A civil union (also known as a civil partnership) is a legally recognized arrangement similar to marriage, created primarily as a means to provide recognition in law for same-sex couples. Civil unions grant most or all of the rights of marriage except the title itself. Around the world, developed democracies began establishing civil unions in the late 1990s, often developing them from less formal domestic partnerships, which grant only some of the rights of marriage. In the majority of countries that established these unions in laws, they have since been either supplemented or replaced by same-sex marriage. Civil unions are viewed by LGBT rights campaigners as a "first step" towards establishing same-sex marriage, as civil unions are viewed by supporters of LGBT rights as a "separate but equal" or "second class" status.
Introduction
Civil union
Civil union | Introduction
A civil union  is a legally recognized arrangement similar to marriage, created primarily as a means to provide recognition in law for same-sex couples. A civil union is a legally recognized arrangement similar to marriage, created primarily as a means to provide recognition in law for same-sex couples. It is a legally recognized arrangement similar to marriage, created primarily as a means to provide recognition in law for same-sex couples. It is a legally recognized arrangement similar to marriage, created primarily as a means to provide recognition in law for same-sex couples
are the oldest rocks in the world in the grand canyon
user
Yes, the rock layers exposed in the Grand Canyon and in the Grand Canyon National Park area range in age from about 200 million to nearly 2 billion years old.
assistant
is there any river flowing through or alongside it?
user
Yes, Colorado River
assistant
what exactly is that canyon mentioned above?
user
It is a steep-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River in Arizona, United States.
assistant
what are some of the tributaries of the water body mentioned above?
user
The Colorado is joined by over 25 significant tributaries: Green River,  Gila River ,
assistant
what are some of the flora found near this larger river?
user
Creosote bush, saguaro cactus, and Joshua trees
assistant
who were the first to explore this area?
user
The Spanish began to explore and colonize western North America.
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has the state where the canyon is located, experienced any natural disasters?
user
The first damaging earthquake known to be centered within Arizona occurred on January 25, 1906, also including a series of other earthquakes centered near Socorro, New Mexico.
assistant
how many people live there?
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The United States Census Bureau estimates Arizona's population was 7,278,717 on July 1, 2019, a 13.87% increase since the 2010 United States Census.
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what is the state's policy on marriage between homosexual partners?
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Arizona became the first state in the United States to reject a proposition, Prop 107, that would have banned same-sex marriage and civil unions.
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what is this form of union mentioned here?
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CAP describes acceptance of homosexuality in society as "a deceitful and angry ideology" and supports what it describes as a "biblical value that God has a specific intent for sexuality and that it is only realized in the relationship between one man and one woman within the confines of marriage."
Center for Arizona Policy | Civil Union Ordinances
In 2006, Arizona became the first state in the United States to reject a proposition, Prop 107, that would have banned same-sex marriage and civil unions. However, in 2008, Arizona voters approved of Prop 102, a constitutional amendment that prohibited same-sex marriage but not other unions. Prior to same-sex marriage being legal, the City of Bisbee became the first jurisdiction in Arizona to approve of civil unions. The state's Attorney General at the time, Tom Horne, threatened to sue, but rescinded the threat once Bisbee amended the ordinance; Bisbee approved of civil unions in 2013. The municipalities of Clarkdale, Cottonwood, Jerome, Sedona, and Tucson also passed civil unions.
Arizona | Same-sex marriage and civil unions
There have been several proposals to promote a voter initiative legalizing civil unions by groups of private citizens, including one gay rights activist from the United Kingdom. Polls have indicated that a measure creating the status civil union statewide would have a high likelihood of passage. In 2010, Equality Arizona, which opposes such a "separate-but-equal" status, announced it was considering other ways to respond to the passage of Arizona Proposition 102.
Same-sex marriage in Arizona | Domestic partnerships and civil unions
On October 17, 2014, Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne announced his office would no longer object to same-sex marriage, in response to a U.S. District Court Ruling on Arizona Proposition 102. On that day, each county's Clerk of the Superior Court began to issue same-sex marriage licenses, and Arizona became the 31st state to legalize same-sex marriage.
Arizona | Same-sex marriage and civil unions
However, the legislatures of the West Coast states of California, Oregon and Washington have preferred the term "domestic partnership" for enactments similar or equivalent to civil union laws in East Coast states. Civil unions are not seen as a replacement for marriage by many in the LGBT community. "Marriage in the United States is a civil union; but a civil union, as it has come to be called, is not marriage," said Evan Wolfson of Freedom to Marry. "It is a proposed hypothetical legal mechanism, since it doesn't exist in most places, to give some of the protections but also withhold something precious from gay people.
Civil union | Overview and terminology
A November 2011 Public Policy Polling survey found 44% of Arizona voters supported the legalization of same-sex marriage, while 45% opposed it and 12% were not sure. A separate question on the same survey found 72% of respondents supported legal recognition of same-sex couples, with 40% supporting same-sex marriage, 32% supporting civil unions, 27% opposing all legal recognition and 1% not sure. Arizona Proposition 102, known by its supporters as the Marriage Protection Amendment, appeared as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment on the November 4, 2008 ballot in Arizona, where it was approved: 56.2%–43%. It amended the Arizona Constitution to define marriage as between one man and one woman.
Arizona | Same-sex marriage and civil unions
The first civil unions in the United States were offered by the state of Vermont in 2000. The federal government does not recognize these unions. By the end of 2006, Connecticut and New Jersey had also enacted civil union laws; New Hampshire followed in 2007. Furthermore, California's domestic partnership law had been expanded to the point that it became practically a civil union law, as well. The same might be said for domestic partnership in the District of Columbia, domestic partnership in Washington, and domestic partnership in Oregon. Jurisdictions in the U.S. that offer civil unions or domestic partnerships granting nearly all of the state-recognized rights of marriage to same-sex couples include: States in the U.S.
