Civil unions in New Hampshire are permitted under state law. There is continued debate in the Brazilian legislative and judicial branches about the legal status of same-sex couples (ʁiu ˈgɾɐ̃de do ˈsuɫ lit "Large River of the South" is the southernmost State of Brazil, and the State with the fourth highest Human Development Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page Civil unions in Quebec: Pursuant to a range of activism and to the M Coahuila, formally Coahuila de Zaragoza is one of Mexico 's 31 component states. Mexico City (in Spanish: Ciudad de México, México DF, México or simply Méjico) is the Capital city of Mexico A civil union is a legally recognized union similar to Marriage. A California domestic partnership is a legal relationship available to same-sex couples and to certain opposite-sex couples in which at least one party is at least 62 years Washington DC, has recognized domestic partnerships since June 11, 1992, when the Health Benefits Expansion Act DC Law 9-114 was passed allowing In April 2004 the Maine Legislature passed a bill to establish Domestic Partnerships. In April and May 2007 following a previous attempt in 2005 the Oregon state legislature passed legislation to make virtually all of the rights afforded to married couples available The State Registered Domestic Partners Registry (SRDP was created on April 10, 2007, by the Washington Legislature. There is continued debate in the Brazilian legislative and judicial branches about the legal status of same-sex couples Croatia has allowed unregistered Cohabitation for same-sex couples since 2003 Israel has granted unregistered Cohabitation for Same-sex couples since 1994, in the form of Common-law marriage, a status Civil unions in Portugal were introduced for opposite-sex couples in 1 July 1999 and extended to same-sex couples by the act of 15 March Queensland is a state of Australia, occupying the north-eastern corner of the mainland continent There is continued debate in the Brazilian legislative and judicial branches about the legal status of same-sex couples Gay Civil unions are not legal in Costa Rica; however the issue is being considered by the Legislative Assembly. Croatia has allowed unregistered Cohabitation for same-sex couples since 2003 Cuban law does not currently recognize same-sex relationships and the Cuban Constitution reserves marriage only for men and women Age of consent Homosexuality has been legal in the Faroe Islands since 1933 when it was decriminalized in Denmark Currently the British Crown dependency of Jersey has no legislation recognising same-sex civil partnerships The pressure group Progress In December 2005, Latvia became the third member state of European Union (after Poland and Lithuania) to constitutionally define marriage as In December 2001 the FLay (a local organisation and a local political party (Freie Liste worked on a draft for a same-sex partnership law Same-sex marriages are not legal in Lithuania, with the Civil Code defining Marriage as a voluntary agreement between a man and a woman Romania does not recognise same-sex unions either in the form of same-sex marriage or civil unions Slovakia, unlike its liberal counterpart Czech Republic, is more conservative on issues dealing with Homosexuality. In 2003 the Executive branch of the Republic of China government ( Executive Yuan) proposed legislation granting marriages to same-sex couples under the Same-sex marriage, also referred to as gay marriage, is a Marriage between two persons of the same sex Same-sex marriage in the US state of Iowa was allowed for a short time from August 30 to August 31, 2007, Although Illinois does not currently have a civil union law the 2005 Illinois Policy Survey (conducted by Northern Illinois University) revealed that 31% of residents supported Same-sex marriages are not performed in the state of New Mexico, which also does not provide Civil unions or Domestic partnerships New Mexico Same-sex marriage cannot legally be performed in New York. While one intermediate appellate court in New York has held that the state must recognize foreign same-sex Same-sex marriages cannot currently be performed under the laws of the state of Rhode Island. The Czech Republic is considered to be one of the most liberal Central Europe countries Same-sex marriage is not legal in France. As of 2006, one Same-sex marriage ceremony has been conducted in France and was declared void Registered partnerships for Gay and Lesbian couples were introduced in Iceland in 1996. New Zealand does not allow same-sex marriage proper but allows Civil unions that provide virtually all the rights and responsibilities of Marriage but there The Portuguese civil code currently bans same-sex marriage but civil unions have been legal since 2001 Same-sex marriage is not legal in Sweden due to a 1987 law that defines marriage between one man and one woman but Civil unions are offered permitting the benefits Different laws and procedures apply to marriage in the different countries of the United Kingdom. Same-sex marriage, also referred to as gay marriage, is a Marriage between two persons of the same sex Washington DC, has recognized domestic partnerships since June 11, 1992, when the Health Benefits Expansion Act DC Law 9-114 was passed allowing In April 2004 the Maine Legislature passed a bill to establish Domestic Partnerships. LGBT rights in New Hampshire refers to the Civil rights specifically relating to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender individuals In April and May 2007 following a previous attempt in 2005 the Oregon state legislature passed legislation to make virtually all of the rights afforded to married couples available Same-sex marriage is not recognized in Washington state The Washington Supreme Court would have made Washington the second U Same-sex marriage (also referred to as gay marriage) is a term for a legally or Socially recognized Marriage between two people of the same A civil union is a legally recognized union similar to Marriage. Registered partnership is one of several terms synonymous with a Civil union or Civil partnership similar to Marriage, typically created in order to provide 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 a traditional A timeline of significant events regarding same-sex marriage and legal recognition of same-sex couples worldwide in modern history followed by a timeline of notable same-sex marriages and unions The first civil unions in New Hampshire took place after the stroke of midnight on January 1, 2008. New Year See also New Year The Ancient Romans began their consular year on January 1st since 153 BC 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common ^[1]

