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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. Registered in Aruba, Curaçao and 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.
* Not yet in effect
LGBT portal
Family law
Family
Marriage and other unions and status
Validity of marriages
Dissolution of marriages
Children's issues
Private international law
Family and criminal code
(or criminal law)

A civil union, also referred to as a civil partnership, is a legally recognized form of partnership similar to marriage. Beginning with Denmark in 1989, civil unions under one name or another have been established by law in several, mostly developed, countries in order to provide legal recognition of relationships formed by unmarried same-sex couples and to afford them rights, benefits, and responsibilities similar (in some countries, identical) to those of legally married couples. In some jurisdictions of Brazil, New Zealand, Uruguay, Ecuador, France and the U.S. states of Colorado, Hawaii and Illinois, civil unions are also open to opposite-sex couples.

Many countries with civil unions recognize foreign unions if those are essentially equivalent to their own; for example, the United Kingdom lists equivalent unions in Civil Partnership Act Schedule 20.

In several countries, civil unions for same-sex partners have been superseded by same-sex marriage.

Overview and terminology

The terms used to designate civil unions are not standardized, and vary widely from country to country. Government-sanctioned relationships that may be similar or equivalent to civil unions include civil partnerships, registered partnerships, domestic partnerships, significant relationships, reciprocal beneficiary relationships, common-law marriage, adult interdependent relationships, life partnerships, stable unions, civil solidarity pacts, and so on. The exact level of rights, benefits, obligations, and responsibilities also varies, depending on the laws of a particular country. Some jurisdictions allow same-sex couples to adopt, while others forbid them to do so, or allow adoption only in specified circumstances.

As used in the United States, beginning with the state of Vermont in 2000, the term civil union has connoted a status equivalent to marriage for same-sex couples; domestic partnership, offered by some states, counties, cities, and employers since as early as 1985,[1] has generally connoted a lesser status with fewer benefits.[2] However, the legislatures of the West Coast states of California, Oregon and Washington have preferred the term domestic partnership for enactments similar or equivalent to civil union laws in East Coast states.

Civil unions are not seen as a replacement for marriage by many in the LGBT community. "Marriage in the United States is a civil union; but a civil union, as it has come to be called, is not marriage," said Evan Wolfson of Freedom to Marry.[3] "It is a proposed hypothetical legal mechanism, since it doesn’t exist in most places, to give some of the protections but also withhold something precious from gay people. There’s no good reason to do that." However, some opponents of same-sex marriage view the matter differently; Randy Thomasson, Executive Director of the Campaign for California Families, calls civil unions “homosexual marriage by another name” and contends that civil unions provide same-sex couples “all the rights of marriage available under state law.”[4] The California Supreme Court, in the In Re Marriage Cases decision, noted nine differences[5] in state law.

Civil unions are commonly criticised as being 'separate but equal', critics say they segregate same-sex couples by forcing them to use a separate institution. Supporters of same-sex marriage contend that treating same-sex couples differently from other couples under the law allows for inferior treatment and that if civil unions were the same as marriage there would be no reason for two separate laws. A New Jersey commission which reviewed the state's civil union law reported that the law "invites and encourages unequal treatment of same-sex couples and their children".[6] Some have suggested that creating civil unions which are open to opposite-sex couples would avoid the accusations of apartheid.[7] These have still been criticised as being 'separate but equal' by former New Zealand MP and feminist Marilyn Waring as same-sex couples remain excluded from the right to marry.[8]

Proponents of civil unions say that they provide practical equality for same-sex couples and solve the problems over areas such as hospital visitation rights and transfer of property caused by lack of legal recognition.[9] Proponents also say that creating civil unions is a more pragmatic way to ensure that same-sex couples have legal rights as it avoids the more controversial issues surrounding marriage and the religious source of the term.

