Legal recognition of Same-sex unions
Same-sex marriage
Belgium Canada Netherlands Norway South Africa Spain
Recognized in some regions
United States (MA, CA eff. On January 30, 2003, Belgium became the second country in the world to legally recognise Same-sex marriage, with some restrictions On July 20, 2005, Canada became the fourth country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide with the approval of the Civil Marriage Act. The Netherlands has allowed Same-sex marriage since 1 April 2001, the first nation in the world to do so Same-sex marriage became legal in South Africa on 30 November 2006 when the Civil Unions Bill was enacted after having been passed Same-sex marriage in Spain was legalized in 2005 In 2004 the nation's newly elected Socialist government led by President José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero Same-sex marriage, also referred to as gay marriage, is a Marriage between two persons of the same sex Same-sex marriage in the US state of Massachusetts began on May 17, 2004, as a result of the Supreme Judicial Court Same-sex marriage in the United States - editing that article for size and clarity 2008-6-16 at 5:01 p. m. )
Foreign marriages recognized
Aruba Israel Netherlands Antilles United States (NM, NY, RI)
Civil unions and registered partnerships
Andorra Czech Republic Denmark Finland France Germany Hungary (eff. The recognition of Same-sex marriages became legal in Aruba after three Courts all ruled gay marriages must be recognized Same-sex marriage in Israel is currently unlikely since all marriages in Israel are performed under the auspices of the religious authority of the religion to which the couple belongs In April 2007, the Netherland's Supreme court, the Hoge Raad der Nederlanden, ruled in favor of two lesbians who sought to register their marriage in Same-sex marriage, also referred to as gay marriage, is a Marriage between two persons of the same sex Same-sex marriages are not performed in the state of New Mexico, which also does not provide Civil unions or Domestic partnerships New Mexico Same-sex marriage cannot legally be performed in New York. While one intermediate appellate court in New York has held that the state must recognize foreign same-sex Same-sex marriages cannot currently be performed under the laws of the state of Rhode Island. In March 2005, the Principality of Andorra first recognized the right of Same-sex couples to join in Civil unions. The Czech Republic grants unregistered Cohabitation status to "persons living in a common household" that gives couples inheritance and succession Civil unions in Finland were created for same-sex couples in the form of Registered partnerships in 2002 In France, a pacte civil de solidarité ( English: "civil pact of solidarity" commonly known as a PACS /paks/ (or 2009-1-1) Iceland Luxembourg New Zealand Slovenia Sweden Switzerland United Kingdom Uruguay
Recognized in some regions
Argentina (C, R, VCP) Australia (TAS, SA, ACT, VIC eff. Registered partnerships for Gay and Lesbian couples were introduced in Iceland in 1996. Civil unions in Luxembourg for same-sex and opposite-sex couples were legalised through legislation in 2004 ("loi relative aux effets légaux de certains Slovenia currently recognizes same-sex Civil unions giving same-sex partners access to one another's pensions and property Registered partnership was granted in Sweden in 1995. Sweden was the third country to legally recognise same-sex unions after Denmark and Norway In a nationwide Referendum on June 5, 2005, the Swiss people approved by 58% a Registered partnership law granting On January 1, 2008, Uruguay became the first Latin American country to have a national Civil union law In Argentina, Marriage is allowed only between a man and woman Buenos Aires is the Capital and largest city of Argentina. It is geographically located on the southern shore of the Río de la Plata, on the southeastern Río Negro is a province of Argentina, located at the northern edge of Patagonia. Villa Carlos Paz is a city in the center-north of the province of Córdoba, Argentina, in the south of the Punilla Valley, lying on the western Tasmania 's Relationships Act 2003 provided for registration and recognition of a type of Registered partnership in two distinct categories Significant Relationships South Australia is a state of Australia in the southern central part of the country } The Australian Capital Territory (ACT is the Capital territory of the Commonwealth of Australia and its smallest self-governing internal territory 2008-12-1) Brazil (RS) Canada (QC) Mexico (Coah., DF) United States (CA, CT, DC, HI, ME, NH, NJ, OR, VT, WA)
Unregistered co-habitation
Australia Austria Brazil Colombia Croatia Israel Portugal
Recognition debated
Argentina Austria Australia (QLD) Brazil Chile China Colombia Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Estonia Ecuador Faroe Islands Greece Ireland Italy Jersey Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Poland Romania Slovakia Taiwan United States    (IA, IL, MD, NM, NY, RI)
Same-sex marriage debated, recognition granted
Czech Republic Denmark France Hungary Iceland New Zealand Portugal Sweden United Kingdom United States (CT, DC, HI, ME, NH, NJ, OR, VT, WA)
See also
Same-sex marriage Civil union Registered partnership Domestic partnership Timeline of same-sex marriage Listings by country
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A civil union is a legally recognized union similar to marriage. There is continued debate in the Brazilian legislative and judicial branches about the legal status of same-sex couples (ʁiu ˈgɾɐ̃de do ˈsuɫ lit "Large River of the South" is the southernmost State of Brazil, and the State with the fourth highest Human Development Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page Civil unions in Quebec: Pursuant to a range of activism and to the M Coahuila, formally Coahuila de Zaragoza is one of Mexico 's 31 component states. Mexico City (in Spanish: Ciudad de México, México DF, México or simply Méjico) is the Capital city of Mexico A civil union is a legally recognized union similar to Marriage. A California domestic partnership is a legal relationship available to same-sex couples and to certain opposite-sex couples in which at least one party is at least 62 years Washington DC, has recognized domestic partnerships since June 11, 1992, when the Health Benefits Expansion Act DC Law 9-114 was passed allowing In April 2004 the Maine Legislature passed a bill to establish Domestic Partnerships. Civil unions in New Hampshire are permitted under state law between unrelated same-sex individuals and