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Civil union facts for kids

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A civil union (also called a civil partnership) is a legal arrangement that is a lot like marriage. It was mainly created to give legal recognition to couples of the same sex. Civil unions give couples many of the same rights as marriage, like legal protection and benefits.

In 1989, Denmark was the first country to make civil unions legal for same-sex couples. After that, many other countries, mostly developed ones, started to create similar laws in the 1990s and early 2000s. These laws gave same-sex couples rights, benefits, and responsibilities that were similar to those of married couples. While some civil unions are for both opposite-sex and same-sex couples, in many places, they are only for same-sex couples.

Over time, in most countries that had civil unions for same-sex couples, these unions were either joined with or replaced by same-sex marriage. Many people who support LGBT rights see civil unions as a first step towards same-sex marriage. However, some also feel that civil unions create a "separate but equal" or "second class" status because they are not called "marriage."

Many places that have civil unions also recognize similar unions from other countries. For example, the United Kingdom lists equivalent unions in its laws. Also, same-sex marriages performed abroad might be recognized as civil unions in places that only have civil unions.

What are Civil Unions and Their Names?

New York City Proposition 8 Protest outside LDS temple 20
Some people do not agree with civil unions, like this protester in New York City.

The names for civil unions are not the same everywhere. They can be called many things, like civil partnerships, registered partnerships, domestic partnerships, significant relationships, reciprocal beneficiary relationships, common-law marriage, adult interdependent relationships, life partnerships, stable unions, or civil solidarity pacts.

The exact rights and benefits also change depending on the country's laws. For example, some places allow same-sex couples to adopt children, while others do not, or only allow it in special situations.

In the United States, the term civil union was first used in Vermont in 2000. It meant a status that was the same as marriage for same-sex couples.

Some people think civil unions are not a full replacement for marriage. They argue that the word "marriage" itself is important and carries special meaning and respect. Others who support civil unions say they offer practical equality for same-sex couples. They help with important things like hospital visits and property transfers, which are problems when relationships are not legally recognized.

Civil unions are sometimes criticized for being "separate but equal" because same-sex couples are kept from marrying and must use a different legal arrangement. Supporters of same-sex marriage believe that treating same-sex couples differently under the law can lead to unfair treatment.

Countries with Civil Unions (but not Same-Sex Marriage)

As of August 2022, here are some places that have civil unions for same-sex couples but not full marriage:

  • Bolivia
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Estonia
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Monaco
  • Montenegro
  • Aruba (part of the Netherlands)
  • San Marino
  • Bermuda (British territory)
  • Cayman Islands (British territory)

Countries that Recognize Civil Unions

Many countries and regions have created civil unions for same-sex or opposite-sex couples. Here are some examples:

Africa

Americas

Asia

  • Japan: Many cities and prefectures have partnership systems, for example:

Europe

Oceania

  • Australia: Many states have recognition for relationships, for example:
    • Tasmania (2004, significant relationship)
    • Victoria (2008, domestic relationship)
  • New Zealand (2005; called civil union)

Countries that Used to Have Civil Unions

Several countries used to offer civil unions only for same-sex couples. These laws were later changed or removed when same-sex marriage became legal.

Europe (Former Civil Unions)

Americas (Former Civil Unions)

Asia (Former Civil Unions)

  • Taiwan: Many cities had partnership registrations (2015–2019) before same-sex marriage became legal.

Oceania (Former Civil Unions)

Civil Union Stories from Around the World

Australia

Since 2009, Australian governments recognize same-sex couples as "de facto" couples, which means they live together like a married couple without being officially married. This gives them many of the same rights.

Some Australian states also have their own registered relationship laws:

State or territory Official relationship status Year it started
Australian Capital Territory Yes Civil partnership 2008
New South Wales Yes Registered relationship 2010
Queensland Yes Civil partnership 2012
Tasmania Yes Significant relationship 2004
Victoria Yes Registered domestic relationship 2008
South Australia Yes Registered relationship 2017

Brazil

In Brazil, living together as a couple (called união estável) has given many benefits since 2002. This arrangement gives almost all the same rights as marriage. Since May 5, 2011, same-sex couples in Brazil have been legally recognized nationwide with these same rights.

