WHAT? honestly what is the diff between civil unions and marriage? just a name, thats IT. same rights etc. Get a grip.
It is giving some of the rights of a married couple to two people. It depends on the state statute. You would have to be more specific.
And besides, what's it to you what two people do? Sometimes I wonder if you people get so worked up on gay marriage because you would fall to tempation without laws against it.
They aren't the same. A marriage is a sacrament recognized by the State. A holy union is a legal construct.