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DOMESTIC-PARTNERSHIP LAW: A law that allows unmarried adults who live together in a committed relationship to have some of the same rights as married couples, without changing the definition of marriage. This law can apply to any couple, regardless of their sexual orientation.
A domestic-partnership law is a type of law that is often passed by a city or municipality. It allows unmarried adults who are living together in a committed relationship, regardless of their sexual orientation, to have some of the same legal rights and benefits as married couples. This is done without changing the traditional definition of marriage.
For example, a domestic-partnership law might allow two people who have been living together for a certain amount of time to have access to each other's health insurance benefits. It might also allow them to make medical decisions for each other if one of them becomes incapacitated.
Another example of a domestic-partnership law might be one that allows unmarried couples to jointly own property or make decisions about their finances together. This can be especially important for couples who have been together for a long time but do not want to get married for personal or religious reasons.
These examples illustrate how domestic-partnership laws can provide legal protections and benefits for unmarried couples who are in committed relationships. By recognizing these relationships, these laws can help ensure that all couples are treated fairly and have access to the same rights and benefits as married couples.