Editing Civil union (section)

==Case studies==

===Argentina===
{{Main|Same-sex marriage in Argentina}}
Since 2003, the Argentine province of [[Río Negro Province|Río Negro]] and the city of [[Buenos Aires]] allow domestic partnerships. The City of [[Villa Carlos Paz]] (Córdoba) allowed it from 2007. Since 2009, the city of [[Río Cuarto, Córdoba|Río Cuarto]] (Córdoba) allows Civil Unions.

===Australia===
{{Main|Same-sex marriage in Australia}}

All levels of Australian Governments under nearly all Australian statutes do recognise same-sex couples as de facto couples as unregistered co-habitation or de facto status since 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/num_act/srticllra2008769/ |title=SAME-SEX RELATIONSHIPS (EQUAL TREATMENT IN COMMONWEALTH LAWS-GENERAL LAW REFORM) ACT 2008 (NO. 144, 2008) |publisher=Austlii.edu.au |access-date=2014-04-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150421160124/http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/num_act/srticllra2008769/ |archive-date=2015-04-21 |url-status=dead }}</ref> From 1 July 2009 Centrelink recognised same-sex couples equally regarding social security – under the common-law marriage, de facto status or unregistered cohabitation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/individuals/same_sex.htm |title=Centrelink recognises same-sex relationships from 1 July 2009 |access-date=2009-03-30 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090227163241/http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/individuals/same_sex.htm |archive-date=2009-02-27 }}</ref>

'''Registered relationship recognition in state Governments:'''

{| class=wikitable
|-
!State or territory
!Official relationship status
!Year of enactment
|-
| [[Same-sex marriage in the Australian Capital Territory|Australian Capital Territory]]
| [[File:Yes check.svg|10px|Yes]] Civil partnership
| 2008
|-
| [[LGBT rights in New South Wales|New South Wales]]
| [[File:Yes check.svg|10px|Yes]] Registered relationship
| 2010
|-
| [[LGBT rights in Queensland|Queensland]]
| [[File:Yes check.svg|10px|Yes]] Civil partnership
| 2012
|-
| [[Recognition of same-sex unions in Tasmania|Tasmania]]
| [[File:Yes check.svg|10px|Yes]] Significant relationship
| 2004
|-
| [[LGBT rights in Victoria|Victoria]]
| [[File:Yes check.svg|10px|Yes]] Registered domestic relationship
| 2008
|-
| [[LGBT rights in South Australia|South Australia]]
| [[File:Yes check.svg|10px|Yes]] Registered relationship
| 2017
|}

'''[[Relationship register|Registered relationship]] recognition in 5 local government areas within Australia:'''
* [[City of Sydney]], [[New South Wales]]{{Snd}}Registered relationships since 2004<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gaylawnet.com/ezine/partners/southsydney.pdf|title=CITY OF SYDNEY RELATIONSHIPS DECLARATION PROGRAM|access-date=5 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305093806/http://gaylawnet.com/ezine/partners/southsydney.pdf|archive-date=5 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[Municipality of Woollahra]], [[New South Wales]]{{Snd}}Registered relationships since 2008<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/national-news/new-south-wales-news/woollahra-to-get-same-sex-register/3177|title=Woollahra to get same-sex register - Star Observer|website=www.starobserver.com.au|access-date=5 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906040601/http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/national-news/new-south-wales-news/woollahra-to-get-same-sex-register/3177|archive-date=6 September 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[City of the Blue Mountains]], [[New South Wales]]{{Snd}}Registered relationships since 2010<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/yourcommunity/relationshipdeclaration |title=Blue Mountains City Council - Relationship Declaration |first=Clear Blue |last=Day |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201054501/http://www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/yourcommunity/relationshipdeclaration |archive-date=2016-02-01 }}</ref>
* [[City of Vincent]], [[Western Australia]]{{Snd}}Registered relationships since 2012<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vincent.wa.gov.au/Services/Relationship_Declaration_Register|title=City of Vincent : Relationship Declaration Register|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151115002312/http://www.vincent.wa.gov.au/Services/Relationship_Declaration_Register|archive-date=2015-11-15}}</ref>
* [[Town of Port Hedland]], [[Western Australia]]{{Snd}}Registered relationships since 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.porthedland.wa.gov.au/relationship-declaration-register.aspx|title=Relationship Declaration Register » Town of Port Hedland|access-date=2016-12-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221162707/http://www.porthedland.wa.gov.au/relationship-declaration-register.aspx|archive-date=2016-12-21|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Brazil===
{{Main|Same-sex marriage in Brazil}}
[[File:Civil union map South America detailed.svg|thumb|300px|right|'''Countries performing civil unions in South America'''
{{legend|#3F48CC|Gender-neutral civil unions.}}
{{legend|#77317fff|Civil unions for opposite-sex couples only.}}
{{legend|#ddddddff|Civil unions never performed.}}
]]
Cohabitation grants 112 benefits as family entities in Brazil since 2002. It is known as {{lang|pt|união estável}} when both parts are legally authorized to marry, and as {{lang|pt|concubinato}} when at least one party is legally prohibited from doing so.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://jus.com.br/artigos/5663/sucessao-de-companheiros-sob-a-egide-da-lei-n-10-406-2002 |work=Jus Navigandi |title=Sucessão de companheiros sob a égide da Lei nº 10.406/2002 |access-date=21 August 2019 |first=Antônio Carlos |last=Trevisan |date=September 2004 |language=pt}}</ref> Cohabitation grants all rights marriage confers, with the exception of automatic opt-in for one of four systems of property share married couples have access to, and automatic right to inheritance. Potential confusion might arise regarding terminology, given how when Brazilian Portuguese refers to the term {{lang|pt|união civil}}, it tends to be short for {{lang|pt|casamento civil}}, or civil marriage.

Couples that have at least one child registered as a descendant of both parties might also have access to {{lang|pt|união estável}} or {{lang|pt|concubinato}} rights.

Same-sex stable cohabitation in Brazil is legally recognized nationwide since May 5, 2011. Brazil's Supreme Court voted 10–0 with one abstention to allow [[same-sex couple]]s the same legal rights as married couples, following pointed recognition of such relationships that dates as far back as 2004. The ruling gave same-sex couples in such relationships the same financial and social rights enjoyed by those in mixed-sex ones.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-13304442 |title=Brazil Supreme Court awards gay couples new rights |date=6 May 2011 |publisher=[[www.bbc.co.uk]] |work=[[BBC News Online]] |access-date=21 August 2019 |agency=[[BBC]]}}</ref>

A union between two women and one man was reported in August 2012, though its legality was doubted.<ref>{{cite news |title=Three-person civil union sparks controversy in Brazil |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-19402508 |publisher=[[BBC Online]] |work=[[BBC News Online]] |date=28 August 2012 |access-date=21 August 2019 |agency=[[BBC]]}}</ref><!-- "was doubted by [say who]." (if multiple: "was doubted by [example], among others.") -->

===Canada===
{{Main|Same-sex marriage in Canada}}
[[File:Civil union map North America.svg|thumb|300px|right|'''Jurisdictions performing civil unions in North America'''
{{legend|#3F48CC|Gender-neutral civil unions.}}
{{legend|#9DECB5|Former civil unions for same-sex couples, replaced by marriage.}}
{{legend|#DDDDDD|Civil unions never performed.}}
]]
In [[Canada]]:
* [[Domestic partnership in Nova Scotia|Domestic partnerships]] in [[Nova Scotia]] (2001),
* [[Civil unions in Quebec|Civil unions]] in [[Quebec]] (2002),
* [[Common-law relationships in Manitoba|Registered common-law relationships]] in [[Manitoba]] (2002),{{efn|Manitoba law allows for same- and opposite-sex couples to voluntarily register their common-law relationship with the provincial vital statistics agency, as an alternative to the requirement to cohabit for a minimum period of time.}}
* [[Adult interdependent relationship in Alberta|Adult interdependent relationships]] in [[Alberta]] (2003)
were extended to same-sex couples before the enactment of the federal ''[[Civil Marriage Act]]'' which legalized [[same-sex marriage in Canada]] nationally.

The 1994 proposed [[Equality Rights Statute Amendment Act]] in [[Ontario]] was a notable early attempt to introduce a status similar to civil unions. It was supported by the provincial government but was defeated in the legislature.<ref name="hansard 2nd reading">{{cite web |title=Official Records for 9 June 1994 |url=http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/house-proceedings/house_detail.do?Date=1994-6-9 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171013070154/http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/house-proceedings/house_detail.do?Date=1994-6-9 |archive-date=2017-10-13 |access-date=October 12, 2017 |website=House Documents |publisher=Legislative Assembly of Ontario |language=en}}</ref>

Some provinces and territories amended their family law to extend statutory benefits to same-sex couples that were equivalent to those granted to unmarried cohabiting opposite-sex couples without establishing a specific name for the partnership. For example, Ontario was required to amend its family law legislation in 1999 in response to the [[Supreme Court of Canada]]'s ruling in ''[[M v H]]''.