Many supporters of same-sex marriage state that the word 'marriage' matters and that the term 'civil union' (and its equivalents) do not convey the emotional meaning or bring the respect that comes with marriage.[6][10] Former US Solicitor General and attorney in the Perry v. Schwarzenegger case Theodore Olsen said that recognising same-sex couples under the term 'domestic partnership' stigmatizes gay people's relationships treating them as if they were "something akin to a commercial venture, not a loving union".[11] Many also contend that the fact that civil unions are often not understood can cause difficulty for same-sex couples in emergency situations.[12]

Arguments

Supporters of civil unions contend that civil unions grant same-sex couples equal rights to married couples.[13] Some commentators, such as Ian Ayres, are critical of civil unions because they say they represent a separate status unequal to marriage.[14][15] According to an American history scholar Nancy Cott "there really is no comparison, because there is nothing that is like marriage except marriage."[16]

List of jurisdictions recognising same-sex unions

Worldwide laws regarding same-sex intercourse, unions and expression
Same-sex intercourse illegal. Penalties:
  Death
  Prison; death not enforced
  Death under militias
  Prison, with arrests or detention
  Prison, not enforced1
Same-sex intercourse legal. Recognition of unions:
  Marriage
  Extraterritorial marriage2
  Civil unions
  Limited domestic
  Limited foreign
  Optional certification
  None
  Restrictions of expression
  Restrictions of association with arrest or detention
Rings indicate local or case-by-case application.
1No imprisonment in the past three years or moratorium on law.
2Marriage not available locally. Some jurisdictions may perform other types of partnerships.

Argentina

Main article: Same-sex marriage in Argentina

From 2003 the Argentine province of Río Negro and the city of Buenos Aires allow domestic partnerships. The City of Villa Carlos Paz (Córdoba) allowed it from 2007. And since 2009 the city of Río Cuarto (Córdoba) allows Civil Unions too.

Australia

Status of same-sex unions in Australia.
  Same-sex marriage
  Same-sex civil partnerships or relationship registers
  Domestic partnership agreement
  Defined statewide as "de facto"
Main articles: Recognition of same-sex unions in Australia and LGBT rights in Australia

Since 13 August 2004 (after assent) under the Marriage Amendment Act 2004 (Commonwealth law) which amended the Marriage Act 1961, the Australian Government has banned same-sex marriages from being performed or recognised in Australia and overseas at a Commonwealth level.[17]

All levels of Australian Governments under nearly all Australian statutes do recognise same-sex couples as de facto couples as unregistered co-habitation or de facto status since 2009.[18] From 1 July 2009 Centrelink recognised same-sex couples equally regarding social security – under the common-law marriage, de facto status or unregistered cohabitation.[19]

Registered partnership recognition in state Governments:

Official relationship status Year of enactment
ACT Yes Civil union 2012
New South Wales Yes Registered relationship 2010
Queensland Yes Registered relationship 2012
Tasmania Yes Significant relationship 2004
Victoria Yes Domestic relationship 2008

Australian legislation

Registered partnership recognition in local governments:

Brazil

Main article: Recognition of same-sex unions in Brazil
Recognition of same-sex unions in South America
  Marriage
  Other type of partnership
  Country subject to IACHR ruling
  Unrecognized
  Constitution limits marriage to opposite-sex couples
  Same-sex sexual activity illegal, though penalties not enforced

Same-sex civil unions in Brazil are legal since May 5, 2011. Brazil's Supreme Court has voted overwhelmingly in favour of allowing same-sex couples the same legal rights as married couples. The decision was approved by 10-0 with one abstention. The ruling will give same-sex couples in "stable" partnerships the same financial and social rights enjoyed by those in opposite-sex relationships.[20] A union between two women and one man was reported in August 2012, though doubts were thrown on its legality.[21]

Canada

Main article: Same-sex marriage in Canada

In Canada:

were extended to same-sex couples before the enactment (2005) nationwide of same-sex marriage in Canada.

Another notable attempt to extend civil union rights, the Equality Rights Statute Amendment Act in Ontario, was defeated in 1994.

Colombia

In 2007, Colombia came close to passing a law granting legal recognition to same-sex couples, but the bill failed on final passage in one house of the national legislature. However, a court decision in October 2007 extended social security and health insurance rights to same-sex couples.[22] On January 29, 2009, the Constitutional Court ruled that cohabitating same-sex couples must be given all rights offered to unmarried heterosexual couples.[23] Making Colombia the first Latin American country to fully grant this right to all its citizens. Couples can claim these rights after living together for two years.

