Civil Unions vs. Gay Marriage

While I was home in Boston 2 weeks ago, I was having a discussion with my mom about gay marriage and why I have decided to make a documentary about it. She asked me a great question, which I realized I couldn't answer:

"What are the differences between civil unions and gay marriage?"

I sort of stammered a bit, and came up with some lame explanation. That's when I realized I needed to start researching, and fast! There really is no simple answer to the question my mother asked, but I think it's important to be aware of the differences that exist to fully understand what we're fighting for.

Below is some information I've gathered on civil unions vs. gay marriage.

What is Marriage?
When people marry, they tend to do so for reasons of love and commitment. But marriage is also a legal status, which comes with rights and responsibilities. Marriage establishes a legal kinship between you and your spouse. It is a relationship that is recognized across cultures, countries and religions.

What is a Civil Union?
Civil Unions exist in only a handful of places: Vermont, New Jersey and Connecticut. California and Oregon have domestic partnership laws that offer many of the same rights as civil unions.

Vermont civil unions were created in 2000 to provide legal protections to gays and lesbians in relationships in that state because gay marriage is not an option. The protections do not extend beyond the border of Vermont and no federal protections are included with a Civil Union. Civil Unions offer some of the same rights and responsibilities as marriage, but only on a state level.

What about Domestic partnership?
Some states and municipalities have domestic partnership registries, but no domestic partnership law is the same. Some, like the recently passed California domestic partnership law comes with many rights and responsibilities. Others, like the one in Washington offer very few benefits to the couple.

What are some of the key differences between Civil Unions and Gay Marriage?

Recognition in other states
Dissolving a Civil Union v. Divorce
Immigration
Taxes
Benefits

To read up on these topics please go to LesbianLife on About.com

Another great resource is Talk About Equality Top Ten


Laws Regarding Same-Sex Partnerships in the United States

██ Same-sex marriages

██ Unions granting rights similar to marriage

██ Unions granting limited/enumerated rights

██ Foreign same-sex marriages recognized

██ Statute bans same-sex marriage

██ Constitution bans same-sex marriage

██ Constitution bans same-sex marriage and other kinds of same-sex unions

From Wikipedia.com