Rhode Island lawmakers considering a proposal to legalize gay marriage are weighing civil unions as one possible alternative.
A House committee will review legislation Tuesday that would allow civil unions between any two individuals who cannot legally marry. Partners in a civil union would enjoy many of the rights of married couples when it comes to insurance, health care decisions, inheritance and property ownership.
Civil unions would be restricted to anyone older than 18 who cannot legally marry their partner. That includes same-sex couples and relatives, such as elderly, unmarried siblings who wish to secure legal rights to make medical decisions for each other.
Committees in both the House and Senate have held hearings on legislation to allow gay marriage, but neither chamber has scheduled a vote on the bill.
