1Amending Title 23 (Domestic Relations) of the Pennsylvania
2Consolidated Statutes, in marriage, adding a definition; and
3providing for civil unions.

4The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
5hereby enacts as follows:

6Section 1. Section 1102 of Title 23 of the Pennsylvania
7Consolidated Statutes is amended by adding a definition to read:

8§ 1102. Definitions.

9The following words and phrases when used in this part shall
10have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
11context clearly indicates otherwise:

12"Civil union." A union between two adults of the same sex.

13* * *

14Section 2. Title 23 is amended by adding a section to read:

15§ 1103.1. Civil unions.

16(a) General rule.--All of the rights, protections and duties

1created by the Commonwealth that are applicable to a marriage
2shall apply to a civil union, unless the General Assembly
3expressly states otherwise.

4(b) Reciprocity.--A marriage between persons of the same
5sex, a civil union or a substantially similar legal relationship
6to that of a civil union, other than common-law marriage,
7legally entered into in another jurisdiction shall be recognized
8in this Commonwealth as a civil union.

9Section 3. This act shall take effect in 60 days.