Recognition of same-sex unions in Arizona
Encyclopedia
Same-sex marriage
, civil union
, and domestic partnership
are currently not provided for in the state of Arizona
. While same-sex marriage
was constitutionally banned
in 2008, Arizona
is currently the only state to have rejected a same-sex marriage
ban
in the United States
. Voters rejected the ban (Arizona Proposition 107) in 2006 by 52%, with 48% in favor. A 2003 poll conducted by Northern Arizona University
showed that 53% of Arizonians support same-sex civil unions, though 54% oppose allowing same-sex couples to marry. However, 52% of Arizonans believe that same-sex marriages conducted abroad in regions where such unions are legal should be recognized as marriage in the state of Arizona.
has announced for his plans to push for a civil partnership measure on the Arizona ballot, with the unions providing exactly the same rights found under civil marriage. Based on polls, a measure would be significantly likely to pass. Additionally, Equality Arizona, which opposes the "separate-but-equal" status of civil union
, have stated that they are were checking out their options in 2010 in response to Arizona Proposition 102 (2008)
. However no options came into light.
Several other proposals to put an initiative legalizing civil unions in the state have been made, from the public as well as from within the government. A website sponsoring such an initiative, which is currently in the process of collecting signatures, has also been launched.
survey found that 44% of Arizona voters supported the legalization of same-sex marriage, while 45% opposed it and 12% were not sure. A separate question on the same survey found that 72% of respondents supported legal recognition of same-sex couples, with 40% supporting same-sex marriage, 32% supporting civil unions, 27% opposing all legal recognition and 1% not sure.
Same-sex marriage
Same-sex marriage is marriage between two persons of the same biological sex or social gender. Supporters of legal recognition for same-sex marriage typically refer to such recognition as marriage equality....
, civil union
Civil union
A civil union, also referred to as a civil partnership, is a legally recognized form of partnership similar to marriage. Beginning with Denmark in 1989, civil unions under one name or another have been established by law in many developed countries in order to provide same-sex couples rights,...
, and domestic partnership
Domestic partnership
A domestic partnership is a legal or personal relationship between two individuals who live together and share a common domestic life but are neither joined by marriage nor a civil union...
are currently not provided for in the state of Arizona
Arizona
Arizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
. While same-sex marriage
Same-sex marriage
Same-sex marriage is marriage between two persons of the same biological sex or social gender. Supporters of legal recognition for same-sex marriage typically refer to such recognition as marriage equality....
was constitutionally banned
Arizona Proposition 102 (2008)
Arizona Proposition 102 was an amendment to the constitution of the state of Arizona adopted by a referendum held in 2008. It added Article 30 of the Arizona Constitution, which says:"Only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state."- Overview :On...
in 2008, Arizona
Arizona
Arizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
is currently the only state to have rejected a same-sex marriage
Same-sex marriage
Same-sex marriage is marriage between two persons of the same biological sex or social gender. Supporters of legal recognition for same-sex marriage typically refer to such recognition as marriage equality....
ban
Ban (law)
A ban is, generally, any decree that prohibits something.Bans are formed for the prohibition of activities within a certain political territory. Some see this as a negative act and others see it as maintaining the "status quo"...
in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. Voters rejected the ban (Arizona Proposition 107) in 2006 by 52%, with 48% in favor. A 2003 poll conducted by Northern Arizona University
Northern Arizona University
Northern Arizona University is a public university located in Flagstaff, Arizona, United States. It is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and has 39 satellite campuses in the state of Arizona. The university offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees.As of...
showed that 53% of Arizonians support same-sex civil unions, though 54% oppose allowing same-sex couples to marry. However, 52% of Arizonans believe that same-sex marriages conducted abroad in regions where such unions are legal should be recognized as marriage in the state of Arizona.
Civil union legislation
In late December 2008, a gay rights activist from the United KingdomUnited Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
has announced for his plans to push for a civil partnership measure on the Arizona ballot, with the unions providing exactly the same rights found under civil marriage. Based on polls, a measure would be significantly likely to pass. Additionally, Equality Arizona, which opposes the "separate-but-equal" status of civil union
Civil union
A civil union, also referred to as a civil partnership, is a legally recognized form of partnership similar to marriage. Beginning with Denmark in 1989, civil unions under one name or another have been established by law in many developed countries in order to provide same-sex couples rights,...
, have stated that they are were checking out their options in 2010 in response to Arizona Proposition 102 (2008)
Arizona Proposition 102 (2008)
Arizona Proposition 102 was an amendment to the constitution of the state of Arizona adopted by a referendum held in 2008. It added Article 30 of the Arizona Constitution, which says:"Only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state."- Overview :On...
. However no options came into light.
Several other proposals to put an initiative legalizing civil unions in the state have been made, from the public as well as from within the government. A website sponsoring such an initiative, which is currently in the process of collecting signatures, has also been launched.
Public opinion
A November 2011 Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling
Public Policy Polling is an American Democratic Party-affiliated polling firm based in Raleigh, North Carolina. PPP was founded in 2001 by businessman and Democratic pollster Dean Debnam, the firm's current president and chief executive officer...
survey found that 44% of Arizona voters supported the legalization of same-sex marriage, while 45% opposed it and 12% were not sure. A separate question on the same survey found that 72% of respondents supported legal recognition of same-sex couples, with 40% supporting same-sex marriage, 32% supporting civil unions, 27% opposing all legal recognition and 1% not sure.
See also
- Collins v. BrewerCollins v. BrewerCollins v. Brewer No. 2:09-cv-02402-JWS is a federal lawsuit seeking to overturn Arizona's passage of House Bill 2013, a 2009 law which removes state health insurance benefits provided to domestic partners. The bill was signed into law by Arizona Governor Jan Brewer in September 2009, who is the...
- LGBT rights in ArizonaLGBT rights in ArizonaLesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in the U.S. state of Arizona face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents...
- Civil union in the United StatesCivil union in the United StatesA civil union is a legally recognized union similar to marriage. Many people are critical of civil unions because they say they represent separate status unequal to marriage...
- Domestic partnership in the United States