No law change planned for cohabiting couples

Tue, 05 Dec 2017

Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas MHK

The Policy and Reform Minister says there are no immediate plans to introduce laws giving cohabiting couples the same legal rights as married couples.

Chris Thomas told the House of Keys that the issue merits attention, but other bills are competing for attention.

Almost 4,000 households on the Island are described as living together in a couple according to the most recent census, representing around 10% of Manx households.

However, Mr Thomas insists there are steps cohabiting couples can take, such as entering a legal cohabiting agreement.

A recent update to work permit legislation also means cohabiting partners are automatically entitled to a permit if their partner is a permit holder or Isle of Man worker.