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Marriage versus Civil Unions, Domestic Partnerships, Etc.
Multimedia
Civil Unions Don't Work
Watch videos explaining why civil unions don't work and learn more about what is going on in New Jersey to win marriage equality.
VIDEO: Marriage Makes a Word of Difference
Emmy award-winning director Fran Rzeznik created Marriage Makes a Word of Difference, which portrays the personal struggles and political challenges of Connecticut’s same-sex couples and their families who are fighting for the freedom to marry.
'It's a matter of equality'
In the three years since marriage equality became a reality in Massachusetts, interest in — and enthusiasm for — civil unions has dropped off sharply in the four states that allow them.
KEYNOTE SPEECH: Evan Wolfson at the Legal Marriage Alliance
Wolfson says, "The best way to end discrimination in marriage is through marriage," and explains that marriage is a statement and symbol of commitment and love; to be denied that statement is unequal and unfair.
VIDEO: Civil Unions Don't Work
Garden State Equality
"Marriage is the only currency of commitment that is universally accepted in the real world," explains Steven Goldstein, executive director of Garden State Equality, in this moving video showcasing one Camden, New Jersey couple who faced devastating discrimination when one was hospitalized.
[BACK]
In response to the question "Why can't you just call it something else?," Evan Wolfson explains how the "clarity, security, and dignity [of the word marriage] is precious and irreplaceable."
( Link)
Office of Legislative Council
April 21, 2008
The report finds civil unions do not provide the fairness and equality they were intended to offer same-sex couples and their families.
(Link)
New Jersey Civil Union Review Commission
February 19, 2008
The report finds New Jersey's civil union law "is not clear to the general public" and "creates a second-class status" for those who have filed for civil unions. (Link)
Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD)
October 17, 2006
GLAD answers the question 'What's the difference?' by breaking down the specific differences between marriage, civil unions, and no marital status in an accessible one page chart.
