Same-sex union
Encyclopedia
Same-sex unions are legal or religious unions between two persons of the same sex.
In legal contexts, their recognition varies based upon the region in which the union is formed. Some regions allow same-sex marriage
, civil marriage between two persons of the same sex. Others recognize civil union
s or civil partnerships, a status equivalent or identical to marriage for same-sex couples. In the United States, however, state civil unions do not confer the federal benefits of marriage, and in some places, such as France, civil unions are also open to opposite-sex couples (Pacte civil de solidarité
).
Domestic partnership
s are also a term used for same-sex unions, most often by states, provinces, or municipalities in North America. Domestic partnerships may also be open to opposite-sex couples. These often include all state marriage rights, but fewer or no federal marriage rights. A similar union is the registered partnership, a term for civil unions in several European countries, such as the Scandinavia
n countries, Switzerland
, and states and territories of Australia
. Other terms for such relationships include "life parternship", "stable union of couples", "significant relationship", and "reciprocal beneficiaries".
Some religious institutions recognize same-sex relationships (also called "holy unions"), such as in locations where government recognition of same-sex couples is not offered.
Historically, blood brother
hood ceremonies were practiced by many cultures, including China and Scandinavian peoples; the Christian church also recognized these unions, by a ceremony called adelphopoiesis
("brother-making").
In legal contexts, their recognition varies based upon the region in which the union is formed. Some regions allow same-sex marriage
Same-sex marriage
Same-sex marriage is marriage between two persons of the same biological sex or social gender. Supporters of legal recognition for same-sex marriage typically refer to such recognition as marriage equality....
, civil marriage between two persons of the same sex. Others recognize civil union
Civil union
A civil union, also referred to as a civil partnership, is a legally recognized form of partnership similar to marriage. Beginning with Denmark in 1989, civil unions under one name or another have been established by law in many developed countries in order to provide same-sex couples rights,...
s or civil partnerships, a status equivalent or identical to marriage for same-sex couples. In the United States, however, state civil unions do not confer the federal benefits of marriage, and in some places, such as France, civil unions are also open to opposite-sex couples (Pacte civil de solidarité
Pacte civil de solidarité
In France, a pacte civil de solidarité commonly known as a PACS /paks/ , is a form of civil union between two adults for organising their joint life. It brings rights and responsibilities, but less so than marriage...
).
Domestic partnership
Domestic partnership
A domestic partnership is a legal or personal relationship between two individuals who live together and share a common domestic life but are neither joined by marriage nor a civil union...
s are also a term used for same-sex unions, most often by states, provinces, or municipalities in North America. Domestic partnerships may also be open to opposite-sex couples. These often include all state marriage rights, but fewer or no federal marriage rights. A similar union is the registered partnership, a term for civil unions in several European countries, such as the Scandinavia
Scandinavia
Scandinavia is a cultural, historical and ethno-linguistic region in northern Europe that includes the three kingdoms of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, characterized by their common ethno-cultural heritage and language. Modern Norway and Sweden proper are situated on the Scandinavian Peninsula,...
n countries, Switzerland
Civil unions in Switzerland
Switzerland recognizes same-sex registered partnerships. In a nationwide referendum on June 5, 2005, the Swiss people approved by 58% a registered partnership law, granting same-sex couples the same rights and protections as opposite-sex couples, except:...
, and states and territories of Australia
States and territories of Australia
The Commonwealth of Australia is a union of six states and various territories. The Australian mainland is made up of five states and three territories, with the sixth state of Tasmania being made up of islands. In addition there are six island territories, known as external territories, and a...
. Other terms for such relationships include "life parternship", "stable union of couples", "significant relationship", and "reciprocal beneficiaries".
Some religious institutions recognize same-sex relationships (also called "holy unions"), such as in locations where government recognition of same-sex couples is not offered.
Historically, blood brother
Blood brother
Blood brother can refer to one of two things: two males related by birth, or two or more men not related by birth who have sworn loyalty to each other. This is usually done in a ceremony, known as a blood oath, where the blood of each man is mingled together...
hood ceremonies were practiced by many cultures, including China and Scandinavian peoples; the Christian church also recognized these unions, by a ceremony called adelphopoiesis
Adelphopoiesis
Adelphopoiesis, or adelphopoiia from the Greek , derived from "brother" and "I make", literally "brother-making" is a ceremony practiced at one time by various Christian churches to unite together two people of the same sex...
("brother-making").