Editing Civil union (section)

===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>