whether life partners (where a duty of support was established) should have exactly the same legal protection as spouses in civil marriages.

Answer 1

As an AI language model, I do not have personal opinions, but I can provide some general information that may help to answer the question.

In many jurisdictions, life partners who have established a duty of support through a cohabitation agreement or a similar legal instrument are entitled to some legal protections similar to those granted to spouses in civil marriages. However, the extent of those protections may vary depending on the specific legal system and the specific arrangements made by the partners.

Generally, civil marriage provides a higher degree of legal protection and benefits than non-marital partnerships. For example, in many countries, spouses have automatic inheritance rights, the right to sue for wrongful death of the other spouse, and the right to make medical decisions on behalf of their spouse in case of incapacity. Non-marital partners may have to establish those rights through separate legal mechanisms, such as wills or powers of attorney.

Some argue that non-marital partners should have the same legal rights and benefits as spouses, regardless of whether they choose to marry. They argue that marriage should not be a prerequisite for legal protections and that non-marital partnerships should be recognized and respected in law.

Others, however, may argue that marriage is a unique institution with its own set of rights and responsibilities and that extending those rights and benefits to non-marital partnerships could undermine that institution. They may also argue that non-marital partnerships are less stable than marriages, and granting them the same legal protections could lead to abuse and exploitation.

In conclusion, the question of whether life partners should have the same legal protection as spouses in civil marriages is a complex and contested issue that depends on a variety of factors, including cultural norms, legal traditions, and individual preferences.