Are civil unions available for same-sex couples?

In Kansas, same-sex couples are not able to enter into civil unions. Civil unions are legally recognized arrangements similar to marriage, and are generally seen as a step toward marriage equality. Kansas does not currently recognize same-sex marriages or civil unions. The state of Kansas has a constitutional amendment prohibiting same-sex marriages, which was approved by voters in 2005. This amendment also states that same-sex relationships are not legally recognized. This means that same-sex couples are unable to receive any of the same benefits that married couples receive from the state. Though same-sex couples in Kansas are not able to enter into civil unions, there are other avenues they can take to receive some of the benefits that marriage can bring. For example, in 2018, the city of Lawrence passed a Domestic Partnership Registry, which allowed same-sex couples to register with the city and receive certain benefits, such as hospital visitation rights and the ability to make medical decisions for one another. Ultimately, same-sex couples in Kansas cannot enter into civil unions. However, they can access other options in order to protect the rights of their relationship.

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Are civil unions available for same-sex couples?

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