In France, “PACS” stands for “Pacte civil de solidarité,” which is “Civil partnership” in English. It is a form of a legal contract that provides legal recognition and some of the benefits associated with marriage or a civil union for couples who choose not to get married. PACS was introduced in France in 1999 as a way to offer legal protections and benefits to unmarried couples, including same-sex couples. However, PACS and civil partnership are totally different.