Commentary on Sections Part 2 – Civil Partnership: England and Wales.Introduction Chapter 1 – Registration Section 25: Issue of Registrar General’s licence
53.This section applies where a notice of proposed civil partnership has been given to a registration authority under the special procedure. The registration authority may issue a Register General’s licence only if given authority to do so by the Registrar General. The Registrar General may not give his authority unless he is satisfied that one of the proposed civil partners is seriously ill and not expected to recover. If he is so satisfied, he must give his authority unless he is also satisfied that there is a lawful impediment to the issue of the licence. If an objection has been made to the Registrar General giving his authority, he must not give his authority until he has investigated the objection and has decided whether it ought to obstruct the issue of the licence or the objection has been withdrawn.