On April 26, 2007, a bill allowing for same-sex civil unions in New Hampshire was passed by the state legislature, and Governor John Lynch signed the bill into law on May 31, 2007. Events 1467 - The miraculous image in Our Lady of Good Counsel appear in Genazzano, Italy. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. A civil union is a legally recognized union similar to Marriage. New Hampshire ( is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The General Court of New Hampshire is the Bicameral state legislature of the U John H Lynch (born November 25 1952, Waltham Massachusetts) is the current Governor of New Hampshire. Events 1279 BC - Rameses II (The Great (19th dynasty becomes pharaoh of Ancient Egypt. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.

History

After the 2006 Democratic takeover of the New Hampshire state legislature, several bills were considered which would grant same-sex couples greater civil rights in the state. The 2006 United States midterm elections were held on Tuesday November 7 2006. The General Court of New Hampshire is the Bicameral state legislature of the U Proposals were made by both Democratic and Republican politicians. The Democratic Party is one of two major Political parties in the United States, the other being the Republican Party. The various proposals ranged from allowing couples to enter into a "contractual cohabitation," a "civil union," a "spousal union," or a same-sex marriage. Governor John Lynch opposes same-sex marriage, but did, through various spokesmen, indicate that he was receptive to discussing civil unions as a means of granting certain rights to same-sex couples. John H Lynch (born November 25 1952, Waltham Massachusetts) is the current Governor of New Hampshire. ^[2]

On April 4, 2007, the NH House passed a civil unions bill, HB437, with a vote of 243 to 129. Events 1581 - Francis Drake completes a circumnavigation of the world and is knighted by Elizabeth I. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. The bill, if accepted into law, would imbue partners in same-sex civil unions with the same "rights, responsibilities and obligations" as heterosexual couples in marriages. ^[3] Lynch stated on April 19, 2007 that he would sign legislation granting civil unions to same-sex couples because he believes ". Events 1012 - Martyrdom of Alphege in Greenwich London. 1529 - At the Second Diet of Speyer Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. . . it is a matter of conscience, fairness and preventing discrimination. "^[4] On April 26, 2007, the NH Senate approved the civil unions bill 14-10 along political party lines. Events 1467 - The miraculous image in Our Lady of Good Counsel appear in Genazzano, Italy. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. A political party is a Political organization that seeks to attain and maintain political power within Government, usually by participating in electoral ^[5] On May 31, 2007, Governor John Lynch signed the civil unions bill into law,^[6] making New Hampshire ". Events 1279 BC - Rameses II (The Great (19th dynasty becomes pharaoh of Ancient Egypt. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. . . the first state to embrace same-sex unions without a court order or the threat of one. "^[5] The law took effect January 1, 2008. New Year See also New Year The Ancient Romans began their consular year on January 1st since 153 BC 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common ^[6]

