Same-sex unions are legal or religious unions between two persons of the same sex.
In legal contexts, their recognition varies based upon the region in which the union is formed. Some regions allow same-sex marriage, civil marriage between two persons of the same sex. Others recognize civil unions or civil partnerships, a status equivalent or identical to marriage for same-sex couples. In the United States, however, state civil unions do not confer the federal benefits of marriage, and in some places, such as France, civil unions are also open to opposite-sex couples (Pacte civil de solidarité).
Domestic partnerships are also a term used for same-sex unions, most often by states, provinces, or municipalities in North America. Domestic partnerships may also be open to opposite-sex couples. These often include all state marriage rights, but fewer or no federal marriage rights. A similar union is the registered partnership, a term for civil unions in several European countries, such as the Scandinavian countries, Switzerland, and states and territories of Australia. Other terms for such relationships include "life parternship", "stable union of couples", "significant relationship", and "reciprocal beneficiaries".
Some religious institutions recognize same-sex relationships (also called "holy unions"), such as in locations where government recognition of same-sex couples is not offered. A ceremony called adelphopoiesis, or "brother-making", was formerly practiced in the Christian church. This, however, had nothing to do with homosexuality.
See also
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
This article about lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender topics is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)