are intended to provide the same "'rights responsibilities and obligations' In April and May 2007 following a previous attempt in 2005 the Oregon state legislature passed legislation to make virtually all of the rights afforded to married couples available The State Registered Domestic Partners Registry (SRDP was created on April 10, 2007, by the Washington Legislature. There is continued debate in the Brazilian legislative and judicial branches about the legal status of same-sex couples Croatia has allowed unregistered Cohabitation for same-sex couples since 2003 Israel has granted unregistered Cohabitation for Same-sex couples since 1994, in the form of Common-law marriage, a status Civil unions in Portugal were introduced for opposite-sex couples in 1 July 1999 and extended to same-sex couples by the act of 15 March Queensland is a state of Australia, occupying the north-eastern corner of the mainland continent There is continued debate in the Brazilian legislative and judicial branches about the legal status of same-sex couples Gay Civil unions are not legal in Costa Rica; however the issue is being considered by the Legislative Assembly. Croatia has allowed unregistered Cohabitation for same-sex couples since 2003 Cuban law does not currently recognize same-sex relationships and the Cuban Constitution reserves marriage only for men and women Age of consent Homosexuality has been legal in the Faroe Islands since 1933 when it was decriminalized in Denmark Currently the British Crown dependency of Jersey has no legislation recognising same-sex civil partnerships The pressure group Progress In December 2005, Latvia became the third member state of European Union (after Poland and Lithuania) to constitutionally define marriage as In December 2001 the FLay (a local organisation and a local political party (Freie Liste worked on a draft for a same-sex partnership law Same-sex marriages are not legal in Lithuania, with the Civil Code defining Marriage as a voluntary agreement between a man and a woman Romania does not recognise same-sex unions either in the form of same-sex marriage or civil unions Slovakia, unlike its liberal counterpart Czech Republic, is more conservative on issues dealing with Homosexuality. In 2003 the Executive branch of the Republic of China government ( Executive Yuan) proposed legislation granting marriages to same-sex couples under the Same-sex marriage, also referred to as gay marriage, is a Marriage between two persons of the same sex Same-sex marriage in the US state of Iowa was allowed for a short time from August 30 to August 31, 2007, Although Illinois does not currently have a civil union law the 2005 Illinois Policy Survey (conducted by Northern Illinois University) revealed that 31% of residents supported Same-sex marriages are not performed in the state of New Mexico, which also does not provide Civil unions or Domestic partnerships New Mexico Same-sex marriage cannot legally be performed in New York. While one intermediate appellate court in New York has held that the state must recognize foreign same-sex Same-sex marriages cannot currently be performed under the laws of the state of Rhode Island. The Czech Republic is considered to be one of the most liberal Central Europe countries Same-sex marriage is not legal in France. As of 2006, one Same-sex marriage ceremony has been conducted in France and was declared void Registered partnerships for Gay and Lesbian couples were introduced in Iceland in 1996. New Zealand does not allow same-sex marriage proper but allows Civil unions that provide virtually all the rights and responsibilities of Marriage but there The Portuguese civil code currently bans same-sex marriage but civil unions have been legal since 2001 Same-sex marriage is not legal in Sweden due to a 1987 law that defines marriage between one man and one woman but Civil unions are offered permitting the benefits Different laws and procedures apply to marriage in the different countries of the United Kingdom. Same-sex marriage, also referred to as gay marriage, is a Marriage between two persons of the same sex Washington DC, has recognized domestic partnerships since June 11, 1992, when the Health Benefits Expansion Act DC Law 9-114 was passed allowing In April 2004 the Maine Legislature passed a bill to establish Domestic Partnerships. LGBT rights in New Hampshire refers to the Civil rights specifically relating to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender individuals In April and May 2007 following a previous attempt in 2005 the Oregon state legislature passed legislation to make virtually all of the rights afforded to married couples available Same-sex marriage is not recognized in Washington state The Washington Supreme Court would have made Washington the second U Same-sex marriage (also referred to as gay marriage) is a term for a legally or Socially recognized Marriage between two people of the same Registered partnership is one of several terms synonymous with a Civil union or Civil partnership similar to Marriage, typically created in order to provide A domestic partnership is a legal or Personal relationship between two individuals who live together and share a common domestic life but are neither joined by a traditional A timeline of significant events regarding same-sex marriage and legal recognition of same-sex couples worldwide in modern history followed by a timeline of notable same-sex marriages and unions NOTICE TO WOULD-BE ROMEOS ************** Beginning with Denmark in 1989, civil unions under one name or another have been established by law in many developed countries in order to provide same-sex couples with rights, benefits, and responsibilities similar (in some countries, identical) to opposite-sex civil marriage. The term developed country, or advanced country, is used to categorize countries with developed Economies in which the tertiary and quaternary sectors Homosexuality refers to sexual behavior with or attraction to people of the same sex or to a Homosexual orientation. A right is a legal or moral Entitlement or Permission. Rights are of vital importance in theories of Justice and deontological ethics Moral responsibility can refer to two different but related things In some jurisdictions, such as Quebec, New Zealand, and Uruguay, civil unions are also open to opposite-sex couples. In Law, jurisdiction (from the Latin ius iuris meaning "law" and dicere meaning "to speak" is the practical Authority Civil unions in Quebec: Pursuant to a range of activism and to the M On January 1, 2008, Uruguay became the first Latin American country to have a national Civil union law

