Civil union: Difference between revisions

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'''Civil Union'''
== Civil Union ==


A '''civil union''', also known as a '''civil partnership''', is a legally recognized form of partnership similar to [[marriage]]. Civil unions are primarily designed to provide couples with similar legal protections, rights, and responsibilities as marriage, without the title of being married. This form of legal recognition is most commonly sought by [[same-sex couples]], but may also be available to heterosexual couples in some jurisdictions.
[[File:Men_Couple_in_Istria_Croatia.jpg|Men couple in Istria, Croatia|thumb|right]]
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. Civil unions grant most or all of the rights of marriage except the title itself. Civil unions are often seen as a "separate but equal" status, though this is a point of contention among advocates for marriage equality.


==History==
== History ==
The concept of civil unions emerged in the late 20th century, as part of a broader movement towards the recognition of same-sex relationships. The first country to introduce civil unions was [[Denmark]] in 1989, under the name "registered partnership". Since then, many countries and regions have established their own versions of civil unions, each with varying degrees of rights and recognition.
The concept of civil unions emerged in the late 20th century as a response to the growing demand for legal recognition of same-sex relationships. The first country to establish civil unions was [[Denmark]] in 1989, with the introduction of registered partnerships. This model was subsequently adopted by several other countries.


==Legal Status==
== Legal Status ==
The legal status and rights afforded by a civil union vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another. Common rights and responsibilities include:
[[File:World_civil_union_for_same-sex_couples.svg|World map of civil union for same-sex couples|thumb|left]]
Civil unions are recognized in various jurisdictions around the world, each with its own specific legal framework. In some countries, civil unions are available to both same-sex and opposite-sex couples, while in others, they are restricted to same-sex couples.


* The right to inherit property from a partner
=== Rights and Responsibilities ===
* Access to partner's medical information and the ability to make medical decisions for a partner
Civil unions typically provide couples with rights and responsibilities similar to those of marriage. These may include inheritance rights, hospital visitation rights, and the ability to make medical decisions for a partner. However, the exact rights conferred by a civil union can vary significantly between jurisdictions.
* The right to joint adoption and parenting
* Access to various forms of family leave and benefits
* Recognition for immigration and residency purposes


However, it is important to note that in many places, civil unions do not provide the same level of recognition or rights as marriage. This discrepancy has been a point of contention and has led to legal challenges in several jurisdictions.
== Civil Unions Around the World ==


==Comparison with Marriage==
=== Europe ===
While civil unions offer many of the same legal protections as marriage, there are key differences. One of the most significant is the lack of recognition of civil unions beyond the jurisdiction in which they were established. This can lead to complications when couples travel or move to another region. Additionally, civil unions may not be recognized by all institutions and may not carry the same social significance as marriage.
[[File:Flag_of_the_Netherlands.svg|Flag of the Netherlands|thumb|right]]
In Europe, several countries have implemented civil unions or registered partnerships. The [[Netherlands]] was the first country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001, but prior to that, it had recognized registered partnerships since 1998.


==International Recognition==
=== North America ===
The recognition of civil unions and their equivalent varies around the world. Some countries recognize foreign civil unions to the same extent as domestic ones, while others do not recognize them at all. The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that countries must provide some form of legal recognition for same-sex couples, but this does not necessarily extend to marriage or civil unions.
In the [[United States]], civil unions were first recognized in [[Vermont]] in 2000. Since then, several states have adopted civil union laws, though many have transitioned to recognizing same-sex marriage following the Supreme Court's decision in [[Obergefell v. Hodges]] in 2015.


==Controversy and Criticism==
=== South America ===
Civil unions have been a subject of controversy and criticism. Advocates for [[LGBT rights]] argue that by creating a separate institution, civil unions perpetuate inequality and discrimination. They advocate for the full recognition of same-sex marriage, which would afford same-sex couples the same rights and recognition as heterosexual couples.
[[File:Bandera_de_la_Provincia_de_Córdoba.svg|Flag of the Province of Córdoba|thumb|left]]
In [[Argentina]], civil unions are recognized in several provinces and cities, including [[Buenos Aires]] and [[Córdoba]]. Argentina became the first Latin American country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2010.


==See Also==
=== Asia ===
* [[Marriage]]
[[File:Flag_of_Ibaraki_Prefecture.svg|Flag of Ibaraki Prefecture|thumb|right]]
In [[Japan]], some municipalities and prefectures, such as [[Ibaraki Prefecture]], have begun to issue partnership certificates to same-sex couples, which provide limited recognition and rights.
 
== Social and Political Impact ==
Civil unions have played a significant role in the broader movement for [[LGBT rights]]. They have provided a legal framework for recognizing same-sex relationships and have often served as a stepping stone towards the legalization of same-sex marriage.
 