===Colombia===
{{Main|Same-sex marriage in Colombia}}
In 2007, [[Colombia]] came close to passing a law granting legal recognition to same-sex couples, but the bill failed on final passage in one house of the national legislature. However, a court decision in October 2007 extended social security and health insurance rights to same-sex couples.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-5666.html |title=Colombian court rules in favour of equal rights for gay couples |date=6 October 2007 |access-date=21 August 2019 |newspaper=[[Pink News]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080704214811/http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-5666.html |archive-date=4 July 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On January 29, 2009, the Constitutional Court ruled that cohabitating same-sex couples must be given all rights offered to unmarried heterosexual couples,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10938.html |title=Colombian court confirms equal rights for same-sex couples |first=Tony |last=Grew |date=29 January 2009 |access-date=21 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090303154858/http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10938.html |archive-date=3 March 2009 |newspaper=[[Pink News]] |url-status=live }}</ref> making Colombia the first Latin American country to fully grant this right to all its citizens. Couples can claim these rights after living together for two years. Colombia has since approved same-sex marriage.

===Costa Rica===
{{Main|Recognition of same-sex unions in Costa Rica}}
The [[Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica]] passed a bill in early July 2013 that "confers social rights and benefits of a civil union, free from discrimination", language inserted by lawmaker [[José María Villalta Florez-Estrada]] of the [[Broad Front (Costa Rica)|Broad Front]] party. After the bill passed, several media outlets reported that conservative lawmakers realized the bill's implications for same-sex unions and urged President [[Laura Chinchilla]], who is set to face Villalta in the 2014 presidential election, to use her [[veto]] power to stop the bill from becoming law. Chinchilla, who has suggested the courts should determine the legality of same-sex unions in Costa Rica, refused and signed the bill into law on 4 July. 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.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/costa-rica-legalized-gay-civil-unions-19591091|title=Costa Rica May Have Legalized Gay Civil Unions|date=6 July 2013|access-date=6 July 2013|agency=Associated Press|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130711010246/http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/costa-rica-legalized-gay-civil-unions-19591091|archive-date=11 July 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> Gay rights activists reacting to the law said it needs to survive a constitutional challenge in court.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/news/2013/07/05/costa-rica-passes-legislation-permitting-gay-civil-unions-by-accident/|title=Costa Rica Passes Legislation Permitting Gay Civil Unions -- By Accident|date=5 July 2013|access-date=6 July 2013|agency=Fox News Latino}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ticotimes.net/More-news/News-Briefs/Costa-Rican-legislature-accidentally-passes-gay-marriage-legalization_Wednesday-July-03-2013|agency=Tico Times|date=3 July 2013|access-date=6 July 2013|title=Costa Rican legislature accidentally passes gay marriage legalization|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130706152250/http://www.ticotimes.net/More-news/News-Briefs/Costa-Rican-legislature-accidentally-passes-gay-marriage-legalization_Wednesday-July-03-2013|archive-date=6 July 2013|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Some constitutional lawyers stated that same-sex couples will "still lack legal capacity" to formalize their unions, despite passage of the bill.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/costa-rican-lawyers-claim-%E2%80%98accidental%E2%80%99-bill-does-nothing-same-sex-unions060713|title=Costa Rican lawyers claim 'accidental' bill does nothing for same-sex unions|date=6 July 2013|access-date=6 July 2013|archive-date=20 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920235913/https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/costa-rican-lawyers-claim-%e2%80%98accidental%e2%80%99-bill-does-nothing-same-sex-unions060713/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Ecuador===
{{Main|Recognition of same-sex unions in Ecuador}}
The [[2008 Constitution of Ecuador]] enacted civil unions between two people without regard to gender, giving same-sex couples the same rights as legally married heterosexual couples except for the right to adopt.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.365gay.com/news/new-ecuador-constitution-includes-gay-rights-guarantees/|title=The Backlot - Corner of Hollywood and Gay - NewNowNext|access-date=2009-03-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204012956/http://www.365gay.com/news/new-ecuador-constitution-includes-gay-rights-guarantees/|archive-date=2008-12-04|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Europe===
{{Main|Recognition of same-sex unions in Europe}}
[[File:Civil union map Europe detailed.svg|thumb|300px|right|'''Countries performing civil unions in Europe'''
{{legend|#3F48CC|Gender-neutral civil unions.}}
{{legend|#22B14C|Civil unions for same-sex couples only.}}
{{legend|#9DECB5|Former civil unions for same-sex couples, replaced by marriage.}}
{{legend|#DDDDDD|Civil unions never performed.}}
]]
In Europe:

{{Div col|colwidth=18em}}
* [[Same-sex marriage in Denmark|Denmark]] (1989–2012; same-sex only)
* [[Same-sex marriage in Norway|Norway]] (1993–2009; same-sex only)
* [[Same-sex marriage in Sweden|Sweden]] (1995–2009; same-sex only)
* [[Same-sex marriage in Iceland|Iceland]] (1996–2010; same-sex only)
* [[LGBT rights in Greenland|Greenland]] (1996–2016; same-sex only)
* [[Same-sex marriage in the Netherlands|Netherlands]] (1998; gender-neutral)
* [[Civil solidarity pact|France]] (1999; gender-neutral)
* [[Same-sex marriage in Belgium|Belgium]] (2000; gender-neutral)
* [[Same-sex marriage in Germany|Germany]] (2001–2017; same-sex only)
* [[Same-sex marriage in Finland|Finland]] (2002–2017; same-sex only)
* [[Same-sex marriage in Luxembourg|Luxembourg]] (2004; gender-neutral)
* [[Recognition of same-sex unions in Andorra|Andorra]] (2005; gender-neutral)
* [[Civil partnership in the United Kingdom|United Kingdom]] (2005, same-sex only; gender-neutral in [[England and Wales]] since 2019, in [[Northern Ireland]] since 2020, in [[Scotland]] since 2021)
* [[Recognition of same-sex unions in the Czech Republic|Czech Republic]] (2006; same-sex only)
* [[Recognition of same-sex unions in Slovenia|Slovenia]] (2006–2022; same-sex only)
* [[Registered partnership in Switzerland|Switzerland]] (2007–2022; same-sex only)
* [[Recognition of same-sex unions in Greece|Greece]] (2008; initially opposite-sex only, gender-neutral since 2015 )
* [[Recognition of same-sex unions in Hungary|Hungary]] (2009; same-sex only)
* [[Same-sex marriage in Austria|Austria]] (2010; same-sex only, gender-neutral since 2019)
* [[Same-sex marriage in the Republic of Ireland|Ireland]] (2011–2015; same-sex only)
* [[Same-sex marriage in the Isle of Man|Isle of Man]] (2011; same-sex only, gender-neutral since 2016)
* [[Recognition of same-sex unions in Liechtenstein|Liechtenstein]] (2011; same-sex only)
* [[Same-sex marriage in Jersey|Jersey]] (2012; same-sex only, gender-neutral since 2023)
* [[Same-sex marriage in Gibraltar|Gibraltar]] (2014; gender-neutral)
* [[Same-sex marriage in Malta|Malta]] (2014; gender-neutral)
* [[Recognition of same-sex unions in Croatia|Croatia]] (2014; same-sex only)
* [[Recognition of same-sex unions in Andorra|Andorra]] (2014–2023; same-sex only)
* [[Recognition of same-sex unions in Cyprus|Cyprus]] (2015; gender-neutral)
* [[Recognition of same-sex unions in Estonia|Estonia]] (2016; gender-neutral)
* [[Recognition of same-sex unions in Italy|Italy]] (2016; same-sex only)
* [[Recognition of same-sex unions in San Marino|San Marino]] (2018; gender-neutral)
* [[Recognition of same-sex unions in Monaco|Monaco]] (2020; gender-neutral)
* [[Recognition of same-sex unions in Montenegro|Montenegro]] (2021; same-sex only)
* [[Recognition of same-sex unions in Latvia|Latvia]] (2024; gender-neutral)
* [[Recognition of same-sex unions in Lithuania|Lithuania]] (2025; gender-neutral)
{{Div col end}}


====Andorra====
{{Main|Recognition of same-sex unions in Andorra}}

====Austria====
{{Main|Recognition of same-sex unions in Austria}}
In 2018, Minister of Justice Josef Moser announced that both marriage and registered partnership would be open to homosexuals and heterosexuals. This occurred because Helga Ratzenböck and Martin Seydl have been appealing for years{{Clarify timeframe|date=April 2021}} in court for a registered civil partnership in Austria. At the [[European Court of Human Rights]] in Strasbourg they attempted to sue Austria for discrimination against their sexuality,{{When|date=April 2021}} because they were a heterosexual couple and were excluded from the benefits of registered partnership, but this failed.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Verpartnern für alle: 'Uns fällt ein Stein vom Herzen'|url=https://www.nachrichten.at/oberoesterreich/Verpartnern-fuer-alle-Uns-faellt-ein-Stein-vom-Herzen;art4,2995874|access-date=2021-04-27|website=nachrichten.at|language=de}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Verfassungsgerichtshof entscheidet|url=https://www.derstandard.at/story/1285200270647/ep-fuer-heterosexuelle-verfassungsgerichtshof-entscheidet|access-date=2021-04-27|website=DER STANDARD|language=de-AT}}</ref> Only when the Constitutional Court of Austria opened up marriage to homosexuals in December 2018 registered partnerships also become possible for heterosexuals. After 35 years of living together, the two entered into a registered partnership in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|title="Verpartnert": Für dieses Paar ging ein Traum in Erfüllung|url=https://www.nachrichten.at/oberoesterreich/verpartnert-fuer-dieses-paar-ging-ein-traum-in-erfuellung;art4,3139255|access-date=2024-06-20|website=nachrichten.at|language=de-AT}}</ref>

