Even in the early 21st century Parliament continues to pass legislation that reflects the nature of modern relationships.
Civil partnerships
The Civil Partnership Act 2004, for example, granted civil partnerships to same-sex couples in the United Kingdom with rights and responsibilities identical to civil marriage.
Although the Act was intended to apply only to England and Wales, the devolved Scottish Parliament passed a Legislative Consent Motion which allowed Westminster to legislate on behalf of Scotland.
Criticism
Parliament's consideration of the Civil Partnership Bill was controversial. Although broadly supported across the main political parties, it faced criticism from people who believed that the tradition of marriage would be diluted by extending marriage rights to others.
Others felt the Bill should be applied more widely to opposite-sex couples who wanted the right to enter a civil partnership.
Attempt to extend eligibility
In a debate on the Bill in the House of Lords on 24 June 2004 Baroness O'Cathain moved an amendment to extend eligibility for civil partnership to blood relatives who had lived together for a minimum period of time.
This was passed, but overturned in the Commons and sent back to the Lords for reconsideration. The Upper House accepted the Commons amendment and the Bill received Royal Assent on 18 November 2004.