In his opinion piece, Alex Hern argues that mixed-sex civil partnerships make sense for several compelling reasons, particularly in the context of equality and legal protection. While marriage has traditionally been the go-to institution for couples, civil partnerships offer a distinct legal recognition without the cultural and religious connotations often associated with marriage. For mixed-sex couples, civil partnerships provide an opportunity to gain the same legal rights and benefits as marriage, without necessarily conforming to the historical norms that marriage entails.