State Sen. Scott Wiener’s Senate Bill 30, legislation that would allow all Californians to register as domestic partners instead of marrying, was recently signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Previously, only same-sex couples and opposite sex couples ages 62 and older were eligible for domestic partnerships.  California’s domestic partnership registry was created to allow same-sex couples to have their relationships recognized during a time when they did not have access to marriage. Opposite-sex couples – except for seniors, due to issues relating to social security – were excluded from the domestic partnership registry because they had the ability to marry. Because same sex couples can now marry, it makes no sense to limit domestic partnerships to some couples while excluding others, Wiener said.

“In modern society, couples define their relationships in many different ways, not only through marriage,” Wiener added. “Couples should be able to protect their relationships under the law by registering as domestic partners, without being forced to marry. SB 30 brings long overdue parity to same-sex and opposite-sex couples.”

Couples may choose to register as domestic partners instead of marrying for different reasons. Domestic partnership may be financially advantageous for some couples. California law treats domestic partners and married individuals identically for tax purposes, while federal law does not recognize domestic partners.

Domestic partnerships may avoid the federal “marriage penalty,” may preserve federal need-based benefits, may qualify a couple for the Adoption Tax Credit relating to a second-parent adoption, and may provide immigration benefits.

For information, visit sd11.senate.ca.gov.