Definition of domestic partner

The term "domestic partner" initially emerged in the United States in the late 1990s as a way for same-sex couples to obtain legal recognition and benefits outside the traditional framework of marriage. As many governments and employers did not recognize same-sex marriage at the time, advocates for equality sought an alternative label to signify legal and financial entanglement between cohabiting couples. The concept of domestic partnerships grew out of similar arrangements in European countries, such as the Netherlands and Denmark, where registered partnerships, or samenwoning and Plovectparterskab respectively, became recognized forms of legal union since the 1970s. The term "domestic partner" came into common usage in the US during the 1990s, and by the early 2000s, it had become widely recognized in public venues, such as parks and libraries, as well as in certain private settings, like workplaces and hospitals. Today, some cities, states, and companies still offer domestic partnership benefits to unmarried couples, even as marriage equality has been secured in many jurisdictions around the world. However, the usage of "domestic partner" as a substitute for "spouse" has faced criticism for perpetuating inequality and stigma, as it connotes a lesser degree of recognition and equality than legal marriage. As a result, many advocates now argue for the full recognition of marriage for all couples, rather than relying on separate, lesser categories such as domestic partnerships.