NationStates Jolt Archive


Marriage vs. Civil Union

Dyakovo
22-02-2008, 11:49
Someone (Don't recall who off the top of my head) made the comment in I believe the Hillary thread that Civil Unions weren't a viable alternative to marriages (in reference to same-sex 'marriages'). Was wondering how everyone felt about this.

Personally I don't see a real problem with it, my 'marriage' could be defined a civil union since the entire thing was done through government offices (no church involvement what-so-ever).


Edit: Damn it, the fourth option got cut off for some reason
the 4th option was going to be Civil Union for governmentally recognized relationships, marriage for religiously recognized relationships...

Mods please delete this thread, I'm starting it again so I can get the poll right.
Soheran
22-02-2008, 11:58
If opposite-sex couples get marriage and same-sex couples get civil unions, then the government essentially declares same-sex couples to be inferior: the message is that their relationships do not have the same legitimacy as opposite-sex ones do.

If instead the proposal is to call all of them "civil unions", fine... but that seems a pointless change to me.
Cabra West
22-02-2008, 12:08
I'd be fine with calling the civil ceremonies civil unions and the religious ceremonies marriages. With only the civil unions legally binding, of course.

But why bother with changing common terminology? I can't see myself saying "I'm getting civil unionised" rather than "I'm getting married".
Conserative Morality
22-02-2008, 12:09
All I say is get the government outta marriage. Then let whatever happens, happen.
Cabra West
22-02-2008, 12:15
All I say is get the government outta marriage. Then let whatever happens, happen.

I'd prefer religion got out of marriage. A marriage is a civil contract between two parties, bound by government-set legislation just like all contracts.
Call to power
22-02-2008, 12:21
just call it marriage and everyone can leave happy

apart from nuts but they never have happy marriages anyway

But why bother with changing common terminology? I can't see myself saying "I'm getting civil unionised" rather than "I'm getting married".

because it sounds like you will be going on strike? (when clearly you will be working hard in your new position as cleaner)

All I say is get the government outta marriage. Then let whatever happens, happen.

are you suggesting marriages to corporations? :p
Ifreann
22-02-2008, 12:43
A legal distinction would be good(i.e. marriages aren't necessarily legally binding, whereas civil unions are designed to be) but there's no need for a distinction in common terminology. Like the difference between theft and burglary. It'll matter to you, but not to your mates in the pub.