What exactly is the definition of civil union? What rights do a civil union afford? Are couples who are joined in a civil union afforded ALL of the same rights as married couples (ie-insurance benefits, tax breaks, etc.)? Thanks Cicatrix
Can Someone Please Explain Civil Union to me?
by Cicatrix 4 Replies latest social current
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patio34
This is from another thread by SC_Guy that I posted. Not duplicating posts, but furnishing it because it's more applicable here.
"Civil unions grant couples most of the rights of state civil marriages, except the name, but provide none of the federal benefits of marriage, such as Social Security benefits." http://www.cnn.com/2004/LAW/02/04/gay.marriage/
Without a doubt, civil marriage is a strong personal, legal and social commitment. Not only does it bring the stability of a committed relationship, but also more than 1,049 automatic federal and additional state protections, benefits and responsibilities designed to support and protect family life. It brings benefits and discounts from employers, banks, insurers and businesses (site listed next paragraph)
(There's lots more about the differences between marriage and civil unions benefits at http://www.lambdalegal.org/cgi-bin/iowa/documents/record?record=873 )
And this is why homosexual couples want the full rights of a marriage.
Pat
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Cicatrix
Thank you Patio. I figured as much.
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shamus
It's where two people get civilly unioned together with crazy glue.
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Mulan
One difference I've heard about is that if you are charged with a crime, your partner is required to testify and tell all they know. If a couple is married, they can't do that.