Civil union | United States
There's no good reason to do that." However, some opponents of same-sex marriage claim that civil unions rob marriage of its unique status; Randy Thomasson, Executive Director of the Campaign for California Families, calls civil unions "homosexual marriage by another name" and contends that civil unions provide same-sex couples "all the rights of marriage available under state law." The California Supreme Court, in the In Re Marriage Cases decision, noted nine differences in state law.
Civil union | Overview and terminology
In 2013, the City of Bisbee announced that it intended to legalize same-sex civil unions within the municipality. The Arizona Attorney General, Tom Horne, initially opposed the ordinance, but withdrew a legal challenge after the city adopted an amended version of the ordinance that complied with state laws. The Center for Arizona Policy opposed the city's move to offer civil unions and responded with a challenge saying, "If the City of Bisbee enacts a law recognizing a quasi-marital relationship not provided for by Arizona law, it will likely find itself involved in expensive and time-consuming litigation, which it is likely to lose." Following Bisbee, the cities and towns of Clarkdale, Cottonwood, Jerome, Sedona, and Tucson also approved of civil unions.
Center for Arizona Policy | Civil Union Ordinances
A measure to allow civil unions failed in Camp Verde by a split 3–3 vote in the city council making it the only city in the Verde Valley to not have passed the bill. Sedona passed civil unions in September 2013. The city of Tempe considered legal advice about a civil union ordinance, but it did not pass a bill. After the legalization of same-sex marriage in Arizona, civil unions may continue to be registered in the cities that had legalized the ordinances.
Civil union | Arizona
On June 4, 2013, the Bisbee City Council approved an ordinance legalizing civil unions for same-sex couples; it took effect 30 days later. On June 19, 2013, the Tucson City Council unanimously approved a civil unions ordinance. On July 5, the first civil union was established in Bisbee. The councils of several towns and cities followed Bisbee and Tucson in adopting a civil union ordinance: Jerome on July 30, Sedona on September 24, Clarkdale on November 12, and Cottonwood on December 17. A proposal for such an ordinance failed in Camp Verde in February 2014.
Same-sex marriage in Arizona | Local civil unions
A bill to establish civil unions for same-sex and opposite-sex couples passed both chambers of the Colorado legislature and was signed into law by Governor John Hickenlooper. Civil unions began on May 1, 2013.
Civil union | Colorado
Brewer supported Arizona Proposition 107, which would have defined marriage as between a man and a woman. This 2006 referendum, which would have prevented both same-sex marriage and civil unions in the state, did not pass – the first time U.S. voters rejected an attempt to ban same-sex marriage. However, in 2008, another proposition that banned same sex marriage (but not civil unions) passed. Brewer signed a law repealing legislation put into place by former governor Janet Napolitano, which had granted domestic partners of state employees the ability to be considered as "dependents", similar to the way married spouses are handled.
Jan Brewer | Same-sex marriage and domestic partnership
A "civil union", also referred to as a "civil partnership", is a legally recognized form of partnership similar to marriage. Beginning with Denmark in 1989, civil unions under one name or another have been established by law in several countries in order to provide same-sex couples rights, benefits, and responsibilities similar (in some countries, identical) to opposite-sex civil marriage. In some jurisdictions, such as Brazil, New Zealand, Uruguay, Ecuador, France and the U.S. states of Hawaii and Illinois, civil unions are also open to opposite-sex couples.
Marriage | Civil unions
Civil unions are a means of establishing kinship in a manner similar to that of marriage. The formalities for entering a civil union and the benefits and responsibilities of the parties tend to be similar or identical to those relating to marriage. Various names are used for similar relationships in other countries, but "civil union" was first applied in Vermont. The Supreme Court's invalidation of DOMA Section 3 in 2013 heightened the difference between marriage and civil unions; while marriage provides federal benefits, civil unions do not. Following the legalization of same-sex marriage in their jurisdiction Vermont, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Delaware, ceased to offer civil unions.
Same-sex unions in the United States | Civil unions
The cohabitation requirement was dropped on January 1, 2012, and a "confidential option" for domestic partners became available the same day.
Civil union | California
On February 14, 2011, Colorado State Senator Pat Steadman and State Representative Mark Ferrandino, both openly gay Democrats, introduced the Colorado Civil Union Act. It would have allowed both same-sex couples and different-sex couples to form unions. The act was co-sponsored by nearly all Democrats in the legislature. The legislation as first introduced addressed financial responsibility of partners, medical decision-making and treatment, inheritance, ability to designate a partner as retirement beneficiary, the ability to adopt the child of one's partner, insurance of partner, family leave benefits, responsibility of conservator, guardian, or personal representative. A later amendment to the bill added a religious exemption, specifying that no religious official would be required to officiate at a same-sex union ceremony.
Recognition of same-sex unions in Colorado | 2011
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Same-sex marriage in Arizona | Public opinion
Deputy Secretary of State David Scanlan said, "As far as we're concerned, everything is on schedule."
Same-sex marriage in New Hampshire | Civil unions
In July 2013, the Congress of Colima approved a constitutional amendment authorizing same-sex couples to legally formalize their unions by entering into marital bonds with the "same rights and obligations with respect to the contracting of civil marriage". On 5 May 2016, the civil union law was repealed in favor of same-sex marriage legislation.
LGBT rights in Mexico | Civil unions by state
On 5 May 2016, Congress unanimously repealed the civil union provisions. All partnerships performed before the repeal of the civil union law are recognised by the state and can be converted to marriage upon request.
Same-sex marriage in Colima | Civil unions
The bill established an institution called , which provides cohabiting same-sex and opposite-sex couples with many of the same rights and obligations of marriage. It was published in the official journal, following the Governor's signature, on 11 January 2017 and took effect the following day.
