The act gives domestic partners the same rights and responsibilities as a legally married couple, except for adoption, access to in vitro fertilization and altruistic surrogacy.
There were approximately 58,000 couples registered as domestic partners in California in 2011.
Yes and they frequently are. Domestic partners, which may be of either same or mixed genders, are often treated differently than legally married couples, particularly in the legal context. Right off the bat, there is an entirely different set of vocabulary words that are used in connection with their relationship. If they are registered, then they often are granted only a subset of legal rights and benefits of marriage. Although opposite-sex couples have consciously chosen not to marry, same-sex couples might have settled for domestic partnership because it was the only option available. If your question is whether it is legal to discriminate against domestic partners (i.e., treating them differently than legally married couples), then the answer in many jurisdictions is yes. In many states, the law itself draws a distinction between married couples and domestic partners. In some places, such as California, Oregon, Nevada and, for the time being, Washington state, state-registered domestic partners are entitled to be treated the same as legally married couples.
Many same-sex couples want to have the benefits and protections associated with legal marriage. Many gay men do not want to marry.
Such partners purportedly have the same rights and responsibilities as legally married couples, although there is the additional burden of proving that the relationship qualifies, since there is no registry.
Yes, as of August 2001. Same-sex couples may register as domestic partners in Victoria as of December 2008.
Domestic violence is defined as a committing a violent act against any member of your immediate famliy (blood relatives), or anyone viewed as being part of your extended family (i.e.: domestic partners - cohabiting couples, regardless of sexual orientation - etc).
The registry is open to both same-sex and opposite sex couples. Partners must either be residents of the county or at least one partner must be employed by the county.
Married couples have legal protections and benefits such as inheritance rights, tax benefits, spousal privilege in court, and the ability to make medical decisions for each other.
Same-sex marriage is not legal in Washington state. Same-sex couples may not marry there, but they may register as domestic partners.
Yes, an employer can offer coverage to same-sex domestic partners and/or deny coverage for opposite sex domestic partners. You should ask your HR/Benefits representative for a copy of your plans eligibility rules, which will show who you may enroll and more importantly, when you can enroll them.
No. There are state and federal laws that bestow scores of legal rights, obligations and protections to legally married couples. Unmarried couples have no such rights, obligations nor protections under the law.
Yes, as of August 2001 the right of the same-sex partner supersedes that of the deceased's parents, siblings or children. Also, taxation is the same as for married couples. Same-sex couples may register as domestic partners in Victoria as of December 2008.