Dear supporters, We have exciting news: Yesterday, the annual ballot for private members bills took place in Parliament, during which the names of 20 MPs were drawn and each given an opportunity to introduce a bill. In practice, given restricted time for debate, only the top six have a chance of actually bringing about legislative change. Imagine our amazement and excitement, therefore, when two prominent backers of extending civil partnerships to mixed-sex couples, Chris Bryant and Tim Loughton, finished first and fifth in the ballot, respectively. As you probably know, Tim Loughton has campaigned for extending civil partnerships to mixed-sex couples over many years, twice tabling bills to amend the 2004 Civil Partnership Act, which restricts civil partnerships to same-sex couples. Frustratingly, his last bill timed out when the snap election was called. You can read more about Tim’s long-standing commitment to this issue, in his own words, here: https://www.timloughton.com/news/equal-civil-partnerships Meanwhile, Chris Bryant has already told the BBC that he is considering using his position at the top of the ballot to introduce mixed-sex civil partnerships. But he is also considering a ban on non-recyclable supermarket wrapping, abolishing hereditary peers, and introducing a new offence of attacking emergency service workers, as you can see here: http://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-politics-40446786/chris-bryant-tops-list-of-mps-for-a-private-members-bill So we have stiff competition! Tim Loughton and Chris Byrant’s positions in the ballot are a fantastic opportunity to finally open civil partnerships to all. One of them has a unique opportunity to introduce historic legislation that would be fair, popular, and good for families and children. But with many important causes competing for attention, we need ALL OF YOU to write to these two MPs NOW to tell them why this issue matters to you. Please join us to urge them to use this opportunity to introduce a bill to open civil partnerships to all. Knowing the depth of public support for this bill could be pivotal in their decisions. We’ve created quick links to help you do this, but please feel free to tell your personal story and give your own reasons too. Email Chris Bryant here: http://act.equalcivilpartnerships.org.uk/campaigns/chris-bryant-please-use-this-opportunity-to-create-mixed-sex-civil-partnerships Email Tim Loughton here: http://act.equalcivilpartnerships.org.uk/campaigns/please-use-this-opportunity-to-create-mixed-sex-civil-partnerships Finally, a massive thank you for all your support in the run-up to the general election. Thanks to your efforts, 17 new MPs in Parliament are backing the campaign. This is an amazing return and a big increase in our number of parliamentary supporters. It adds to the London Assembly Members, MEPs, and 58 MPs from six different parties who already back extending civil partnerships. What a great result! The wind is already in our sails. Help us keep up the momentum. Write to Chris Byrant and Tim Loughton now. Warm wishes, Rebecca and Charles