Civil unions in the United States
| Legal recognition of same-sex relationships |
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| Same-sex marriage | ||
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| Recognized in some regions | ||
| United States(MA) |
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| International recognition | ||
| Israel United States(NY) |
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| Civil unions and domestic partnerships |
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| Recognized in some regions | ||
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Argentina ( |
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| Unregistered co-habitation | ||
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| Recognition debated | ||
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| Civil unions legal, same-sex marriage debated |
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| See also | ||
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Same-sex marriage |
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Civil unions or some other form of relationship recognition such as domestic partnerships or reciprocal benefits are legal in seven states. Same-sex marriage is legal in one state (Massachusetts), and is currently under judicial review in Iowa.
Same-sex marriage
Massachusetts - May 17, 2004
The only state that has thus far legalized gay marriage has been Massachusetts. In 2004 the Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled in favor of same-sex couples seeking marriage in a 4-3 decision. It required the legislature legalize same-sex marriage and rejected attempts to opt for civil unions instead.
Iowa - August 30, 2007
The second state to allow same-sex marriages. As of August 30th, 2007, a county district judge struck down the state-wide ban on same-sex marriage, calling it unconstitutional. This decision was stayed the following day pending appeal, and marriage licenses are no longer available to same-sex couples in Iowa. One couple was able to get married before the stay order was issued. Approximately 20 other couples who applied for a marriage license before the stay were unable to complete the civil marriage process because of Iowa's three-day waiting period for new marriage licenses.
Civil unions
Vermont - July 1, 2000
Civil unions have been legal in Vermont since a 2000 State Supreme Court ruling requiring that the state recognize same-sex couples on par with heterosexual couples however leaving to the legislature the choice of whether to legalize same-sex marriage or some other form of relationship recognition.
The legislature, under pressure from then Governor Howard Dean, opted for civil unions over marriage as a compromise measure. Recently however there has been a greater push for same sex marriage and a same-sex marriage bill has been introduced into the state legislature on February 9, 2007 (H275).
Connecticut - October 1, 2005
- See also: Same-sex marriage in Connecticut
In 2005, the Connecticut legislature became the first state in the United States to legalize civil unions without a court order. It was signed into law by Connecticut governor Jodi Rell. Gay rights groups however have been pushing for further recognition have introduced a bill legalizing same-sex marriage to the state legislature and have launched a law suit seeking to legalize same-sex marriage in the state. The governor has said she would veto the legislation.
New Jersey - February 19, 2007
- See also: Same-sex marriage in New Jersey
After a ruling by the New Jersey Supreme Court, the state has legalized Civil unions. The ruling similar to the ruling in Vermont has required the state grant all the benefits given to heterosexual couples to homosexual couples as well. Prior to the ruling same-sex couples enjoyed a broad-range of benefits under the states domestic partnership law. Gay rights groups however have stated their dissatisfaction with the law and have promised to continue pushing for same-sex marriage in 2007 and 2008. The Governor, Jon Corzine, has indicated he would sign a same-sex marriage bill if it were before his desk.
New Hampshire - January 1, 2008
On April 4, 2007, the NH House passed a civil unions bill, HB437, with a vote of 243 to 129. The bill is designed to imbue partners in same-sex civil unions with the same "rights, responsibilities and obligations" as heterosexual couples in marriages in the state of New Hampshire.[2] On April 26, 2007, the NH Senate approved the civil unions bill 14-10 along political party lines. Governor Lynch signed the bill into law on May 31, 2007, making New Hampshire "...the first state to embrace same-sex unions without a court order or the threat of one."[3] The civil unions law will take effect on January 1, 2008.[4]
Domestic partnerships
District of Columbia - June 11, 1992
Since 1992, domestic partnerships have been legal in the District of Columbia. Both heterosexual and homosexual couples may register. There has been discussion about legalizing same sex marriage; however, there is concern that Congress would veto such a measure.
California - September 22, 1999
California same-sex couples enjoy all state marriage benefits under California's domestic partnership law. First enacted in 1999, it was a response to a voter referendum banning same-sex marriage in the state of California. Since 1999, gay rights groups have expanded on the law so as of 2007 same-sex couples are on par with married couples in legal recognition. Gay rights groups have as well been pushing to overturn the state referendum in court, and their case will likely be heard in 2007. The California legislature has passed legislation legalizing gay marriage, but it was vetoed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. In his veto message, he said he believed the legislation to be unconstitutional.
Maine - July 30, 2004
Maine in 2004 legalized domestic partnerships. Under the law, same-sex couples enjoy many of the state's benefits of marriage.
