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- Vermont*;
- Connecticut*;
- New Hampshire*;
- New Jersey*;
- Israel (only for persons with no official religion);
- Illinois;
- Hawaii*;
- Delaware*;
- Rhode Island*;
- New Zealand;
- Gibraltar; and,
- Malta.
* Same-sex marriage has now been legalized in these jurisdictions.
What else can I help you with?
Are domestic partnerships legal in Delaware?
Civil Unions have been legalized in the entire state of Delaware.
When were same-sex civil unions legalized in Illinois?
Civil unions are legal in Illinois beginning June 1, 2011.
When were same-sex civil unions legalized in Hawaii?
Civil unions are legal in Hawaii beginning January 1, 2012.
When were same-sex civil unions legalized in Delaware?
Civil unions are legal in Delaware beginning January 1, 2012.
When were same-sex civil unions legalized in New Jersey?
Civil unions are legal in New Jersey beginning February 19, 2007.
When were same-sex civil unions legalized in Rhode Island?
Civil unions are legal in Rhode Island beginning July 1, 2011.
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.
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.
Are same-sex civil unions legal?
Yes, in places where they have been legalized (New Jersey, Hawaii, Illinois, Delaware, Rhode Island and New Zealand). Also, they are usually recognized as legal marriages in states where same-sex marriage has been legalized. Some states recognize out-of-state civil unions as domestic partnerships.
Has any governor of Illinois ever vetoed a bill that would have legalized same-sex civil unions in that state?
No. In fact, on January 31, 2011, Governor Pat Quinn signed into law a bill that legalized civil unions effective June 1, 2011.
Can you be charged with bigamy if you are married to a man but then enter into a civil union with a woman?
Yes, but only while physically present in a state where same-sex civil unions or same-sex marriages have been legalized.
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.
