Gay Marriage vs. Civil Union

So, can someone tell me what advantages a gay "marriage" will have over a civil union?

I'm all for a civil union, if that means that gays or lesbians will be entitled to healthcare, tax breaks, whatever, if they share a home, titled in both names. If one partner has a job with better bennies, I think it's fine and fair that the partner with a lesser job be able to share the bennies offered to the other partner.

But tell me ... what does a "gay marriage" offer that a civil union does not? Is it a white gown, tossing a bouquet? What is it?

For whatever reason I cannot reconcile a "marriage" in my mind. Leave it to the weirdest state in the U.S., California, to legalize "gay marriage."

I lived there shortly, but after finding it to be populated by some of the strangest people on the planet, I came back east.

So, can anyone TELL ME? What benefits does a "marriage" offer that a civil union will not?

The Catholic Church, for one, will never recognize either ... so really, what IS the point? Will other religions?

Lest I be put down for knocking gays, transvestites, bis or lesbians, I am NOT.

I just don't understand what the difference is or what one offers over the other.

Memo to self: Mebbe you've been under your rock too long, RJ. Wake up and smell the gay marriages. (C) 2008 RJScott