As used in this article 15, unless the context otherwise requires:

1. (1) Civil union means a relationship established by two eligible persons pursuant to this article that entitles them to receive the benefits and protections and be subject to the responsibilities of spouses.
2. (2) Civil union certificate means a document that certifies that the persons named in the certificate have established a civil union in this state in compliance with this article.
3. (3) Department means the department of public health and environment.
4. (4) Marriage means the legally recognized union of two individuals as partners in a personal relationship.
5. (5) Partner in a civil union or party to a civil union means a person who has established a civil union pursuant to this article.
6. (6) Spouses means two persons who are married pursuant to the provisions of the Uniform Marriage Act, part 1 of article 2 of this title.
7. (7) State registrar means the state registrar of vital statistics in the department.

Source: L. 2013: Entire article added, (SB 13-011), ch. 49, p. 148, § 1, effective May 1. L. 2025: IP and (4) amended, (SB 25-014), ch. 51, p. 226, § 3, effective April 7.