Currently, marriage is widely respected and recognized; civil unions and domestic partnerships aren't.
Legal marriages are generally recognized in other states and countries. Domestic partnerships and civil unions have no effect in most other jurisdictions; the couple are considered legal strangers. While it is good to keep the distinction clear between civil marriage (with its attendant legal benefits and obligations, and available to atheists!) and religious marriage (a private matter for the individuals and the religious group), the term \"marriage\" elicits respect and understanding that \"civil union\" or \"domestic partnership\" doesn't. Couples have found that insurers and hospitals did not recognize their CU/DP partners, despite assurances of receiving all state-level rights. Civil *marriage* for all consenting adults removes the ambiguity.
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