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

译员张宏，知名法学院法律翻译专业，专注翻译各种与调查与白领犯罪辩护有关的法律文件。