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[[Same-sex marriages]] are granted throughout the entire state for same-sex couples.
[[Same-sex marriages]] are granted throughout the entire state for same-sex couples.

==== Rhode Island ====

[[Civil unions]] are granted throughout the entire state for same-sex couples.


==== New Hampshire ====
==== New Hampshire ====

Revision as of 03:56, 10 May 2012

Part of the LGBT rights series
Marriage

Recognized

Civil unions and
registered partnerships
Minimal recognition
See also
Notes
  1. KoN: Performed in the Netherlands proper (including the Caribbean Netherlands), as well as in Aruba and Curaçao. May be registered in Sint Maarten in such cases, but the rights of marriage are not guaranteed.
  2. NZ: Neither performed nor recognized in Niue, Tokelau, or the Cook Islands.
  3. UK: Neither performed nor recognized in six British Overseas Territories.
  4. US: Neither performed nor recognized in some tribal nations. Recognized but not performed in several other tribal nations and American Samoa.
  5. Israel: Registered foreign marriages confer all marriage rights. Domestic common-law marriages confer most rights of marriage. Domestic civil marriage recognized by some cities.
  6. EU: The Coman v. Romania ruling of the European Court of Justice obliges the state to provide residency rights for the foreign spouses of EU citizens. Some member states, including Romania, do not follow the ruling.
  7. Cambodia: Recognition of a "declaration of family relationship", which may be useful in matters such as housing, but they are not legally binding.
  8. China: Guardianship agreements, conferring some limited legal benefits, including decisions about medical and personal care.
  9. HK: Inheritance, guardianship rights, and residency rights for foreign spouses of legal residents.
  10. India: Courts have recognised guru–shishya, nata pratha or maitri karar–type contractual relationships, but they are not legally binding.
  11. Japan: Some cities and prefectures issue partnership certificates, but they are not legally binding.
  12. Namibia: Marriages conducted abroad between a Namibian national and a foreign spouse recognized for residency rights.
  13. Romania: Hospital visitation rights through a "legal representative" status.
  14. South Korea: Spousal health insurance benefits
* Not yet in effect
LGBT portal

As of 2012, 19 U.S. states and the District of Columbia legally recognize and document same-sex relationships in some fashion, be it by same-sex marriage, civil union or domestic partnership registries. Many counties and municipalities outside of these states also provide domestic partnership registries which are not officially recognized by the laws of their states and are only valid within those counties. In addition, many counties continue to provide their own domestic partnership registries while their states also provide larger registries; a couple can only maintain registration on one registry, requiring the couple to de-register from the state registry before registering with the county registry.

These are the cities and counties of United States which offer a domestic partnership, classified by census region [1] :

West Region

Map of counties that offer domestic partner benefits either county-wide or in particular cities
  County or city offers domestic partner benefits1
  State-wide partner benefits through same-sex marriage, civil unions, domestic partnership, or designated beneficiary agreements
  County or city does not offer domestic partner benefits
1Michigan bans domestic partner benefits for unmarried public employees

Pacific Division

Hawaii

Civil unions are granted throughout the entire state to same-sex couples.

Alaska

No recognition for same-sex couples on state, county or city level.

Washington State

Same-sex marriages (effective June 7, 2012) and domestic partnerships are granted throughout the entire state to same-sex couples.

  • City of Lacey: Residents of the city. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.
  • City of Olympia: No residency requirement. Both opposite- and same-sex couples. Notarized applications are accepted by mail when accompanied by appropriate payment.
  • City of Seattle: No residency requirement. Both opposite- and same-sex couples. Notarized applications are accepted by mail when accompanied by appropriate payment.
  • City of Tumwater: Residents of the city. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.

Oregon

Domestic partnerships are granted throughout the entire state to same-sex couples.

  • City of Ashland: No residency requirement. Limited to same-sex couples.
  • City of Eugene: No residency requirement. Both opposite-sex and same-sex couples.
  • Multnomah County: No residency requirement. Both partners must be present. Both opposite-sex and same-sex couples.

California

Domestic partnerships are granted throughout the entire state to same-sex couples.

