civil unions

The Guardian's Cyril Ghosh writes that one downside to the fight to establish same-sex marriage rights in the United States is the demise of civil unions. Most states that had civil unions have phased them out in favor of converting them to marriages, Ghosh says. Civil unions have many advantages, he says: "There are a number of good reasons why both heterosexual and homosexual couples may wish to enter into a civil union instead of a marriage. For example, for many couples, civil unions provide a secular alternative to marriage that aligns with their values. Some may not be ready for a commitment like 'marriage' – a word that's laden with history and tradition. Others may not wish to enter into a marriage contract because they believe the institution carries distinctly religious connotations. They may also see marriage as a patriarchal institution and be ideologically opposed to it. Finally, many couples that have been married and divorced may not be ready to marry again, even though they might want to codify their relationship with their current partners and lovers in some way."

Gannett's The Courier-Journal reports that the same-sex partner of a woman facing murder and robbery charges in Jefferson County, Kentucky, can be compelled to testify against her. The two women entered into a civil union in Vermont, but they never converted their civil union into a marrage as was possible after Vermont allowed same-sex marriages. The judge reasoned that couple would have to be married at the very least for Kentucky to recognize their union for purposes of triggering the spousal privilege against testifying against one's spouse. Further, the trial judge ruled "Kentucky’s ban on same sex marriage and on recognizing same sex unions from other states means the privilege does not apply," The Courier-Journal also reports.