====Croatia====
{{Main|Recognition of same-sex unions in Croatia}}

====Cyprus====
{{Main|Recognition of same-sex unions in Cyprus}}

====Czech Republic====
{{Main|Recognition of same-sex unions in the Czech Republic}}

====Denmark====
{{Main|Same-sex marriage in Denmark}}
Civil unions were introduced in [[Denmark]] by law on 7 June 1989, the world's first such law, and came into effect on 1 October 1989. On 7 June 2012, the law was replaced by a new same-sex marriage law, which came into effect on 15 June 2012.<ref name=cphpost>[http://cphpost.dk/news/national/gay-marriage-legalised The Copenhagen Post, 7 June 2012: ''Gay marriage legalised''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130216001423/http://cphpost.dk/news/national/gay-marriage-legalised |date=16 February 2013 }} Retrieved 2012-09-19</ref>

Registered partnership was by civil ceremony only, but the [[Church of Denmark]] allowed priests to perform blessings of same-sex couples, as it stated that the church blesses people, not institutions. The new law makes same-sex marriages in churches possible, but allows vicars to decline marriages of same-sex couples in their church.<ref name=cphpost/>

On 17 March 2009, the [[Folketing]] introduced a bill that gave same-sex couples in registered partnerships the right to [[LGBT adoption|adopt jointly]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cphpost.dk/news/politics/90-politics/45091-parliamentary-majority-for-same-sex-adoption.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100811070655/http://www.cphpost.dk/news/politics/90-politics/45091-parliamentary-majority-for-same-sex-adoption.html|url-status=dead|title=Parliamentary majority for same-sex adoption|archive-date=August 11, 2010}}</ref> This bill was approved on 4 May 2010 and took effect on 1 July 2010.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://cphpost.dk/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100508230634/http://www.cphpost.dk/component/content/48896.html?task=view|url-status=dead|title=The Post – The Copenhagen Post – Danish news in english|archive-date=May 8, 2010|website=cphpost.dk}}</ref>

====Estonia====
{{Main|Same-sex marriage in Estonia}}Registered partnerships that provide some of the rights, benefits, and obligations of marriage have been available to same-sex couples since 1 January 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 October 2014 |title=Estonia legalises gay marriage – just |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/estonia-becomes-first-former-soviet-state-legalise-gay-marriage-9785869.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507104109/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/estonia-becomes-first-former-soviet-state-to-legalise-gay-marriage-9785869.html |archive-date=7 May 2019 |access-date=1 October 2020 |website=The Independent}}</ref>

====France====
[[File:Mariages et pacs de 2008 à 2018.svg|thumb|PACS (blue) and marriage (red) in France ([[INSEE]])]]
{{Main|Civil solidarity pact}}
The [[France|French]] law providing benefits to same-sex couples also applies to opposite-sex couples who choose this form of partnership over marriage.  Known as the "Pacte civil de solidarité" (PACS), it is more easily dissolved than the divorce process applying to marriage.  Tax benefits accrue immediately (only from 2007 on{{Citation needed|date=April 2021}}), while immigration benefits accrue only after the contract has been in effect for one year. The partners are required to have a common address, making it difficult for foreigners to use this law as a means to a residence permit, and difficult for French citizens to gain the right to live with a foreign partner{{Snd}}especially since the contract does not automatically give immigration rights, as marriage does.<ref>Circulaire n°2007-03 CIV du 5 février 2007</ref>

Between 2000 and 2010, the number of marriages decreased while the number of PACS strongly increased. In 2010, there were 3 PACS for every 4 marriages celebrated in France.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bilan démographique 2010|url=http://www.insee.fr/fr/themes/document.asp?ref_id=ip1332|publisher=Institut national de la statistique et des études économiques|date=January 2011}}</ref> Especially amongst heterosexual couples PACS is very popular, with 96 out of 100 PACS couples being heterosexual in the year 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Eine Ehe zum kleinen Preis|url=http://www.arte.tv/de/articles/eine-ehe-zum-kleinen-preis-1|access-date=2021-04-27|website=ARTE|language=de}}</ref>

[[File:Civil union map Central America and the Caribbean Islands.svg|thumb|300px|right|'''Countries performing civil unions in Central America and the Caribbean Islands'''
{{legend|#3F48CC|Gender-neutral civil unions.}}
{{legend|#77317F|Civil unions for opposite-sex couples only.}}
{{legend|#ddddddff|Civil unions never performed.}}
]]

====Germany====
{{Main|Same-sex marriage in Germany}}
Civil unions in [[Germany]] began in 2001.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Civil partnership |url=https://www.taeterinnen.org/en/04_civilpartnership.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161016184449/http://www.taeterinnen.org/en/04_civilpartnership.html |archive-date=16 October 2016 |access-date=}}</ref>

In 2017, registered life partnership was replaced with marriage, with any couple regardless of sex allowed to marry.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Stocker|first=Frank|date=2017-06-30|title=Bundestagsbeschluss: Das ändert sich durch die Ehe für alle konkret|work=DIE WELT|url=https://www.welt.de/finanzen/article166099360/Das-aendert-sich-durch-die-Ehe-fuer-alle-konkret.html|access-date=2021-04-27}}</ref>

====Greece====
{{Main|Same-sex marriage in Greece}}
Greek parliament voted in favor of a Cohabitation Pact ([[Greek language|Greek]]: Σύμφωνο Συμβίωσης) giving almost the same rights as marriage to couples regardless of their sex. The draft was approved in the relevant Greek parliament committee{{When|date=April 2021}} and during voting on 22 December 2015, the law was passed with 194 positive votes (out of 300).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kathimerini.gr/843084/article/epikairothta/ellada/o-dwdekalogos-toy-symfwnoy-symviwshs|title=Ο "δωδεκάλογος" του συμφώνου συμβίωσης..., της Λίνας Γιάνναρου - Kathimerini|date=20 December 2015 }}</ref>

====Hungary====
{{Main|Recognition of same-sex unions in Hungary}}Civil unions in [[Hungary]] began in 2009.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hungarian Constitutional Court Affirms Registered Partnerships for Gay Couples |url=http://www.ukgaynews.org.uk/Archive/10/Mar/2401.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304032848/http://www.ukgaynews.org.uk/Archive/10/Mar/2401.htm |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=}}</ref>

====Iceland====
{{Main articles|Same-sex marriage in Iceland}}
[[Iceland]] does not have a comprehensive legal act on civil unions ({{langx|is|óvígð sambúð}}). Instead, various laws deal with civil unions and their meaning. When Iceland legalised same-sex marriages in 2010, the Act on Registered Partnerships (87/1996) was abolished. Registered partnerships ({{langx|is|staðfest samvist}}) had been the principal legal unions for same-sex partners since the law was passed in 1996.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.island.is/fjolskyldan/hjuskapur-sambud/ovigd-sambud |title=Óvígð sambúð |language=is |publisher=Island.is |access-date=2014-04-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407201116/http://www.island.is/fjolskyldan/hjuskapur-sambud/ovigd-sambud |archive-date=2014-04-07 }}</ref>

====Ireland====
In 2010, the lower house of the Irish Parliament [[Dáil Éireann]] passed the [[Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010|bill on Civil Partnerships]] unanimously. This bill allows civil partnerships of same-sex couples, and establishes an extensive package of rights, obligations and protections for same-sex couples who register as civil partners.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2010/0701/breaking41.html |newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] |title=Dáil passes Civil Partnership Bill |date=7 July 2010 |access-date=21 August 2019 |first=Michael |last=O'Regan |author-link=Michael O'Regan (journalist) |archive-date=21 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021134701/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2010/0701/breaking41.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> The bill passed all stages of in both Houses of the Oireachtas,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2010/0708/breaking59.html |newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] |title=Seanad passes Partnership Bill |date=7 July 2010 |access-date=21 August 2019 |first=Harry |last=McGee |author-link=Harry McGee |archive-date=21 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021135010/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2010/0708/breaking59.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> and came into effect on 1 January 2011.  The first partnership between two men was registered on 7 February 2011.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2011/02/20/irelands-first-civil-partnerships-have-taken-place-early-and-in-secret |title=Ireland's first civil partnerships have taken place early and in secret |newspaper=[[Pinknews.co.uk]] |date=20 February 2011 |access-date=5 April 2014}}</ref>

Same-sex marriage has been [[Same-sex marriage in the Republic of Ireland|legal in Ireland]] since 2015 following a [[Thirty-fourth Amendment of the Constitution of Ireland|referendum]].<ref name="rte-703205-referendum-byelection">{{cite web |date=23 May 2015 |title=Ireland says Yes to same-sex marriage |url=http://www.rte.ie/news/vote2015/2015/0523/703205-referendum-byelection/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150523224354/http://www.rte.ie/news/vote2015/2015/0523/703205-referendum-byelection/ |archive-date=23 May 2015 |access-date=23 May 2015 |publisher=RTÉ News}}</ref>