Most civil-union countries 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. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located Schedule 20 of the Civil Partnership Act 2004 is a section of the British Civil Partnership Act recognising certain overseas unions as equivalent to civil partnerships

Many people are critical of civil unions because they say they represent separate status unequal to marriage ("marriage apartheid"). ^[1][2] Others are critical because they say civil unions allow same-sex marriage by using a different name. Same-sex marriage (also referred to as gay marriage) is a term for a legally or Socially recognized Marriage between two people of the same

Contents 1 Terminology 1.1 Civil unions and kinship 1.2 Examples 2 History 3 List of jurisdictions allowing same-sex unions 3.1 North America 3.1.1 United States 3.1.2 Canada 3.2 Latin America 3.2.1 Argentina 3.2.2 Brazil 3.2.3 Mexico 3.2.4 Uruguay 3.3 Europe 3.4 Africa 3.5 Asia 3.6 Oceania 3.6.1 New Zealand 3.6.2 Australia 4 Denmark 5 France 6 New Zealand 7 Portugal 8 Switzerland 9 Mexico 10 United Kingdom 11 United States 11.1 Vermont 11.2 Connecticut 11.3 New Jersey 11.4 New Hampshire 12 See also 13 References 14 External links

Terminology

The terms used to designate recognized same-sex 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. Registered partnership is one of several terms synonymous with a Civil union or Civil partnership similar to Marriage, typically created in order to provide A domestic partnership is a legal or Personal relationship between two individuals who live together and share a common domestic life but are neither joined by a traditional Tasmania 's Relationships Act 2003 provided for registration and recognition of a type of Registered partnership in two distinct categories Significant Relationships Common-law marriage (or Common law marriage) sometimes called de facto marriage, informal marriage or marriage by habit and repute Since 2003 Adult interdependent relationships have been available to both same-sex and different-sex couples in the Canadian province of Alberta, providing some but not In March 2005, the Principality of Andorra first recognized the right of Same-sex couples to join in Civil unions. In France, a pacte civil de solidarité ( English: "civil pact of solidarity" commonly known as a PACS /paks/ (or 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,^[3] has generally connoted a lesser status with fewer benefits. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the A domestic partnership is a legal or Personal relationship between two individuals who live together and share a common domestic life but are neither joined by a traditional 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. The " West Coast " " Western Seaboard " or " Pacific Seaboard " are terms for the westernmost coastal states of the Western United States A California domestic partnership is a legal relationship available to same-sex couples and to certain opposite-sex couples in which at least one party is at least 62 years In April and May 2007 following a previous attempt in 2005 the Oregon state legislature passed legislation to make virtually all of the rights afforded to married couples available The State Registered Domestic Partners Registry (SRDP was created on April 10, 2007, by the Washington Legislature. The East Coast of the United States, also known as the "Eastern Seaboard" or "Atlantic Seaboard" refers to the easternmost coastal states in the central and northern

Civil unions are not seen as a replacement for marriage by some in the gay 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. Evan Wolfson (born February 4 1957 is a prominent American civil rights attorney and advocate Freedom to Marry, is a national non-profit organization founded in New York City in 2002 ^[4] "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 supporters of traditional 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. ”^[5]

Civil unions and kinship

Legally, marriage is a means of establishing kinship outside of bloodline. Kinship is a relationship between any entities that share a genealogical origin through either biological cultural or historical descent ^[6] This concept of kinship is one that permeates society, and is encoded in Western common law as well as the laws of every nation, including 1,138 federal laws in the United States. The term Western world, the West or the Occident ( Latin: occidens -sunset -west as distinct from the Orient) can have multiple meanings Common law refers to law and the corresponding legal system developed through decisions of courts and similar tribunals rather than through legislative statutes or executive ^{[7] [8]} Kinship conveys not only rights and privileges, but duties and even restrictions. For example, judges cannot preside over certain of their kin according to Western common law. ^[9] Because civil unions are a new concept, they do not instruct business, the courts or other agencies how to apply the centuries of kinship-related doctrine, custom and law to these arrangements which is one of the primary differences cited between marriage and civil unions. ^[6]

Examples

To illustrate the possible difference between civil unions and domestic partnerships, the state of New Jersey enacted a domestic partnership law in 2004, offering certain limited rights and benefits to same-sex and different-sex couples; however, after a state Supreme Court ruling in 2006 that same-sex couples must be extended all the rights and benefits of marriage, the state legislature passed a new civil unions law, effective in 2007, which fulfills the court's ruling. New Jersey ( is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions of the United States. Note! Article is BELOW this infobox scroll down --> The New Jersey Supreme Court is the highest court in the U Lewis v Harris, 908 A2d 196 (NJ 2006 is a New Jersey Supreme Court case that held that Same-sex couples are entitled to the same equal

In California, on the other hand, where domestic partnership has been available to same-sex couples since 2000, a wholesale revision of the law in 2005 has made it, like the New Jersey civil union law, equivalent to marriage in nearly every respect at the state level, though neither is recognized by the federal government.

See also: Civil unions in New Jersey and Domestic partnership in California

History

The first civil unions in the United States were offered by the state of Vermont in 2000. A California domestic partnership is a legal relationship available to same-sex couples and to certain opposite-sex couples in which at least one party is at least 62 years The federal government does not recognize these unions, and under the U. The federal government of the United States is the central United States Governmental body established by the United States Constitution. S. Defense of Marriage Act of 1996 (DOMA), other U. The Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, is the short title of a Federal law of the United States passed on September 21 1996 as Public Law No S. states are not obliged to recognize them. By the end of 2006, Connecticut and New Jersey had also enacted civil union laws; New Hampshire followed in 2007. Civil unions in New Hampshire are permitted under state law between unrelated same-sex individuals and are intended to provide the same "'rights responsibilities and obligations' Furthermore, California's domestic partnership law had been expanded to the point that it became practically a civil union law, as well. A California domestic partnership is a legal relationship available to same-sex couples and to certain opposite-sex couples in which at least one party is at least 62 years The same might be said from 2007 for domestic partnership in Maine, domestic partnerships in District of Columbia, domestic partnership in Washington, and domestic partnership in Oregon. In April 2004 the Maine Legislature passed a bill to establish Domestic Partnerships. Washington DC, has recognized domestic partnerships since June 11, 1992, when the Health Benefits Expansion Act DC Law 9-114 was passed allowing The State Registered Domestic Partners Registry (SRDP was created on April 10, 2007, by the Washington Legislature. In April and May 2007 following a previous attempt in 2005 the Oregon state legislature passed legislation to make virtually all of the rights afforded to married couples available

