Vermont recognizes civil unions

Vermont becomes the first state in the country to legally recognize civil unions between gay or lesbian couples. The law states that these “couples would be entitled to the same benefits, privileges, and responsibilities as spouses.” It stops short of referring to same-sex unions as marriage, which the state defines as heterosexual.

Learn more: https://www.nytimes.com/2000/04/26/us/vermont-gives-final-approval-to-same-sex-unions.html