An end to marriage?London -- Figures released in mid-February, 2007, by Britain's Office for National Statistics show that marriage rates have fallen to their lowest level in over a century, with a ten percent drop in 2005 alone. Similar statistics have been reported from other European Community European Community: see European Union. European Community (EC) Organization formed in 1967 with the merger of the European Economic Community, European Coal and Steel Community, and European Atomic Energy Community. countries. The decline is attributed principally to taxation policies which punish pun·ish v. pun·ished, pun·ish·ing, pun·ish·es v.tr. 1. To subject to a penalty for an offense, sin, or fault. 2. To inflict a penalty for (an offense). 3. families. It is expected to get worse if Blair's government implements new laws New Laws: see Las Casas, Bartolomé de. this summer extending legal rights such as inheritance inheritance, in law inheritance, in law: see heir. inheritance, in biology inheritance, in biology: see heredity. inheritance Devolution of property on an heir or heirs upon the death of its owner. to cohabitating couples, of whatever gender combination. Pro-family activists are extremely concerned (Nat. Post, Feb. 28, 2007). |
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