Since 2005, both New Zealand and the United Kingdom have offered civil unions similar to marriage nationwide, although in the UK they are termed civil partnerships. As of May 2007, only five nations (the Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, Spain, and South Africa) offer full same-sex marriage. The Netherlands has allowed Same-sex marriage since 1 April 2001, the first nation in the world to do so On January 30, 2003, Belgium became the second country in the world to legally recognise Same-sex marriage, with some restrictions On July 20, 2005, Canada became the fourth country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide with the approval of the Civil Marriage Act. Same-sex marriage in Spain was legalized in 2005 In 2004 the nation's newly elected Socialist government led by President José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero Same-sex marriage became legal in South Africa on 30 November 2006 when the Civil Unions Bill was enacted after having been passed Same-sex marriage (also referred to as gay marriage) is a term for a legally or Socially recognized Marriage between two people of the same The U. S. state of Massachusetts offers state-wide same-sex marriage, as will the U. Same-sex marriage in the US state of Massachusetts began on May 17, 2004, as a result of the Supreme Judicial Court Same-sex marriage (also referred to as gay marriage) is a term for a legally or Socially recognized Marriage between two people of the same S. state of California as of June 17, 2008. Events 1462 - Vlad III the Impaler attempts to assassinate Mehmed II ( The Night Attack) forcing him to retreat 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common

List of jurisdictions allowing same-sex unions

North America

United States

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

• Civil Unions in Vermont (2000),
• Domestic Partnerships in California (2000),
• Civil Unions in Connecticut (2005),
• Civil Unions in New Jersey (2007),
• Civil Unions in New Hampshire (2008), and
• Domestic Partnerships in Oregon (2008),^[10]

States in the U. A California domestic partnership is a legal relationship available to same-sex couples and to certain opposite-sex couples in which at least one party is at least 62 years Civil unions in New Hampshire are permitted under state law between unrelated same-sex individuals and are intended to provide the same "'rights responsibilities and obligations' In April and May 2007 following a previous attempt in 2005 the Oregon state legislature passed legislation to make virtually all of the rights afforded to married couples available S. with domestic partnerships or similar status granting some of the rights of marriage include

• Reciprocal Beneficiary Relationships in Hawaii (1997),
• Domestic Partnerships in the District of Columbia (1992/2002),
• Domestic Partnerships in Maine (2004),
• Domestic Partnerships in New Jersey (2004) (now available only for couples 62 and older), and
• Domestic Partnerships in Washington (2007). See also Recognition of gay unions in Hawaii. Since 1997 the state of Hawaii has offered reciprocal beneficiary registration for any adults who are Washington DC, has recognized domestic partnerships since June 11, 1992, when the Health Benefits Expansion Act DC Law 9-114 was passed allowing In April 2004 the Maine Legislature passed a bill to establish Domestic Partnerships. The State Registered Domestic Partners Registry (SRDP was created on April 10, 2007, by the Washington Legislature.

Massachusetts and California are the only states that offer same-sex marriage. Same-sex marriage in the US state of Massachusetts began on May 17, 2004, as a result of the Supreme Judicial Court Same-sex marriage in the United States - editing that article for size and clarity The right to marry was extended to same-sex couples by state supreme court ruling on 18 November 2003 in Massachusetts and by a similar ruling on May 15, 2008 in California. Ruling In a 50-page 4–3 ruling delivered on November 18, 2003, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court found that the state may not "deny Events 326 - The old St Peter's Basilica is consecrated 1302 - Pope Boniface VIII issues the Papal bull Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. Procedural history At the direction of Mayor Gavin Newsom, the Office of the County Clerk of San Francisco "designed revised forms for the marriage Events 1252 - Pope Innocent IV issues the Papal bull Ad exstirpanda, which authorizes but also limits the 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common California ( is a US state on the West Coast of the United States, along the Pacific Ocean. In addition, on August 31, 2007 a court in Iowa ruled that same-sex couples could marry in that state, but the following day the ruling was suspended pending appeals, and only one same-sex couple married. Events 1056 - Byzantine Empress Theodora becomes ill dying suddenly a few days later without children to succeed the Throne Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Same-sex marriage in the US state of Iowa was allowed for a short time from August 30 to August 31, 2007, ^[11] Thus, until further court review, Iowa does not permit same-sex marriage.

Due to the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), same-sex couples in marriages, civil unions, or domestic partnerships in the U. The Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, is the short title of a Federal law of the United States passed on September 21 1996 as Public Law No S. do not have the 1,138 rights that a married couple has under federal law. ^[12][2]PDF (268 KiB)

Canada

In Canada:

• Domestic partnerships in Nova Scotia (2001),
• Civil unions in Quebec (2002),
• Common-law relationships in Manitoba (2002), and
• Adult interdependent relationships in Alberta (2003)

were extended to same-sex couples before the enactment (2005) nationwide of same-sex marriage in Canada. A kibibyte (a contraction of ki lo bi nary byte) is a unit of Information or Computer storage, established by the International On July 20, 2005, Canada became the fourth country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide with the approval of the Civil Marriage Act. Same-sex marriage in Nova ScotiaSame-sex marriage in Canada Since June 4, 2001, the Canadian province of Nova Scotia has offered Domestic partnership registration Civil unions in Quebec: Pursuant to a range of activism and to the M Common-law relationships in Manitoba are government-sanctioned relationships available to both same-sex and different-sex unmarried couples in the Canadian province of Manitoba Since 2003 Adult interdependent relationships have been available to both same-sex and different-sex couples in the Canadian province of Alberta, providing some but not On July 20, 2005, Canada became the fourth country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide with the approval of the Civil Marriage Act. Between June 2003 and June 2005, courts in eight provinces and one territory of Canada extended marriage to include same-sex couples.

