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As of February 2014, civil unions (also called domestic partnerships) are available statewide in 3 states: Colorado, Nevada, and Oregon. There is also a limited domestic partnership available in Wisconsin, as well as some cities and counties around the country.
Hawaii and Illinois also have civil unions; however they both have recently enacted same-sex marriage legislation, and my discontinue civil unions at a future date.
What else can I help you with?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What us states have legalized same-sex marriage or civil unions?
These US states have legalized same-sex marriage:Massachusetts - May 17, 2004Connecticut - October 10, 2008Iowa - April 27, 2009Vermont - September 1, 2009New Hampshire - January 1, 2010Washington D.C. - March 3, 2010New York - July 24, 2011Washington (state) - December 6, 2012Maine - December 29, 2012Maryland - 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.]
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 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.
