How is a civil union different from marriage?

A civil union is a legal relationship between two people, typically of the same sex, that provides for many of the rights and responsibilities of marriage. While same-sex marriage is legal in all US states, it is not universally recognized in Tennessee. However, the state does recognize civil unions in certain circumstances. The main difference between a civil union and marriage is that a civil union is not a legally recognized form of marriage. Therefore, the rights and responsibilities associated with marriage, such as the right to file a joint tax return, are not granted to civil unions in Tennessee. Similarly, spouses in a marriage can receive certain benefits, such as health care coverage, that are not available to those in a civil union. In addition, unlike marriage, civil unions cannot be dissolved in Tennessee by a court. Instead, they must be ended with a written agreement between the two parties. Civil unions also do not confer the spiritual and social benefits of a marriage. Ultimately, civil unions may provide some of the advantages of marriage, but they do not have the same legal status as marriage. As such, civil unions are not eligible for the same rights and privileges associated with marriage in Tennessee.

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