The Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul legalised civil unions after a court decision in March 2004. Same-sex couples in committed relationships can register at any notary public office. Although it does not affect federal rights, it gives same-sex couples more equality in many areas. Same-sex couples who register have the right to jointly own property, establish custody of children, and claim the right to pensions and property when one partner dies. A civil union is one of several terms for a civil status similar to marriage, typically created for the purposes of allowing same-sex couples access to the benefits enjoyed by married opposite-sex peoples (see also same-sex marriage); it can also be used by opposite-sex couples who... In Argentina, marriage is allowed between a man and woman. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Same-sex marriage in Australia. ... Spain is divided into 17 autonomous communities, 11 of which recognize civil unions. ... Beginning July 2004 some Italian regions recognized coppie di fatto, both same-sex and opposite-sex couples, giving them legal benefits. ... Overview Civil unions in Vermont are legal unions of same-sex couples in accordance with a law that went into effect in 2000. ... The Connecticut General Assembly passed a bill to adopt civil unions in Connecticut, ensuring that same-sex couples get the same civil rights as heterosexual couples. ... Hawaii state recognize Reciprocal Beneficiaries since 1997. ... Example of California domestic partnership certificate. ... The District of Columbia has recognised civil unions since 2002. ... Overview Domestic partnerships in Maine are a legal unions created by P.L. 2003, c. ... New Jersey offer Domestic partnership for same-sex couples and opposite-sex partners over 62 since 2004. ... Same-sex marriage is marriage between individuals who are of the same legal or biological sex. ... Civil unions in Quebec: Pursuant to a range of activism and to the M. v. ... Common-law marriage (or common law marriage), sometimes called informal marriage or marriage by habit and repute is, historically, a form of interpersonal status in which a man and a woman are legally married. ... Common-law marriage (or common law marriage), sometimes called informal marriage or marriage by habit and repute is, historically, a form of interpersonal status in which a man and a woman are legally married. ... Same-sex marriage is marriage between individuals who are of the same legal or biological sex. ... See also: Civil Union Volker Beck, a member of the Green party caucus of the Bundestag, is the father of the German law. ... Domestic partner or domestic partnership identifies the personal relationship between individuals who are living together and sharing a common domestic life together but are not joined in any type of legal partnership, marriage or civil union. ... Common-law marriage (or common law marriage), sometimes called informal marriage or marriage by habit and repute is, historically, a form of interpersonal status in which a man and a woman are legally married. ... World laws on homosexuality Same-sex unions in North America. ... The states of Brazil (or estados do Brasil) comprise 26 federal states and the Distrito Federal (the Brazilian Federal District), which contains the capital city, Brasília. ... Rio Grande do Sul (English: Great River of the South) is the southernmost state of Brazil. ... A civil union is one of several terms for a civil status similar to marriage, typically created for the purposes of allowing same-sex couples access to the benefits enjoyed by married opposite-sex peoples (see also same-sex marriage); it can also be used by opposite-sex couples who... 2004 : January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December Deaths • 08 Abu Abbas • 20 Queen Juliana • 28 Peter Ustinov • 30 Alistair Cooke More March 2004 deaths Ongoing events EU Enlargement Exploration of Mars: Rovers Haiti Rebellion Israeli-Palestinian conflict Occupation of Iraq Same-sex marriage in...

The state of Rio de Janeiro gives same-sex partner benefits to government employees. Ipanema beach, in the South Zone, immortalised by Tom Jobim and Vinicius de Morais song The Girl from Ipanema Cristo Redentor, the famous Christ the Redeemer statue at the top of the Corcovado mountain A NASA satellite image of Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro (meaning River of January in...

The national parliament passed legislation "Stable Unions" (unregistered cohabitation) giving recognition to lesbian, gay and straight couples in 2000. Lesbian describes a homosexual woman. ... Castro Street in San Francisco Look up gay in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

At the natinal level, since 1998, many rights have been given to same-sex couples as a result of court decisions. These rights cover matters such as inheritance, immigration, and state pension and welfare benefits. Brasil allows homosexual couples the right to inherit each other's pension and social security benefits. Homosexual Brazilians who can prove that theirs is a "stable union" will be treated by the National Social Security Institute no differently than a married couple in cases of retirement or death. The policy also allows people in same-sex relationships to declare their partners as dependents on income tax returns. The National Social Security Institute's policy change is the result of a recent court ruling. Allows foreign partners of its homosexual citizenry to receive residency permits. A same-sex couple is a pair of people of the same sex, who pursue a relationship similar to that of a heterosexual married couple. ...

On July 12, 2005 a Sao Paulo, Brazil, judge ruled that same-sex couples can adopt children. It is believed the case is the first in Brazil where a gay couple has been allowed to jointly adopt a child. This article is about the Brazilian state, São Paulo. ... Castro Street in San Francisco Look up gay in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

Joao Gilberto Gonclaves, a prosecutor, has filed a lawsuit charging the country's prohibition of same-sex marriage as being opposed to the 1988 constitution. The latter outlaws discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. A court ruling is expected later in 2005. Same-sex marriage is marriage between individuals who are of the same legal or biological sex. ... Sexual orientation refers to the sexual gender(s) to which a person is attracted and which form the focus of a persons amorous or erotic desires, fantasies, and spontaneous feelings, in other words the gender(s) toward which one is primarily oriented. The alternative terms sexual preference and sexual...

Two bills that are already in Congress will be discussed: same-sex civil unions and a constitutional amendment criminalizing acts of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. A congress is a gathering of people, especially a gathering for a political purpose. ... A civil union is one of several terms for a civil status similar to marriage, typically created for the purposes of allowing homosexual couples access to the benefits enjoyed by married heterosexuals (see also same-sex marriage); it can also be used by couples of differing sexes who do not...