====Italy====
{{Main|Recognition of same-sex unions in Italy}}Legal recognition of same-sex civil unions in [[Italy]] began in 2016.[[Italy|I]]<ref name="buzzfeed">{{cite web |date=25 February 2016 |title=Italian Senate Adopts Civil Union Bill |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/lesterfeder/italian-senate-adopts-civil-union-bill |access-date=13 May 2016 |work=[[BuzzFeed]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=11 May 2016 |title=Civil unions become law |url=http://www.ansa.it/english/news/2016/05/11/civil-unions-become-law_19e92919-e154-446b-9ec7-f712319fa41b.html |access-date=11 May 2016 |publisher=[[Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata|ANSA]]}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=11 May 2016 |title=Italian MPs back same-sex unions in vote for Renzi - BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36269605 |access-date=12 May 2016 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name="ansa">{{cite web |date=20 May 2016 |title=Mattarella signs civil-unions law |url=http://www.ansa.it/english/news/politics/2016/05/20/mattarella-signs-civil-unions-law-2_a0d181c1-1ed6-42d8-873c-a810ba59497c.html |access-date=21 May 2016 |work=ANSA}}</ref>

====Liechtenstein====
{{Main|Recognition of same-sex unions in Liechtenstein}}Civil unions in [[Liechtenstein]] began in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tagesschau.sf.tv/Nachrichten/Archiv/2011/03/16/International/Liechtenstein-Ja-zur-Homo-Ehe|title=Home|access-date=2011-03-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110318123116/http://www.tagesschau.sf.tv/Nachrichten/Archiv/2011/03/16/International/Liechtenstein-Ja-zur-Homo-Ehe|archive-date=2011-03-18|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==== Monaco ====
{{Main|Recognition of same-sex unions in Monaco}}Civil unions in [[Monaco]] began in 2020.<ref name="n° 1481">{{cite web |date=4 December 2019 |title=n° 1481 - Loi du 17 décembre 2019 relative aux contrats civils de solidarité |url=https://www.conseil-national.mc/2019/12/04/1481-loi-du-17-decembre-2019-relative-aux-contrats-civils-de-solidarite |language=fr}}</ref>

====Montenegro====
{{Main|Recognition of same-sex unions in Montenegro}}Civil unions in [[Montenegro]] began in 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kajosevic |first=Samir |date=2021-07-26 |title=Montenegro Makes History With First Same-Sex Marriage |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2021/07/26/montenegro-makes-history-with-first-same-sex-marriage/ |access-date=2025-03-01 |website=Balkan Insight |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-09-10 |title=The first same-sex marriage in Montenegro |url=https://www.rolplatform.org/the-first-same-sex-marriage-in-montenegro/ |access-date=2025-03-01 |website=Rule of Law Platform |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kajosevic |first=Samir |date=2020-07-02 |title=Montenegro Parliament Narrowly Votes to Legalize Same-sex Unions |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2020/07/02/montenegro-parliament-narrowly-votes-to-legalize-same-sex-unions/ |access-date=2025-03-01 |website=Balkan Insight |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Montenegro: New Law Establishing Registration of Same-Sex Partnerships Enters into Force |url=https://www.loc.gov/item/global-legal-monitor/2020-08-05/montenegro-new-law-establishing-registration-of-same-sex-partnerships-enters-into-force/ |access-date=2025-03-01 |website=Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA}}</ref>

====Netherlands====
{{Main|Same-sex marriage in the Netherlands}}
In 2001, the [[Netherlands]] passed a law allowing same-sex couples to marry, in addition to its 1998 "registered partnership" law (civil union) for both same-sex and opposite-sex couples.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Dunbar|first=William|date=September 19, 2012|title=Equal marriage around the world|work=The Independent|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/equal-marriage-around-world-8153205.html}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Associated Press|date=April 1, 2021|title=The Dutch Went First in 2001; Who Has Same-Sex Marriage Now?|work=U.S. News & World Report|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2021-04-01/the-dutch-went-first-in-2001-who-has-same-sex-marriage-now}}</ref>

====Poland====
{{Main articles|Recognition of same-sex unions in Poland}}
In 2003, Senator [[Maria Szyszkowska]] proposed a bill which would legalize same-sex civil unions in Poland.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rzepliński |first=Andrzej |date=April 2008 |title=Legal Study on Homophobia and Discrimination on Grounds of Sexual Orientation – Poland |url=https://fra.europa.eu/sites/default/files/fra_uploads/332-FRA-hdgso-NR_PL.pdf |website=fra.europa.eu}}</ref> The project was approved by the [[Senate of Poland|Senate]] but was never voted upon by the [[Sejm of the Republic of Poland|Sejm]], as [[Włodzimierz Cimoszewicz]] (then the Marshal of the Sejm) did not bring it for the deliberation.

In 2008, when asked about same-sex civil unions, [[First Cabinet of Donald Tusk]] spokeswoman Agnieszka Liszka answered: "[[Cabinet of Poland|Council of Ministers]] did not and would not take care of that matter."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://queer.pl/news/190654/tusk-nie-chce-rozmawiac|title=Tusk nie chce rozmawiać|last=Queermedia.pl}}</ref>

On January 25, 2013, Sejm voted upon three separate bills regarding same-sex civil unions in Poland: by the centre-left [[Democratic Left Alliance (Poland)|Democratic Left Alliance]], liberal [[Palikot's Movement]] and centre-right [[Civic Platform]]. The first bill had 283 against, 137 for, 30 abstaining. The second had 276 against, 150 for, 23 abstaining. The third had 228 against, 211 for, 10 abstaining. All three were rejected, mainly with the votes of centre-right, right-wing and conservative parties: [[Polish People's Party]], [[Law and Justice]] and [[United Poland]]. A majority of deputies from the ruling centre-right [[Civic Platform]] also voted against the first two bills.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rp.pl/artykul/16,973895-Sejm-przeciwko-zwiazkom-partnerskim.html?p=1|title=Sejm przeciwko związkom partnerskim - Polityka - rp.pl|access-date=2013-01-25|archive-date=2014-04-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407080541/http://www.rp.pl/artykul/16,973895-Sejm-przeciwko-zwiazkom-partnerskim.html?p=1|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|url=http://orka.sejm.gov.pl/kronika.nsf/0/07F6202077378DFCC1257B1F00508EA9/%24File/kronika031_7.pdf |title=KRONIKA SEJMOWA |journal=Kronika Sejmowakancelaria |access-date=2014-04-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://wyborcza.pl/1,75478,12186312,Zwiazki_partnerskie_wracaja_na_polke__Sejm_robi_unik.html|title=Wyborcza.pl}}</ref> The [[Roman Catholicism in Poland|Roman Catholic Church]] in Poland, [[Polish Orthodox Church]] and [[Islam in Poland|Polish Muslims]] opposed all three bills.

In March 2013, Prime Minister Donald Tusk officially stated that a new project of civil unions bill would be presented to the parliament "in two months time" (in May 2013), but {{As of|2014|April|lc=y}}{{Update inline|date=April 2021}} no such initiatives took place.

In a 2013 opinion poll conducted by [[Centrum Badania Opinii Społecznej|CBOS]], 68% of Poles were against gays and lesbians publicly showing their way of life, 65% of Poles were against same-sex [[civil unions]], 72% were against same-sex marriage and 88% were against adoption by same-sex couples.<ref name="CBOS Civil union">{{cite web | url=http://cbos.pl/SPISKOM.POL/2013/K_024_13.PDF | title=Stosunek do praw gejów i lesbijek oraz związków partnerskich | publisher=Centrum Badania Opinii Społecznej | date=February 2013 | access-date=30 June 2014 | author=Feliksiak, Michał | language=pl}}</ref>

In December 2014, the Sejm refused to deal with a civil partnership bill proposed by [[Your Movement]], with 235 MPs voting against debating the bill, and 185 MPs voting for.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.tvn24.pl/wiadomosci-z-kraju,3/sejm-nie-zajal-sie-ustawa-ws-zwiazkow-partnerskich-wiekszosc-poslow-przeciw,499563.html |title=Związki partnerskie do szuflady. Sejm nie zajął się projektem |publisher=tvn24.pl |language=pl}}</ref>

In May 2015, the Sejm again refused to deal with the topic, with 215 MPs voting against and only 146 for. The Prime Minister, [[Ewa Kopacz]], said that civil partnerships are an issue for the next parliament to deal with.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.polityka.pl/tygodnikpolityka/kraj/1620801,1,zwiazki-partnerskie--nie-w-tej-kadencji.read |title=Związki partnerskie - nie w tej kadencji |date=26 May 2015 |access-date=28 May 2015 |publisher=polityka.pl |language=pl}}</ref>

====San Marino====
{{Main|Recognition of same-sex unions in San Marino}}[[San Marino]] has recognized civil unions for both same-sex and opposite-sex couples since December 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |title=San Marino |url=https://www.state.gov/reports/2019-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/san-marino/ |access-date=2025-03-02 |website=United States Department of State |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Legge 20 novembre 2018 n°147 "Regolamentazione delle Unioni Civili" |url=https://www.consigliograndeegenerale.sm/on-line/home/scheda17160637.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121203749/https://www.consigliograndeegenerale.sm/on-line/home/scheda17160637.html |archive-date=November 21, 2018 |website=Consiglio Grande e Generale |language=it}}</ref>

====Slovenia====
{{Main|Same-sex marriage in Slovenia}}Slovenia recognized same-sex partnerships since 2006.<ref>{{cite web |title=B92 - News - Globe - Slovenia passes same-sex marriage law |url=http://www.b92.net/eng/news/globe-article.php?yyyy=2006&mm=07&dd=25&nav_category=123&nav_id=35807 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023181358/http://www.b92.net/eng/news/globe-article.php?yyyy=2006&mm=07&dd=25&nav_category=123&nav_id=35807 |archive-date=23 October 2012 |access-date=2012-07-26 |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="pis">{{in lang|sl}} [http://pisrs.si/Pis.web/pregledPredpisa?id=ZAKO4335 Zakon o registraciji istospolne partnerske skupnosti (ZRIPS)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731183116/http://pisrs.si/Pis.web/pregledPredpisa?id=ZAKO4335|date=2018-07-31}}</ref>

====Switzerland====
{{Main|Recognition of same-sex unions in Switzerland}}

The [[Canton of Geneva]] has a law on the cantonal level, the Partenariat cantonal (the Cantonal Domestic Partnership), since 2001. It grants [[cohabitation|unmarried couples]], whether same-sex or opposite-sex, many of the rights, responsibilities and protections that [[married couples]] have. However, it does not allow benefits in taxation, social security, or health insurance premiums (unlike the federal law). Geneva was the first Canton to recognise same-sex couples through this law.

