Noun
a voluntary union for life (or until divorce) of adult parties of the same sex
Source: WordNetThe Beltway Right has entered into a civil union with Big Brother. Pat Buchanan
That's what they do in Europe. You go down to the city hall and you become legally connected. You have a civil union there. Then, if you're religious, you go down to the church, and the church blesses the union. That gets the problem solved. Tony Campolo
Same-sex marriage, by any name, civil union or otherwise, is the ultimate smashed-mouth in-your-face insult to God Almighty. Fred Phelps
Civil union is less than marriage. Marriage is a sacred and valued institution and ought to be afforded equal protection. James McGreevey
parties to a civil union have all the same benefits, protections, and responsibilities under Vermont law as spouses in a marriage Source: Internet