Dear Equal Civil Partnerships community, In less than a week, the UK Supreme Court will hear our case against the continued ban on different-sex civil partnerships. The Supreme Court only hears cases of the greatest public importance affecting the whole population so this is a defining moment in our efforts to open civil partnerships to all. COME JOIN US We would be honoured if you could join us outside the court as the hearing begins on the morning of Monday 14th May. Let’s celebrate our shared cause together and show judges and policymakers alike how much this means to us all.  We’ll be gathering outside the Court at 9.30am. Then, at 9.45am, we will be holding a press call on the steps of the Court. We will make a short statement as will our solicitor, Louise Whitfield, and Tim Loughton MP, who is taking a Private Members Bill on civil partnerships through Parliament. There is no way we could have come this far without your support, so we’d love to have you there alongside us if you can make it. The Equal Civil Partnerships campaign will provide placards though you’re also welcome to bring your own (please note, none can be taken inside the Court building.) You can let us know you’re coming via email (hello@equalcivilpartnerships.org.uk), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/equalcivilpartnerships/) or Twitter (@EqualCPS) or just turn up on the day. Date: Monday 14th May Time: 9.30am Place: The Supreme Court, Parliament Square, London SW1P 3BD The hearing will start at 11am. You’re welcome to join us in the court room (subject to space) or watch the livestream of proceedings in the court building or online at home (either https://www.supremecourt.uk/live/court-01.html or https://www.supremecourt.uk/live/court-02.html). We expect the hearing to conclude at 4.30pm on Monday, and then run from 10.30am to 1pm on Tuesday 15th May. Of course, you don’t need to stay for the whole time! LEGAL RECAP The Government has already had over five years to decide on the future of civil partnerships, and there is no justification for continuing to exclude different-sex couples. But instead of making a public commitment to extend civil partnerships to everyone, they’ve instead chosen to fight this case at considerable public expense. So we have had no choice but to go on. With small children and busy professional lives, this is something we’d have preferred not to do. We don’t have the financial resources to do this alone, so we’re deeply grateful for all your support. Thank you. If you would still like to donate, you can do so now here: https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/equalcivilpartnerships/ Any excess funds will be used for ongoing campaigning work. PLEASE SHARE THIS PETITION And for those who still need convincing (around 60% are in favour of extension and only 20% opposed, according to a 2017 Populus survey) help us show how popular opening civil partnerships is across the country. Please share this petition with your friends, family and social networks: http://change.org/civilpartnershipsforall Extending civil partnerships to different-sex couples would help to give the UK’s three million cohabiting couples and their families the legal recognition and financial security they need and deserve. That is what we’re fighting for. With your support, we’re confident we can achieve change, together. See you in court. Rebecca and Charles