The UK Deed Poll Office proudly state "The rules for changing your name after you enter into same-sex marriage are exactly the same as for a heterosexual couple."  

This is not true.  

For heterosexual couples wanting to have a double barrelled (hyphenated) surname, they state that your "marriage certificate is enough," explained as being because:

It's "...reasonably clear... due to the hyphen" which is your surname, and that "...It is easy to understand how you decided on that last name." 

This is the same regardless of whose surname is put first.

However despite how they "proudly support[...]" the LGBTQIA+ community, they firmly outline that should same sex couples wish to have a double barrelled surname, both parties must apply and pay for a change of their name by Deed Poll:

"...you will both need to apply for a Deed Poll in order to change your names."

The reason for this petition is not because of the cost and nuisance of a Deed Poll name variation.  The reason for this petition is the unnecessarily different treatment of same sex couples versus different sex couples. 

The Deed Poll Office have been contacted multiple times and not responded with any reason for this difference in treatment, or that they are willing to change so that their statement of equal treatment is reflected in their rules.  Instead they merely note on their website how: 

"...it’s our honor [sic] to assist you in changing your name should you require a Deed Poll."

The solution is simple:  To remove the requirement for same sex couples to have to change their name by Deed Poll when creating a double barrelled surname upon marriage to their partner.

That same sex couples can now get married in the UK is wonderful.  However aspects such as this show that equality is not yet there, and more needs to be done to achieve this. 

Please be part of that change by signing and sharing this petition.