Ecuador

Main article: Recognition of same-sex unions in Ecuador

The 2008 Constitution of Ecuador enacted civil unions between two people without regard to gender, giving same-sex couples the same rights as legally married heterosexual couples except for the right to adopt.[24]

Europe

Main article: Recognition of same-sex unions in Europe
Laws regarding same-sex partnerships in Europe¹
  Marriage
  Civil union
  Limited domestic recognition (cohabitation)
  Limited foreign recognition (residency rights)
  Unrecognized
  Constitution limits marriage to opposite-sex couples
¹ May include recent laws or court decisions that have not yet entered into effect.

In Europe:

Denmark

Main article: Same-sex marriage in Denmark

Civil unions were introduced in Denmark by law on 7 June 1989, the world's first such law, and came into effect on 1 October 1989. On 7 June 2012, the law was replaced by a new same-sex marriage law, which came into effect on 15 June 2012.[25]

Registered partnership was by civil ceremony only, but the Church of Denmark allowed priests to perform blessings of same-sex couples, as it stated that the church blesses people, not institutions. The new law makes same-sex marriages in churches possible, but allows vicars to decline marriages of same-sex couples in their church.[25]

On 17 March 2009, the Folketing introduced a bill that gave same-sex couples in registered partnerships the right to adopt jointly.[26] This bill was approved on 4 May 2010 and took effect on 1 July 2010.[27]

France

PACS (red) and marriage (blue) in France (INSEE)
Main article: Civil solidarity pact

The French law providing benefits to same-sex couples also applies to opposite-sex couples who choose this form of partnership over marriage. Known as the "Pacte civil de solidarité" (PACS), it is more easily dissolved than the divorce process applying to marriage. Tax benefits accrue immediately (only from 2007 on *Ref), while immigration benefits accrue only after the contract has been in effect for one year. The partners are required to have a common address, making it difficult for foreigners to use this law as a means to a residence permit, and difficult for French citizens to gain the right to live with a foreign partner – especially since the contract does not automatically give immigration rights, as does marriage.[28]

Between 2000 and 2010, the number of marriages decreased while the number of PACS strongly increased. In 2010, there were 3 PACS for every 4 marriages celebrated in France.[29]

Germany

Germany (2001)

Main article: Recognition of same-sex unions in Germany

Hungary

Main article: Recognition of same-sex unions in Hungary

Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein (2011) [30]

Main article: Recognition of same-sex unions in Liechtenstein

Netherlands

In 2001, the Netherlands passed a law allowing same-sex couples to marry, in addition to its 1998 "registered partnership" law (civil union) for both same-sex and opposite-sex couples.

Poland

In 2004, Senator Maria Szyszkowska proposed a bill which would legalize same-sex civil unions in Poland. The project was approved by the Senat but was never voted upon by the Sejm, as Włodzimierz Cimoszewicz (then the Marshal of the Sejm) didn't bring it for the deliberation.

In 2008, when asked about same-sex civil unions, First Cabinet of Donald Tusk spokeswoman Agnieszka Liszka answered: Council of Ministers did not and would not take care of that matter.[31]

On January 25, 2013 Sejm voted upon three separate bills regarding same-sex civil unions in Poland: by the centre-left Democratic Left Alliance, liberal Palikot's Movement and centre-right Civic Platform. Deputies voted: First one 283 against, 137 for, 30 abstained. Second one 276 against, 150 for, 23 abstained. Third one 228 against, 211 for, 10 abstained. All three were rejected, mainly with the votes of centre-right, right-wing and conservative parties: Polish People's Party, Law and Justice and United Poland. Majority of deputies from the ruling centre-right Civic Platform also voted against the first two bills.[32][33] The Roman Catholic Church in Poland, Polish Orthodox Church and Polish Muslims opposed all three bills.

In March 2013, Prime Minister Donald Tusk officially stated that a new project of civil unions bill will be presented to the parliament "in two months time", i.e. it is expected in May 2013.

