civil unions

A New Jersey judge has ruled that a Monmouth County church violated the state’s discrimination laws when it prevented a lesbian couple (pictured) from holding a civil union ceremony on its property. The legal battle dates back to 2007 when the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association stopped the couple from using its boardwalk pavilion. Administrative Law Judge Solomon Metzger wrote in the ruling that the pavilion area was a public space that advertised itself as a wedding venue without any mention of religious preconditions.

Former Governor of Utah Jon Huntsman used CNN to share his opinion that same-sex couples deserve some sort of legal recognition. "I believe in civil unions," Huntsman told Piers Morgan. "I think we can do a better job in this country as it relates to equality and basic reciprocal beneficiary rights." President Obama favors civil unions, but his opinion is "evolving." Huntsman, a Republican, served in the Obama administration as Ambassador to China.

Chile's conservative president Sebastian Pinera [pic] recently proposed civil unions legislation that would give gay and lesbian partners many of the rights now offered to married couples in the South American nation. Pinera, fulfilling a campaign promise with the civil union bill, insists the initiative doesn't change the concept of marriage in Chile. But said all couples "deserve respect, dignity and the support of state," in a speech at the presidential palace that was followed by prolonged applause.

Cuban authorities are considering the legalization of same-sex civil unions. The announcement was made by Mariela Castro, daughter of Raul Castro. As Castro told the interviewer, “A socialist society can’t be a homophobic one.”

It was called "a historic day" by Senate President M. Teresa Paiva Weed when the Rhode Island passed a bill that legalizes civil unions. This progress puts RI on a short but growing list of states that provide marriage-like rights to same-sex couples. The bill is favored by most lawmakers, many of whom describe it as a compromise or at least “a step in the right direction.”

Illinois joins five other states in legalizing civil unions, a move that will give same-sex couples many of the legal protections that are now granted to straight, married couples. Those who enter into civil unions will be able to: make medical decisions for each other, file a lawsuit for a partner’s death, receive pension benefits if a partner dies, dissolve the relationship in court and be considered legal parents of their children. Gov. Pat Quinn signed the historic civil union legislation into law in January.

Gay-rights organizations in New York believe civil unions are legally problematic, create confusion and don't carry the same weight or respect as marriage. Gov. Cuomo announced last week that marriage equality is one of his top three legislative priorities in the remaining weeks of the session, which ends June 20, and he began his "People First" tour to drum up public support and put pressure on lawmakers.

More than 700 clergy and faith leaders from around the state have come out in favor of same-sex marriage.