Everything about Civil Unions In New Hampshire totally explained
Civil unions in New Hampshire are permitted under state law. The first civil unions in New Hampshire took place after the stroke of midnight on
January 1,
2008.
On
April 26,
2007, a bill allowing for same-sex
civil unions in
New Hampshire was passed by the
state legislature, and Governor
John Lynch signed the bill into law on
May 31,
2007.
History
After the
2006 Democratic takeover of the
New Hampshire state legislature, several bills were considered which would grant same-sex couples greater
civil rights in the state. Proposals were made by both
Democratic and
Republican politicians. The various proposals ranged from allowing couples to enter into a "contractual cohabitation," a "civil union," a "spousal union," or a same-sex marriage. Governor
John Lynch opposes same-sex marriage, but did, through various spokesmen, indicate that he was receptive to discussing civil unions as a means of granting certain rights to same-sex couples.
On
April 4,
2007, the NH House passed a civil unions bill, HB437, with a vote of 243 to 129. The bill, if accepted into law, would imbue partners in same-sex civil unions with the same "rights, responsibilities and obligations" as heterosexual couples in marriages. Lynch stated on
April 19,
2007 that he'd sign legislation granting civil unions to same-sex couples because he believes "...it is a matter of conscience, fairness and preventing discrimination." On
April 26,
2007, the NH Senate approved the civil unions bill 14-10 along
political party lines. On
May 31,
2007, Governor John Lynch signed the civil unions bill into law, making New Hampshire "...the first state to embrace same-sex unions without a court order or the threat of one." such that civil unions could be sealed starting at 12:01 am on
January 1,
2008. Deputy secretary of state David Scanlan said, "As far as we're concerned, everything is on schedule." Representative Jim Splaine, the primary sponsor of the civil unions bill, said that he'll fight the repeal attempt. only some benefits, and some limitations, shall exist.
Benefits
- Access to medical care information and decision making;
- Access to proceedings and information related to partner's death, and ability to make funeral arrangements;
- Right to be placed in the same room in a nursing home;
- Health care coverage under state-regulated family plans;
- State pension benefits;
- Inheritance without a will;
- Ability to transfer property between partners without paying state taxes;
- Ability to change names by showing civil union certificate to government agencies, banks, etc. and simply stating a name preference;
- Pay or receive alimony and/or child support ordered by a court in a divorce;
- Ability to adopt as a stepparent.
[
]
Limitations
Legal status only recognized in certain states;
Unclear divorce proceedings should one or both partners move out-of-state;
If partner's death occurs out-of-state, unclear whether surviving partner may obtain death certificate and claim body;
Entering into a civil union triggers "Don't ask, don't tell" for military personnel, and expulsion from the military;
Employers governed by federal laws are allowed to provide health and other benefits only to heterosexual couples;
Partners are treated as unmarried adults under more than 1,100 federal laws;
May jeopardize a couple's ability to adopt overseas;
Federal privacy laws can prohibit access to some medical care information without durable power of attorney.[Further Information]
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