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

双语律师李黎，国际知名法学院法律专业，擅长翻译各类与消费者金融诉讼相关的法律文件。