Updated Gay Marriage & Civil Union Map

NPR has updated their interactive gay marriage and civil union map (static image to left).

Although I think the difference between "marriage" and "civil unions" is important, I think we can take a moment to recognize that 11 states now provide all or almost all the protections of marriage to same-sex couples. The practical effect that death benefits, financial protections, spousal/partner benefits, parental rights, and countless others rights are dramatic and serve to support the spouses and children of gay families.

A few notes about the NPR map...

• California has domestic partnerships that are almost exactly the same as marriage.
• Nevada's civil union law will take effect on October 1st, but omits some critical rights such as requiring private employers to provide medical or other benefits to domestic partners (even though they would be required to grant similar rights to married spouses).
• Rhode Island is currently considering several bills: one that permits same-sex marriage (HS 5744), another that would prohibit it, and one to put it to public referendum.