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These countries have legalized civil partnerships:
- Andorra
- Austria
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Czech Republic
- Ecuador
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greenland
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Isle of Man
- Jersey
- Liechtenstein
- Luxembourg
- New Zealand
- Slovenia
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
- Uruguay
These countries have legalized same-sex marriage:
- Netherlands (April 21, 2001);
- Belgium (June 1, 2003);
- Spain (July 3, 2005);
- Canada (nationwide July 20, 2005, although some provinces started earlier);
- South Africa (November 30, 2006);
- Norway (January 1, 2009);
- Sweden (May 1, 2009);
- Portugal (June 5, 2010);
- Iceland (June 22, 2010);
- Argentina (July 22, 2010); and,
- Denmark (June 15, 2012).
What else can I help you with?
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.
Are domestic partnerships legal in Delaware?
Civil Unions have been legalized in the entire state of Delaware.
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.
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.
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.
What countries have legalized civil partnerships?
AndorraAustriaBrazilColombiaCzech RepublicEcuadorFinlandFranceGermanyGreenlandHungaryIrelandIsle of ManJerseyLiechtensteinLuxembourgNew ZealandSloveniaSwitzerlandUnited KingdomUruguay
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.
Does the state of Connecticut still recognize civil unions legally performed in Connecticut before same-sex marriage was legalized?
Yes, on October 1, 2010, all existing Connecticut civil unions were converted to legal marriages.
