Gay and lesbian couples in Britain began officially registering their plans to tie the knot under a historic new law that came into effect on Monday. Tens of thousands of same-sex couples are expected to sign so-called civil partnerships over the next five years alone, giving them basically the same rights and responsibilities as their married, heterosexual counterparts. The new law, which was passed in November last year, enables gay couples to benefit from a dead partnerâs pension, grant next-of-kin rights in hospitals and exempt them from inheritance tax on a partnerâs home. The Act does not use the term âgay marriageâ but civil partnerships have been designed to be as close to a marriage contract as possible.Partners will even be able to dissolve the agreement in a form of divorce. To make a civil partnership, a couple must register their intent, wait a compulsory 15 days and then go to a register office or other authorised place. There they sign an official civil partnership document in front of a registrar and two witnesses. The ceremony is much like a civil wedding. Anticipation about the new law coming into force has been building in recent weeks. It even has a showbiz element. Pop star Elton John and his longstanding partner David Furnish intend to be among the first to sign up in December. George Michael has also announced his impending âmarriageâ to his companion Kenny Goss.