Instead, I argue that the purpose and function of relationship recognition should be deconstructed and separeted from ideology and romantic mythology about what families and relationships are and should be. If it does wed itself so closely to the conjugal marriage model in the consultation document, the Law Commision will miss a valuable opportunity to ask important questions about the purpose and function of relationship recognition.