Civil Unions
A civil union, also referred to as a civil partnership, is a legally recognized form of partnership similar to marriage. Civil unions are not seen as a replacement for marriage by many in the gay community, and are commonly criticised as being “separate but equal.” Marriage equality advocates say civil unions segregate same-sex couples by forcing them to use a separate institution.
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Court rejects straight couple’s discrimination claim over civil union rejection
Tuesday, February 21, 2017They say they and other couples face discrimination because only same-sex couples are eligible for civil partnerships. -
How once conservative Malta has leaped to the forefront on LGBTQ rights
Friday, February 3, 2017Until recently, the country had been a last bastion in western Europe of social norms largely dictated by the Catholic church. -
Illinois B&B owners who refused gay couple lose again in fight to discriminate
Wednesday, November 30, 2016A same-sex couple denied access to a bed and breakfast while planning their civil union ceremony has won another legal victory in a five-year discrimination case. -
Vatican condemns claim by priest that Italian earthquakes caused by civil unions
Monday, November 7, 2016The Vatican's deputy secretary of state says the remarks were "scandalous," "offensive," and "pagan." -
Austria will upgrade civil unions for gay couples, but won’t call it ‘marriage’
Wednesday, October 5, 2016Partnerships would be registered where marriage records are kept and the spot for "last name" will be changed to "family name." -
Two ex-nuns just got a civil union in Italy and the media went nuts
Thursday, September 29, 2016The women, one from southern Italy and the other of South American origins, fell in love while working at a rehabilitation center for drug addicts. -
Man who helped lesbian kidnap child from ex-partner goes to trial
Monday, September 12, 2016Prosecutors allege he helped a woman and her daughter flee the country rather than share custody of the girl with the woman's former partner. -
Aruba Parliament approves civil unions for same-sex couples
Saturday, September 10, 2016Same-sex couples now have the right to register their unions and receive benefits granted to married people on the Dutch Caribbean island. -
Italy joins rest of Europe in giving rights to gay couples
Thursday, May 12, 2016Italy was the last of the European Union's 28 nations to grant legal recognition to civil unions. -
Italy Senate OKs civil unions, but LGBT groups angered over adoption snub
Saturday, February 27, 2016Gay and lesbian groups denounced the watered-down legislation as a betrayal because Renzi’s Democratic Party sacrificed a provision to allow same-sex adoption in order to ensure passage.
Further Reading
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Australian Prime Minister will allow marriage equality bill to be introduced
Catholic B&B owners reject couple because 'we don't accept gays & animals'
German president signs marriage equality into law
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