civil union

noun

a relationship between a couple that is legally recognized by a governmental authority and has many of the rights and responsibilities of marriage: civil unions for same-sex couples.
civil marriage.

Origin of civil union

First frecorded in 1835–40

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Esteban Paulón, an activist in Argentina, noted Francis “in private expressed his support” for civil unions for same-sex couples during the marriage equality debate in his homeland before he became pope.
Top 10 international news stories of 2020 | Michael K. Lavers | December 31, 2020 | Washington Blade
The couple, who celebrated a civil union in Vermont in 2000 and were legally married in Massachusetts in 2004, wondered why they didn’t hear back from the agency.
Our democracy hinges on decision in Fulton case | Kathi Wolfe | November 5, 2020 | Washington Blade
Fontanos, like Paulón, also pointed out Francis’ comments on civil unions in Argentina.
Pope Francis calls for civil unions for same-sex couples | Michael K. Lavers | October 21, 2020 | Washington Blade
Pope Francis has publicly endorsed civil unions for same-sex couples.
Pope Francis calls for civil unions for same-sex couples | Michael K. Lavers | October 21, 2020 | Washington Blade
Many of them on Wednesday nevertheless welcomed Francis’ comments on civil unions.
Pope Francis calls for civil unions for same-sex couples | Michael K. Lavers | October 21, 2020 | Washington Blade

Several Italian cities, including Naples, already have a civil union registry.
Italian Transgender Ruling Gives Green Light to Civil Unions | Barbie Latza Nadeau | June 16, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Those who wish to have a civil union should be able to marry by an officer of the state.
Israeli Attorney Suggests Common-Law Marriage As an Act of Civil Disobedience | Irit Rosenblum | November 8, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
Advocates in Missouri seem beyond pushing the governor on the matter and are not even pursuing civil-union legislation.
Number of Democratic Holdouts Against Gay Marriage Is Dwindling Fast | David Freedlander | March 27, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
As a matter of fact, France already allows a form of civil union, known as the PACS or civil solidarity pact.
In France, Battle for Gay Marriage Heats Up | Tracy McNicoll | November 10, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
“We had our civil-union ceremony, what we considered the big day,” says Berg.
Wedding Bells at N.Y. City Hall | Jessica Bennett | July 25, 2011 | THE DAILY BEAST
Whether, in 1689, it would have been possible to effect a civil union without a religious union may well be doubted.
The History of England from the Accession of James II. | Thomas Babington Macaulay

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