Same-sex marriage in Tlaxcala | Civil unions
with domestic partnerships or similar status granting some of the rights of marriage include:
Civil union | United States
Though the civil union law intended to provide "all the rights and ... obligations and responsibilities provided for in state law that apply to parties who are joined together," they actually entailed a more limited set of benefits and limitations. The benefits included: The limitations associated with civil unions included:
Same-sex marriage in New Hampshire | Civil unions in practice
Civil unions became legal in New Hampshire on January 1, 2008. On January 1, 2011, undissolved civil unions became same-sex marriages. Giuda has asserted that although he supports civil unions he is opposed to same-sex marriage. However, in addition to his opposition to same-sex marriage later in the decade, in 2001 in his capacity as New Hampshire House of Representatives member from Grafton Giuda voted in support of New Hampshire HB454 as put forward by House Republican Daniel C. Itse which would have prohibited New Hampshire recognition of out-of-state civil unions. Giuda contends that this is consistent with his position today.
Bob Giuda | Civil unions
Texts: 1. Marriage "Section 1. Only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state." § 25-101 Void and prohibited marriages "... C. A marriage between persons of the same sex is void and prohibited."
Same-sex marriage law in the United States by state | Arizona
A civil union (also known as a civil partnership) is a legally recognized arrangement similar to marriage, created primarily as a means to provide recognition in law for same-sex couples. Civil unions grant most or all of the rights of marriage except the title itself. Around the world, developed democracies began establishing civil unions in the late 1990s, often developing them from less formal domestic partnerships, which grant only some of the rights of marriage. In the majority of countries that established these unions in laws, they have since been either supplemented or replaced by same-sex marriage. Civil unions are viewed by LGBT rights campaigners as a "first step" towards establishing same-sex marriage, as civil unions are viewed by supporters of LGBT rights as a "separate but equal" or "second class" status.
Civil union | Introduction
An Initiative Measure Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Arizona; amending the Constitution of Arizona; by adding Article XXX; relating to the protection of marriage To preserve and protect marriage in this state, only a union between one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage by this state or its political subdivisions and no legal status for unmarried persons shall be created or recognized by this state or its political subdivisions that is similar to that of marriage.
2006 Arizona Proposition 107 | Official title and text
Twenty days after the law had passed, the country's first same-sex civil union took place in Saltillo, Coahuila. Civil unions have been proposed in at least six states since 2006. In Colima, governor Mario Anguiano Moreno has agreed to discuss the legalization of civil unions and adoption by same-sex couples. In Jalisco, local congress approved on 31 October 2013 the Free Coexistence Act, which allows the performance of civil unions in the state.
Civil union | Mexico
In 2013, Bisbee became the first city in Arizona to legalize civil unions for same-sex couples. After its passage, the state's Attorney General, Tom Horne, threatened to challenge the law in court arguing that it violated the state's constitution. However, the Attorney General agreed to withdraw the challenge after Bisbee amended the law, and the civil union ordinance was approved. Following Bisbee, Tucson became the second municipality to legalize civil unions. Then, Jerome became another former mining town to legalize civil unions in Arizona. Also in 2013, Clarkdale and Cottonwood were the next cities in the Verde Valley to pass civil unions.
Civil union | Arizona
Same-sex unions in the United States are available in various forms in all states and territories, except American Samoa. All states have legal same-sex marriage, while others have the options of civil unions, domestic partnerships, or reciprocal beneficiary relationships. The federal government only recognizes marriage and no other legal union for same-sex couples. Hawaii was the first state to recognize limited legal same-sex unions, doing so in 1997 in the form of reciprocal beneficiary partnerships.
Same-sex unions in the United States | Introduction
As human beings, we have to protect them as they are. It has to do with civil liberty," said Congresswoman Julieta López, who pushed the bill, from the centrist Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), whose 19 members voted for the law. Deputy Luis Alberto Mendoza, of the center-right National Action Party (PAN), which opposed the law, said it was an "attack against the family, which is society's natural group and is formed by a man and a woman." Other than that, the PCS drew little opposition. Bishop Raúl Vera, who headed the Catholic Diocese of Saltillo, declined to condemn the law.
Same-sex marriage in Coahuila | Civil unions
From January 1, 2010, no new civil unions were established in the state. Parties to a valid civil union before that date were able to have their marriages solemnized, provided they met the legal requirements of the state marriage laws. Additionally, such persons in civil unions before January 1, 2010 were able to record their civil unions with the town or city clerk who recorded the civil union and receive a marriage license, with no additional fee or solemnization required. A civil union entered into before January 1, 2010, that had not been dissolved, annulled, or transformed into a marriage, was converted to a marriage on January 1, 2011.
Same-sex marriage in New Hampshire | Transition from civil unions to marriage
Several states offered alternative legal certifications that recognized same-sex relationships. Before states enacted these laws, U.S. cities began offering recognition of these unions. These laws bestowed marriage-like rights to these couples, and were referred to as civil unions, domestic partnerships, or reciprocal beneficiaries depending on the state. The extent to which these unions resembled marriage varied by state, and several states had enhanced the rights afforded to them over time. The U.S. jurisdictions that used these forms of same-sex union recognition instead of marriage were Colorado, Wisconsin, and Nevada, all beginning in 2009.
Legal status of same-sex marriage | Civil unions
A civil union may be contracted under the act by a same-sex or opposite-sex couple, and they may choose to form it either as a marriage or as a civil partnership. Whichever name is chosen, the legal consequences of a civil union are the same as those of a marriage under the Marriage Act. Any reference to marriage in any law is deemed to include a civil union, and any reference to a husband, wife or spouse is deemed to include a spouse or partner in a civil union. A person may not contract a marriage or civil partnership if he or she is already married (or civilly partnered) under the Civil Union Act, the Marriage Act, or the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act.
