HAGATNA, Guam — Guam’s legislature is considering whether to allow same-sex civil unions in the Pacific island U.S. territory.

Vice Speaker Benjamin J. Cruz introduced the bill Wednesday that would allow gay couples who have lived on Guam for at least five years to apply for civil union licenses, which would allow them to receive all the benefits, rights and responsibilities granted to married heterosexual couples.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Agana is opposing the bill. Guam is about 85 percent Catholic.
Archbishop Anthony Apuron says homosexuality is wrong, and the legislation would equate civil unions with the institution of marriage.
The bill is expected to be referred to a committee for debate.