On September 22, 2002, voters in the [[Switzerland|Swiss]] canton of [[Canton of Zürich|Zurich]] voted to extend a number of marriage rights to same-sex partners, including tax, inheritance, and social security benefits.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb6593/is_/ai_n25984534 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081227075205/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb6593/is_/ai_n25984534 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2008-12-27 |title=FindArticles.com - CBSi }}</ref> The law is limited to same-sex couples, and both partners must have lived in the canton for six months and formally commit to running a household together and supporting and aiding each another.

On November 12, 2003, the [[Constituent assembly]] of the [[Canton of Fribourg]] granted Registered Partnership as a constitutional right under the Article 14.

On January 27, 2004, the [[Canton of Neuchâtel]] voted for a law on the cantonal level, the Partenariat enregistré (the Cantonal Registered Partnership). It grants [[cohabitation|unmarried couples]], whether same-sex or opposite-sex, the same rights as married couple for cantonal matters such as responsibilities and protections, benefits in taxation, social security, or health insurance premiums.

On June 5, 2005, voters extended this right to the whole of Switzerland through a federal referendum. This was the first time that the civil union laws were affirmed in a nationwide referendum in any country. The Federal Domestic Partnership Law, reserved for same-sex couples, came into force on January 1, 2007. It grants the same rights as marriage, but full joint adoption rights, facilitated naturalization and medically assisted procreation are explicitly forbidden for same-sex domestic partners.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified-compilation/20022194/index.html#a28|title=RS 211.231 Loi fédérale du 18 juin 2004 sur le partenariat enregistré entre personnes du même sexe (Loi sur le partenariat, LPart)|website=www.admin.ch}}</ref>

In 2017, the Federal Councilor [[Simonetta Sommaruga]] addressed the issue that civil union is not open yet for heterosexual couples, in collaboration with experts at the University of Bern. In Geneva and Neuchâtel a type of civil union called cantonal PACS is available to opposite-sex and same-sex couples.<ref name=":1" /> The cantonal PACS effects are limited to cantonal law. The cantonal PACS, however, has no impact on civil status and inheritance, which are regulated by federal law.<ref name=":1">[https://www.bj.admin.ch/bj/de/home/aktuell/news/2017/ref_2017-06-222.html "Ein PACS für die Schweiz?": Tagung zu neuen Rechtsformen für Paarbeziehungen]{{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323020010/https://www.bj.admin.ch/bj/de/home/aktuell/news/2017/ref_2017-06-222.html|wayback=|text=|archiv-bot=|date=March 23, 2019}}</ref>

On September 26, 2021, the people of Switzerland approved on national referendum the initiative "Marriage for all", which would grant marriage and adoption rights for same-sex couples. This initiative would be made effective on July 1, 2022.

====United Kingdom====
{{Main|Civil partnership in the United Kingdom}}
In 2003, the [[United Kingdom|British]] government announced plans to introduce civil partnerships which would allow same-sex couples the rights and responsibilities resulting from marriage. The [[Civil Partnership Act 2004|Civil Partnership Bill]] was introduced into the [[House of Lords]] on 30 March 2004. After considering amendments made by the [[House of Commons of the United Kingdom|House of Commons]], it was passed by the House of Lords, its final legislative step, on 17 November 2004, and received [[royal assent]] on 18 November. The Act came into force on 5 December 2005, and same-sex, but not opposite-sex, couples were able to form the civil partnerships from 19 December 2005 in [[Northern Ireland]], 20 December 2005 in [[Scotland]] and 21 December 2005 in [[England]] and [[Wales]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4493094.stm|title=BBC NEWS - UK - 'Gay weddings' become law in UK|date=5 December 2005}}</ref> Separate provisions were included in the first Finance Act 2005 to allow regulations to be made to amend tax laws to give the same tax advantages and disadvantages to couples in civil partnerships as apply to married couples. At that time, the [[Church of England]], the [[State religion|state church]] in England, permitted clergy to enter into same-sex civil partnerships.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jan/04/church-of-england-gay-bishops|title=Church of England rules gay men in civil partnerships can become bishops|last=Walker|first=Peter|date=2013-01-04|newspaper=The Guardian|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|access-date=2016-09-16}}</ref>

Aside from the manner in which couples register and the non-use of the word "marriage", civil partnerships grant most of the same legal rights as marriage and generally operate under the same constrictions (one difference being that marriage requires dissolution by divorce while a civil union does not). It is not legal to be in both a civil partnership and a marriage at the same time. Nevertheless, some of those in favour of legal same-sex marriage object that civil partnerships do not grant full equality.

Both same-sex marriages and civil unions of other nations will be automatically considered civil partnerships under UK law providing they came within Section 20 of the Act. This means, in some cases, non-Britons from nations with civil unions will have greater rights in the UK than in their native countries. For example, a Vermont civil union would have legal standing in the UK; however, in cases where one partner was American and the other British, the Vermont civil union would not provide the Briton with right of abode in Vermont (or any other US state or territory), whereas it would provide the American with right of abode in the UK.

In September 2011, the succeeding [[Cameron–Clegg coalition|coalition government]] announced its intention to legalise same-sex marriage in England and Wales by 2015 at the latest.<ref>Sky News: [http://news.sky.com/home/article/16071578 Drive for same-sex marriages] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111106040752/http://news.sky.com/home/article/16071578 |date=November 6, 2011 }}. 17 September 2011. Access date: 31 October 2012.</ref> The future status of civil partnerships is unclear. The [[Scottish Government]], which has devolved responsibility for such legislation, held a consultation concerning both civil and religious same sex marriage in the autumn of 2011.{{When|date=April 2021}} Legislation to allow same-sex marriage in England and Wales was passed by the Parliament of the United Kingdom in July 2013 and came into force on 13 March 2014, and the first same-sex marriages took place on 29 March 2014. The first same-sex marriages in Scotland took place in December 2014.

In June 2018, the Supreme Court ruled that restricting civil partnerships to same-sex couples was discriminatory.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/jun/27/uk-ban-on-heterosexual-civil-partnerships-ruled-discriminatory|newspaper=The Guardian|title=Ban on heterosexual civil partnerships in UK ruled discriminatory |first=Owen|last=Boycott|date=27 June 2018|access-date=4 January 2019}}</ref> In response, the Prime Minister announced in October 2018 that civil partnerships would be opened to heterosexual couples.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/oct/02/civil-partnerships-to-be-opened-to-heterosexual-couples|newspaper=The Guardian|title=Civil partnerships to be opened to heterosexual couples|last1=Boycott|first1=Owen|last2=Carrell|first2=Severin|date=2 October 2018|access-date=4 January 2019}}</ref> In autumn 2018 Theresa May announced that she would open up the "Civil Partnership" to heterosexual couples in England.<ref>{{cite web |access-date=2024-03-16 |date=2018-10-02 |title=Great Britain opens civil partnerships for heterosexuals |url=https://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=32048 |work=queer.de}}</ref> As of 31st December 2019 it is possible for both same-sex and heterosexual couples to enter into a civil partnership in England.<ref>{{cite web |access-date=2024-06-19 |date=2020-03-05 |title=Civil partnerships for heterosexual couples - what you need to know |url=https://www.familylaw.co.uk/news_and_comment/civil-partnerships-for-heterosexual-couples-what-you-need-to-know |work=www.familylaw.co.uk}}</ref>

