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What us states have legalized same-sex marriage or civil unions?
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
These US states have legalized same-sex marriage:
- Massachusetts - May 17, 2004
- Connecticut - October 10, 2008
- Iowa - April 27, 2009
- Vermont - September 1, 2009
- New Hampshire - January 1, 2010
- Washington D.C. - March 3, 2010
- New York - July 24, 2011
- Washington (state) - December 6, 2012
- Maine - December 29, 2012
- Maryland - January 1, 2013
[Same-sex marriage was previously legal in California, but is no longer permitted pending a decision by the United States Supreme Court.]
These US states have legalized civil unions:
- New Jersey (February 19, 2007);
- Illinois (June 1, 2011);
- Rhode Island (July 1, 2011);
- Delaware (January 1, 2012); and,
- Hawaii (January 1, 2012).
[Some states that legalized civil unions later legalized same-sex marriage and abandoned civil unions.]
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
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Are civil unions legal?
In some places. Civil unions are legal in the states where they performed. They are also legal in other states that have legalized civil unions. Many places where same-sex marriage is legal will recognize a civil union as a legal marriage. Please see attached related question for a list of places where civil unions are legally performed.
Are same-sex civil unions legal?
The legality of same-sex civil unions varies by country and region. In some places, laws have been passed to recognize and regulate same-sex civil unions, providing legal rights and protections to those in same-sex relationships. It is important to check the specific laws and regulations in the area you are asking about.
Do same-sex civil unions allow for a legal name change?
Yes. Generally, a certificate of civil union is legal proof of name change for either party within states that recognize civil unions, including those states that have legalized same-sex marriage. In states where neither civil unions nor same-sex marriages have been legalized, one must obtain a court ordered name change at an additional cost and with a longer waiting period.
What is the legal definition of a civil union?
The term "civil union" is used by several of the United States to describe a legal relationship that is equivalent or substantially equivalent to legal marriage, but which cannot be legally called a "marriage." Civil unions were primarily created for same-sex couples as an alternative to legal marriage, but are not limited to same-sex couples in several states. Several states that permitted civil unions previously have now legalized marriage for same-sex couples.
Which US states have legalized same-sex civil unions or domestic partnerships?
Vermont (now replaced with marriage).Connecticut (now replaced with marriage).New Hampshire (now replaced with marriage).New Jersey.Illinois.Hawaii.Delaware.Rhode Island.California.Nevada.Maine (now replaced with marriage).Maryland (now replaced with marriage).Oregon.Wisconsin.Washington (now replaced with marriage).Colorado.
Should same-sex marriage be legalized in New Jersey?
Yes. New Jersey already has civil unions that are identical to legal marriage in every way except for name. To me, personally, the distinction seems discriminatory. I feel the distinction will not stand indefinitely and that New Jersey should and will eventually legalize same-sex marriage, as have other states that previously offered civil unions.
Are same-sex civil unions legal in the United States?
Yes. The following states permit registration of civil unions:New Jersey;Hawaii;Illinois;Delaware;Rhode Island; and,Colorado (effective May 1, 2013)In addition, many of the states that have legalized same-sex marriage recognize a civil union from one of these states as being a legal marriage.
Can you be in a civil union with one person and married to another since the two types of unions are distinct?
No. In states where same-sex civil unions or marriages have been legalized, what you are describing is a crime for which you can be prosecuted (bigamy). Whichever event took place second is considered a fraudulent attempt at marriage or civil union and was never legal, not even before it was discovered. In states where same-sex civil unions or marriages have NOT been legalized, you are not in a civil union, you are only married. Your civil union is legally nullified upon crossing the state line.
Has a marriage equality bill ever been introduced in either house of the state legislature in Colorado?
No. Colorado has legalized civil unions, but a marriage equality bill has never been introduced into the legislature.
When was same-sex marriage legalized in Connecticut?
Gay marriage was first legalized in Connecticut on 2008 November 12.Civil UnionsConnecticut initially passed a law legalizing civil unions on 2005 April 20, going into effect on October 1 of that year. Supreme Court DecisionOn 2008 October 10, the Supreme court of Connecticut ruled that same-sex marriage must be legalized. Marriages were scheduled to be allowed on November 12 of that year. Later LegislationLaws passed on 2009 April 23 made all marriage laws gender neutral, and would convert civil unions into marriage on 2010 October 1.
Has any governor of Vermont ever vetoed a bill that would have legalized same-sex civil unions in that state?
No. In fact, on April 26, 2000, Governor Howard Dean signed into law a bill legalizing civil unions in Vermont. He was the first governor to enact such a law in the United States. Same-sex marriage has since been legalized in Vermont by state statute, effective September 1, 2009.
Why should same-sex marriage be legalized in Illinois?
Same-sex marriage should be legalized in Illinois because the current civil unions law is a form of segregation that needlessly separates the residents of the state into two separate tiers for the purposes of determining which civil rights apply to them. Same-sex marriage will become legal on June 1, 2014.