Republic of Ireland

On 31 October 2007, during a parliamentary debate in Dáil Éireann on an opposition Bill to introduce civil unions, the government of the Republic of Ireland announced that it will be introducing its own legislation to create civil unions in March 2008.[34] This was delayed but was released in June 2008. The Civil Partnership Bill, 2009 is expected to become law by October 2010 at the latest.[35][36]

On Thursday, July 1, 2010 the lower house of the Irish Parliament Dáil Éireann passed the bill on Civil Partnerships unanimously. This bill allows civil partnerships of same-sex couples, and establishes an extensive package of rights, obligations and protections for same-sex couples who register as civil partners.[37] The bill passed all stages of in both Houses of the Oireachtas,[38] and came into effect on 1 January 2011. It had been expected that the first Civil Partnerships would take place in April 2011 due to : the need for further legislation to update Ireland's tax code and social welfare laws, and a legal requirement to give three months notice. However, the legislation does provide a mechanism for exemptions to be sought through the courts, and the first partnership between two men was registered on 7 February 2011.[39]

Switzerland

Main article: Registered partnership in Switzerland

The Canton of Geneva has a law on cantonal level, the Partenariat cantonal (the Cantonal Domestic Partnership), since 2001. It grants unmarried couples, whether same-sex or opposite-sex, many rights, responsibilities and protections that married couples have. However, it does not allow benefits in taxation, social security, or health insurance premiums (unlike the federal law). Geneva was the first Canton to recognise same-sex couples through this law.

On September 22, 2002, voters in the Swiss canton of Zürich voted to extend a number of marriage rights to same-sex partners, including tax, inheritance, and social security benefits.[40] The law is limited to same-sex couples, and both partners must have lived in the canton for six months and formally commit to running a household together and supporting and aiding each another.

Wikinews has related news:

On June 5, 2005, voters extended this right to the whole of Switzerland, through a federal referendum. This was the first time that the civil union laws were affirmed in a nationwide referendum in any country. The Federal Domestic Partnership Law, reserved to same-sex couples came into force on January 1, 2007. Although it represents progress for same-sex couples in Switzerland, adoption rights and medically assisted procreation are explicitly forbidden for same-sex domestic partners[41].

United Kingdom

Main article: Civil partnership in the United Kingdom

In 2003, the British government announced plans to introduce civil partnerships which would allow same-sex couples the rights and responsibilities resulting from marriage. The Civil Partnership Bill was introduced into the House of Lords on March 30, 2004. After considering amendments made by the House of Commons, it was passed by the House of Lords, its final legislative hurdle, on November 17, 2004, and received Royal Assent on November 18. The Act came into force on 5 December 2005, and same-sex, but not opposite-sex, couples were able to form the civil partnerships from 19 December 2005 in Northern Ireland, 20 December 2005 in Scotland and 21 December 2005 in England and Wales.[42] Separate provisions were included in the first Finance Act 2005 to allow regulations to be made to amend tax laws to give the same tax advantages and disadvantages to couples in civil partnerships as apply to married couples.

Aside from the manner in which couples register and the non-use of the word "marriage", civil partnerships grant most of the same legal rights as marriage and generally operate under the same constrictions (one difference being that marriage requires dissolution by divorce while a civil union does not). It is not legal to be in both a civil partnership and a marriage at the same time. Nevertheless, some of those in favour of legal same-sex marriage object that civil partnerships fall short of granting equality. Civil partnership ceremonies are prohibited by law from including religious readings, symbols or music, even if the church involved supports such use.[43]

Both same-sex marriages and civil unions of other nations will be automatically considered civil partnerships under UK law providing they came within Section 20 of the Act. This means, in some cases, non-Britons from nations with civil unions will have greater rights in the UK than in their native countries. For example, a Vermont civil union would have legal standing in the UK, however in cases where one partner was American and the other British, the Vermont civil union would not provide the Briton with right of abode in Vermont (or any other US state or territory), whereas it would provide the American with right of abode in the UK.

In September 2011, the succeeding coalition government announced its intention to replace civil partnerships with same-sex civil marriage in England and Wales by 2015 at the latest.[44] The future status of civil partnerships is unclear. The Scottish Government, which has devolved responsibility for such legislation, held a consultation - concerning both civil and religious same sex marriage - in the autumn of 2011.

Greece

In Greece there was an unsuccessful attempt to promote the civil partnership. However, the Church strongly opposed it, even among heterosexual couples, considering it as a form of "prostitution". As in Greece the state is still not separated from the church, only religious marriages are officially recognized and a child can be baptised under the strict condition that the parents' marriage (who were both baptized as Christian Orthodox) took place in a church.