===Mexico===
{{Main|Same-sex marriage in Mexico|Same-sex marriage in Mexico City}}
[[File:Civil union map Mexico.svg|thumb|300px|right|'''States performing civil unions in Mexico'''
{{legend|#3F48CC|Gender-neutral civil unions.}}
{{legend|#9DECB5|Former civil unions for same-sex couples, replaced by marriage.}}
{{legend|#DDDDDD|Civil unions never performed.}}
]]
On 9 November 2006, [[Mexico City]]'s [[unicameral]] [[Legislative Assembly of the Federal District|Legislative Assembly]] passed and approved (43–17) a bill legalizing [[Recognition of same-sex unions in Mexico|same-sex civil unions]], under the name ''Ley de Sociedades de Convivencia'' (Law for Co-existence Partnerships), which became effective on 16 March 2007.<ref>{{cite web|author=Erich Adolfo Moncada Cota |title=Mexico City Approves Same Sex Unions |date=November 19, 2006 |url=http://english.ohmynews.com/articleview/article_view.asp?menu=c10400&no=329768&rel_no=1 |access-date=9 December 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091120061120/http://english.ohmynews.com/articleview/article_view.asp?menu=c10400&no=329768&rel_no=1 |archive-date=20 November 2009 }}</ref> The law gives [[property]] and [[inheritance]] rights to same-sex couples. On 11 January 2007, the northern state of [[Coahuila]], which borders Texas, passed a similar bill (20–13), under the name ''Pacto Civil de Solidaridad'' (Civil Pact of Solidarity).<ref name="PCS"/> 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.<ref name="PCS">{{cite web | author=S. Lynne Walker | publisher=Mail & Guardian Online | title=New law propels gay rights in Mexico | date=5 March 2007 | url=http://legacy.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20070305/news_1n5gaylaw.html | access-date=15 December 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719114446/http://legacy.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20070305/news_1n5gaylaw.html | archive-date=19 July 2011 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Twenty days after the law had passed,{{When|date=April 2021}} the country's first same-sex civil union took place in [[Saltillo, Coahuila]].<ref>{{cite web| agency=Associated Press | publisher=Gay.com UK & Ireland | title=Mexico's first civil union | date=1 February 2007 | url=http://uk.gay.com/headlines/10984 | access-date=15 December 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070530011312/http://uk.gay.com/headlines/10984 |archive-date = 30 May 2007}}</ref> Civil unions have been proposed in at least six states since 2006.<ref name="Christine Delsol">{{cite news| author=Christine Delsol | newspaper=San Francisco Gate | title=Mexico's top destinations for gay vacations | date=26 November 2008 | url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2008/11/26/mexicomix112608.DTL&type=printable | access-date=15 December 2009}}</ref>

In [[Colima]], [[Governor of Colima|governor]] [[Mario Anguiano Moreno]] has agreed to discuss the legalization of civil unions and adoption by same-sex couples.<ref>{{cite web|author=El Universal |publisher=Yahoo! México |title=Acepta gobernador de Colima debatir sobre sociedades en convivencia |date=23 December 2009 |url=http://mx.news.yahoo.com/s/23122009/90/n-mexico-acepta-gobernador-colima-debatir-sociedades.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120711171026/http://mx.news.yahoo.com/s/23122009/90/n-mexico-acepta-gobernador-colima-debatir-sociedades.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 July 2012 |access-date=26 December 2009 |language=es }}</ref>{{When|date=April 2021}} In [[Jalisco]], local congress approved on 31 October 2013 the Free Coexistence Act, which allows the performance of civil unions in the state.<ref name=cnnjal>{{cite web|url=http://mexico.cnn.com/nacional/2013/11/01/jalisco-cuna-de-charros-y-tequila-da-primer-paso-hacia-el-matrimonio-gay|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103092855/http://mexico.cnn.com/nacional/2013/11/01/jalisco-cuna-de-charros-y-tequila-da-primer-paso-hacia-el-matrimonio-gay|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 November 2013|title=Jalisco, cuna de charros y tequila, da primer paso hacia el matrimonio gay|language=es|publisher=CNN México|date=1 November 2013|access-date=2 November 2013}}</ref>

===New Zealand===
{{Main|Civil union in New Zealand}}
[[File:Civil union map Oceania.svg|thumb|300px|right|'''Countries performing civil unions in Oceania'''
{{legend|#3F48CC|Gender-neutral civil unions.}}
{{legend|#DDDDDD|Civil unions never performed.}}
]]
On 9 December 2004 the [[New Zealand]] [[Parliament of New Zealand|Parliament]] passed the Civil Union Bill, establishing civil unions for same-sex and opposite-sex couples.<ref name="NZ_Herald_9002456">{{cite news |date=9 December 2004 |title=Civil Unions Bill passed |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=9002456 |accessdate= |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Seuffert, Nan --- "Sexual Citizenship and the Civil Union Act 2004" [2006] VUWLawRw 13; (2006) 37(2) Victoria University of Wellington Law Review 281 |url=https://www.nzlii.org/nz/journals/VUWLawRw/2006/13.html |access-date=2025-04-26 |website=www.nzlii.org}}</ref> The debate over Civil Unions was highly divisive in New Zealand, inspiring great public emotion both for and against the passing. A companion bill, the Relationships (Statutory References) Bill was passed shortly thereafter to remove discriminatory provisions on the basis of relationship status from a range of statutes and regulations. As a result of these bills, all couples in New Zealand, whether married, in a civil union, or in a de facto partnership, now generally enjoy the same rights and undertake the same obligations. These rights extend to immigration, next-of-kin status, social welfare, matrimonial property and other areas.

The [[Civil Union Act 2004]] came into effect on 26 April 2005 with the first unions able to occur from Friday 29 April 2005.

===South Africa===
{{Main|Civil partnership in South Africa}}
[[File:Civil union map Africa.svg|thumb|300px|right|'''Countries performing civil unions in Africa'''
{{legend|#3F48CC|Gender-neutral civil unions.}}
{{legend|#DDDDDD|Civil unions never performed.}}
]]
In [[South Africa]], a "civil union" is either a marriage or a civil partnership, although the term "civil union" is commonly used when "civil partnership" is meant. Same-sex and opposite-sex couples may register their unions either as [[Same-sex marriage in South Africa|marriages]] or as civil partnerships. This was achieved through the [[Civil Union Act, 2006]].<ref>{{cite news |date=30 November 2006 |title=SA same-sex marriage law signed |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6159991.stm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061212010224/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6159991.stm |archive-date=December 12, 2006 |accessdate= |newspaper=BBC News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Civil Union Act 2006 |url=https://www.saflii.org/za/legis/consol_act/cua2006139/ |access-date=2025-04-26 |website=www.saflii.org}}</ref> In laws where "marriage" is mentioned, its definition now retroactively includes civil partnerships.

===United States===
{{Main|Same-sex unions in the United States|Domestic partnership in the United States}}{{More citations needed section|date=April 2021}}
[[File:Same-sex unions in the United States.svg|thumb|400px|
'''States performing civil unions'''
{{legend|#0066ff|Civil union}}
{{legend|#00ccff|Civil union with limited rights}}
{{legend|#cccccc|Civil unions not performed}}
{{legend|#ff0000|Civil unions forbidden}}]]
The first civil unions in the United States were offered by the state of [[Same-sex marriage in Vermont|Vermont]] in 2000. The [[United States government|federal government]] does not recognize these unions. By the end of 2006, [[Same-sex marriage in Connecticut|Connecticut]] and New Jersey had also enacted civil union laws; [[Same-sex marriage in New Hampshire|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{{By whom|date=April 2021}} 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:
* [[Domestic partnership in California]] (2000 – expanded over time)
* [[Same-sex marriage in the District of Columbia|Domestic partnership in the District of Columbia]] (1992 law implemented, 2002 became effective – expanded over time)
* [[Recognition of same-sex unions in Hawaii|Civil union in Hawaii]] (2012)
* [[Recognition of same-sex unions in Illinois|Civil union in Illinois]] (2011)
* [[Recognition of same-sex unions in Nevada|Domestic partnership in Nevada]] (2009)
* [[Recognition of same-sex unions in New Jersey|Civil union in New Jersey]] (2007)
* [[Domestic partnership in Oregon]] (2008)
* [[Same-sex marriage in Rhode Island|Civil union in Rhode Island]] (2011)
* [[Domestic partnership in Washington State]] (2007 – expanded over time)

States in the U.S. with domestic partnerships or similar status granting some of the rights of marriage include:
* [[Recognition of same-sex unions in Colorado|Designated beneficiary agreement in Colorado]] (2009)
* [[Reciprocal beneficiary relationships in Hawaii|Reciprocal beneficiary relationship in Hawaii]] (1997)
* [[Domestic partnership in Maine]] (2004)

Since October 2014, all states that provide for civil unions, domestic partnerships, or similar arrangements between same-sex partners also allow same-sex partners to legally wed.

