MSNBC - Britain moves toward endorsing civil unions

LONDON - With the issue of gay marriage still roiling the American political landscape, close ally Britain is quietly setting course for formal recognition for civil unions, following a path carved out by several other European Union countries.

To enter a civil partnership, couples will need to sign a register in front of a registration officer and two witnesses.

The union is similar to the responsibilities that come with marriage such that each partner has a responsibility to one another and children of the family.

The bill will give couples social security benefits in the case of a partner's death, as well as pension benefits and the ability to gain parental responsibility for their civil partner’s children.

Unlike the United States where the two major political parties seem divided on the issue, the governing Labour Party and the main opposition see eye to eye on civil unions.

The rest of the world moves forward.