civil union

civil union. Family law. A marriage-like relationship, often between members of the same sex, recognized by civil authorities within a jurisdiction. • Vermont was the first state to recognize civil unions. In December 1999, the Vermont Supreme Court ruled that denying gay couples the benefits of marriage amounted to unconstitutional discrimination. Baker v. State, 744 A.2d 864 (Vt. 1999). Several months later the legislature passed a civil-unions law, which took effect on July 1, 2000. — Also termed civil partnership. Cf. DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP; same-sex marriage under MARRIAGE(1).

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词条贡献者

资深译员维皓，毕业于一所培养高级翻译以及跨文化事务专家的精英大学，专注翻译各种与反垄断诉讼有关的法律文件。