  • City of Berkeley: No residency requirement. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.
  • City of Beverly Hills: No residency requirement. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.
  • City of Cathedral City: Residents of the city. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.
  • City of Davis: Residents of the city. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.
  • City of Laguna Beach: No residency requirement. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.
  • City of Long Beach: No residency requirement. Both opposite- and same-sex couples. Benefits include visitation rights in hospitals and correctional facilities equal to those given to a spouse.
  • Los Angeles County : Residents of the county or at least one partner employed by the county. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.
  • Marin County: Residents of the county or at least one partner employed in the county. Limited to same-sex couples.
  • City of Oakland: Residents of the city or at least one partner employed by the city. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.
  • City of Palm Springs: Residents of the city. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.
  • City of Palo Alto: No residency requirement. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.
  • City of Petaluma: Residents of the city or at least one partner employed in the city. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.
  • City of Sacramento: Residents of the city. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.
  • City of San Francisco: Residents of the city or at least one partner employed by the city or county government. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.
  • Santa Barbara County : Residents of the county or at least one partner employed in the county. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.
  • City of Santa Barbara: No residency requirement. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.
  • City of Santa Monica: No residency requirement. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.
  • City of West Hollywood: No residency requirement. Both opposite- and same-sex couples. Notarized applications are accepted by mail when accompanied by appropriate payment.

Mountain Division

Idaho

No recognition for same-sex couples on state, county or city level.

Montana

No recognition for same-sex couples on state, county or city level.

Wyoming

No recognition for same-sex couples on state, county or city level.

Nevada

Domestic partnerships are granted throughout the entire state to same-sex couples.

Utah

There is no legal recognition for same-sex couples on a state level.

  • Salt Lake City : The Mutual Commitment Registry is open to city residents.

Colorado

Designated Beneficiary Agreements (with limited rights) are granted throughout the entire state to same-sex couples.

  • City of Boulder: No residency requirement. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.
  • City of Denver: No residency requirement. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.

Arizona

There is no legal recognition for same-sex couples on a state level.

  • City of Phoenix: Must be resident of Phoenix. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.
  • City of Tucson : No residency requirement. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.

New Mexico

No recognition for same-sex couples on state, county or city level.

Midwest Region

West North Central Division

North Dakota

No recognition for same-sex couples on state, county or city level.

South Dakota

No recognition for same-sex couples on state, county or city level.

Minnesota

There is no legal recognition for same-sex couples on a state level.

Nebraska

No recognition for same-sex couples on state, county or city level.

Iowa

Same-sex marriages are granted throughout the entire state to same-sex couples.

Kansas

There is no legal recognition for same-sex couples on a state level.

  • City of Lawrence: Both individuals must be residents of the City of Lawrence, Kansas. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.

Missouri

There is no legal recognition for same-sex couples on a state level.

East North Central Division

Wisconsin

Domestic partnerships with limited rights (similar to Maine) are granted throughout the entire state to same-sex couples.

Michigan

There is no legal recognition for same-sex couples on a state level.

On December 22, 2011, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder signed into law HB 4770, which bans domestic partner benefits for unmarried public employees.[19] The American Civil Liberties Union has filed a lawsuit against the law in federal court.[20]

Illinois

Civil unions are granted throughout the entire state to same-sex couples.

Indiana

No recognition for same-sex couples on state, county or city level.

Ohio

There is no legal recognition for same-sex couples on a state level.

North-East Region

New England Division

Vermont

Same-sex marriages are granted throughout the entire state for same-sex couples.

Rhode Island

Civil unions are granted throughout the entire state for same-sex couples.

New Hampshire

Same-sex marriages are granted throughout the entire state for same-sex couples.

Maine

Domestic partnerships with limited rights (similar to Wisconsin) are granted throughout the entire state for same-sex couples. John Baldacci signed a bill into law on May 6, 2009 allowing same-sex marriage, but the law was delayed from becoming effective until enough signatures were gathered for a citizens vote. The result was the recently enacted law did get repealed by 53 percent of citizens by the infamous "people's veto" on November 3, 2009 [28].

  • City of Portland: Residents of the city. Benefits include the visitation rights at city health facilities equal to those given to a spouse. Same-sex couples only.

