MERI Blog
What’s a civil union anyway?
While many of us have mixed feelings about the civil union bill that was recently signed into law, we recognize that it has the potential to provide some rights and benefits to couples in loving, committed relationships. We’re still fighting to pass marriage equality legislation in Rhode Island, but for those who are interested, we’re collecting information about the new civil union law and will pass it along as quickly as we can.
What does a civil union mean to you?
Understandably, many people have questions about how to apply for a civil union, and what types of protections it will provide for your family. MERI and GLAD are putting together a FAQ sheet to answer some common questions. In the meantime, GLAD has a legal hotline and email form where they are fielding questions. http://www.glad.org/rights/infoline-contact
How do you get a civil union?
The Department of Health has put out a FAQ document explaining how to obtain a civil union. Here is the link: http://www.health.ri.gov/publications/frequentlyaskedquestions/CivilUnions.pdf
Here is a list of clergy who can perform a civil union ceremony: (Updated July 8, 2011 at 10:16pm)
Reverend Betsy Aldrich Garland
United Church of Christ
(401) 463-8697
Rev. Gene Dyszlewski
United Church of Christ
(401) 941-2727
Reverend Janet Cooper Nelson
(401) 863-2344
Pastor David Martin
Saint Therese Old Catholic Church
(401) 680-9076
Pastor Jakob Thibault
Holy Paraclete Old Catholic Church
(401) 218-0706
Rhode Island Superior Court: (401) 222-3215
Please also feel free to call the office at any time and we will do our best to answer questions or direct you to the proper resource. (401) 941-2727.
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