What is the Difference Between Gay Marriage and Civil Union?

The main difference between gay marriage and a civil union lies in the recognition and benefits provided by each status. Here are the key differences:

1. Recognition: Marriages are recognized by both state and federal laws, while civil unions are only recognized at the state level.
2. Federal Benefits: Marriages entitle couples to various federal benefits, such as tax advantages, Social Security benefits, and rights related to immigration and naturalization. Civil unions, on the other hand, do not provide these federal benefits.
3. State Benefits: Both marriages and civil unions grant couples the same rights and responsibilities at the state level, such as inheritance rights, employment benefits, and the right to make medical decisions for a partner. However, the specific benefits and rights granted by civil unions may vary from state to state, and not all states recognize civil unions.

Despite the legalization of same-sex marriage across the United States in 2015, some couples still choose to enter into civil unions for various reasons. These reasons may include personal preferences, religious beliefs, or the desire to maintain a legal relationship short of marriage.

Comparative Table: Gay Marriage vs Civil Union

The main difference between gay marriage and civil unions lies in the legal recognition, rights, and benefits granted by each. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences:

Civil unions were created to allow same-sex couples a way to commit to each other without permitting them to marry. After the 2015 Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage across the United States, civil unions became somewhat obsolete. However, some people still choose to enter civil unions for various reasons.