Signed by Governor Lincoln Chafee

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes a legal proceeding for same sex individuals to enter into a civil union beginning July 1, 2011.

Highlights:

• Authorizes two persons to enter into a civil union only if both parties meet the following criteria (Sec. 1):
• Are at least 18 years of age;
• Are of the same sex;
• Are not a party to another civil union or lawfully married to another person; and
• Neither person is "mentally incompetent" at the time of the civil union.

• Defines a "civil union" as a union between two same sex individuals (Sec. 1).

• Defines a "party to a civil union" as a person who has entered into a civil union pursuant to this act (Sec. 1).

• Establishes that a party to a civil union shall have the same rights, benefits, protections, and responsibilities under law, as married couples (Sec. 1).

• Exempts religious or denominational organizations from being required to administer any of the following, if such actions violate their religious beliefs (Sec. 1):
• Provide services, accommodations, advantages, facilities, goods, or privileges for a purpose related to the certification or celebration of any civil union;
• To solemnize or certify any civil union; or
• To treat a civil union as valid.

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes a legal proceeding for same sex individuals to enter into a civil union beginning July 1, 2011.

Highlights:

• Authorizes two persons to enter into a civil union only if both parties meet the following criteria (Sec. 1):
• Are at least 18 years of age;
• Are of the same sex;
• Are not a party to another civil union or lawfully married to another person; and
• Neither person is "mentally incompetent" at the time of the civil union.

• Defines a "civil union" as a union between two same sex individuals (Sec. 1).

• Defines a "party to a civil union" as a person who has entered into a civil union pursuant to this act (Sec. 1).

• Establishes that a party to a civil union shall have the same rights, benefits, protections, and responsibilities under law, as married couples (Sec. 1).

• Exempts religious or denominational organizations from being required to administer any of the following, if such actions violate their religious beliefs (Sec. 1):
• Provide services, accommodations, advantages, facilities, goods, or privileges for a purpose related to the certification or celebration of any civil union;
• To solemnize or certify any civil union; or
• To treat a civil union as valid.

Full Bill Text