Mexico

Main articles: Recognition of same-sex unions in Mexico and Same-sex marriage in Mexico City
State recognition of same-sex relationships in Mexico.
  Same-sex marriage
  Same-sex civil unions recognized
  Unrecognized

On 9 November 2006, Mexico City's unicameral Legislative Assembly passed and approved (43–17) a bill legalizing same-sex civil unions, under the name Ley de Sociedades de Convivencia (Law for Co-existence Partnerships), which became effective in 16 March 2007.[45] The law recognizes property and inheritance rights to same-sex couples. On 11 January 2007, the northern state of Coahuila, which borders Texas, passed a similar bill (20–13), under the name Pacto Civil de Solidaridad (Civil Pact of Solidarity).[46] Unlike Mexico City's law, once same-sex couples have registered in Coahuila, the state protects their rights no matter where they live in the country.[46] Twenty days after the law had passed, the country's first same-sex civil union took place in Saltillo, Coahuila.[47] Civil unions have been proposed in at least six states since 2006.[48]

In Colima, governor Mario Anguiano Moreno has agreed to discuss the legalization of civil unions and adoption by same-sex couples.[49]

New Zealand

Main article: Civil union in New Zealand

On 9 December 2004 the New Zealand Parliament passed the Civil Union Bill, establishing civil unions for same-sex and opposite-sex couples. The debate over Civil Unions was highly divisive in New Zealand, inspiring great public emotion both for and against the passing. A companion bill, the Relationships (Statutory References) Bill was passed shortly thereafter to remove discriminatory provisions on the basis of relationship status from a range of statutes and regulations. As a result of these bills, all couples in New Zealand, whether married, in a civil union, or in a de facto partnership, now generally enjoy the same rights and undertake the same obligations. These rights extend to immigration, next-of-kin status, social welfare, matrimonial property and other areas.

The Civil Union Act came into effect on 26 April 2005 with the first unions able to occur from Friday 29 April 2005.

South Africa

Main article: Same-sex marriage in South Africa

South Africa legalized same-sex marriage in 2006. Same-sex and opposite-sex couples may register their unions either as marriages or as civil partnerships, but there is no legal difference other than the name.

United States

Main articles: Civil union in the United States and Domestic partnership in the United States

The first civil unions in the United States were offered by the state of Vermont in 2000. The federal government does not recognize these unions, and under the U.S. Defense of Marriage Act of 1996 (DOMA), other U.S. states are not obligated to recognize them. By the end of 2006, Connecticut and New Jersey had also enacted civil union laws; New Hampshire followed in 2007. Furthermore, California's domestic partnership law had been expanded to the point that it became practically a civil union law, as well. The same might be said for domestic partnership in the District of Columbia, domestic partnership in Washington, and domestic partnership in Oregon.

Status of same-sex marriage in the United States
  Performed and recognized
  Recognized when performed elsewhere
  Recognized by state and federal governments, but not by tribal government
  (mixed jurisdiction; not performed by tribal government)
  (mixed jurisdiction; not performed or recognized by tribal government)

Jurisdictions in the U.S. that offer civil unions or domestic partnerships granting nearly all of the state-recognized rights of marriage to same-sex couples include:

States in the U.S. with domestic partnerships or similar status granting some of the rights of marriage include:

California

Main article: Domestic partnership in California
The notion of civil unions is rejected by some, such as this protester at a large demonstration in New York City against California Proposition 8.[50]

In California, where domestic partnership (DP) has been available to same-sex and certain opposite-sex couples since 2000, a wholesale revision of the law in 2005 made it substantially equivalent to marriage at the state level. In 2007, the Legislature took a further step toward equality when it required same-sex DP couples to file state income taxes jointly. (Couples must continue to file federal taxes as individuals.) In the May 2008 In Re Marriage Cases decision, the state supreme court noted nine differences between Domestic Partnerships and same-sex marriage in state law, including a cohabitation requirement for domestic partners, access to CalPERS long-term care insurance (but not CalPERS in general), and the lack of an equivalent to California's "confidential marriage" institution.[5] The cohabitation requirement was dropped on January 1, 2012, and a "confidential option" for domestic partners became available the same day.

