1.21.1 Important Note re: married persons

The usual dictionary meaning of 'spouse' is 'married person'. The above passage from the SRCA assumes this basic meaning and begins 'Spouse includes' i.e. the passage operates to add to, or extend this background, assumed dictionary definition (spouse = married) to less formal arrangements. It certainly does not operate to exclude (by omission) the formal, legal married state from consideration as a 'spouse'.