In France, the Civil Solidarity Pact, or PACS, are civil unions available to both same-sex and opposite-sex couples. The status gives traditional marriage benefits, such as joint tax returns and intestate succession. Additionally, the status is easier and cheaper to terminate than a traditional divorce. As a result, itis estimated that 92% of the PACS obtained last year were by opposite-sex couples who are either opposed to traditional marriage or who are using the status as a step toward marriage.
See Edward Cody, Straight Couples in France Are Choosing Civil Unions Meant for Gays, Wash. Post, Feb. 14, 2009.
Special thanks to Joel Dobris (Professor of Law, UC Davis School of Law) for bringing this article to my attention.