Massachusetts

Same-sex marriages are granted throughout the entire state for same-sex couples.

  • City of Boston: No residency requirement. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.
  • Town of Brewster: No residency requirement. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.
  • Town of Brookline: No residency requirement. Limited to same-sex couples.
  • City of Cambridge (Harvard University): No residency requirement. Both opposite- and same-sex couples. Benefits include visitation rights in hospitals and correctional facilities equal to those given to a spouse. A domestic partner, who is also the parent or legal guardian of a child, may file a form at or send a letter to the child's school to indicate that the parent's domestic partner shall have access to the child's records.
  • Town of Nantucket: No residency requirement. Open to opposite- and same-sex couples.
  • Town of Provincetown: No residency requirement for registrants. Both opposite- and same-sex couples. Benefits include visitation rights in hospitals and correctional facilities equal to those given to a spouse. A domestic partner, who is also the parent or legal guardian of a child, may file a form at or send a letter to the child's school to indicate that the parent's domestic partner shall have access to the child's records.

Connecticut

Same-sex marriages are granted throughout the entire state for same-sex couples.

  • City of Hartford: No residency requirement. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.

civil unions are granted throughout the entire state for same-sex couples.

Middle Atlantic Division

New York State

Same-sex marriages are granted throughout the entire state for same-sex couples.

Pennsylvania

There is no legal recognition of same-sex couples on a state level.

  • City of Allentown: At least one partner must work or have worked for the city. Same-sex couples only.[37]
  • City of Philadelphia: Residents of the city or at least one partner employed by the city. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.
  • City of Pittsburgh: No residency requirement. Limited to same-sex couples.
  • City of Harrisburg: Both opposite- and same-sex couples may register as "Life Partners" with the City of Harrisburg's Life Partnership Registry.[38]
  • Borough of State College: No residency requirement. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.[39]

New Jersey

Civil unions are granted throughout the entire state for same-sex couples.

South Region

West South Central Division

Oklahoma

No recognition for same-sex couples on state, county or city level.

Texas

There is no legal recognition for same-sex couples on a state level.

  • City of El Paso: At least one partner must be employed by the city. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.[40]
  • Travis County (Austin) : No residency requirement. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.

Arkansas

There is no legal recognition for same-sex couples on a state level.

Louisiana

There is no legal recognition for same-sex couples on a state level.

  • City of New Orleans: Residents of the city or at least one partner employed in the city. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.

East South Central Division

Kentucky

No recognition for same-sex couples on state, county or city level.

Tennessee

No recognition for same-sex couples on state, county or city level.

Mississippi

No recognition for same-sex couples on state, county or city level.

Alabama

No recognition for same-sex couples on state, county or city level.

South Atlantic Division

Delaware

Civil unions are granted throughout the entire state for same-sex couples.

Maryland

Same-sex marriage (effective January 1, 2013) and domestic partnerships are granted throughout the entire state for same-sex couples.

Washington, DC

Same-sex marriage and domestic partnerships are provided in the district.

West Virginia

No recognition for same-sex couples on state, county or city level.

Virginia

No recognition for same-sex couples on state, county or city level.

North Carolina

There is no legal recognition for same-sex couples on a state level.

South Carolina

No recognition for same-sex couples on state, county or city level.

Georgia

There is no legal recognition for same-sex couples on a state level.

Florida

There is no legal recognition for same-sex couples on a state level.

  • Broward County (Fort Lauderdale): Residents of the county or at least one partner employed by the county. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.
  • City of Gainesville: No residency requirement. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.[46]
  • City of Key West: No residency requirement. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.
  • City of Kissimmee: Employees of the city. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.[47]
  • Leon County: No residency requirement. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.[48]
  • City of Miami Beach: No residency requirement. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.
  • Miami-Dade County: Residents of the county or at least one partner employed by the county. Both opposite- and same-sex couples. The cities of Miami[49] and South Miami[50] also grant additional benefits to domestic partners registered in Miami-Dade County.
  • Monroe County: No residency requirement. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.[51]
  • Orange County: No residency requirement. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.[52]
  • City of Orlando: No residency requirement. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.[53]
  • Palm Beach County: Residents of the county or at least one partner employed by the county. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.[54]
  • City of Sarasota: No residency requirement. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.[55]
  • City of St. Cloud: Employees of the city. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.[47]
  • City of Tampa: At least one domestic partner must work for the city. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.[56]
  • City of Tampa: Domestic Partnership Registry adopted unanimously by Tampa City Council to take effect on July 4, 2012.[57]
  • City of West Palm Beach: No residency requirement. Both opposite- and same-sex couples.

