Date: Fri, 10 Oct 1997 18:48:28 +0100 From: Mark Watson Subject: Immigration Policy in the UK - a result Home Office to recognise same-sex couples in the immigration rules From Monday 13 October same-sex couples in long term, committed relationships will be able to apply for residency in the UK The Immigration Minister, Mike O'Brien, has today announced that he will introduce a policy to allow same-sex couples in long term, committed relationships to stay in the UK. The policy will come into affect as from Monday 13 October. Mike O'Brien said: 'The position we inherited for common-law and same-sex couples was unsustainable and may have breached human rights law.. We have therefore decided to introduce a concession outside the Rules in respect of these couples.. Under this concession a couple must show that they have been living together for four years or more and intend to continue to live together permanently. Once admitted they will have to show that the relationship has subsisted for a further year before being granted settlement.' Applicants will have to show that: - they have a relationship akin to marriage with a person (of either sex) who is present and settled in the UK (or is here in a category leading to settlement or has been granted asylum); - any previous marriage (or similar relationship) by either partner has permanently broken down; - they are legally unable to marry (other than by reason consanguineous relationships or age); - they have been living together in a stable relationship which has subsisted for four years or more; and they intend to continue to do so permanently; - they can maintain and accommodate themselves adequately without recourse to public funds. Mark Watson, Chair of the Stonewall Immigration Group, said today: 'We are very pleased that the Immigration Minister recognises that the policy of the previous government was unjust and unsustainable. We have had a very difficult struggle for the right to live with and love the partner of our choice. This has been won because a number of courageous couples have been prepared to fight for the right to live with the partner of their choice and demanded that their relationships be treated with equal respect. However we are disappointed that the criteria are so strict and much tighter than for those who can marry. The previous common-law policy required that couples be together for only two years. Many same-sex couples will still face an uncertain future because the Immigration Rules will prevent them developing a relationship for four years.' For further information please call Anya Palmer or Mark Watson on 0171 336 8860. PARTY TONIGHT There will be party tonight in the Stonewall Office from 7pm for members of the Stonewall Immigration Group and friends. Members of the Immigration Group who could come in this afternoon to help or be able to talk to the press would be very welcome. Mark Watson Campaigns Manager Stonewall 16 Clerkenwell Close London EC1R 0AA Tel. 0171 336 8860 Fax. 0171 336 8864 Immig. 0171 336 0620 mark@stonewall.org.uk http://www.stonewall.org.uk ******************************************************************************** * * * Stonewall Information Line: To subscribe * * 1) send mail to list-processor@diversity.org.uk containing a command * * subscribe stonewall * * * * 2) You will then receive a message asking you to confirm * * * ********************************************************************************