A White Paper: An Analysis of the Law Regarding Same-Sex Marriage, Civil Unions, and Domestic Partnerships.

This article presents information related to an analysis of the law regarding same--sex marriage, civil unions and domestic partnerships. The issue of gay marriage and same-sex unions burst with a fury into people's national consciousness in 2003. it became obvious that this issue was going to be a central part of the national debate for the immediate future. Therefore, upon becoming chair of the American Bar Association (ABA) Section of Family Law in August 2003, the author appointed a Working Group on Same-Sex Marriages and Non-Marital Unions. The Section of Family Law is a leader on marital and family-law issues. Its members are national experts in the field of family law, experienced in analyzing the legal policy issues of same-sex partnerships. This puts the section in a unique position to provide information and resources to those considering the complex implications of this issue at the local, state and national levels. The mission of the Working Group was to study and report to the ABA on the status and legal ramifications of recognition of same-sex marriages and non-marital unions.