For instance, this is a description of Vermont's civil union statute:
Who may be joined in civil union?
To be joined in civil union a couple must satisfy all of the following criteria:
1. Not be a party to another civil union or a marriage or a party in a legal reciprocal beneficiary relationship.
2. Be of the same sex and therefore excluded from the marriage laws of this state.
3. Not be close family members: A woman may not enter into a civil union with her mother, grandmother, daughter, granddaughter, sister, brother's daughter, sister's daughter, father's sister or mother's sister. A man may not enter into a civil union with his father, grandfather, son, grandson, brother, brother's son, sister's son, father's brother or mother's brother.
4. Not be under 18 years of age;
5. Not be non compos mentis (of unsound mind);
6. Not be under guardianship, unless the guardian consents in writing. 18 V.S.A. §§ 1203, 5163.
PLEASE NOTE: The law permits non-residents to obtain a Vermont civil union.
If you are a US citizen residing in Vermont and are looking to obtain a Civil Union with a non US citizen please call the St. Albans Sub Office of INS for any specific citizenship questions: 802-527-3255 (note this office can assist VT residents ONLY - see below)
If you are a US citizen residing in another state and planning a Civil Union with a non US citizen you will need to contact the INS office in your state. Please refer to the INS website for assistance:
http://www.ins.usdoj.gov
Would you agree or disagree with this staute?
I grew up in a small rural town in Alabama, and my parents are both very conservative (my father is a licensed Baptist minister). It seems that most people oppose gay marriage for religious reasons, but I don't understand why those people have a problem with civil unions. Because to me, marriage is about your religious beliefs, I didn't get married because of the tax consequences.
So, I guess my question is: Do you have a problem with gay couples being given the same legal rights, or do you just have a problem labeling it a "marriage?"