Legal Definitions - civil partnership

Definition: A civil partnership, also known as a civil union, is a legally recognized relationship between two individuals, often of the same sex, that is similar to marriage and is recognized by civil authorities within a jurisdiction.

Example: In 1999, the Vermont Supreme Court ruled that denying gay couples the benefits of marriage was unconstitutionaldiscrimination. As a result, the Vermont legislature passed a civil-unions law in 2000, which recognized civil partnerships between same-sex couples.

Explanation: The example illustrates how civil partnerships are recognized by civil authorities within a jurisdiction. In this case, the Vermont Supreme Court recognized the need to provide legal recognition and benefits to same-sex couples, leading to the creation of civil partnerships in Vermont.