UK to allow same-sex civil unions News
UK to allow same-sex civil unions

[JURIST] The British government announced Monday that same-sex partners will be able to enter into civil unions starting in December. Under the Civil Partnerships Bill [text], passed last year by Parliament, same-sex couples will have the right to form legally binding partnerships and will be entitled to the same tax and pension benefits that married couples have. Starting Dec. 5, couples will be able to register for a civil partnership, which will become official after a 15-day waiting period. "This legislation is going to make a real difference to these couples and it demonstrates the government's commitment to equality and social justice," said Deputy Minister Jacqui Smith [official bio]. The Guardian has more. In a related story [JURIST report] noted earlier today on JURIST's Paper Chase, UK armed services said they would allow same-sex couples to share living quarters.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Montgomery started racially-integrated bus service after boycott

On December 21, 1956, buses in Montgomery, Alabama, started racially integrated service following federal court rulings ending on-board segregation. Bus boycott leaders Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and Rev. Ralph Abernathy were among the first riders under the new scheme. Learn about the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

Stalin born

On December 21, 1879, Joseph Stalin was born in Gori, Georgia. In 1922, he became leader of the USSR until his death in 1953. During his time as Soviet dictator, Stalin industrialized his country, which he then led to become one of the world's two superpowers after WWII. Through his infamous purges, show trials and nationwide famines, Stalin also became responsible for millions of deaths.