Civil Union Act, 2006 | Provisions
Arizona Proposition 102 was an amendment to the constitution of the state of Arizona adopted by a ballot measure held in 2008. It added Article 30 of the Arizona Constitution, which says: "Only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state." The amendment added a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage to existing statutory bans in place since 1996. In October 2014, Article 30 of the Arizona Constitution was struck down as unconstitutional in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona, and is no longer enforced by the state of Arizona, which now allows and recognizes same-sex marriages.
2008 Arizona Proposition 102 | Introduction
The Liberal Alternative party states: "We wish to make marriage a private affair, whether religious or not, composed simply of two consenting adults, without regard for sex, and with no further obligation beyond going to the local magistrate/city hall to notify the state about the union. This form of civil union would replace the PACS symbolically. Recognition of marriage is, of course, possible".
Libertarian perspectives on LGBT rights | Liberal Alternative
Arizona Proposition 107 was a proposed same-sex marriage ban, put before voters by ballot initiative in the 2006 General Election. If passed, it would have prohibited the state of Arizona from recognizing same-sex marriages or civil unions. The state already had a statute defining marriage as the union of a man and a woman and prohibiting the recognition of same-sex marriages performed elsewhere. This proposed amendment to the Arizona Constitution failed, with 48.2% voting in favor and 51.8% opposed, making Arizona the first U.S. state to defeat a state constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. Several states approved similar measures between 1998 and 2006.
2006 Arizona Proposition 107 | Introduction
The decision also stated that section 201 of the Civil Code, which defined gendered roles for men and women, was discriminatory and reiterated that adoption open to heterosexual married couples must also be open to homosexual couples. Shortly after the ruling, a local LGBT rights group announced that it would help any couple who joined in a civil union to receive a marriage certificate. The state appealed the ruling and on 17 June 2015, the Mexican Supreme Court agreed that the "separate but equal" union laws violated the Constitution of Mexico. The state subsequently announced that it would repeal article 147 and pass a same-sex marriage law.
Same-sex marriage in Colima | Civil unions
In 2006, however, after a state Supreme Court ruling that same-sex couples must be extended all the rights and benefits of marriage, the Legislature passed a civil unions law, effective in 2007, which is an attempt to satisfy the court's ruling.
Civil union | New Jersey
Sixty members of the House and Senate signaled their support for the plan, and members of both houses sat with members of the opposite party. Groups included Arizona's House delegation of five Republicans and two Democrats (with an empty chair for Giffords), past presidential candidates John Kerry and John McCain, and campaign leaders John Cornyn and Patty Murray. Legislators wore black-and-white ribbons in honor of the victims of the shooting. After visibly reacting to President Obama's criticism during the 2010 State of the Union of the "Citizens United" decision, Supreme Court Justices Samuel Alito, Antonin Scalia, and Clarence Thomas did not attend the speech.
2011 State of the Union Address | Disposition, seating, and attendance
As Mexico City and Coahuila had recently legalized civil unions, a similar measure was proposed in Hidalgo in July 2007. However, it stalled in the state Congress as well as in successive sessions. In October 2013, Congress indicated that there was not sufficient "maturity" in society to accept same-sex marriage and that it would instead consider a conjugal partnership bill.
Same-sex marriage in Hidalgo | Civil unions
Governor Hickenlooper signed a bill permitting joint state income tax filing for civil union and out-of-state same-sex married couples.
Recognition of same-sex unions in Colorado | 2014
The terms used to designate civil unions are not standardized, and vary widely from country to country. Government-sanctioned relationships that may be similar or equivalent to civil unions include civil partnerships, registered partnerships, domestic partnerships, significant relationships, reciprocal beneficiary relationships, common-law marriage, adult interdependent relationships, life partnerships, stable unions, civil solidarity pacts, and so on. The exact level of rights, benefits, obligations, and responsibilities also varies, depending on the laws of a particular country. Some jurisdictions allow same-sex couples to adopt, while others forbid them to do so, or allow adoption only in specified circumstances. As used in the United States, beginning with the state of Vermont in 2000, the term "civil union" has connoted a status equivalent to marriage for same-sex couples; "domestic partnership", offered by some states, counties, cities, and employers since as early as 1985, has generally connoted a lesser status with fewer benefits.
Civil union | Overview and terminology
, 29 states had constitutional provisions restricting marriage to one man and one woman, while 12 others had statutes that did so. Nineteen states banned any legal recognition of same-sex unions that would be equivalent to civil marriage. Voters had approved 28 out of 30 popular referenda in which states asked voters to adopt a constitutional amendment or initiative defining marriage as the union of a man and a woman. Arizonans voted down one such amendment in 2006, but approved a different amendment to that effect in 2008.
History of same-sex marriage in the United States | 2010
On 11 April 2013, the Party of the Democratic Revolution introduced a measure to legalize civil unions () in the state. The bill was unanimously passed by the Congress of Campeche on 20 December 2013, and while it covers both same-sex and opposite-sex couples, it specifically provides that it "shall not constitute a civil partnership of people living together in marriage and cohabitation." An additional distinction is that civil unions are not filed with the civil registry (like marriages), but with the Public Registry of Property and Commerce ("Registro Público de la Propiedad y de Comercio"). Since 2016, couples in civil unions may legally adopt children.
Same-sex marriage in Campeche | Civil unions
On December 1, 2010, the Illinois state senate passed, in a 32-24-1 vote, SB1716 the "Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act" just one day after the Illinois House of Representatives did the same in a 61-52-2 vote. On January 31, 2011, Illinois state Governor Pat Quinn signed SB1716 into law, establishing civil unions for same-sex and opposite-sex couples. The new law came into effect on June 1, 2011. The provision allowing opposite-sex couples to establish a civil union effectively doubles as a tool for widowed seniors to keep survivor's benefits from a marriage while gaining marital rights at the state level with another partner.
