Overview
The Civil EquiBond Proposal introduces a new federally recognized legal framework for personal partnerships, replacing the current federal recognition of marriage. This streamlined system offers equal federal benefits for any consenting adult partnership without involving the government in the individual identifiers of race, gender, national origin, or other personal characteristics, reinforcing that all citizens are equal in the eyes of the government.
Section 1: Dissolution of the Federal Marriage Amendment
- End of Federal Marriage Recognition: The Civil EquiBond replaces the Federal Marriage Amendment as the sole federally recognized personal partnership. This removes federal recognition of marriage and introduces a modernized, simplified system with minimal government oversight.
- State Autonomy: States may regulate their own marriage laws, including religious or traditional marriage forms. However, only Civil EquiBonds will be recognized federally to provide a consistent framework for federal benefits.
Section 2: Transition Period
- 5-7 Year Implementation Timeline: A phased 5-7 year period will facilitate the transition, during which current federally recognized marriages remain valid. Individuals can begin forming Civil EquiBonds immediately, allowing ample time for adaptation.
- Public Education and Outreach: A limited government-sponsored education campaign will inform the public on Civil EquiBond benefits and procedures, with private sector partnerships handling outreach and awareness.
- Transition Support: A streamlined federal task force will provide transition support for states and citizens, with a focus on legal guidance and necessary adaptations without creating extensive new bureaucracy.
Section 3: Rights and Responsibilities under Civil EquiBond
- Federal Benefits: Civil EquiBonds provide all federal benefits currently afforded to marriages, including:
- Joint tax filing, dependent deductions, and credits.
- Inheritance and estate planning rights.
- Social Security benefits, healthcare decision-making, and shared insurance coverage.
- Protection of shared assets and liabilities as defined by the EquiBond contract.
- Personal Identifiers: The federal government will not consider personal identifiers, such as race, gender, national origin, or any other distinguishing personal attributes, as relevant to the formation, recognition, or dissolution of Civil EquiBonds. This ensures equal federal treatment for all individuals.
- Contractual Basis: Civil EquiBonds are private contracts registered with local authorities, defining partnership terms, shared assets, and mutual responsibilities. This keeps government involvement to a minimum while providing clear legal standing.
Section 4: Plural Entities and Age Requirements
- Plural Partnerships: Civil EquiBonds allow for plural partnerships, with a specified limit on the number of parties (e.g., up to 4). Each participant must fully consent, with equitable terms outlined in the partnership contract.
- Minimum Age Requirement: All parties in a Civil EquiBond must be at least 18 years old, ensuring only legal adults enter into binding partnerships.
Section 5: Regulations to Prevent Abuse
- Restriction on Multiple Concurrent EquiBonds: Individuals may only enter one active Civil EquiBond at a time. Existing EquiBonds must be dissolved before forming a new one.
- Anti-Fraud Provisions: Safeguards will prevent fraud and abuse within the system, particularly to deter individuals from forming multiple Civil EquiBonds for financial gain. Legal consequences will apply for violations.
- Compliance and Enforcement: A decentralized oversight model will allow state and local authorities to monitor compliance and investigate abuses. Federal oversight will remain minimal, focusing on supporting states with resources for addressing widespread issues.
Section 6: Asset Division, Tax Benefits, and Dissolution
- Clear Asset Division: Upon dissolution, assets and liabilities are divided as specified in the original contract. In the absence of specified terms, assets acquired during the partnership are divided equally, with disputes resolved through courts or mediation if needed.
- Federal Tax Benefits: Civil EquiBond partners will have federal tax benefits comparable to those currently available to married couples, with regulations adjusted to reflect this new legal structure.
- Dissolution Process: Civil EquiBond dissolution (termed “EquiBond Disbandment”) is available by mutual consent or legal mediation in disputes. The dissolution process will aim for equitable resolutions while avoiding excessive government involvement.
Section 7: Protections for State Rights
- State Authority: States retain control over their own marriage laws, including religious or cultural marriage traditions. States may also create their own versions of the Civil EquiBond for state-specific recognition, provided they align with federal guidelines.
- Cross-State Recognition: Civil EquiBonds established in any state are recognized federally across all states, ensuring continuity of benefits and legal rights.
Section 8: Legal Protections and Exemptions
- Protections for Existing Marriages: Existing marriages maintain their status at the state level, with up to 7 years for participants to transition to a Civil EquiBond if federal recognition is desired.
- Respect for Religious Traditions: This Act does not interfere with religious or cultural marriage practices, which may continue independently of legal recognition. Legal status is granted only to formally registered Civil EquiBond contracts.
Section 9: Oversight and Future Amendments
- Minimal Federal Oversight: A federal committee with limited powers will monitor the system, ensuring compliance and addressing significant issues only as necessary.
- Future Amendments: The Civil EquiBond system may be revised to address future needs, prioritizing limited government intervention and respecting individual freedoms.
Section 10: Scope Limitation
- Limitation on Amendments: No amendments or provisions outside the scope of the Civil EquiBond Act will be considered, ensuring the Act remains focused on its intended purpose and prevents unintended expansions of federal oversight or authority.