UK sees first civil partnership ceremonies News
UK sees first civil partnership ceremonies

[JURIST] Nearly 700 same-sex couples in Britain took part in civil partnership ceremonies Wednesday, the first day of eligibility under Britain's Civil Partnership Act [text], which was enacted in 2004. Registration for civil partnerships [JURIST report] began earlier this month, and couples are required to wait 15 days after registration before holding ceremonies. Partners in civil unions are now afforded most of the legal rights enjoyed by traditional marriage partners, including the same social security, inheritance, and pension benefits, next-of-kin visiting rights in all hospitals, and the right to succeed in tenancy situations. Partners will also have the same responsibilities towards the children of their partners. BBC News has background information [text] on civil partnerships; the Scotsman has more.

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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.