However saying that I totally support the concept of civil partnerships in the eyes of the law, and think it a disgrace that same sex couples have had to wait so long for legal rights, protection and recognition.

In this quote, Adam Rickitt, a British actor and former pop singer, expresses his strong support for civil partnerships for same-sex couples. He acknowledges the delay in granting full legal rights, protection, and recognition to same-sex couples, calling it a disgrace. Rickitt emphasizes that the law should provide equality and fairness, and he condemns the historical denial of these basic rights to same-sex couples, reflecting a belief in the importance of social justice.

The origin of this statement likely stems from the ongoing debates in the UK and other parts of the world regarding the recognition of same-sex relationships. During the time when Rickitt made this comment, many countries, including the UK, were debating or had recently enacted legal reforms to recognize civil partnerships and, later, same-sex marriage. His statement comes from a position of support for these reforms, highlighting the importance of legal acknowledgment of same-sex relationships as equal to heterosexual unions.

Rickitt's remark also calls attention to the injustice faced by same-sex couples who were previously denied basic rights such as inheritance, healthcare access, and legal protections simply due to their sexual orientation. By using the word disgrace, he stresses the moral and ethical failure of the legal system to provide these rights sooner, acknowledging the significant harm caused by such delays.

Ultimately, Rickitt’s quote is a statement of both support and criticism—support for the eventual progress in recognizing same-sex relationships legally, but also criticism of how long it took for these couples to receive equal treatment under the law. It reflects his advocacy for equality and his disapproval of the delay in granting full rights to same-sex couples.