0
Yes and no: yes, if your civil union and marriage are both to the same person; no if they are to different people and both are recognized in your state. If you are in a state where your civil union is not recognized and you are married to a different person (presumably one of the opposite sex), then your civil union does not legally exist, only your marriage does.
What else can I help you with?
What are the requirements for a civil union?
This varies from state to state, but generally they are the same as for marriage. Both parties must be of sufficient age and of sound mind. The parties may not be too closely related to each other by blood. Neither party may be legally married to another person, nor already by a party to a civil union with someone else. The couple must comply with requirements for producing acceptable identification, paying applicable fees and obeying any statutory waiting period. After obtaining a civil union license, the civil union must be solemnized before an authorized officiant.
What laws legalized same-sex marriage?
Some examples are:"Civil Marriage Act" (Canada - July 20, 2005);"Civil Union Act" (Act 17 of 2006) (South Africa - November 30, 2006);"HB7395" (Connecticut - November 12, 2008);"S115 An Act Relating to Civil Marriage" (Vermont - September 1, 2009);"Religious Freedom And Civil Marriage Equality Amendment Act 2009" (Washington, DC - December 18, 2009);"HB 436" (New Hampshire - January 1, 2010);"Marriage Equality Act" (New York - July 24, 2011);"SB 6239" (Washington (state) - December 6, 2012);"Maine Question 1 2012" (Maine - December 29, 2012); and,"Civil Marriage Protection Act - Maryland Question 6" (Maryland -January 1, 2013).
Where are same-sex civil unions recognized?
Same-sex civil unions are recognized in states where civil unions are legal:Hawaii;Delaware;Illinois;New Jersey; and,Rhode Island.They are also recognized in Washington DC and states where same-sex marriage is legal:New York;Washington;Maryland;Maine;Massachusetts;Connecticut;New Hampshire;Iowa; and,Vermont.They are also recognized in California. The United Kingdom and several foreign countries recognize them as civil partnerships.
How does one obtain a civil union?
In a state where civil unions have been legalized, a same-sex couple goes to the issuing authority (usually a town clerk or city clerk) and applies for a civil union license. They must appear together, meet all the necessary requirements, present the necessary identification and pay the applicable fee. Then, a ceremony is held before an authorized officiant who signs the civil union license and returns it to the clerk who registers the civil union and issues a certificate of civil union.
Are same-sex marriages legal in states where same-sex marriage is not legal?
Yes. There are two components to the legality of same-sex marriage: (1) whether it can be legally performed; and, (2) whether it is legally recognized. In the United States, the federal government legally recognizes same-sex marriages in all states, even if the state itself does not recognize the marriage. There are also some states that recognize out-of-state same-sex marriages, but do not permit the legal performance of same-sex marriage within the state.
Can a same-sex marriage be performed as a civil union?
No. A civil union and legal marriage are two different things. If you perform a civil union, then you end up with a civil union, not a same-sex marriage. The only exception is in the states that used to permit only civil unions, but now allow same-sex marriages. In some of those states, existing civil unions were automatically converted to marriages. In at least one other state (Vermont), civil unions remained civil unions and no new civil unions were permitted.
What is the same-sex family union?
Depending upon where you live, it is either marriage, civil union, civil partnership or domestic partnership.
Is a civil union the same as a marriage?
No, it is a lesser category of formalised relationship - a sort of second-class marriage.
What is a legal partnership that provides the benefits of marriage to same-sex couples?
Civil unions are the legal partnership that provides the benefits of marriage to same-sex couples. Also, it is known as a marriage and, in Europe, a civil partnership. Let's not forget marriage, which also provides the benefits of marriage to same-sex couples.
What is the legal definition of a civil union?
The term "civil union" is used by several of the United States to describe a legal relationship that is equivalent or substantially equivalent to legal marriage, but which cannot be legally called a "marriage." Civil unions were primarily created for same-sex couples as an alternative to legal marriage, but are not limited to same-sex couples in several states. Several states that permitted civil unions previously have now legalized marriage for same-sex couples.
Can a citizen of New Zealand confer citizenship on a foreigner by virtue of same-sex civil union?
Yes, through the same procedure as a married couple. For the purposes of immigration, a civil union is treated the same as a legal marriage.
What is the procedure for dissolving a civil union in New Jersey?
You need to file in court for a "dissolution." Although it is not called a "divorce," the same procedure applies. A civil union is basically a marriage that is not called a "marriage" and a dissolution is a divorce that is not called a "divorce."
What is the procedure for dissolving a civil union in Delaware?
In Delaware, the procedure for dissolving a civil union is the same as for dissolving a legal marriage. It is necessary to obtain a divorce decree signed by a judge.
What organizations are involved in same-sex marriage?
The American Civil Liberties Union ("ACLU") is principally involved in challenging individual state's bans on same-sex marriage.
Where can you obtain a civil union license in Iowa?
You cannot. Iowa does not issue civil union licenses. A same-sex couple (or an opposite-sex couple) can get a legal marriage license in Iowa.
Does Australian Senator Nick Xenophon support same-sex marriage?
Not so sure about "marriage", but he definitely supports same-sex civil union.
What is a civil union in Connecticut?
Same-sex marriage is now legal in Connecticut. On October 1, 2010, all existing civil unions in Connecticut were legally transformed into marriages. Any civil union performed in another state is now recognized as a full legal marriage in Connecticut.
