Are both options available to both same-sex and opposite-sex couples, or are they two separate tracks by orientation? "Civil union" meaning "same-sex version of marriage is that whole "separate but equal is rarely actually equal" thing (at least it never seems to work here). That's why I suggested renaming het marriages "civil unions" as well, so that everyone's using the same rules and the same name.
If Finland allows both options to everyone, then I'm not sure why folks don't count it.
That's just the point. "Marriage" is available for het couples only, enacted either by secular or accredited religious authority. "Registered partnership" is available for same-gender couples, and is currently enacted only by the secular authority. Some churches, and individual clerics of others, are willing to "bless the union" of same-sex couples.
The marriage as enacted by secular authorities still is commonly known as "civil marriage", although the law and acts do not make this distinction any more.
I would personally have preferred your model. Same rules to everyone, separation of religious and legal institutions.
Re:
If Finland allows both options to everyone, then I'm not sure why folks don't count it.
(no subject)
The marriage as enacted by secular authorities still is commonly known as "civil marriage", although the law and acts do not make this distinction any more.
I would personally have preferred your model. Same rules to everyone, separation of religious and legal institutions.