As I said in the first comment, the rights aren't automatic on gay couples - they need to do the equivalent of a registry office thing too.

So, in effect, everyone here is equal - do you the ceremony thing, no matter how small you make it, you get the benefits. If you don't you don't.

I'm not too sure if I'm worried about it being "civil partnerships" in name either. If you read the bill, it's as close to marriage in terms of rights and responsobilities as it can be without using the word. It's second best, but only a tiny bit so.