Latin America

Argentina

• Argentine capital of Buenos Aires (2003),
• Rio Negro Province (2003)
• City of Villa Carlos Paz (2007). For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Argentina topics. Buenos Aires is the Capital and largest city of Argentina. It is geographically located on the southern shore of the Río de la Plata, on the southeastern Río Negro is a province of Argentina, located at the northern edge of Patagonia. Villa Carlos Paz is a city in the center-north of the province of Córdoba, Argentina, in the south of the Punilla Valley, lying on the western

Brazil

• some parts of Brazil (2004),
• the state of Rio Grande Do Sul

Mexico

• Mexico City (2006) and
• the state of Coahuila (2007). |utc_offset = -2 to -4 |time_zone_DST = BRST |utc_offset_DST = -2 to -5 |cctld (ʁiu ˈgɾɐ̃de do ˈsuɫ lit "Large River of the South" is the southernmost State of Brazil, and the State with the fourth highest Human Development Mexico City (in Spanish: Ciudad de México, México DF, México or simply Méjico) is the Capital city of Mexico Coahuila, formally Coahuila de Zaragoza is one of Mexico 's 31 component states.

Uruguay

• Civil unions in Uruguay, nationwide (2008)

The Argentinian province of Rio Negro and the city of Buenos Aires have domestic partnerships. On January 1, 2008, Uruguay became the first Latin American country to have a national Civil union law Río Negro is a province of Argentina, located at the northern edge of Patagonia. Buenos Aires is the Capital and largest city of Argentina. It is geographically located on the southern shore of the Río de la Plata, on the southeastern

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. Colombia (kəˈlʌmbɪə officially the Republic of Colombia () is a country in northwestern South America.

Europe

In Europe,

• Denmark (1989),
• Norway (1993),
• Sweden (1995),
• Iceland (1996),
• France (1999),
• Finland (2002),
• Portugal (2001),
• Germany (2001),
• Luxembourg (2004),
• Andorra (2005),
• United Kingdom (2005),
• the Czech Republic (2006),
• Slovenia (2006), and
• Switzerland (2007),
• Hungary (1996/2009). The Kingdom of Denmark ( ˈd̥ænmɑɡ̊ (archaic ˈd̥anmɑːɡ̊ commonly known as Denmark, is a country in the Scandinavian region of northern Europe Norway ( Norwegian: Norge ( Bokmål) or Noreg ( Nynorsk) officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Constitutional "Sverige" redirects here For other uses see Sweden (disambiguation and Sverige (disambiguation. Iceland, officially the Republic of Iceland ( ( Ísland or Lýðveldið Ísland ( This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. Finland, officially the Republic of Finland ( is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of northern Europe. Portugal, officially the Portuguese Republic (República Portuguesa is a country on the Iberian Peninsula. Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany ( ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant is a Country in Central Europe. Luxembourg (Groussherzogtum Lëtzebuerg Grand-Duché de Luxembourg Großherzogtum Luxemburg is a small Landlocked country in Western Europe, bordered by Andorra, officially the Principality of Andorra ( Catalan: Principat d'Andorra) is a small Landlocked country in western The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located The Czech Republic ( ˈt͡ʃɛskaː ˈrɛpuˌblɪka short form in Česko ˈt͡ʃɛskɔ also called Czechia, Slovenia, officially the Republic of Slovenia (Republika Slovenija) is a Country in southern Central Europe bordering Italy to the west Switzerland (English pronunciation; Schweiz Swiss German: Schwyz or Schwiiz Suisse Svizzera Svizra officially the Swiss Confederation Hungary (Magyarország 'mɔɟɔrorsaːg) officially in English the Republic of Hungary ( Magyar Köztársaság, literally Magyar (Hungarian Republic ^[13]

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. The Netherlands ( Dutch:, ˈnedərlɑnt is the European part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which consists of the Netherlands the Netherlands Belgium did likewise in 2003. The Kingdom of Belgium is a Country in northwest Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts its headquarters as well as those Spain legalized same-sex marriage in 2005. Spain () or the Kingdom of Spain (Reino de España is a country located mostly in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Same-sex marriage (also referred to as gay marriage) is a term for a legally or Socially recognized Marriage between two people of the same

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. Events 445 BC – Ezra reads the Book of the Law to the Israelites in Jerusalem (see Nehemiah 91 NLTse ga '''Dáil Éireann''' ( English House of Representatives of Ireland) is the principal chamber of the Oireachtas (Irish parliament Ireland ( Irish: Éire, ˈeːrʲə is a country in north-western Europe. ^[14]

Africa

In Africa: South Africa legalized same-sex marriage in 2006; civil unions are also available to same-sex couples. Same-sex marriage became legal in South Africa on 30 November 2006 when the Civil Unions Bill was enacted after having been passed

Asia

In the Middle East:

• Israel (1994 as common-law marriage; 2006 as recognition of foreign marriage). The Middle East is a Subcontinent with no clear boundaries often used as a synonym to Near East, in opposition to Far East. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Israel topics.

