civil union

noun

1. 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.

2. civil marriage.

Word History and Origins

Origin of civil union¹

First frecorded in 1835–40

Example Sentences

But the Vatican said such blessings should not be part of regular Church rituals or related to civil unions or weddings.

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“I merely wanted everyone to understand that I want that someone of faith would not be forced to perform a marriage, but a civil union, fine.”

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Romania is one of the few European Union members that allows neither same-sex marriage nor civil unions, despite a growing social acceptance of LGBTQ+ people.

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And Vermont was the only state at the time that allowed civil unions.

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It was made clear the blessing shouldn’t be connected to a civil union ceremony.

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