Facebook Relationship Status for Civil Unions
In a momentous turn on Facebook as it relates to “relationship status” and family law this year (though not quite as big as when Illinois’s Civil Union law took effect), Facebook now offers its users the option to set their relationship status to “In a civil union.”
Since its inception, the popular social networking site has allowed users to define their romantic relationships with other users in basic terms like “single,” “in a relationship,” or “it’s complicated.” Earlier this year, Facebook expanded these relationship options to include “In a civil union” and “In a domestic partnership.” The broadened relationship options came as part of a suite of changes developed in collaboration with LGBT advocacy groups to address harassment of gay and lesbian teens.
The civil union option is a welcome addition as many states are recognizing new forms of relationships– from civil unions in Illinois to gay marriage in New York. Social networking is one of the many ways individuals experience their relationships, and it allows people to accurately describe their relationship on Facebook. It will likely result in spreading awareness of civil unions, which many people do not fully understand.
Updated on 10-23-18 – Civil Unions are still legal in Illinois. However, in 2013 Illinois had a historic update. Same-sex marriage has been legally recognized in Illinois since a law signed by IL Governor Pat Quinn on November 20, 2013. This law took effect on June 1, 2014.
Michael C. Craven is a well-known divorce attorney in Chicago, CPA and a partner of the law firm, Beermann Swerdlove, LLP (Formerly of Beermann, now a Partner at Harrison LLP) located in the Chicago area. He is highly respected among other divorce attorneys, judges and his clients. He also holds a Master of Tax Law Degree (LLM). For more information about his services, contact Michael at mcraven@harrisonheld.com or at Divorce Lawyers Chicago
