Changes

Though both proponents and opponents believe it to be "inviting religion into the public square", the laws in the three states having covenant marriages ([[Arizona]], [[Arkansas]], and [[Louisiana]]) are written in neutral legal terminology; any couple regardless of religious faith (or lack thereof) may enter into such a marriage.

Though both proponents and opponents believe it to be "inviting religion into the public square", the laws in the three states having covenant marriages ([[Arizona]], [[Arkansas]], and [[Louisiana]]) are written in neutral legal terminology; any couple regardless of religious faith (or lack thereof) may enter into such a marriage.

In order to enter into a covenant marriage, the spouses must agree to premarital counseling before the ceremony.  A married couple may convert their standard marriage into a covenant one at a later date, but not vice versa.

In order to enter into a covenant marriage, the spouses must agree to premarital counseling before the ceremony.  A married couple having entered into a non-covenant marriage may convert it into a covenant one at a later date, but not vice versa.

Should one or both spouses later seek a divorce, they may be required to attend marital counseling before a divorce will be granted.  Furthermore, unlike [[no-fault divorce]], grounds are limited to one of five specific areas: 1) adultery, 2) felony conviction, 3) substance abuse, 4) physical or sexual abuse of the other spouse or a child, and 5) living apart for a specified period of time (as long as two years in some cases).

Should one or both spouses later seek a divorce, they may be required to attend marital counseling before a divorce will be granted.  Furthermore, unlike [[no-fault divorce]], grounds are limited to one of five specific areas: 1) adultery, 2) felony conviction, 3) substance abuse, 4) physical or sexual abuse of the other spouse or a child, and 5) living apart for a specified period of time (as long as two years in some cases).