Wednesday the French National Assembly passed a law allowing unmarried couples, including those of the same-sex, access to the same tax and legal benefits as married couples. Under the new law, couples can register with local courthouses after “three years of stated fidelity.”
Couples registered under the new law can file joint tax forms, take simultaneous vacations, are subject to lower inheritance taxes, and are responsible for each others debts. There is speculation that the law, called the Civil Solidarity Pact (PACS), will eventually lead to easier adoption and artificial insemination for gay couples. The law also makes separation easier.
