A civil union is a legally recognized relationship between members of a same-sex couple, with rights similar to those of a marriage relationship.
In Maryland, civil unions are not a legally recognized form of relationship as the state has legalized same-sex marriage. Since January 1, 2013, same-sex couples have been able to marry, following the passage of the Civil Marriage Protection Act in 2012. This law provides same-sex couples with the same legal rights, benefits, and responsibilities that heterosexual couples receive through marriage. Therefore, in Maryland, same-sex couples looking to have their relationship legally recognized should pursue marriage rather than a civil union, which does not exist as a separate legal status in the state.