Civil Partnerships could soon be part of Manx Law

The law on same sex marriages is about to change on the Isle of Man.

The law on same sex marriages is about to change on the Isle of Man.

Just 20 years ago it was a criminal offence to be gay here, but from next month same sex couples will be able to share the same rights as married couples.

The Civil Partnership Bill has been tabled by Economic development minister Allan Bell.

He has been telling 3FM that the Island was intolerable for people within the gay community before it was decriminalised in 1992. (audio above)

There was a spate of suicides of young people on the Isle of Man who, Allan Bell said, could no longer tolerate living in such a repressive society.

The bill should get Royal Assent today.

That would mean that same sex partners who want to have a civil partnership will be able to do so from April 6th.

Civil Partnerships were introduced in the UK in 2004.