Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that defines marriage and authorizes civil unions, effective October 12, 2012.

Highlights:

• 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):
• Financial support;
• 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):
• An ancestor;
• A descendant;
• 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).

Full Bill Text