Christian charity accuses government of ‘undermining marriage’

Ministers said the move, announced at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, was an “important step forward for equality”.

It follows a Supreme Court ruling that legislation on civil partnerships, which are currently open only to same-sex couples, was in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Rebecca Steinfeld and Charles Keidan (pictured above), a couple from London had taken their case to the Supreme Court.

The Government said extending them to opposite-sex couples in England and Wales would provide greater security for those who wanted legal recognition for their relationship but did not want to get married.

In a statement Mrs May said: “This change in the law helps protect the interests of opposite-sex couples who want to commit, want to formalise their relationship but don’t necessarily want to get married.

“As home secretary, I was proud to sponsor the legislation that created equal marriage.

“Now, by extending civil partnerships, we are making sure that all couples, be they same-sex or opposite-sex, are given the same choices in life.”

Christian charity CARE has criticised the move.

In a statement, spokesperson James Mildred said: “Coming off the back of the Government’s rush to implement no fault divorce, coupled with today’s announcement it’s a double whammy.

“There is a real narrative developing that this is a Government unwilling to…