Whats the difference between Civil Union, Domestic Partnership, and Marriage?
This depends on the state. California does not have “civil unions.” California does have domestic partnerships. Domestic partnerships and civil unions are, generally, synonymous. Some states use the term civil union, others use domestic partnership. In California, marriage rights and domestic partnership rights are the same. However, you can only enter into a domestic partnership in California if you are gay/lesbian, or if you are over 65 years of age. Most states that recognize civil unions/domestic partnerships treat them differently than marriage (unlike California). They generally have fewer rights than a married couple.