== Criticism and Controversy ==
While civil unions have been a positive step for many, they have also been criticized for creating a separate and unequal status for same-sex couples. Advocates for marriage equality argue that only marriage can provide full equality and social acceptance.
 
== Related Pages ==
* [[Same-sex marriage]]
* [[Same-sex marriage]]
* [[Domestic partnership]]
* [[LGBT rights]]
* [[Registered partnership]]


==References==
{{LGBT rights}}
<references/>
{{Marriage}}


[[Category:Civil law]]
[[Category:Civil unions]]
[[Category:LGBT rights]]
[[Category:Family law]]
[[Category:Family law]]
[[Category:LGBT rights]]
{{Law-stub}}
{{LGBT-stub}}
<gallery>
File:Men_Couple_in_Istria_Croatia.jpg|Civil union
File:New_York_City_Proposition_8_Protest_outside_LDS_temple_20.jpg|Civil union
File:World_civil_union_for_same-sex_couples.svg|Civil union
File:Flag_of_the_Netherlands.svg|Civil union
File:Bandera_de_la_Provincia_de_Córdoba.svg|Civil union
File:Bandera_de_la_Ciudad_de_Río_Cuarto.svg|Civil union
File:Flag_of_the_United_Kingdom.svg|Civil union
File:Flag_of_Ibaraki_Prefecture.svg|Civil union
File:Flag_of_Osaka_Prefecture.svg|Civil union
File:Flag_of_Gunma_Prefecture.svg|Civil union
File:Flag_of_Saga_Prefecture.svg|Civil union
File:Flag_of_Mie_Prefecture.svg|Civil union
</gallery>
== Civil union ==
<gallery>
File:Men_Couple_in_Istria_Croatia.jpg|Civil union
File:New_York_City_Proposition_8_Protest_outside_LDS_temple_20.jpg|Civil union
File:World_civil_union_for_same-sex_couples.svg|Civil union
File:Flag_of_the_Netherlands.svg|Civil union
File:Bandera_de_la_Provincia_de_Córdoba.svg|Civil union
File:Bandera_de_la_Ciudad_de_Río_Cuarto.svg|Civil union
File:Flag_of_the_United_Kingdom.svg|Civil union
File:Flag_of_Ibaraki_Prefecture.svg|Civil union
File:Flag_of_Osaka_Prefecture.svg|Civil union
File:Flag_of_Gunma_Prefecture.svg|Civil union
File:Flag_of_Saga_Prefecture.svg|Civil union
File:Flag_of_Mie_Prefecture.svg|Civil union
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 19:01, 23 March 2025

Civil Union[edit]

Men couple in Istria, Croatia

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. Civil unions grant most or all of the rights of marriage except the title itself. Civil unions are often seen as a "separate but equal" status, though this is a point of contention among advocates for marriage equality.

History[edit]

The concept of civil unions emerged in the late 20th century as a response to the growing demand for legal recognition of same-sex relationships. The first country to establish civil unions was Denmark in 1989, with the introduction of registered partnerships. This model was subsequently adopted by several other countries.

Legal Status[edit]

World map of civil union for same-sex couples

Civil unions are recognized in various jurisdictions around the world, each with its own specific legal framework. In some countries, civil unions are available to both same-sex and opposite-sex couples, while in others, they are restricted to same-sex couples.

Rights and Responsibilities[edit]

Civil unions typically provide couples with rights and responsibilities similar to those of marriage. These may include inheritance rights, hospital visitation rights, and the ability to make medical decisions for a partner. However, the exact rights conferred by a civil union can vary significantly between jurisdictions.

Civil Unions Around the World[edit]

Europe[edit]

Flag of the Netherlands

In Europe, several countries have implemented civil unions or registered partnerships. The Netherlands was the first country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001, but prior to that, it had recognized registered partnerships since 1998.

North America[edit]

In the United States, civil unions were first recognized in Vermont in 2000. Since then, several states have adopted civil union laws, though many have transitioned to recognizing same-sex marriage following the Supreme Court's decision in Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015.

South America[edit]

Flag of the Province of Córdoba

In Argentina, civil unions are recognized in several provinces and cities, including Buenos Aires and Córdoba. Argentina became the first Latin American country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2010.

Asia[edit]

Flag of Ibaraki Prefecture

In Japan, some municipalities and prefectures, such as Ibaraki Prefecture, have begun to issue partnership certificates to same-sex couples, which provide limited recognition and rights.

Social and Political Impact[edit]

Civil unions have played a significant role in the broader movement for LGBT rights. They have provided a legal framework for recognizing same-sex relationships and have often served as a stepping stone towards the legalization of same-sex marriage.

Criticism and Controversy[edit]

While civil unions have been a positive step for many, they have also been criticized for creating a separate and unequal status for same-sex couples. Advocates for marriage equality argue that only marriage can provide full equality and social acceptance.

Related Pages[edit]