Dear friends,

We hope you and your loved ones are safe and well.

We are writing to you to ask you to please sign a new petition calling for digital registrations of civil partnerships and marriages.

Face-to-face registrations have been cancelled, and celebratory gatherings are impossible at this time. We understand the reasons why, and we have nothing but sympathy and respect for registrars trying to keep everyone safe while dealing with the tragedy of increased death registrations.

At the same time, we know that many couples are fearful that they are legally and financially vulnerable at a moment of uncertainty. Some of you are key-workers, risking your own safety, and others are older or have ongoing health needs that put you at increased risk. We all want – and deserve – to know that our partner and families will be protected and have peace of mind should the worst happen.

That is why the Equal Civil Partnerships Campaign is urgently calling for digital registrations of civil partnerships and marriages. We know it’s possible – New York State is already doing it – and many essential public services here in the UK are now also online.

Please sign and share this new petition to show your support: https://www.change.org/p/myrtle-lloyd-registrar-general-allow-digital-registrations-for-civil-partnerships-marriages-during-lockdown

Thank you.

Sending you strength and love from our family to yours through these tough times.

Rebecca and Charlie