Civil union | Illinois
On 11 January 2007, the Congress of the northern state of Coahuila legalized same-sex civil unions (by a 20–13 vote) under the name "pacto civil de solidaridad" (PCS), giving property and inheritance rights to same-sex couples. The PCS was proposed by Congresswoman Julieta López of the centrist PRI, whose nineteen members voted for the law. Luis Alberto Mendoza, deputy of the center-right PAN (which opposed), said the new law was an "attack against the family, which is society's natural group and is formed by a man and a woman". Apart from that, the PCS drew little opposition and was notably supported by Bishop Raúl Vera.
LGBT rights in Mexico | Civil unions by state
Both partners must be 18 or older and mentally competent. The same prohibited degrees of consanguinuity and affinity apply as would apply under the Marriage Act. A marriage or civil partnership must be solemnized by a marriage officer in the presence of the partners and two witnesses. The solemnization may occur in a public office, a private house, or in premises used for the purpose by the marriage officer. The marriage officer asks each partner:
Civil Union Act, 2006 | Provisions
The suit was withdrawn on March 31, 2011. A bill substantively similar to "HB 444", "Senate Bill 232", was passed on January 26, 2011 by the Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee in a 3–2 vote, and was passed by the full Senate 19-6 on January 28; a modification to the bill was then made in the House of Representatives before passage on February 11 by a vote of 31–19. The Senate passed the revised bill on February 16, and Governor Neil Abercrombie signed it into law on February 23. Civil unions began on January 1, 2012.
Same-sex marriage in Hawaii | Civil unions (2009–2011)
(Vermont gave only state rights.) The original version of AB 1338 providing the option for same sex-couples in California to enter into a civil union after the original legislation, co-drafted by co-founder Mark Levine was withdrawn, according to him, for being too "pro-equality" for gay people.
Marriage Equality California | History
On 13 September 2018, the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation struck down the law on procedural grounds.
Same-sex marriage in Jalisco | Civil unions
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Same-sex marriage in Utah | Public opinion
An initiative to allow same-sex couples to marry was delivered to the state's Congress by former Labor Party candidate for governor, Miguel Angel Haro Moren, in January 2010. The proposal was rejected in February 2010 and the state filed a constitutional challenge against imposing laws of the Civil Code of the Federal District, concerning same-sex marriage, upon Sonora. In September 2017, all political parties in the state agreed to begin analyzing a proposed same-sex marriage bill. The bill's main sponsor said he was hopeful it would be accepted.
Same-sex marriage in Sonora | Legislative action
Prior to nationwide same-sex marriage, fifteen U.S. states had civil unions or domestic partnerships. Many of those states retain those laws as a continued choice for same-sex couples, and opposite couples in certain states.
LGBT rights in the United States | Civil Unions
In December 2012, lawmakers were presented with a proposal to amend article 143 of the Civil Code of Chihuahua to legalize same-sex marriage. After years with no legislative action, in July 2014, the PAN bloc announced that they would consider approving civil unions, but not same-sex marriage. LGBT groups rejected the proposal because it would not provide the possibility for the spouses to share social security benefits, pensions or other legal benefits of marriage. In response to legislative inaction, a collective injunction was filed in July 2014 with the aim of having the Civil Code declared unconstitutional. The collective injunction was approved on 13 November 2014 and had articles 134 and 135 of the state's Civil Code declared unconstitutional, requiring reparations to the couples and ordering the State Congress to legislate for same-sex marriage.
Same-sex marriage in Chihuahua | Legislative action
Due to the High Court's ruling striking down the ACT's same-sex marriage law as invalid, the repeal of the "Civil Unions Act 2012" was of no effect and civil unions could take place in the ACT until 2017. As of 2017, forming a new civil union is not possible as section 7 of the "Civil Union Act 2012" requires that potential couples be unable to marry under the "Marriage Act 1961". When same-sex marriage was legalised, it became legally impossible to form a civil union, though existing ones remain valid and entering into a domestic relationship remains an option. The law required couples to enter into a civil union ceremony (also known as a "declaration") in the presence of at least a civil union celebrant and a witness.
LGBT rights in the Australian Capital Territory | Civil Unions Act 2012
The SJC had stayed implementation of its ruling for 180 days in order to allow the legislature to respond as it found necessary. On December 11, 2003, the State Senate asked the SJC whether establishing civil unions for same-sex couples would meet the ruling's requirements. The SJC replied on February 4, 2004, that civil unions would not suffice to satisfy its finding in "Goodridge". The 4 justices who formed the majority in the "Goodridge" decision wrote: "The dissimilitude between the terms 'civil marriage' and 'civil union' is not innocuous; it is a considered choice of language that reflects a demonstrable assigning of same-sex, largely homosexual, couples to second-class status." They continued: "For no rational reason the marriage laws of the Commonwealth discriminate against a defined class; no amount of tinkering with language will eradicate that stain."
Goodridge v. Department of Public Health | Reaction and first same-sex weddings
Many jurisdictions with civil unions recognize foreign unions if those are essentially equivalent to their own; for example, the United Kingdom lists equivalent unions in the Civil Partnership Act 2004 Schedule 20. The marriages of same-sex couples performed abroad may be recognized as civil unions in jurisdictions that only have the latter.
Civil union | Introduction
On January 20, 2008, Uruguay became the first Latin American country to enact a national civil union law, titled "Ley de Unión Concubinaria". The law, proposed by Senator Margarita Percovich of the Broad Front, was passed in the Chamber of Representatives on November 29, 2007 after having been passed in a similar form in the Senate in 2006. The bill was passed by both chambers in the same form on December 19, and signed into law by President Tabaré Vázquez on December 27. It was published in the official journal on January 10, 2008 and came into effect on January 20, 2008.
