Story perspectives

Same-Sex Couples Favor Marriage Over Partnerships for Benefits

2/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Journal of Marriage and Family reports that same-sex couples in the United States prefer marriage over domestic partnerships for legal benefits.
California's legalization of same-sex marriage led to domestic-partnership registrations falling, with a ratio over 22 to 1 in favor of marriage.
A national survey echoes this preference, citing federal benefits and social clarity as practical advantages.
Some individuals still prefer domestic partnerships.

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Story summary

The Journal of Marriage and Family reports that same-sex couples in the United States prefer marriage over domestic partnerships for legal benefits.
California's legalization of same-sex marriage led to domestic-partnership registrations falling, with a ratio over 22 to 1 in favor of marriage.
A national survey echoes this preference, citing federal benefits and social clarity as practical advantages.
Some individuals still prefer domestic partnerships.