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OCR Page 1 of 59Elizabeth J. Potter
03/13/2000 12:33:04 PM
Record Type:
Record
To:
Edward W. Correia/WHO/EOP, Ann O'Leary/OPD/EOP, Mary L. Smith/OPD/EOP, Paul Oetken/WHO/EOP
CC:
Subject: a civil union: what you get
Associated Press, March 11, 2000
Bill spells out some of benefits civil unions would offer
The concept of civil unions for gay and lesbian couples is so new that
the [Vermont] House Judiciary Committee spelled out in its bill some of the
key benefits out of more than 300 that the system would offer. They all
parallel benefits embedded in marriage statutes.
Property. Partners would be entitled to joint title, transfer from one
to the other on death, and property transfer tax benefits.
Lawsuits. Someone in a civil union would be able to sue for the wrongful
death of a partner, the emotional distress caused by a partner's death or
injury, and the loss of consortium caused by death or injury.
Probate. Probate law and procedures related to spouses would flow to
civil union partners.
Adoption. Civil union partners would be entitled to all the protections
and benefits available when adopting a child. Same-sex couples already are
allowed under state law to adopt, but the laws would reflect that those
couples would be treated as spouses.
Insurance. State employees in civil unions would be treated as spouses
for insurance or continuing care contracts.
Abuse. Parties to a civil union would qualify for various abuse programs
as spouses.
Discrimination. Laws prohibiting discrimination based on marital status
would apply to civil union couples.
Compensation. Provisions in victims' compensation and workers'
compensation related to spouses also would apply to civil union partners.
Health care. Medical decisions that someone can now make for a spouse
also could be made by those in a civil union. Hospital visitation and
notification would be treated similarly.
Testimony. Partners in a civil union could not be compelled to testify
against one another, just as spouses cannot be forced to do.
Definitions. State laws that confer benefits or rights to people based
on their marital or family status such as family landowner rights to hunt and
fish or definitions of family farmers would be broadened to recognize civil
unions.