Same-sex marriage in Uruguay | Civil union
However, this monogamous stance has been strongly criticized as hypocritical given the Church's historical disagreement with this legal definition which bars polygamy. In 2004, the Church officially endorsed a federal amendment to the United States Constitution as well as Utah Constitutional Amendment 3 banning any marriages not between one man and one woman and announced its opposition to political measures that "confer legal status on any other sexual relationship" than "a man and a woman lawfully wedded as husband and wife." This statement seemed to also oppose civil unions, common-law marriages, plural marriages, or other family arrangements. This political involvement elicited the criticism of California Senator Mark Leno who questioned whether the Church's tax-exempt status should be revoked.
Homosexuality and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints | Opposition to same-sex marriage legislation
He argued that because the Congress of Sonora had not yet changed the law, an amparo was still necessary. Following Bojórquez Castillo's decision, members of Congress from across the political spectrum announced their support for amending the Family Code to define marriage as being between two people, including deputies from the National Action Party, the Institutional Revolutionary Party and the Party of the Democratic Revolution.
Same-sex marriage in Sonora | Decision of the Director of the Civil Registry
Texts: Section 29. Marriage. "(1) Marriage consists only of the legal union between a man and a woman." "(2) No other domestic union, however denominated, may be recognized as a marriage or given the same or substantially equivalent legal effect." 30-1-4.1. Marriage recognition policy. "(1) (a) It is the policy of this state to recognize as marriage only the legal union of a man and a woman as provided in this chapter." "(b) Except for the relationship of marriage between a man and a woman recognized pursuant to this chapter, this state will not recognize, enforce, or give legal effect to any law creating any legal status, rights, benefits, or duties that are substantially equivalent to those provided under Utah law to a man and a woman because they are married." "(2) Nothing in Subsection (1) impairs any contract or other rights, benefits, or duties that are enforceable independently of this section.
Same-sex marriage law in the United States by state | Utah
It also provided for civil unions to be automatically transformed into marriages on October 1, 2010.
Jodi Rell | LGBT policy
A proposal for civil unions was submitted to the Congress of Zacatecas on 30 June 2011, but then stalled in the Commission on Public Security. The main sponsor of the bill said in 2013 that it was not prioritized. It only gathered the support of one PRI MP, some independents and some PRD MPs, while it was rejected by PAN. It was again discussed in March 2014, but the majority did not approve the measure.
Same-sex marriage in Zacatecas | Civil unions
Another version of the Colorado Civil Union Act was introduced on January 9, 2013. Unlike earlier versions of the legislation, it did not include language allowing adoption agencies to withhold their services from a couple in a same-sex civil union. On January 23, the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senate Appropriations Committee and the Senate Constitutional Committee approved the legislation with three Democrats in favor and two Republicans opposed. On February 11, the Senate Floor passed the legislation on a 21-14 vote, with all Democrats and one Republican in favor and only Republicans in opposition. The House Judiciary Committee, House Appropriations Committee and the House Constitutional Committee approved the legislation a week before the House Floor approved the legislation on March 12, 2013, by a vote of 39-26, with all Democrats and 2 Republicans voting for the bill and only Republicans in opposition.
Recognition of same-sex unions in Colorado | 2013
Both Democratic and Republican legislators proposed legislation to grant same-sex couples greater civil rights. The proposals ranged from allowing a couple to enter into a "contractual cohabitation," a "civil union," a "spousal union," or a same-sex marriage. Governor John Lynch opposed same-sex marriage, but indicated that he was receptive to discussing civil unions as a means of granting certain rights to same-sex couples. In early 2007, the Legislature briefly considered a bill authorizing same-sex marriage until Democratic leaders assigned it to a study committee. On April 4, 2007, by a vote of 243 to 129, the New Hampshire House passed a civil unions bill that gave partners in same-sex civil unions the same "rights, responsibilities and obligations" as heterosexual married couples.
Same-sex marriage in New Hampshire | Civil unions
Unlike Mexico City's law, once same-sex couples have registered in Coahuila, the state protects their rights (no matter where they live in Mexico). Twenty days after the law passed, the country's first same-sex civil union took place in Saltillo, Coahuila. On 11 April 2013, the Party of the Democratic Revolution introduced a measure to legalize civil unions in Campeche. The bill was unanimously passed on 20 December 2013, and while it covers both same-sex and opposite-sex couples, it specifically provides that it "shall not constitute a civil partnership of people living together in marriage and cohabitation." An additional distinction is that it is not filed with the Civil Registrar, but with the Public Registry of Property and Trade.
LGBT rights in Mexico | Civil unions by state
In 2005, the Connecticut General Assembly passed a bill to adopt civil unions in Connecticut. Connecticut's civil unions were identical to marriage and provided all of the same rights and responsibilities except for the title. Connecticut was the first state in the U.S. to voluntarily pass a same-sex civil unions law through the legislature without any immediate court intervention. The law was repealed on October 1, 2010, and replaced with a law making marriage gender-neutral.
Civil union | Connecticut
While Vera insisted that "two women or two men cannot get married," he also saw gay people as a vulnerable minority. "Today we live in a society that is composed in a different way. There are people who do not want to marry under the law or in the church. They need legal protection. I should not abandon these people." Unlike Mexico City's law, once same-sex couples have registered in Coahuila, the state protects their rights no matter where they live in the country. Twenty days after the law had passed, the country's first same-sex civil union took place in Saltillo.
Same-sex marriage in Coahuila | Civil unions
Votes by state legislatures to recognize various types of same-sex unions, sorted by date: Notes:
Same-sex marriage legislation in the United States | Efforts to enable same-sex unions
Without their help, we aren't able to do it." Other groups contended that 2016, a presidential election year, would prove a better opportunity.