==== Arizona ====
{{Main|Same-sex marriage in Arizona}}
In 2013, [[Bisbee, Arizona|Bisbee]] became the first city in Arizona to legalize civil unions for same-sex couples.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/03/bisbee-civil-unions_n_3004088.html|title=Bisbee Becomes Arizona's First City To Allow Same-Sex Civil Unions|last=Gaynor|first=Tim|date=2013-04-03|work=Huffington Post|access-date=2017-05-31|language=en-US}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.abc15.com/news/region-phoenix-metro/central-phoenix/arizona-attorney-general-tom-horne-to-sue-to-block-civil-unions-in-bisbee|title=Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne to sue to block civil unions in Bisbee|agency=Associated Press|date=2013-04-03|work=KNXV|access-date=2017-05-31|language=en-US}}{{Dead link|date=August 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> However, the Attorney General agreed to withdraw the challenge after Bisbee amended the law, and the civil union ordinance was approved.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/04/30/gay-civil-unions-bisbee/2123887/|title=Ariz. attorney general, Bisbee OK civil-union changes|work=USA TODAY|access-date=2017-05-31|language=en}}</ref>

Following Bisbee, also in 2013, [[Tucson, Arizona|Tucson]] became the second municipality to legalize civil unions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/aj-walkley/civil-unions-in-tucson_b_3586513.html|title=Civil Unions in Tucson|last=Walkley|first=A. J.|date=2013-07-19|website=Huffington Post|language=en-US|access-date=2017-05-31}}</ref> [[Jerome, Arizona|Jerome]] followed in the same year.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ontopmag.com/article/16292/Jerome_Arizona_Approves_Civil_Unions_For_Gay_Couples|title=Jerome, Arizona Approves Civil Unions For Gay Couples|work=On Top Magazine|access-date=2017-05-31|language=en}}</ref> Also in 2013, [[Clarkdale, Arizona|Clarkdale]] and [[Cottonwood, Arizona|Cottonwood]] were the next cities in the Verde Valley to pass civil unions.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.verdenews.com/news/2013/nov/13/civil-unions-pass-unanimously-in-clarkdale/|title=Civil unions pass unanimously in Clarkdale|work=verdenews.com|access-date=2017-05-31|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2013/12/cottonwood-latest-ariz-city-to-approve-same-sex-civil-unions/|title=Cottonwood latest Ariz. city to approve same-sex civil unions|last=[ap]|first=FELICIA FONSECA|date=2013-12-18|work=LGBTQ Nation|access-date=2017-05-31}}</ref> A measure to allow civil unions failed in [[Camp Verde, Arizona|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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.journalaz.com/news/camp-verde/2232-camp-verde-rejects-civil-unions.html|title=Camp Verde rejects civil unions - JournalAZ.com - Verde Valley News, Jobs, Classifieds|last=Lineberger|first=Mark|website=www.journalaz.com|language=en-gb|access-date=2017-05-31|archive-date=2017-10-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019024118/http://www.journalaz.com/news/camp-verde/2232-camp-verde-rejects-civil-unions.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[Sedona, Arizona|Sedona]] passed civil unions in September 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://azcapitoltimes.com/news/2013/09/25/sedona-arizona-approves-local-ordinance-on-same-sex-civil-unions/|title=Sedona approves local ordinance on civil unions – Arizona Capitol Times|agency=Associated Press|website=azcapitoltimes.com|date=25 September 2013|language=en-US|access-date=2017-05-31}}</ref> The city of [[Tempe, Arizona|Tempe]] considered legal advice about a civil union ordinance, but it did not pass a bill.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://azcapitoltimes.com/news/2013/04/04/tempe-arizona-council-to-hear-legal-advice-on-same-sex-civil-unions/|title=Tempe council to hear legal advice on civil unions – Arizona Capitol Times|agency=Associated Press|website=azcapitoltimes.com|date=4 April 2013|language=en-US|access-date=2017-05-31}}</ref> After the legalization of same-sex marriage in Arizona, civil unions may continue to be registered in the cities that had legalized the ordinances.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.samesexrelationshipguide.com/~/media/files/ssrguide/northamerica/united-states/legal-recognition-of-samesex-relationships--united-states-of-america--arizona.pdf|title=Legal Recognition of Same-Sex Relationships|last=Day|first=Jones|date=August 31, 2015|website=samesexrelationshipguide.com|access-date=May 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924234758/http://www.samesexrelationshipguide.com/~/media/files/ssrguide/northamerica/united-states/legal-recognition-of-samesex-relationships--united-states-of-america--arizona.pdf|archive-date=September 24, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====California====
{{Main|Domestic partnership in California}}
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 [[Domestic partnership in California#Differences from marriage|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.<ref name="irmf24">[http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/data2/californiastatecases/s147999.pdf In Re Marriage Cases], California Supreme Court Decision, footnote 24, pages 42–44.</ref> The cohabitation requirement was dropped on January 1, 2012, and a "confidential option" for domestic partners became available the same day.

====Colorado====
{{Main|Recognition of same-sex unions in Colorado}}
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.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Moreno |first1=Ivan |date=March 21, 2013 |title=Civil Unions Signed into Law in Colorado |url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/civil-unions-be-signed-law-colorado |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140319034413/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/civil-unions-be-signed-law-colorado |archive-date=March 19, 2014 |access-date=August 23, 2014 |agency=Associated Press}}</ref><ref name="nytcu">{{cite news |last=Frosch |first=Dan |date=March 12, 2013 |title=Colorado Legalizes Civil Unions for Same-Sex Couples |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/13/us/colorado-legalizes-civil-unions-for-same-sex-couples.html |access-date=March 13, 2013 |newspaper=New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Coffman |first=Keith |date=March 13, 2013 |title=Colorado lawmakers approve bill for same-sex civil unions |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-gaymarriage-colorado-idUSBRE92C04120130313 |access-date=March 13, 2013 |newspaper=Reuters}}</ref>

====Connecticut====
{{Main|Same-sex marriage in Connecticut}}
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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/10/01/AR2005100100962.html|title=Connecticut's First Same-Sex Unions Proceed Civilly|first=David A.|last=Fahrenthold|date=2 October 2005|via=washingtonpost.com}}</ref> The law was repealed on October 1, 2010, and replaced with a law making marriage gender-neutral.

====Delaware====
{{Main|Same-sex marriage in Delaware}}
Delaware Governor [[Jack Markell]] signed a civil union bill on May 12, 2011, that establishes civil unions in the state effective January 1, 2012.<ref>{{cite news|last=Miller|first=Beth|title=Governor signs Delaware civil unions bill|newspaper=[[The News Journal]]|date=May 12, 2011|url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2011-05-12-delaware-civil-unions_n.htm|access-date=May 12, 2011}}</ref> The law was repealed on July 1, 2014, and replaced with a law making marriage gender-neutral.

====District of Columbia====
{{Main|Same-sex marriage in the District of Columbia}}
Same-sex marriage in the District of Columbia was legalized on December 18, 2009.<ref name="CNN-sign">{{cite news |date=December 18, 2009 |title=D.C. mayor signs same-sex marriage bill |url=http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/12/18/d-c-mayor-signs-same-sex-marriage-bill/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111205151815/http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/12/18/d-c-mayor-signs-same-sex-marriage-bill/ |archive-date=December 5, 2011 |access-date=December 18, 2009 |publisher=[[CNN]]}}</ref> Marriage licenses became available on March 3, 2010,<ref name="APGresko">{{cite news |last=Gresko |first=Jessica |date=March 3, 2010 |title=Same-sex marriage becomes legal in DC |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gftV6RnfBC8iPPWGM0SGQeNLiC6QD9E71J3G0 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200111201321/https://www.webcitation.org/5nx4LhJxv?url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gftV6RnfBC8iPPWGM0SGQeNLiC6QD9E71J3G0 |archive-date=January 11, 2020 |access-date=March 3, 2010 |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> and marriages began on March 9, 2010.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kathryn Burke |first=Mary |date=March 8, 2010 |title=First Two Same Sex Couples to Be Married in Washington, D.C.. |url=https://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/sex-couples-married-washington-dc/story?id=10042079 |work=ABC News}}</ref> Legislation on domestic partnerships in the District of Columbia was first passed in 1992, implemented in 2002, and expanded over time up to 2009.<ref name="dcdp-hrc">{{cite web |title=D.C. Domestic Partnership Program |url=http://www.glaa.org/archive/2001/dpfactsheet103001.shtml |access-date=May 15, 2008 |publisher=Human Rights Campaign}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Associated Press |author-link=Associated Press |date=July 7, 2009 |title=Washington, D.C., Recognizes Same-Sex Marriages |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/08/us/08marriage.html |access-date=December 1, 2009 |work=[[New York Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Gaynair |first=Gillian |date=July 7, 2009 |title=Gay Marriage Bill Takes Effect in Nation's Capital |url=http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/politics/2009/July/Gay-Marriage-Bill-Takes-Effect-in-Nations-Capital/ |access-date=December 1, 2009 |work=Christian Broadcasting Network}}</ref>

====Hawaii====
{{Main|Same-sex marriage in Hawaii}}
Hawaii legalized civil unions for same-sex and opposite-sex couples on January 1, 2012.<ref>{{cite news |last=Levs |first=Josh |date=January 2, 2012 |title=Two more states allow same-sex civil unions |url=http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/01/us/civil-unions/ |accessdate=August 27, 2013 |newspaper=CNN}}</ref> Same-sex marriage became legal on December 2, 2013.<ref>{{cite web |date=December 2, 2013 |title=Joyous same-sex couples wed in Hawaii as gay marriage becomes legal |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-gaymarriage-hawaii-idUSBRE9B10GA20131202 |work=Reuters |location=Honolulu}}</ref><ref name="advocate.com">{{cite news |date=December 2, 2013 |title=First same-sex couples marry in Hawaii |url=http://www.advocate.com/politics/marriage-equality/2013/12/02/first-same-sex-couples-marry-hawaii |accessdate=December 7, 2013 |work=Advocate.com}}</ref>