References

  1. ^ . Human Right Campaign & varia http://www.hrc.org/issues/marriage/domestic_partners/9133.htm. {{cite news}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  2. ^ "City of Crystal Application for Registration as Domestic Partners" (PDF). City of Crystal. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  3. ^ "Domestic Partnership Registration Application" (PDF). City of Eagan. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  4. ^ "Section 5.73 Domestic Partnerships" (PDF). City of Eden Prairie. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  5. ^ "Ordinance No. 11-03". City of Falcon Heights. July 27, 2011. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  6. ^ "Domestic Partnership Registration Application" (PDF). City of Golden Valley. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  7. ^ Nelson, Tim (November 9, 2010). "Maplewood passes domestic partnership ordinance". Minnesota Public Radio. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  8. ^ "Ordinance No. 7, Fourth Series" (PDF). City of Red Wing. June 13, 2011. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  9. ^ "Bill No. 2011-3" (PDF). City of Richfield. February 8, 2011. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  10. ^ "Section 1015 – Domestic Partnership Registry" (PDF). City of Robbinsdale. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  11. ^ "81. Civil Rights and Domestic Partnerships" (PDF). City of Rochester. July 19, 2010. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  12. ^ "City Offers Domestic Partnership Registry". City of Shorewood. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  13. ^ "Application for Registration as a Domestic Partnership" (PDF). City of St. Louis Park. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  14. ^ "City of Clayton Approves Domestic Partnership Registry to Improve Access, Enhance Quality of Life" (Press release). City of Clayton. January 25, 2012. Retrieved March 30, 2012.
  15. ^ "Affidavit of Joanne R. Mossle" (PDF). American Civil Liberties Union. March 8, 2011. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  16. ^ "Ordinance No. 2457" (PDF). City of Olivette. July 26, 2011. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  17. ^ "Domestic Partnership Registry". City of University City. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  18. ^ Hurd, Kevin (April 24, 2012). "Eau Claire City council approves insurance for domestic partnerships". WEAU-TV. Retrieved April 25, 2012.
  19. ^ Billups, Andrea (December 22, 2011). "Michigan bans domestic-partner benefits". The Washington Times. Retrieved March 6, 2012. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  20. ^ "ACLU Challenges Michigan Domestic Partner Health Care Ban" (Press release). American Civil Liberties Union. January 5, 2012. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  21. ^ "Charter Provision and Ethics Ordinance" (PDF). City of Detroit. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  22. ^ Wittrock, Angela (January 31, 2012). "East Lansing may join lawsuit against domestic partner benefits ban". Michigan Live LLC. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  23. ^ "Declaration of Domestic Partnership" (PDF). City of Athens. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  24. ^ Prendergast, Jane (May 2, 2012). "City to offer domestic partner benefits". The Cincinnati Enquirer. Retrieved May 3, 2012. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  25. ^ Johnston, Laura (February 14, 2012). "Cuyahoga County approves domestic partner benefits". The Plain Dealer. Retrieved May 2, 2012. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  26. ^ "Declaration of Domestic Partnership". City of Toledo. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  27. ^ Chiddister, Diane (September 10, 2009). "Council approves partner registry". Yellow Springs News. Retrieved March 6, 2012. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  28. ^ [1]
  29. ^ "Requirements for Domestic Partnership Registry" (PDF). Town of Babylon. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  30. ^ Burghardt, Linda F. (November 23, 2003). "In Brief; Domestic Partner Registry Splits Great Neck". The New York Times. Retrieved March 6, 2012. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  31. ^ "Plaza adopts domestic partner registry" (PDF). Plaza Voice. Winter 2003. Retrieved March 6, 2012. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  32. ^ "Chapter 98. Domestic Partnership Registry". Town of Huntington. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  33. ^ "Registration of Domestic Partnerships". Town of North Hempstead. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  34. ^ Kreitzman, Wendy K. (July 30, 2004). "Town Considers Domestic Partner Registry". Great Neck Record. Retrieved March 6, 2012. Mr. Hirsch and his longtime partner, Herbert Leiman, are noted equal rights activists and were the first to sign the domestic partner registry in North Hills. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  35. ^ "Village Code 12th Edition - Local Law 4 - 2011". Village of Roslyn Estates. December 31, 2011. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  36. ^ "Chapter 121. Domestic Partnerships". Town of Southold. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  37. ^ "Ordinance No. 14868" (PDF). City of Allentown. January 26, 2011. Retrieved April 10, 2012.
