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15th-century Europe allowed civil unions

By Colleen Barry, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 28, 2007 9:41 AM CDT

(Newser) – The 21st-century social and political trend of same-sex civil unions has roots that go back a bit beyond Stonewall—to the Middle Ages. A history professor who analyzed legal documents and gravesites says medieval law was flexible enough to allow for a variety of non-nuclear... Read full story »

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gay rights • gay marriage • civil union • history • Middle Ages

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62% of US Backs Same-Sex Unions

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(NEWSER) - Nearly two-thirds of Americans support same-sex unions, though not necessarily marriage, a new CBS News /New York Times poll finds. While 38% of respondents said gay couples should be allowed to marry, another 24% said they should be granted legal rights via civil unions, for a grand total of 62% who back same-sex unions. Some 33% said same-sex couples should not be legally recognized at all. More»

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(NEWSER) - The attorney general made the surprising move of suspending the deportation of a gay man in a civil union with a US citizen yesterday. The AP reports that Holder has asked the Board of Immigration Appeals to reconsider its decision. The board had called for the deportation of Paul Wilson Dorman to Ireland, even though he celebrated a civil union in New Jersey with his male partner—because the Defense of Marriage Act blocks gay marriage. Holder says there are two key points: Would the deportation would still occur if DOMA didn’t exist, and is Dorman officially a “spouse” according to New Jersey state law? More»

Hawaii Governor Signs Civil Unions Into Law

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(AP) - Hawaii governor Neil Abercrombie signed same-sex civil unions into law yesterday, calling it "a triumph for everyone" that gay and lesbian couples will have the same state rights as married partners. Civil unions in the Rainbow State will start Jan. 1, 2012, making Hawaii the seventh state to permit them. "This bill represents equal rights for everyone in Hawaii, everyone who comes here. This is to me the essence of the aloha spirit," Abercrombie said at a signing ceremony. More»

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(NEWSER) - Civil unions are set for legalization in Illinois, with the governor saying he’d sign legislation approved yesterday by state legislators, the New York Times reports. Five states and DC now allow gay marriage, while New Jersey and Illinois, starting in July, will give same-sex couples rights comparable to those of married couples. “Sober, clear-minded, cautious Midwesterners are taking this action,” says an Illinois gay-rights activist. More»

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I Now Pronounce You Knight and Knight

15th-century Europe allowed civil unions

gay rights • gay marriage • civil union • history • Middle Ages

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62% of US Backs Same-Sex Unions

And younger generation is much more likely to support gay marriage: poll

North Carolina Approves Ban on Gay Marriage

Amendment to state's constitution passes

Holder Bars Deportation of Gay Man in Civil Union

With DOMA in question, Eric Holder wants case reviewed

Hawaii Governor Signs Civil Unions Into Law

Becomes 7th state to recognize legal status

Illinois Approves Civil Unions

Joins New Jersey; rule to take effect in July

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