Trendy French Straights Have Co-Opted Civil Unions
Last year 95 percent of France’s civil unions (known as pactes civil de solidarité) were signed by heterosexual couples, according to the New York Times (more).
Last year 95 percent of France’s civil unions (known as pactes civil de solidarité) were signed by heterosexual couples, according to the New York Times. Apparently the French — and not just the gays for whom the process was conceived — have taken to the more relaxed unions that still offer many of the financial benefits of marriage.
Wait, before you go…New York Times:
When France created its system of civil unions in 1999, it was heralded as a revolution in gay rights, a relationship almost like marriage, but not quite. No one, though, anticipated how many couples would make use of the new law. Nor was it predicted that by 2009, the overwhelming majority of civil unions would be between straight couples.
It remains unclear whether the idea of a civil union, called a pacte civil de solidarité, or PACS, has responded to a shift in social attitudes or caused one. But it has proved remarkably well suited to France and its particularities about marriage, divorce, religion and taxes — and it can be dissolved with just a registered letter.
If you're reading this, you probably already know that non-profit, independent journalism is under threat worldwide. Independent news sites are overshadowed by larger heavily funded mainstream media that inundate us with hype and noise that barely scratch the surface. We believe that our readers deserve to know the full story. Truthdig writers bravely dig beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that tells you what’s really happening and who’s rolling up their sleeves to do something about it.
Like you, we believe a well-informed public that doesn’t have blind faith in the status quo can help change the world. Your contribution of as little as $5 monthly or $35 annually will make you a groundbreaking member and lays the foundation of our work.
Support Truthdig
President Obama says he thinks gay marriage should be legal, but isn't looking to legislate. JPMorgan Chase, the "best of the banks," loses a $2 billion bet and reignites the debate over bank regulation. The French election has austerity hawks worrying about a resocialized euro, and Indiana Sen. Richard Lugar's primary loss could usher in a new era of ideological warfare.
Talk about a killjoy: After a long slog and Thursday's sweet victory in the New Jersey Assembly, the same-sex marriage bill that had managed to make it through all the legislative steps except one was vetoed Friday by Gov. Chris Christie.
Same-sex couples suffered a bitter legislative defeat in Rhode Island on Wednesday night when a bill allowing only civil unions -- but not marriage -- passed the state Senate, less than one week after New York granted gays and lesbians the right to marry. (more)
Martin Sheen, Anne Hathaway and Jane Lynch are but a few of the gay-marriage supporters who signed a letter, due to be delivered to the White House this spring, asking President Obama to quit his grappling and finally commit to marriage equality.
President Obama is still grappling with the notion of same-sex marriage, and it looks like his second in command is taking the issue a step further by declaring the "inevitability" of gay marriage in the future.
Hawaii's Republican governor has taken a very mainland approach to same-sex partnerships, vetoing a civil union bill that would have protected the rights of gay couples. Way to be laid back, Hawaii.
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.