Washington - July 22, 2007
After a 2006 court ruling rejecting same-sex marriage, gay rights groups have vowed to push for both same-sex marriage in the long-term and domestic partnerships in the short-term.
In March 2007, the bill passed the senate, and on April 10, 2007 the bill passed the state house of representatives.
The bill became law on April 21, 2007 when Governor Christine Gregoire signed it. The law went into effect on July 22, 2007.
Oregon - January 1, 2008
In 2004, voters approved a state constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. Despite this defeat, gay rights groups have continued to push for civil unions in the state legislature. The civil union bill, to be introduced in 2007, passed the State Senate in 2005 and is supported by Governor Ted Kulongoski. It was killed in committee in the Republican-controlled house, however. Since the 2006 elections, Democrats have gained control of the state House of Representatives.
In trying to garner support for the bill it has been changed to a domestic partnership registry over a civil union bill, although it still gives virtually all of the state level benefits as a marriage or civil union does.
In April 2007 the Oregon House passed the domestic partnership bill[1].
On May 2nd 2007 the domestic partnership bill passed the state senate and was signed by the governor on May 9th. The bill HB 2007 made Oregon the 9th state in the United States to give some level of recognition to same-sex couples.
Reciprocal benefits
Hawaii - January 1, 1997
- See also: Domestic partnership in Hawaii
Under Hawaii's Reciprocal Beneficiary law, any two adults barred from marrying may enjoy a very limited number of benefits granted to married couples. It has been in place since 1997 after Hawaii voters approved a constitutional amendment granting the legislature sole power to alter marriage laws. The legislature then approved the law in place of same-sex marriage. Recently gay rights groups in Hawaii have been pushing for civil unions and have submitted a bill to the legislature to be debated in 2007.
The civil unions bill came before committee and faced five hours of debate before finally being shelved without a vote. The chairman Tommy Waters deferred the bill, effectivelly killing it without a vote. He said he supported it but he did not have the votes to bring it out of committee. He has said that he deferred it so as to be able to bring it back up later in the session.
Under consideration
Same-sex couple recognition laws are being considered in the following states:
Illinois
Openly-gay representative Greg Harris introduced a bill HB1826 to legalize civil unions for both heterosexual and homosexual couples. On March 21, The House Human Services Committee recommended the bill to be voted on by the full House by a 5-4 margin, and the bill will likely be voted on this spring. The bill needs 61 votes to pass the House. Governor Blagojevich has stated support for civil unions in the past.
Maryland
- See also: Same-sex marriage in Maryland
A case was heard before the Maryland Supreme Court seeking to legalize gay marriage in late 2006. It is unknown when the court will rule, however if it rules against the couples gay rights groups will likely seek legislation in the overwhelmingly Democratic legislature.
New Mexico
A domestic partnership bill has passed the New Mexico House of Representatives and has been sent to the State Senate Public Affairs Committee. It has passed the committee and will likely be brought up for a vote soon. The governor Bill Richardson has promised to sign the legislation should it pass the senate. As of March 17 the legislation was gutted and thus killed on the last day of the session. The governor has in turn called a special session for March 20 to address the issue along with seven other bills. The legislature however refused to take up the bill, with the senate especially unhappy about being forced to come back after the regular session. It only passed two of Richardsons eight bills and left the others to be taken up at next year's session. Gay rights groups are likely to bring the bill up in 2008.
New York
- See also: Same-sex marriage in New York
After a 2006 New York Supreme Court case rejecting the notion of same-sex couples marrying, New York gay rights groups have vowed to push for same-sex marriage in the legislature. They have the backing of Governor Eliot Spitzer and any bill legalizing same-sex marriage would likely pass in the Democrat dominated house however it might face difficulty in the Republican controlled Senate.
Rhode Island
- See also: Same-sex marriage in Rhode Island
Gay rights organizations have for years been seeking to legalize same-sex marriage in Rhode Island, yet legislation has never
been brought up for a vote. While the State Supreme Court is considering the legality of same-sex marriage in Rhode Island, gay
rights groups are pushing for incremental gains in the legislature by earning individual rights for same-sex couples. While a
civil union bill has been submitted to the legislature gay rights groups are opposing it calling for no less than same-sex
marriage. February 20, 2007 : Attorney General A.G.
Patrick Lynch finally issued, after a deep juridical analysis, an opinion that same-sex
marriages performed in Massachusetts would be recognized in Rhode Island.[2] [3]
See also
References
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