Commentary on Sections Part 5 – Civil partnerships formed or dissolved abroad etc.Introduction Chapter 2 – Overseas relationships treated as civil partnerships Section 213: Specified relationships
416.This section introduces Schedule 20, which lists the relationships which are “specified relationships” for the purposes of section 212. The Schedule lists various types of relationship which exist in other countries, such as civil union in Vermont in the United States of America, registered partnership in Denmark, and so on. It also includes marriage in Belgium and the Netherlands (both countries where marriage is available to same-sex partners). Relationships falling within the descriptions in Schedule 20 can be treated as civil partnerships as set out in sections 215 to 218 only if the other requirements of those sections and section 212 are met. For example, a marriage in Belgium or the Netherlands could be treated as a civil partnership only if it is between two people of the same sex who are not already in a civil partnership or lawfully married.
417.Subsections (2) to (6)  enable the Schedule to be amended by order made by the Secretary of State with the consent of Scottish Ministers and the Department of Finance and Personnel in Northern Ireland.