Are there any civil union laws in the United States?

Yes, there are civil union laws in the United States. Currently, 17 states and the District of Columbia recognize civil unions. California is one of those states. The California Civil Union Law was signed by Governor Brown in 2013 and went into effect in January 2014. This law gives unmarried couples the same rights as married couples in terms of healthcare, pensions, and property ownership. This includes the right to make medical decisions on behalf of their partner. It also allows them to file joint taxes and take advantage of the same survivor benefits as married couples. This law also provides the same spousal protection as a traditional marriage in terms of being able to make end-of-life decisions for their partner. The California Civil Union Law also recognizes couples that have entered into a civil union in other states, allowing them the same rights and protections as married couples in California. It is important for people considering entering into a civil union in California to check the local laws to ensure they are taking advantage of all the rights that they are eligible for.

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