Licenses were expected to be available on December 10, 2007^[7][8] such that civil unions could be sealed starting at 12:01 am on January 1, 2008. Events 1041 - Empress Zoe of Byzantium elevates her adoptive son to the throne of the Eastern Roman Empire as Michael V Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. New Year See also New Year The Ancient Romans began their consular year on January 1st since 153 BC 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Deputy secretary of state David Scanlan said, "As far as we're concerned, everything is on schedule. "^[7]

Civil unions took place throughout New Hampshire just after midnight on January 1, 2008. New Year See also New Year The Ancient Romans began their consular year on January 1st since 153 BC 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common The largest gathering occurred in Concord on the steps of the State House. The city of Concord (ˈkɒnkərd often mispronounced as " Concorde " is the Capital of the state of New Hampshire in the United States Twenty-three couples were expected to participate in the event, however, an estimated 40 actually took part, and some 200-300 friends, family and onlookers observed. The event drew one protestor who ". . . quietly handed out a statement calling all sex outside of heterosexual marriage a sin. . . "^[9][1]

Under the New Hampshire civil unions law, same-sex civil unions or marriages conducted in other states will be recognized as civil unions in New Hampshire. House Bill 1415 has been proposed by Representative Maureen Mooney to repeal this portion of the current civil unions bill and is scheduled for a hearing on January 24, 2008. Events 41 - Gaius Caesar (Caligula, known for his eccentricity and cruel Despotism, is Assassinated by his disgruntled 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common ^[10][11] Representative Jim Splaine, the primary sponsor of the civil unions bill,^[12] said that he will fight the repeal attempt. ^[7]

Legal implications

Despite the civil union law intending to provide "all the rights and subject [a couple] to all the obligations and responsibilities provided for in state law that apply to parties who are joined together,"^[13] only some benefits, and some limitations, shall exist. ^[14][15][16]

Benefits

• Access to medical care information and decision making;
• Access to proceedings and information related to partner's death, and ability to make funeral arrangements;
• Right to be placed in the same room in a nursing home;
• Health care coverage under state-regulated family plans;
• State pension benefits;
• Inheritance without a will;
• Ability to transfer property between partners without paying state taxes;
• Ability to change names by showing civil union certificate to government agencies, banks, etc. and simply stating a name preference;
• Pay or receive alimony and/or child support ordered by a court in a divorce;
• Ability to adopt as a stepparent. ^[15]

Limitations

• Legal status only recognized in certain states;
• Unclear divorce proceedings should one or both partners move out-of-state;
• If partner's death occurs out-of-state, unclear whether surviving partner may obtain death certificate and claim body;
• Entering into a civil union triggers "Don't ask, don't tell" for military personnel, and expulsion from the military;
• Employers governed by federal laws are allowed to provide health and other benefits only to heterosexual couples;
• Partners are treated as unmarried adults under more than 1,100 federal laws;
• May jeopardize a couple's ability to adopt overseas;
• Federal privacy laws can prohibit access to some medical care information without durable power of attorney. "Don't ask don't tell" is the common term for the policy about homosexuality in the U ^[15]

See also

References

External links

• HB 437 Bill Text
• HB 437 Bill Legislative History
• State drops fight over benefits for same-sex couples in Concord Monitor on 8 May 2007. The Concord Monitor is the Daily newspaper for Concord, the state Capital of New Hampshire.
• Gay couples learn that union isn't the same as marriage in Concord Monitor on 6 May 2007. The Concord Monitor is the Daily newspaper for Concord, the state Capital of New Hampshire.
• Civil unions catching clerks off guard: State prepares to offer licenses next month in Concord Monitor on 17 November 2007.