Civil Unions: What they are and what they entail?

Civil Unions: What they are and what they entail? Related Information:

The term “marriage” conjures up images of red hearts and two people in love. But a marriage is more than just a romantic notion. It is a legal status that offers rights and privileges while transcending countries and religions. Civil unions also unite two people in love, but the individuals are usually of the same gender. Same-sex partners are allotted certain benefits with civil unions. Unfortunately, those joined in civil unions do not enjoy the same number of privileges that married couples do.

A civil union is a term usually, but not always, defining the committed relationship between two same sex individuals in a fashion that is similar to marriage. Civil union is a fairly new definition in the American vocabulary and it was created after much discussion to produce a term that could be used by same-sex couples in signifying their relationship.

The purpose of a civil union is to join two people of the same sex without calling it a marriage. Vermont is the first state to have passed a ruling that allows civil unions between same-sex partners. Those joined in civil unions are granted the same protections and civil rights as married individuals to an extent. Whereas married couples are recognized as “married” in other states, countries, religions, and cultures, couples joined in civil unions in Vermont will not be recognized in other places where civil unions are not accepted or are considered illegal.

Civil unions within the state of Vermont are granted such privileges and benefits including adoption law, spouse abuse programs, the homestead rights of a surviving spouse and homestead property tax allowance, applications for absentee ballots, state pay for military service, and causes of action related to or dependent upon spousal status. Those requesting a civil union ceremony within Vermont need not be residents of the state.

Some states have passed bills to allow homosexual couples rights and privileges, while other states have passed legislation called “Defense of Marriage Acts”, also known as DOMAs, to completely ban any same-sex unions. In 1996, a federal DOMA was passed, outlawing benefits to homosexual partners. This federal legislation does not recognize same-sex partnerships.

California recently passed a bill which will take effect in 2005. This bill approves civil unions within the state and will provide similar protection for such relationships as couples in Vermont. New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Mexico, and Washington D.C. do not prohibit single-sex marriages whereas Maryland, Wyoming, Oregon, and Wisconsin strictly prohibit such unions.

According to Vermont law, civil unions offer partners the same benefits and protection as heterosexual marriages. In addition, Vermont civil unions can be dissolved much as divorces are -- in family court.

Because many of the states’ DOMAs only discuss the institution of marriage, there is the opportunity for these states to create new legislation that could provide for civil unions. The next step would entail states to recognize two types of institutions: marriage and civil unions. Marriages would remain the same as they always have been – a married man and woman would continue to receive benefits and privileges from the state and federal levels. But the creation of a state-run system for civil unions would only allow same-sex couples benefits within the state. There are no federal privileges. The most significant difference for civil unions is that federal benefits (Social Security benefits, health insurance, pension, family leave, immigration law, etc.) that apply to marriages are unavailable to partner