Same-sex marriage in Arizona | Constitution
In 1975, the Arizona State Legislature passed an emergency bill defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman after the Arizona Supreme Court invalidated a same-sex marriage license granted to a couple. In 1996, the Arizona state legislators passed a ban on same-sex marriage and the recognition of same-sex marriages performed outside of the state. Republican Governor Fife Symington, whose victory in the 1994 election was based in part on campaigning against his opponent's support of same-sex marriage, signed the bill into law.
Same-sex marriage in Arizona | Statute
On April 26, 2007, the New Hampshire General Court (state legislature) passed a civil union bill, and Governor John Lynch signed the bill into law on May 31, 2007. At the time, New Hampshire was "...the first state to embrace same-sex unions without a court order or the threat of one." The New Hampshire civil union legislation became effective on January 1, 2008. The law was replaced by the same-sex marriage law on January 1, 2010.
Civil union | New Hampshire
Since 4 February 2008, Oregon offers domestic partnerships which grant nearly all of the state-recognized rights of marriage to same-sex couples.
Civil union | Oregon
Texts: "A marriage between one man and one woman is the only lawful domestic union that shall be valid or recognized in this State. This State and its political subdivisions shall not create a legal status, right, or claim respecting any other domestic union, however denominated. This State and its political subdivisions shall not recognize or give effect to a legal status, right, or claim created by another jurisdiction respecting any other domestic union, however denominated. Nothing in this section shall impair any right or benefit extended by the State or its political subdivisions other than a right or benefit arising from a domestic union that is not valid or recognized in this State.
Same-sex marriage law in the United States by state | South Carolina
The state was ordered to pay $200,000 in the "Connolly" case and $300,000 in the "Majors" case in attorneys fees for the plaintiffs.
Same-sex marriage in Arizona | Appeal
Governor Hickenlooper signed the legislation on March 21. The Colorado Civil Union Act allows two adults to enter a civil union "regardless of the gender of either party". The law took effect on May 1, 2013. Colorado became the ninth state to offer such a status in addition to the nine that–along with the District of Columbia–recognize same-sex marriage. Various religious groups had very different reactions to the new law. Following the House vote, Denver's Roman Catholic Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila purported that "The ability for religious-based institutions to provide foster care and adoption services for Colorado's children is now dangerously imperiled".
Recognition of same-sex unions in Colorado | 2013
Hodges", which declared that same-sex marriage is a fundamental right in the United States.
Maricopa County, Arizona | Politics
A gay couple has filed an appeal with the Supreme Court of Justice of Costa Rica asking that their union be recognized under the new law. Gay rights activists reacting to the law said it needs to survive a constitutional challenge in court. Some constitutional lawyers stated that same-sex couples will "still lack legal capacity" to formalize their unions, despite passage of the bill.
Civil union | Costa Rica
The U.S. state of Colorado has provided limited recognition of same-sex unions in the form of "designated beneficiary agreements" since July 1, 2009, and as "civil unions" since May 1, 2013. Same-sex marriage was legalized on October 7, 2014. Designated beneficiary agreements grant limited rights, such as hospital and jail visitation rights, control of funeral arrangements, death benefits, and the right of a surviving partner to be recognized as next of kin. Civil unions provide rights comparable to those enjoyed by married different-sex couples. When Colorado enacted civil union legislation in March 2013, effective May 1, 2013, Colorado became the third state to provide the status of civil unions to both same-sex couples and different-sex couples, as Hawaii and Illinois had until both of these states allowed same-sex marriage in 2013.
Recognition of same-sex unions in Colorado | Introduction
Delaware Governor Jack Markell signed a civil union bill on May 12, 2011, that establishes civil unions in the state effective January 1, 2012. The law was repealed on July 1, 2014, and replaced with a law making marriage gender-neutral.
Civil union | Delaware
The Code was approved by Parliament in October 2014 and promulgated by the President on 7 October 2014. Civil unions are not given the same treatment and status as marriages. However, they are regarded as valid options to form a family and to be legally recognized as one.
Same-sex marriage in Argentina | Civil unions
In April 2013, deputies of the Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD), the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), the Ecologist Green Party of Mexico (PVEM), Citizens' Movement (MC) and an independent deputy presented the "Free Coexistence Act" () to Congress. The legislation guaranteed several legal rights, benefits and obligations to same-sex couples in the form of civil unions. It did not legalize adoption and mandated that civil unions be performed with a civil law notary. On 31 October 2013, the Congress of Jalisco approved the bill in a 20–15 vote, one abstained and three were absent. The law took effect on 1 January 2014.
Same-sex marriage in Jalisco | Civil unions
In February 2014, PRD Deputy Eréndira Montiel Jiménez promised to present bills to forbid discrimination and for a law of coexistence. The proposed law, introduced on 3 April 2014, outlined the legal framework to eliminate discrimination and to develop a form of coexistence "that has the purpose of marriage or concubinage". In June 2014, activists urged Congress to act in favor of the civil union and anti-discrimination bills submitted by Montiel Jiménez. On 29 December 2016, the Congress of Tlaxcala approved the coexistence bill proposed by Montiel Jiménez, in an 18-4 vote. Two PAN deputies walked out in protest as the voting happened.
Same-sex marriage in Tlaxcala | Civil unions
On May 31, 2009, the Nevada legislature overrode Governor Jim Gibbons' veto of a domestic partnership bill. The bill allows registered domestic partners, whether they are a same-sex or opposite-sex couple, to have most of the state level rights and responsibilities afforded to married couples. It does not require any other entity to provide rights or benefits afforded to married individuals. This has left the partnership bill ineffective compared to those of other states. The law took effect 1 October 2009.
