The Basics of Same-Sex Marriage

By Ramon Johnson, About.com Guide

Civil unions and domestic partnerships may seem like they are the same as marriage without the title, but in many states and countries that grant civil partnerships the protections and benefits given are far less than that of full marriage. The number of rights granted varies by location.

Some states, such as New Jersey, do provide registered civil union couples with the same protections as married couples. However, in most cases the numbers of rights given is less than full marriage. Here are the key differences between marriage and civil unions, including tax relief, medical decisions and immigration rights.

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• What is Same-Sex (or Gay) Marriage?
• Where Gay Marriage is Legal
• Why We Need Gay Marriage
• The Difference Between Gay Marriage vs. Civil Unions
• Planning a Gay Wedding Ceremony
• Shopping for Gay Wedding Bands
• Divorce - Dissolving Same Sex Marriages and Civil Unions

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