====Illinois====
{{Main articles|Same-sex marriage in Illinois}}
On December 1, 2010, the Illinois state senate passed SB1716{{Snd}}the "Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act"{{Snd}}in a 32–24–1 vote, 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 [[Social Security (United States)#Widow(er) benefits|survivor's benefits]] from a marriage while gaining marital rights at the state level with another partner.<ref>{{cite news|last=Avila |first=Oscar |author2=Huppke, Rex |title=Civil unions aren't just for same-sex couples |newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]] |date=Dec 2, 2010 |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-heterosexuals-civil-unions-12020101202,0,571376.story |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101205023356/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-heterosexuals-civil-unions-12020101202%2C0%2C571376.story |archive-date=December 5, 2010 |access-date=July 17, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=NJ Division of Taxation - Civil Union Act |url=https://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation/civilunionact.shtml |access-date=2025-04-07 |website=www.nj.gov}}</ref>

====Maine====
{{Main|Domestic partnership in Maine}}
Maine legalized domestic partnership for same-sex and opposite-sex couples in 2004.<ref>Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 22, sec. 2710</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Maine Marriage/Relationship Recognition Law |url=http://www.hrc.org/laws-and-legislation/entry/maine-marriage-relationship-recognition-law |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104003053/http://www.hrc.org/laws-and-legislation/entry/maine-marriage-relationship-recognition-law |archive-date=4 November 2013 |access-date=September 9, 2021 |website=Human Rights Campaign}}</ref> Maine's domestic partnership registry only provides limited rights, most of which are aimed at protecting couples' security in emergency situations.

====New Hampshire====
{{Main|Same-sex marriage in New Hampshire}}
On April 26, 2007, the [[New Hampshire General Court]] (state legislature) passed a civil union bill, and Governor [[John H. Lynch|John Lynch]] signed the bill into law on May 31, 2007.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070531/BREAK/70531001/1030|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071103153005/http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20070531%2FBREAK%2F70531001%2F1030|url-status=dead|title=Concord Monitor – Lynch signs bill legalizing civil unions|archive-date=November 3, 2007}}</ref> At the time, New Hampshire was "... the first state to embrace same-sex unions without a court order or the threat of one".<ref name=Wang>Wang, Beverley. (April 26, 2007) [http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070426/REPOSITORY/70426002/1030 State Senate approves civil unions for same-sex couples] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071103152712/http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20070426%2FREPOSITORY%2F70426002%2F1030 |date=2007-11-03 }} ''Concord Monitor''. Accessed April 26, 2007.</ref> The New Hampshire civil union legislation became effective on January 1, 2008.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070426/REPOSITORY/70426002/1030|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071103152712/http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20070426%2FREPOSITORY%2F70426002%2F1030|url-status=dead|title=Concord Monitor – State Senate approves civil unions for same-sex couples|archive-date=November 3, 2007}}</ref> The law was replaced by the same-sex marriage law on January 1, 2010.<ref name="HB436">{{cite web |title=HB 436-FN-LOCAL – Version Adopted by Both Bodies |url=http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2009/HB0436.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090410081608/http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2009/hb0436.html |archive-date=April 10, 2009 |access-date=May 15, 2009}}</ref>

====New Jersey====
{{Main|Same-sex marriage in New Jersey}}
On October 25, 2006, the [[Supreme Court of New Jersey]] gave [[New Jersey Legislature|New Jersey lawmakers]] 180 days to rewrite the state's marriage laws, either including same-sex couples or creating a new system of [[civil unions]] for them. On December 14 the Legislature passed a bill establishing [[Same-sex marriage in New Jersey|civil unions in New Jersey]], which was signed into law by [[Governor of New Jersey|Governor]] [[Jon Corzine]] on December 21, 2006.  The first civil unions took place on February 19, 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://abc7ny.com/|title=ABC7 Eyewitness News - WABC-TV New York}}</ref>

There are differences between civil unions and domestic partnerships.  In 2004, the state of [[New Jersey]] enacted a domestic partnership law, the Domestic Partnership Act, offering certain limited rights and benefits to same-sex and different-sex couples.  In 2006, however, after the [[Supreme Court of New Jersey|state Supreme Court]]'s [[Lewis v. Harris|ruling]] in [[Lewis v. Harris|''Lewis vs. Harris'']] that same-sex couples must be extended all the rights and benefits of marriage, the Legislature passed a civil unions law, the Civil Union Act, effective in 2007, which was an attempt to satisfy the court's ruling.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Department of Health {{!}} Vital Statistics {{!}} Domestic Partnerships |url=https://www.nj.gov/health/vital/registration-vital/domestic-partnerships/ |access-date=2025-04-07 |website=www.nj.gov}}</ref>

====Nevada====
{{Main articles|Same-sex marriage in Nevada}}
On May 31, 2009, the Nevada legislature overrode Governor [[Jim Gibbons (U.S. politician)|Jim Gibbons]]' veto of a domestic partnership bill.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ryan |first=Cy |date=2009-05-31 |title=With veto override, domestic partners bill becomes law |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/may/31/veto-override-domestic-partners-bill-becomes-law/ |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=Las Vegas Sun |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Nevada legalizing domestic partnerships - CNN.com |url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/05/31/nevada.domestic.partnerships/index.html?iref=nextin |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=www.cnn.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |title=Nevada Legislature rejects Gov. Gibbons domestic partnership veto |url=https://www.nevadaappeal.com/news/2009/may/31/nevada-legislature-rejects-gov-gibbons-domestic-pa/ |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=www.nevadaappeal.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2009-05-31 |title=Nevada Senate Overrides Veto on Domestic Partners Measure |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/31/us/31nevada.html |access-date=2025-05-10 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> 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 on 1 October 2009.

====Oregon====
{{main|Domestic partnership in Oregon}}
Since 4 February 2008, Oregon offers domestic partnerships which grant nearly all of the state-recognized rights of marriage to same-sex couples.

====Rhode Island====
{{Main|Same-sex marriage in Rhode Island}}
Civil unions were permitted in Rhode Island since July 1, 2011 until July 1, 2013.

====Vermont====
{{Main|Same-sex marriage in Vermont}}
The civil unions law<ref name=vtculaw>{{cite web|url=http://www.sec.state.vt.us/otherprg/civilunions/civilunionlaw.html|title=Professional Regulation - Home - Vermont Secretary of State|access-date=2006-12-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090923144929/http://www.sec.state.vt.us/otherprg/civilunions/civilunionlaw.html|archive-date=2009-09-23|url-status=dead}}</ref> 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.<ref name=vtculaw /> It grants partners [[next-of-kin]] rights and other protections that heterosexual married couples also receive.  However, despite the [[Full Faith and Credit clause|"full faith and credit" clause]] of the [[United States Constitution]], civil unions are generally not recognized outside Vermont in the absence of specific legislation.  Opponents of the law have supported the [[Defense of Marriage Act]] and the proposed [[Federal Marriage Amendment]] in order to prevent obligatory recognition of same-sex couples in other jurisdictions.  This means that many of the advantages of marriage, which fall in the federal jurisdiction (over 1,100 federal laws, such as joint federal income tax returns, visas and work permits for the foreign partner of a U.S. citizen, etc.), are not extended to the partners of a Vermont civil union.

Regarding voluntary recognition of the civil union in other jurisdictions, [[New York City]]'s Domestic Partnership Law, passed in 2002, recognizes civil unions formalized in other jurisdictions. [[Germany]]'s international civil law (EGBGB) also accords to Vermont civil unions the same benefits and responsibilities that apply in Vermont, as long as they do not exceed the standard accorded by German law to a German civil union. The law was replaced by the same-sex marriage law on September 1, 2009.

====Washington====
{{Main|Domestic partnership in Washington (state)}}
Washington offers domestic partnerships which grant nearly all of the state-recognized rights of marriage to same-sex couples. Washington is the first state to have passed a same-sex civil union bill by a popular vote.

Washington legalized same-sex marriage early in 2012, which provided that a couple in a civil union would have two years to convert their civil union to a marriage. The law was upheld by popular [[Washington Referendum 74 (2012)|referendum]] in November 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/ondeadline/post/2012/06/anti-gay-marriage-measure-qualifies-for-wash-state-ballot/1 |title=Anti-gay-marriage measure qualifies for Wash. state ballot |work=USA Today |date=June 12, 2012 |access-date=August 16, 2012}}</ref>

=== Uruguay ===
{{Main|Same-sex marriage in Uruguay}}
Civil unions in Uruguay were allowed nationwide from January 2008.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ley Nº 18.246 UNIÓN CONCUBINARIA |url=https://legislativo.parlamento.gub.uy/temporales/leytemp968345.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170410215612/https://legislativo.parlamento.gub.uy/temporales/leytemp968345.htm |archive-date=April 10, 2017 |access-date=April 11, 2017 |publisher=[[General Assembly of Uruguay]] |language=es}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Arezo Píriz |first=Enrique |title=Aspectos patrimoniales cuestionables en la Ley Nº 18.246 de "Union Concubinaria" |url=http://www.poderjudicial.gub.uy/images/Aspectos_patrimoniales_cuestionables_en_la_Ley_18246.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190709095239/http://www.poderjudicial.gub.uy/images/Aspectos_patrimoniales_cuestionables_en_la_Ley_18246.pdf |archive-date=July 9, 2019 |access-date=April 11, 2017 |publisher=[[Judiciary of Uruguay]] |language=es}}</ref>