Colorado

A bill to establish civil unions for same-sex and opposite-sex couples passed both chambers of the Colorado legislature and was signed into law by Governor John Hickenlooper. Civil unions began on May 1, 2013.

Connecticut

Main article: Same-sex marriage in Connecticut

In 2005, the Connecticut General Assembly passed a bill to adopt civil unions in Connecticut. Connecticut's civil unions were identical to marriage and provided all of the same rights and responsibilities except for the title. Connecticut was the first state in the U.S. to voluntarily pass a same-sex civil unions law through the legislature without any immediate court intervention.[51] The law was repealed on October 1, 2010, and replaced with a law making marriage gender-neutral.

Delaware

Delaware Governor Jack Markell signed a civil union bill on May 12, 2011, that establishes civil unions in the state effective January 1, 2012.[52]

District of Columbia

Main article: Same-sex marriage in the District of Columbia

Same-sex marriage in the District of Columbia was legalized on December 18, 2009. Marriage licenses became available on March 3, 2010, and marriages began on March 9, 2010. *Domestic Partnerships in the District of Columbia (1992 law implemented, 2002 law came into effect – expanded over time to 2009)

Hawaii

Main article: Recognition of same-sex unions in Hawaii

Hawaii legalized civil unions for same-sex and opposite-sex couples on January 1, 2012.

Illinois

On December 1, 2010 the Illinois state senate passed, in a 32-24-1 vote, SB1716 the "Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act" just one day after the Illinois House of Representatives did the same in a 61-52-2 vote. On January 31, 2011, Illinois state Governor Pat Quinn signed SB1716 into law, establishing civil unions for same-sex and opposite-sex couples. The new law came into effect on June 1, 2011. The provision allowing opposite-sex couples to establish a civil union effectively doubles as a tool for widowed seniors to keep survivor's benefits from a marriage while gaining marital rights at the state level with another partner.[53]

Maine

Main article: Domestic partnership in Maine

Maine legalized domestic partnership for same-sex and opposite-sex couples in 2004. Maine's domestic partnership registry only provides limited rights, most of which are geared toward protecting couples' security in emergency situations.

New Hampshire

Main article: Same-sex marriage in New Hampshire

On April 26, 2007, the New Hampshire General Court (state legislature) passed a civil union bill, and Governor John Lynch signed the bill into law on May 31, 2007.[54] At the time, New Hampshire was "...the first state to embrace same-sex unions without a court order or the threat of one."[55] The New Hampshire civil union legislation became effective on January 1, 2008.[56] The law was replaced by the same-sex marriage law on January 1, 2010.

New Jersey

Main article: Recognition of same-sex unions in New Jersey

On October 25, 2006, the Supreme Court of New Jersey gave New Jersey lawmakers 180 days to rewrite the state's marriage laws, either including same-sex couples or creating a new system of civil unions for them. On December 14 the Legislature passed a bill establishing civil unions in New Jersey, which was signed into law by Governor Jon Corzine on December 21, 2006. The first civil unions took place on February 19, 2007.[57]

There are differences between civil unions and domestic partnerships. In 2004, the state of New Jersey enacted a domestic partnership law, offering certain limited rights and benefits to same-sex and different-sex couples. In 2006, however, after a state Supreme Court ruling that same-sex couples must be extended all the rights and benefits of marriage, the Legislature passed a civil unions law, effective in 2007, which is an attempt to satisfy the court's ruling.

Nevada

On May 31, 2009, the Nevada legislature overrode Governor Jim Gibbons' veto of a domestic partnership bill. The bill allows registered domestic partners, whether they are a same-sex or opposite-sex couple, to have most of the state level rights and responsibilities afforded to married couples. It does not require any other entity to provide rights or benefits afforded to married individuals. This has left the partnership bill ineffective compared to those of other states. The law took effect 1 October 2009.

Oregon

Main article: Domestic partnership in Oregon

Since 4 February 2008, Oregon offers domestic partnerships which grant nearly all of the state-recognized rights of marriage to same-sex couples.

Rhode Island

Main article: Recognition of same-sex unions in Rhode Island

Civil unions are permitted in the State of Rhode Island as of July 1, 2011.

