Facebook Adds Civil Unions to Profiles

SAN FRANCISCO – Facebook began letting its more than 600 million members indicate whether they are in civil unions or domestic partnerships in what was seen as a victory for same-sex couples.

Facebook added "in a civil union" and "in a domestic partnership" to the list of relationship options in profiles.

The list has long included single, married, divorced, open relationship, and "it's complicated."

Facebook on Thursday said the additions were "highly requested" by users and that the California-based online social networking star wanted to let people "genuinely and authentically reflect their relationships" in the virtual community.

Facebook members can chose whether to make gender and relationship status part of profile information made public in the online community.