April 26, 2012(Key vote)
Title: Authorizes Civil Unions
Vote Smart's Synopsis:
Vote to pass a bill that defines marriage and authorizes civil unions, effective October 12, 2012.
Defines "marriage" as the legally-recognized union of 1 man and 1 woman" (Sec. 2).
Specifies that a civil union is a legal relationship established by two people to receive benefits and responsibilities comparable to spousal benefits and responsibilities which include, but are not limited to, the following (Sec. 2):
Workers' compensation benefits;
Responsibilities relating to adoption;
Health insurance coverage and life insurance benefits;
Domestic abuse program benefits;
Public assistance benefits;
Decisions relating to emergency and nonemergency medical care; and
Decisions relating to disposition of last remains.
Requires both parties in a civil union to meet the following eligibility criteria (Sec. 2):
Both parties are over the age of 18, regardless of their gender;
Neither party is under guardianship;
Neither party is party to another civil union; and
Neither party is married.
Prohibits individuals from entering into a civil union with any of the following individuals (Sec. 2):
A brother or sister;
An aunt or uncle; or
A niece or nephew.
Authorizes private child placement agencies to refuse to place a child in foster care or adoption when the proposed placement of a child with persons who have entered into a civil union violates the agency’s written religious or moral convictions or policies (Sec. 2).
Specifies that a partner in a civil union may be considered a dependent, including designation as a dependent for insurance purposes, effective January 1, 2013 (Sec. 7).