Are same-sex civil unions legal in California?

Answer 1

Yes, effective June 28, 2013.

Same-sex marriage was previously legalized in California effective June 16, 2008. Then, the right of same-sex couples to marry in California was temporarily taken away on November 5, 2008 by Proposition 8. Proposition 8, in turn, was struck down as unconstitutional and, following a ruling by the US Supreme Court on June 26, 2013.

Answer 2

Effective June 28, 2013, there is no distinction between same-sex marriage and opposite-sex marriage under California law. Moreover, parties to a California registered domestic partnership also have the same rights and responsibilities as a legally married couple. This includes parties to an out-of-state "comprehensive" domestic partnership (such as those in Nevada, Oregon and Washington state).

Answer 3

It is not illegal in the sense that it violates a law. It is currently "not legal" in the sense that it cannot be legally performed in the state of California until the United States Supreme Court confirms or overturns the federal court decision that struck down Proposition 8. In the meantime, the same-sex marriages that were legally performed in California in 2008 are still legal. Also, under California law, same-sex marriages performed elsewhere are recognized as domestic partnerships, but provided the exact same rights and benefits as marriages. Also, same-sex couples in California can register their domestic partnership and receive exactly the same rights and benefits as legal marriage under state law. The outstanding legal questions are likely to be resolved in or before June 2013.

Answer 4

According to California state law, same-sex married couples have the same rights as do opposite-sex married couples. This includes same-sex couples that were legally married in California in 2008 before Proposition 8 was enacted, as well as same-sex couples that were married in other jurisdictions. Moreover, parties to a California registered domestic partnership also have the same rights and responsibilities as a legally married couple. This includes parties to an out-of-state "comprehensive" domestic partnership (such as those in Nevada, Oregon and Washington state).

Whatever controversy persists concerning California's Proposition 8 relates solely to right of same-sex couples to legally marry in California. California statutes have all been amended to provide the same rights and responsibilities to same-sex couples even if they cannot legally marry in California.

Answer 5

Same-sex couples were permitted to marry in the state of California from June 16, 2008 until November 5, 2008. On November 5, 2008, the state constitution of California was amended to prohibit any new same-sex marriages. Same-sex marriage then became legal again in California on June 28, 2013, pursuant to ruling by the US Supreme Court effectively striking down the amendment.

Answer 6

Yes, although California does not issue civil union licenses, California does recognizes as domestic partnerships out-of-state and foreign same-sex marriages, civil unions, domestic partnerships, civil partnerships and designated beneficiary relationships if they are substantially equivalent to civil union (i.e. marriage) in the jurisdiction where they were performed.

Answer 7

Yes, since 2003, California permits adoption by same-sex couples, both joint adoption or "step adoption" of the other spouse's biological child. Single LGBT individuals may also adopt. Some same-sex marriages are legally recognized in California as marriages, others are recognized as domestic partnerships but have exactly the same rights and responsibilities. The date of the marriage is the factor which determines recognition.

Answer 8

Yes, there are no laws against being gay in California.

Answer 9

No. Each state is free to determine their own marriage laws.