What does a civil partnership provide to a homosexual couple?

A civil partnership provides a homosexual couple with legal recognition similar to that of a marriage, granting them the same legal rights and responsibilities as a husband and wife. This includes rights related to property, inheritance, tax, and next-of-kin responsibilities. The establishment of civil partnerships was designed to extend legal protections typically associated with marriage to same-sex couples, ensuring they have access to the same legal framework and benefits.

The other options do not accurately reflect the nature of a civil partnership. A social contract without legal benefits undermines the significant legal protections that civil partnerships afford. An informal relationship without any legal recognition does not convey the formal, legally binding status of a civil partnership. Lastly, a ceremony providing only religious rights overlooks the fact that civil partnerships, while they can involve a ceremony, primarily focus on the legal status and rights granted under the law rather than exclusively religious aspects.