Oceania

New Zealand

• New Zealand nationwide (2005)

Australia

Main articles: Recognition of same-sex relationships in Australia, LGBT rights in Australia, and Domestic partnership in Tasmania

• Tasmania (Significant Relationships from 2004),
• The Australian Capital Territory (Civil partnerships from 2008),
• Victoria (Registered partnerships from 2008)

Registered partnership recognition in local governments:

• City of Sydney, New South Wales - Registered partnerships since 2004
• City of Melbourne, Victoria - Registered partnerships since 2007
• City of Yarra, Victoria - Registered partnerships since 2007

The Australian federal/commonwealth government has banned the recognition of all same-sex marriages at the national level. New Zealand is an Island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (the North Island and the South Island The recognition and rights of LGBT couples and individuals in Australia have gradually been increasing within the states and territories since the 1970s Tasmania 's Relationships Act 2003 provided for registration and recognition of a type of Registered partnership in two distinct categories Significant Relationships Tasmania is an Australian island and state of the same name It is located south of the eastern side of the Continent, being separated from it by Bass } The Australian Capital Territory (ACT is the Capital territory of the Commonwealth of Australia and its smallest self-governing internal territory Registered partnership is one of several terms synonymous with a Civil union or Civil partnership similar to Marriage, typically created in order to provide South Sydney redirects here This article is about the local government area The City of Melbourne is a Local Government Area in Victoria, Australia, located in the central city area of Melbourne. The City of Yarra is a Local Government Area in Victoria Australia, located in the inner eastern and northern Suburbs of Melbourne.

Tasmania has recognised de facto couples in unregistered co-habitation since 2002, as now do all other states and territories. Tasmania is an Australian island and state of the same name It is located south of the eastern side of the Continent, being separated from it by Bass Tasmania's Significant Relationships (a form of registered partnership may be utilised by carers, siblings and both opposite and same sex couples). Registered partnership is one of several terms synonymous with a Civil union or Civil partnership similar to Marriage, typically created in order to provide ^[15]

Denmark

Main article: Civil unions in Denmark

Civil unions were introduced in Denmark by law on June 7, 1989, the world's first such law. The Kingdom of Denmark ( ˈd̥ænmɑɡ̊ (archaic ˈd̥anmɑːɡ̊ commonly known as Denmark, is a country in the Scandinavian region of northern Europe Events 1099 - The First Crusade: The Siege of Jerusalem begins Year 1989 ( MCMLXXXIX) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link displays 1989 Gregorian calendar) It has the name of a registered partnership (Danish: "registreret partnerskab"), but has almost all the same qualities as marriage. Registered partnership is one of several terms synonymous with a Civil union or Civil partnership similar to Marriage, typically created in order to provide It provides all the same legal and fiscal rights and obligations that come with a heterosexual marriage, with four exceptions:

• registered partners cannot adopt, with the exception that one party can adopt the biological children of the other
• registered partners cannot have joint custody of a child, except by adoption
• laws making explicit reference to the sexes of a married couple don't apply to registered partnerships
• regulations by international treaties do not apply unless all signatories agree.

Registered partnership is by civil ceremony only. The Church of Denmark has yet to decide how to handle the issue, but the general attitude of the church seems positive but hesitant. The Danish National Church, Church of Denmark or Evangelical Lutheran Church of Denmark ( Danish: Den Danske Folkekirke or Folkekirken Some priests perform blessings of gay couples, and this is accepted by the church, which states that the church blesses people, not institutions.

Divorce for registered partners follows the same rules as ordinary divorces.

Only citizens of Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Iceland can enter into a registered partnership in Denmark. This list is adjusted whenever a new country legalizes same-sex unions. This rule excludes foreigners from gaining a registered partnership status that would not be legally recognised in their home country or state.

As of January 1, 2002, there were more than 2,000 registered partnerships in Denmark, of which 220 had children. New Year See also New Year The Ancient Romans began their consular year on January 1st since 153 BC See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar.

France

Main article: Pacte civil de solidarité

The French law providing benefits to same-sex couples also applies to opposite-sex couples who choose this form of partnership over marriage. In France, a pacte civil de solidarité ( English: "civil pact of solidarity" commonly known as a PACS /paks/ (or This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. 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.

• Ref. Circulaire n°2007-03 CIV du 5 février 2007

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. Events 536 - Byzantine General Belisarius enters Rome while the Ostrogothic garrison peacefully leaves the city "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " New Zealand is an Island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (the North Island and the South Island The Parliament of New Zealand consists of the Queen of New Zealand and the New Zealand House of Representatives and until 1951 the New Zealand Legislative Council 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. Events 1467 - The miraculous image in Our Lady of Good Counsel appear in Genazzano, Italy. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1429 - Joan of Arc arrives to relieve the Siege of Orleans. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar.

Portugal

Main article: Civil unions in Portugal

Civil unions in Portugal were introduced for opposite-sex couples in 1 July 1999 and extended to same-sex couples by the act of 15 March 2001. Civil unions in Portugal were introduced for opposite-sex couples in 1 July 1999 and extended to same-sex couples by the act of 15 March Portugal, officially the Portuguese Republic (República Portuguesa is a country on the Iberian Peninsula. "July 1st" redirects here For the Ayumi Hamasaki song see H (song. Year 1999 ( MCMXCIX) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1999 Gregorian calendar) Events 44 BC - Julius Caesar, Dictator of the Roman Republic, is stabbed to death by Marcus Junius Brutus, Year 2001 ( MMI) was a Common year starting on Monday according to the Gregorian calendar.

