Countdown to civil partnership: A survey of lesbian and gay people shows that many are still unaware about same sex civil partnerships less than two weeks before the Act comes into effect on December 5, according to Westminster City Council. The first same sex civil partnership ceremonies will take place on 21 December. Westminster City Council Register Office has over 100 bookings and the first couple, Roger Lockyer and Percy Stevens will register their partnership at the Register Office at 8am.