Vermont

Main article: Same-sex marriage in Vermont

The controversial civil unions law[58] that was passed in the Vermont General Assembly in 2000 was a response to the Vermont Supreme Court ruling in Baker v. Vermont, requiring that the state grant same-sex couples the same rights and privileges accorded to married couples under the law.

A Vermont civil union is nearly identical to a legal marriage, as far as the rights and responsibilities for which state law, not federal law, is responsible are concerned.[58] It grants partners next-of-kin rights and other protections that heterosexual married couples also receive. However, despite the "full faith and credit" clause of the United States Constitution, civil unions are generally not recognized outside Vermont in the absence of specific legislation. Opponents of the law have supported the Defense of Marriage Act and the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment in order to prevent obligatory recognition of same-sex couples in other jurisdictions. This means that many of the advantages of marriage, which fall in the federal jurisdiction (over 1,100 federal laws, such as joint federal income tax returns, visas and work permits for the foreign partner of a U.S. citizen, etc.), are not extended to the partners of a Vermont civil union.

As far as voluntary recognition of the civil union in other jurisdictions is concerned, New York City's Domestic Partnership Law, passed in 2002, recognizes civil unions formalized in other jurisdictions. Germany's international civil law (EGBGB) also accords to Vermont civil unions the same benefits and responsibilities that apply in Vermont, as long as they do not exceed the standard accorded by German law to a German civil union. The law was replaced by the same-sex marriage law on September 1, 2009.

Washington

Main article: Domestic partnership in Washington

Washington offers domestic partnerships which grant nearly all of the state-recognized rights of marriage to same-sex couples. Washington is the first state to have passed a same-sex civil union bill by a popular vote.

Washington legalized same-sex marriage early in 2012, which provided that a couple in a civil union would have two years to convert their civil union to a marriage. The law was upheld by popular referendum in November 2012.[59]

Uruguay

Main article: Same-sex marriage in Uruguay

Civil unions in Uruguay were allowed nationwide from January 1, 2008.