The current legislation extends to same-sex couples the same rights as heterosexual couples living in a de facto union for more than two years. Heterosexuality refers to sexual behavior with or attraction to people of the opposite sex or to a heterosexual orientation Common-law marriage (or Common law marriage) sometimes called de facto marriage, informal marriage or marriage by habit and repute The law covers housing arrangements, civil servants and work benefits, the option to choose a fiscal regime as married partners, and welfare benefits. See also Bureaucrat The term civil service has two distinct meanings Branch of governmental service in which individuals are hired on the basis Welfare is financial assistance paid to people by governments The difference in the civil union law between same-sex and opposite-sex couples is that only opposite-sex couples can adopt children together.

The "registration" can be made by an application of joint tax assessment. Registered partnership is one of several terms synonymous with a Civil union or Civil partnership similar to Marriage, typically created in order to provide

Also in 15 March 2001, a new multi-person law ("common economy") was also approved that protects two or more persons that live in common economy with most of the rights of the de facto union, except welfare benefits. Events 44 BC - Julius Caesar, Dictator of the Roman Republic, is stabbed to death by Marcus Junius Brutus, Year 2001 ( MMI) was a Common year starting on Monday according to the Gregorian calendar.

Since December 2006, same sex couples (and opposite sex couples) living in a civil union are also recognized in the same way as married couples for citizenship applications and when a public servant wants to extend healthcare protection to the partner. The Penal Code is also in the process of being changed to recognize same-sex couples in the Domestic violence law.

Switzerland

Main article: Civil unions in Switzerland

The Canton of Geneva has had a law on cantonal level, "Registered Partnership" or "PACS" (Pacte civil de solidarité), since 2001. In a nationwide Referendum on June 5, 2005, the Swiss people approved by 58% a Registered partnership law granting The Canton of Geneva is the westernmost canton or state of Switzerland, surrounded on almost all sides by France and centered around the city of Geneva In France, a pacte civil de solidarité ( English: "civil pact of solidarity" commonly known as a PACS /paks/ (or It grants unmarried couples, whether same-sex or opposite-sex, many rights, responsibilities and protections that married couples have. Cohabitation is when people live together in an emotionally- and/or physically- Intimate relationship. NOTICE TO WOULD-BE ROMEOS ************** However, it does not allow benefits in taxation, social security, or health insurance premiums (unlike the federal 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. Events 66 - Emperor Nero creates the Legion I Italica. 1236 - The Lithuanians See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. Switzerland (English pronunciation; Schweiz Swiss German: Schwyz or Schwiiz Suisse Svizzera Svizra officially the Swiss Confederation The Canton of Zürich (German Kanton) has a population of about 1 ^[16] Partners must both live in the canton and formally commit themselves six months in advance to running a household and supporting and aiding one another.

On June 5, 2005 voters extended this right to the whole of Switzerland, through a federal referendum. Events 70 - Titus and his Roman Legions breach the middle wall of Jerusalem in the Siege of Jerusalem Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. This was the first time that the civil union laws were affirmed in a nationwide referendum in any country.

Mexico

Main article: Civil unions in Mexico

On November 9, 2006, the Legislative Assembly of Mexico City approved a law that allows same sex and homosexual civil Unions which are not fully equivalent to marriage but provides them with certain rights. Events 694 - Egica, a king of the Visigoths of Hispania, accuses Jews of aiding Muslims sentencing all Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. The motion was approved by 43 votes in favor and 16 against and 6 abstentions. Many conservative groups in Mexico criticized the law that will be in effect after the Chief of Government of Mexico city sanctions it. In 2002 a similar law was proposed but dismissed by the conservative Partido Acción Nacional due to alleged "bureaucratic errors". The National Action Party ( Spanish Partido Acción Nacional) known by the acronym PAN, is a conservative and Christian democratic Mexico City is by far the most liberal region of a country in which the majority professes the catholic faith. This law is the first to recognize rights for same-sex couples and was welcomed by the gay community in general.

On January 11, 2007, the northern state of Coahuila approved a similar measure with 20 votes from the Partido Revolucionario Institucional (PRI) and the Partido del Trabajo (PT) and 13 votes against from the PAN and the PRD. Events 1055 - Theodora is crowned Empress of the Byzantine Empire. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Coahuila, formally Coahuila de Zaragoza is one of Mexico 's 31 component states. The Institutional Revolutionary Party ( Spanish: Partido Revolucionario Institucional or PRI) is a Mexican Political party that wielded ^[17] On January 31, 2007 the first civil union between two persons of the same sex took place in Saltillo, Coahuila. Events 1504 - France cedes Naples to Aragon. 1606 - Gunpowder Plot: Guy Fawkes Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Coahuila, formally Coahuila de Zaragoza is one of Mexico 's 31 component states. Two women, Karina Almaguer and Karla Lopez, became the first couple ever in Coahuila and in Mexico to formalize their union under such law^[18]. Coahuila, formally Coahuila de Zaragoza is one of Mexico 's 31 component states. The United Mexican States ( or commonly Mexico (ˈmɛksɪkoʊ () is a federal constitutional Republic in North America.

United Kingdom

Main article: Civil partnerships 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 civil marriage. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located The Civil Partnership Bill was introduced into the House of Lords on March 30, 2004. See Civil partnerships in the United Kingdom for a detailed discussion of the Act and its implementation. The House of Lords is the second house of the Parliament of the United Kingdom and is also commonly referred to as "the Lords" Events 240 BC - 1st recorded Perihelion passage of Halley's Comet. "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " 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 House of Commons' is the Lower house of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, which also comprises the Sovereign and the House of Lords Events 284 - Diocletian is proclaimed emperor by his soldiers "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " The granting of Royal Assent is the formal method by which a constitutional monarch completes the legislative process of Lawmaking by formally assenting to an Events 326 - The old St Peter's Basilica is consecrated 1302 - Pope Boniface VIII issues the Papal bull 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. Events 63 BC - Cicero reads the last of his Catiline Orations. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 324 - Licinius abdicates his position as Roman Emperor. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Northern Ireland (Tuaisceart Éireann Ulster Scots: Norlin Airlann) is a Country within the United Kingdom, lying in the northeast of Events 69 - Vespasian, formerly a general under Nero, enters Rome to claim the title of Emperor. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Scotland ( Gaelic: Alba) is a Country in northwest Europethat occupies the northern third of the island of Great Britain. Events 69 - The end of the Year of the four emperors: Following Galba, Otho and Vitellius, Vespasian Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. England is a Country which is part of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland ^[19] 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.