  38. ^ "ACLU of PA applauds Harrisburg City Council approval of domestic partner ordinance" (Press release). American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania. December 22, 2008. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  39. ^ "Council Agenda". Borough of State College. August 1, 2011. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  40. ^ "Domestic Partnership Affidavit" (PDF). City of El Paso. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  41. ^ "Domestic Partnership". City of Takoma Park. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  42. ^ "City Clerk". City of Asheville. Retrieved April 4, 2012. On Feb. 22 [2011], City Council authorized the creation of a Domestic Partner Registry to recognize same-sex relationships.
  43. ^ a b c "May North Carolina Local Government Employers Offer Domestic Partner Benefits?" (PDF). University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. November 2009. Retrieved April 4, 2012. In North Carolina, only Durham and Orange counties, the cities of Durham and Greensboro, and the towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro offer domestic partner benefits.
  44. ^ "9:00 A.M. Worksession - Agenda". Durham County Government. September 2, 2003. Retrieved April 4, 2012. In conjunction with the County Attorney's legal opinion that only same-sex domestic partner benefits can be offered to County employees without the violation of the Commissioners' oaths of office, the Human Resources Department has completed the actions necessary to make this offering possible.
  45. ^ "Human Resources Policy and Procedures" (PDF). Mecklenburg County Government. March 15, 2012. Retrieved April 4, 2012. Mecklenburg County is committed to equal and nondiscriminatory treatment for employees in the administration of benefits programs, including the extension of benefits to same-gender domestic partners.
  46. ^ "Domestic Partnership Registration". City of Gainesville. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  47. ^ a b Patterson, Fallan (September 16, 2011). "Council OKs domestic partner benefits". The Osceola News-Gazette. Retrieved March 29, 2012. St. Cloud followed Kissimmee's lead Sept. 8 and approved domestic partner benefits for city employees {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  48. ^ "Section VI: Benefits" (PDF). Leon County. August 2010. Retrieved March 29, 2012.
  49. ^ "APM 1-09: Domestic Partnerships" (PDF). City of Miami. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  50. ^ "Ordinance No: 01-10-2026" (PDF). City of South Miami. January 14, 2010. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  51. ^ "Personnel Policies & Procedures Manual". Monroe County. December 14, 2011. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  52. ^ Damron, David (February 21, 2012). "Orange leaders agree to domestic-partner registry". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved March 29, 2012. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  53. ^ "City of Orlando Domestic Partnership Registration Affidavit" (PDF). City of Orlando. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  54. ^ "Domestic Partnership". Clerk & Comptroller, Palm Beach County. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  55. ^ "Declaration of Domestic Partnership" (PDF). City of Sarasota. Retrieved March 29, 2012.
  56. ^ {{cite web|url=http://www.tampagov.net/dept_human_resources/information_resources/employee_benefits/files/Domestic_Partner.pdf%7Ctitle=Ciy of Tampa Employee Declaration of Domestic Partnership Information Sheet|publisher=City of Tampa|accessdate=March 29, 2012}
  57. ^ {{ It allows for, both opposite and same-sex unmarried couples, the rights to: Visit each other in health-care facilities. Make medical decisions for a partner who is incapacitated. Make funeral arrangements for a partner who dies. Be notified as a family member in an emergency involving a partner. And Participate in the education of the child of a domestic partner. April 5th, 2012
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