Venezuela

Main article: Recognition of same-sex unions in Venezuela

Civil unions are recognized in Mérida [60]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Governments Offering Benefits". Partners Task Force for Gay & Lesbian Couples. 2007-06-29. Retrieved 2007-07-31.
  2. ^ Marriage, Domestic Partnerships, and Civil Unions: An Overview of Relationship Recognition for Same-Sex Couples in the United States
  3. ^ Interview with Evan Wolfson, David Shankbone, September 30, 2007
  4. ^ Bush stance on gay unions irks conservatives – Politics – MSNBC.com
  5. ^ a b In Re Marriage Cases, California Supreme Court Decision, footnote 24, pages 42–44.
  6. ^ a b Hammond, Bill (April 20, 2009). "Marriage is more perfect union: In gay marriage debate, separate but equal won't cut it". Ny Daily News. New York. Retrieved June 12, 2010.
  7. ^ Swayne, Steven (February 28, 2004). "The Case for Federal Civil Unions". Independent Gay Forum. Retrieved June 12, 2010.
  8. ^ "Civil Unions "Anathema" to Marilyn Waring". Scoop. October 23, 2004. Retrieved June 12, 2010.
  9. ^ "Obama: Sermon on the Mount supports gay civil unions". Baptist Press.
  10. ^ Sullivan, Andrew (February 8, 2004). "Why The M Word Matters To Me". Time. Retrieved June 12, 2010.
  11. ^ "Text of Ted Olson's Opening Statement in Prop. 8 Trial – As Prepared". Equal Rights Foundation. Retrieved June 12, 2010. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |unused_data= ignored (help)
  12. ^ Kitch, Mary (April 21, 2009). "Why the word "marriage" matters". Oregon Live. Retrieved June 12, 2010.
  13. ^ "Barack Obama on LGBT Rights" (PDF). 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 20, 2010. Retrieved October 3, 2009.
  14. ^ "Separate, Unequal: How Civil Unions Fall Short Of Marriage"--An Op-Ed by Ian Ayres"
  15. ^ "No Separate but Equal in Marriage". New York Times. April 1, 2007.
  16. ^ [1]
  17. ^ http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/ma196185/
  18. ^ http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/num_act/srticllra2008769/
  19. ^ http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/individuals/same_sex.htm
  20. ^ Brazil Supreme Court awards gay couples new rights
  21. ^ "Three-person civil union sparks controversy in Brazil". BBC.
  22. ^ Colombian court rules in favour of equal rights for gay couples
  23. ^ Colombian court confirms equal rights for same-sex couples
  24. ^ New Ecuador constitution includes gay rights guarantees
  25. ^ a b The Copenhagen Post, 7 June 2012: Gay marriage legalised Retrieved 2012-09-19
  26. ^ Parliamentary majority for same-sex adoption
  27. ^ Gays given equal adoption rights
  28. ^ Circulaire n°2007-03 CIV du 5 février 2007
  29. ^ "Bilan démographique 2010". Institut national de la statistique et des études économiques. Janvier 2011. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  30. ^ Schweizer Fernsehen:Ja zur Homo-Ehe (german)
  31. ^ Innastrona.pl: Tusk nie chce rozmawiać
  32. ^ Sejm against civil unions
  33. ^ Civil unions went back on the shelf.
  34. ^ The Irish Times. 31 October 2007.
  35. ^ RTE.ie 24 June 2008
  36. ^ Irish Dept. of Justice: Civil Union Bill 2008
  37. ^ "Dáil passes Civil Partnership Bill". The Irish Times. 7 July 2010.
  38. ^ "Seanad passes Partnership Bill". The Irish Times. 7 July 2010.
  39. ^ http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2011/02/20/irelands-first-civil-partnerships-have-taken-place-early-and-in-secret
  40. ^ Same-sex couples now legally recognised in Zurich
  41. ^ Template:Fr iconFederal Act on Same-sex registered partnerships
  42. ^ BBC NEWS | UK | 'Gay weddings' become law in UK
  43. ^ http://uk.news.yahoo.com/5/20100704/tuk-religious-marriages-for-gay-couples-45dbed5.html
  44. ^ Sky News: Drive for same-sex marriages. 17 September 2011. Access date: 31 October 2012.
  45. ^ Erich Adolfo Moncada Cota (November 19, 2006). "Mexico City Approves Same Sex Unions". Retrieved 9 December 2009.
  46. ^ a b S. Lynne Walker (5 March 2007). "New law propels gay rights in Mexico". Mail & Guardian Online. Retrieved 15 December 2009.
  47. ^ Associated Press (1 February 2007). "Mexico's first civil union". Gay.com UK & Ireland. Archived from the original on 30 May 2007. Retrieved 15 December 2009.
  48. ^ Christine Delsol (26 November 2008). "Mexico's top destinations for gay vacations". San Francisco Gate. Retrieved 15 December 2009.
  49. ^ Template:Sp icon El Universal (23 December 2009). "Acepta gobernador de Colima debatir sobre sociedades en convivencia". Yahoo! México. Retrieved 26 December 2009. [dead link]
  50. ^ NYC Protest and Civil Rights March Opposing Proposition 8, Andy Towle, Towelroad.com, November 13, 2008; accessed November 14, 2008.
  51. ^ Connecticut's First Same-Sex Unions Proceed Civilly
  52. ^ Miller, Beth (May 12, 2011). "Governor signs Delaware civil unions bill". The News Journal. Retrieved May 12, 2011.
  53. ^ Avila, Oscar (Dec. 2, 2010). "Civil unions aren't just for same-sex couples". The Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on 2010-12-05. Retrieved July 17, 2011. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  54. ^ Concord Monitor – Lynch signs bill legalizing civil unions
  55. ^ Wang, Beverley. (April 26, 2007) State Senate approves civil unions for same-sex couples Concord Monitor. Accessed April 26, 2007.
  56. ^ Concord Monitor – State Senate approves civil unions for same-sex couples
  57. ^ Garden State Equality's 'Practical Guide to Civil Unions'
  58. ^ a b Vermont Secretary of State – Civil Unions Law
  59. ^ "Anti-gay-marriage measure qualifies for Wash. state ballot". USA Today. June 12, 2012. Retrieved August 16, 2012.
  60. ^ http://venezuelanalysis.com/analysis/1673

External links

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