A
relationship between one man, one woman, and the state, granting special rights to
participants, including but in no way limited to the following:
Federally granted legal marriage rights:
Assumption of spouse’s pension
Bereavement leave
Immigration
Insurance breaks
Medical decisions on behalf of partner
Sick leave to care for partner
Tax breaks
Visitation of partner in hospital or prison
State granted legal marriage rights:
Assumption of spouse’s pension
Automatic inheritance
Automatic housing lease transfer
Bereavement leave
Burial determination
Child custody
Crime victim’s recovery benefits
Divorce protections
Domestic violence protection
Exemption from property tax on partner’s death
Immunity from testifying against spouse
Insurance breaks
Joint adoption and foster care
Joint automobile insurance
Joint bankruptcy
Joint parenting (insurance coverage, school records)
Medical decisions on behalf of partner
Medical insurance family coverage
Certain property rights
Reduced-rate memberships
Sick leave to care for partner
Visitation of partner’s children
Visitation of partner in hospital or prison
Wrongful death (loss of consort) benefits