civil union

American  

noun

1. a relationship between a couple that is legally recognized by a governmental authority and has many of the rights and responsibilities of marriage.

   civil unions for same-sex couples.

2. civil marriage.

---

Etymology

Origin of civil union

First frecorded in 1835–40

Example Sentences

Apart from chopping four hours off the working week, he extended free healthcare and introduced civil unions, laying the ground for a gay marriage bill that was adopted over a decade later, despite mass protests.

From Barron's

Apart from chopping four hours off the working week, he introduced civil unions -- laying the ground for a gay marriage bill that was adopted over a decade later, despite mass protests.

From Barron's

But the Vatican said such blessings should not be part of regular Church rituals or related to civil unions or weddings.

From BBC

And Vermont was the only state at the time that allowed civil unions.

From New York Times

Last year, members of Parliament debated several legal amendments to allow either marriage equality or civil unions, which did not give LGBTQ+ couples all of the same rights as heterosexual couples.

From Seattle Times