Canada

Before same-sex marriage became legal across Canada in 2005, several provinces had already extended civil union rights to same-sex couples:

  • Nova Scotia (2001)
  • Quebec (2002)
  • Manitoba (2002)
  • Alberta (2003)

Colombia

In 2007, Colombia almost passed a law to recognize same-sex couples, but it didn't quite make it. However, in October 2007, a court decision gave same-sex couples rights to social security and health insurance. Then, in January 2009, the Constitutional Court ruled that same-sex couples living together must have all the same rights as unmarried heterosexual couples. This made Colombia the first Latin American country to fully grant this right. Couples can claim these rights after living together for two years. Colombia has since approved same-sex marriage.

Denmark

Civil unions were first introduced in Denmark on October 1, 1989. This was the first law of its kind in the world. On June 7, 2012, a new law replaced it, making same-sex marriage legal in Denmark.

Before the marriage law, civil unions were only civil ceremonies. However, the Church of Denmark allowed priests to bless same-sex couples. The new law now allows same-sex marriages in churches, but individual priests can choose not to perform them.

In 2010, Denmark also allowed same-sex couples in registered partnerships to adopt children together.

France

Mariages et pacs de 2008 à 2018
PACS (blue) and marriage (red) in France (INSEE)

France has a law called the "Pacte civil de solidarité" (PACS), which gives benefits to both same-sex and opposite-sex couples. It's easier to end a PACS than to get a divorce. It also offers tax benefits and, after a year, some immigration benefits.

Between 2000 and 2010, the number of marriages went down, while the number of PACS agreements went up a lot. In 2010, for every 4 marriages in France, there were 3 PACS agreements. PACS is very popular, especially among heterosexual couples.

Germany

Civil unions in Germany started in 2001. In 2017, registered civil partnerships were replaced by marriage, meaning any couple, regardless of sex, can now marry.

United Kingdom

Main article: Civil partnership in the United Kingdom

In 2003, the British government announced plans for civil partnerships, giving same-sex couples rights and responsibilities similar to marriage. The law came into effect on December 5, 2005.

Civil partnerships give most of the same legal rights as marriage, but they are not called "marriage." It's not legal to be in both a civil partnership and a marriage at the same time.

In 2013, a law was passed to allow same-sex marriage in England and Wales, which started in 2014. Scotland also legalized same-sex marriage in 2014.

In 2018, the Supreme Court ruled that only allowing civil partnerships for same-sex couples was unfair. Because of this, the Prime Minister announced that civil partnerships would also be open to heterosexual couples.

United States

Main article: Same-sex unions in the United States

The first civil unions in the United States were offered by Vermont in 2000. However, the federal government did not recognize these unions at the time.

By the end of 2006, Connecticut and New Jersey also had civil union laws. New Hampshire followed in 2007.

Some states also have "domestic partnership" laws that give many of the same rights as civil unions. Examples include:

  • Domestic partnership in California (2000)
  • Hawaii (2012)
  • Illinois (2011)
  • New Jersey (2007)
  • Oregon (2008)
  • Washington State (2007)

Since October 2014, all U.S. states that offered civil unions or domestic partnerships for same-sex couples now also allow same-sex couples to legally marry.

Vermont

The civil unions law in Vermont was passed in 2000. It was a response to a court ruling that said the state had to give same-sex couples the same rights as married couples.

A Vermont civil union was almost the same as a legal marriage in terms of state laws. It gave partners rights like being next-of-kin and other protections. However, these civil unions were generally not recognized outside Vermont because federal laws, like those for taxes or immigration, did not apply to them. The law was replaced by same-sex marriage on September 1, 2009.

Images for kids

  • Mariages et pacs de 2008 à 2018

    PACS (blue) and marriage (red) in France

  • Civil union map Oceania

    Countries performing civil unions in Oceania

  • Civil union map Africa

    Countries performing civil unions in Africa

See also

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