What are the legal differences between marriage and gay civil unions (I want a list of them, please)?

I'm hoping to get a list of the ways in which marriage and gay civil unions differ under law (i.e what rights and legal obligations marriage confers that civil unions do not). For example, gays who are joined in a civil union cannot file joint tax returns. What are the other differences? (Note: those of you with your heads in the sand who think there is no difference, need not reply!)What are the legal differences between marriage and gay civil unions (I want a list of them, please)?
Under most states that have enacted a law permitting civil unions, homosexuals are entitled to the same rights and privileges under state law that married couples receive. This could include certain benefits to various licenses, or under state probate law (inheritance when one partner dies without a will). However, as you indicated, these civil union laws do not grant any rights or privileges available to married couples under federal laws, such as with taxes, insurance, military death benefits, and other benefits.





Otherwise, the differences is in the name only, much like the ';back of the bus'; is different from the front.What are the legal differences between marriage and gay civil unions (I want a list of them, please)?
I think there are fewer problems with wills and benefits being transferred to the partner when it is a marriage; civil unions do not afford the same protections under the law which is why people are trying so hard to get that passed.
Even if there were no difference, calling them different things is still bigotry. Separate is inherently unequal - Brown vs. Board of Education, 1954.