Civil union | Nevada
The Senate passed the civil union bill by 23–12, the same vote as in 2011, on April 27, 2012. Republicans held a 33–32 majority in the House of Representatives, where a committee voted down the legislation on May 15, 2012, during a special session called to consider the legislation.
Recognition of same-sex unions in Colorado | 2012
On December 11, 2003, the Massachusetts Senate put forward legislative language creating civil unions for same-sex couples to the SJC, asking if it satisfied the court's requirements. On February 4, 2004, the court replied that it was unacceptable to allow different-sex couples marriages but same-sex couples only civil unions, that the distinction between marriage and civil unions constituted unconstitutional discrimination, even if the rights and obligations attached to each were identical. It called the difference between the terms "marriage" and "civil union" "a considered choice of language that reflects a demonstrable assigning of same-sex, largely homosexual, couples to second-class status." As for the argument that the Federal Government's refusal to recognize same-sex marriages as "marriages" justified the use of a different term, the court said: "Courts define what is constitutionally permissible, and the Massachusetts Constitution does not permit this kind of labeling...
Same-sex marriage in Massachusetts | Interpreting "Goodridge"
Votes by state legislatures to prohibit recognition of various types of same-sex unions, sorted by date: Notes:
Same-sex marriage legislation in the United States | Efforts to prohibit same-sex unions
The following is a list of countries and other jurisdictions which have established civil unions for same-sex couples or opposite-sex couples, categorized by continent, with the year in which the law establishing civil unions in the listed country or other jurisdiction came into effect in brackets:
Civil union | List of jurisdictions recognizing same-sex unions
In 2008, by administrative action, Gov. Janet Napolitano expanded the health benefits Arizona offered state employees by adding domestic partners to the category of qualified dependents. In November 2008, Arizona voters adopted an amendment to the state constitution that said: "Only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state." Governor Jan Brewer signed legislation on September 4, 2009, that redefined "dependents" as "spouses" and certain children. Its effective date was delayed until October 1, 2010, because of existing contracts with state employee unions.
Diaz v. Brewer | Background
Since 2008, civil unions with all of the rights of marriage (except for adoption) have been available to same-sex couples. In Quito and Guayaquil, liberalism has become more prevalent as conservatism adjusts to the law.
Fundación Ecuatoriana Equidad | Context
Same-sex marriage has been legally recognized in the U.S. state of Arizona since October 17, 2014. The state had denied marriage rights to same-sex couples by statute since 1996 and by an amendment to its State Constitution approved by voters in 2008. Two lawsuits in federal court that challenged the state's policies ended with a decision that the ban was unconstitutional and the state did not appeal that ruling. Before the court ruling, several Arizona cities and towns provided civil unions or domestic partnerships to same-sex couples.
Same-sex marriage in Arizona | Introduction
Arizona has recognized same-sex marriage since being forced to end enforcement of its statutory and constitutional bans on same-sex marriage by the decision of a U.S. district court on October 17, 2014. In November 2006, Arizona voters rejected Proposition 106, which would have banned same-sex marriage and any legal status similar to marriage (such as civil unions or domestic partnerships). Two years later, however, Arizona voters approved the less restrictive Proposition 102 which amended the Constitution to ban the recognition of same-sex marriage. With no constitutional ban on domestic partnerships or civil unions, several cities, including Phoenix, Bisbee, Tucson, Flagstaff and more, subsequently enacted such measures.
LGBT rights in Arizona | Recognition of same-sex relationships
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Same-sex marriage in Nevada | Public opinion
The controversial civil unions law that was passed in the Vermont General Assembly in 2000 was a response to the Vermont Supreme Court ruling in "Baker v. Vermont", requiring that the state grant same-sex couples the same rights and privileges accorded to married couples under the law. A Vermont civil union is nearly identical to a legal marriage, as far as the rights and responsibilities for which state law, not federal law, is responsible are concerned. It grants partners next-of-kin rights and other protections that heterosexual married couples also receive. However, despite the "full faith and credit" clause of the United States Constitution, civil unions are generally not recognized outside Vermont in the absence of specific legislation.
Civil union | Vermont
NOM has opposed civil union recognition, calling it "a direct threat to marriage and the religious liberties" and stating that "civil union statutes across the country have been used to sue business owners and professionals who run their practices by their deeply held religious beliefs." It has campaigned against the passage of Illinois's Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act, SB 1716.
National Organization for Marriage | Civil union opposition
The Civil Union Act, 2006 (Act No. 17 of 2006) is an act of the Parliament of South Africa which legalised same-sex marriage. It allows two people, regardless of gender, to form either a marriage or a civil partnership. The act was enacted as a consequence of the judgment of the Constitutional Court in the case of "Minister of Home Affairs v Fourie", which ruled that it was unconstitutional for the state to provide the benefits of marriage to opposite-sex couples while denying them to same-sex couples.
Civil Union Act, 2006 | Introduction
The state of Goa is the only Indian state to have a unified marriage law. Every citizen is bound to the same law, regardless of their religion. However, Goa's Uniform Civil Code explicitly defines marriage as being between members of the opposite sex.
Recognition of same-sex unions in India | Introduction
In California, where domestic partnership (DP) has been available to same-sex and certain opposite-sex couples since 2000, a wholesale revision of the law in 2005 made it substantially equivalent to marriage at the state level. In 2007, the Legislature took a further step when it required same-sex DP couples to file state income taxes jointly. (Couples must continue to file federal taxes as individuals.) In the May 2008 "In re Marriage Cases" decision, the state supreme court noted nine differences between Domestic Partnerships and same-sex marriage in state law, including a cohabitation requirement for domestic partners, access to CalPERS long-term care insurance (but not CalPERS in general), and the lack of an equivalent to California's "confidential marriage" institution.
Civil union | California