In order to counter claims that this is instituting same-sex marriage, government spokespersons emphasised that civil partnership is quite separate from marriage.

Aside from the manner in which couples register and the non-use of the word "marriage", civil partnerships and civil marriages give exactly the same legal rights and operate under the same constrictions and 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. They see legal marriage and civil partnerships as artificially segregated institutions, and draw parallels with the racial segregation of the United States' past. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the

Both same-sex marriages and civil unions of other nations will be automatically considered civil partnerships under UK law providing the 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.

United States

Main articles: Same-sex marriage in the United States, Civil union in the United States, and Domestic partnership in the United States

Below, listed by state, is information regarding civil unions in the United States. Same-sex marriage, also referred to as gay marriage, is a Marriage between two persons of the same sex A civil union is a legally recognized union similar to Marriage. In the United States, Domestic partnership is a city- county- state- or employer-recognized status that may be available to same-sex couples and sometimes

Vermont

Main article: Civil unions in Vermont

The controversial civil unions law^[20] passed in the Vermont General Assembly in 2000 was passed as 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. The Vermont General Assembly is the legislative body of the U The Vermont Supreme Court is the highest Judicial authority of the U Baker v Vermont was decided in 1999 by the Vermont Supreme Court. There were still many people who were strongly opposed to the idea of same-sex marriage, so the legislature enacted civil unions as a compromise between groups seeking identical rights for homosexual couples, and groups objecting to same-sex marriage. Homosexuality refers to sexual behavior with or attraction to people of the same sex or to a Homosexual orientation. Same-sex marriage, also referred to as gay marriage, is a Marriage between two persons of the same sex One of the most instrumental champions of the bill in the Vermont House was a three-term legislator from Washington, Marion Milne. Like many other proponents of the law, her conservative home district retaliated by not re-electing her in the 2000 elections.

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. ^[21] It grants partners next-of-kin rights and other protections that heterosexual married couples also receive. Next of kin is the term used to describe a person's closest living blood relative or Relatives. However, despite the "full faith and credit" clause of the United States Constitution, civil unions are generally not recognized outside of the state of Vermont in the absence of specific legislation. Article IV, Section 1 of the United States Constitution, commonly known as the Full Faith and Credit Clause, addresses the duties that states The Constitution of the United States of America is the supreme Law of the United States. 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 couple in other jurisdictions. The Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, is the short title of a Federal law of the United States passed on September 21 1996 as Public Law No The Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA (also referred to by proponents as the Marriage Protection Amendment) is a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution This means that many of the advantages of marriage, which fall in the federal jurisdiction (Over 1,100 federal laws, 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. The City of New York 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. Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany ( ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant is a Country in Central Europe.

Connecticut

Main article: Civil unions in Connecticut

In 2005, the Connecticut General Assembly passed a bill to adopt civil unions in Connecticut. The Connecticut General Assembly (or CGA) is the state legislature of the U Connecticut's civil unions are identical to marriage and provide all of the same rights and responsibilities except for the title. Connecticut was the first state in the US to voluntarily pass a same-sex civil unions law through the legislature without any immediate court intervention.

New Jersey

Main articles: Civil unions in New Jersey and Same-sex marriage 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. Events 1147 - The Portuguese, under Afonso I, and Crusaders from England and Flanders conquer Lisbon after a Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Note! Article is BELOW this infobox scroll down --> The New Jersey Supreme Court is the highest court in the U The New Jersey Legislature is the US state of New Jersey 's legislative branch seated in the New Jersey State House at the state's capital Trenton A civil union is a legally recognized union similar to Marriage. ^[22] 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. Events 1287 - St Lucia's flood: The Zuider Zee sea wall in the Netherlands collapses killing over 50000 people The Governor of New Jersey is the Chief executive of the US state of New Jersey. Jon Stevens Corzine (born January 1 1947 is the Governor of New Jersey and a former United States Senator Events 69 - The end of the Year of the four emperors: Following Galba, Otho and Vitellius, Vespasian Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. The first civil unions took place on February 19, 2007. Events 197 - Roman Emperor Septimius Severus defeats usurper Clodius Albinus in the Battle of Lugdunum Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ^[23][24]

New Hampshire

Main article: Civil unions 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. Civil unions in New Hampshire are permitted under state law between unrelated same-sex individuals and are intended to provide the same "'rights responsibilities and obligations' Events 1467 - The miraculous image in Our Lady of Good Counsel appear in Genazzano, Italy. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. The General Court of New Hampshire is the Bicameral state legislature of the U John H Lynch (born November 25 1952, Waltham Massachusetts) is the current Governor of New Hampshire. Events 1279 BC - Rameses II (The Great (19th dynasty becomes pharaoh of Ancient Egypt. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ^[25] At the time, New Hampshire was ". . . the first state to embrace same-sex unions without a court order or the threat of one. ". ^[26] The New Hampshire civil union legislation became effective on January 1, 2008. New Year See also New Year The Ancient Romans began their consular year on January 1st since 153 BC 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common ^[27]

See also

• Same-sex marriage
• Registered partnership
• Domestic partnership
• Same-sex union
• Common-law marriage

References

External links

• The Vermont Guide to Civil Unions, Vermont Secretary of State
• Civil Union Fact Sheet, Australian Capital Territory web site

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