What are the real differences between marriage and a civil union?

For the supporters of gay marriage who don't think a civil union is good enough, is it specific legal differences that are the main issue? If so, which ones? (';For example, judges cannot preside over certain of their kin according to Western common law.'; is the only one I got from wikipedia.) Or is it more the symbolic, religious, or commemorative value in marriage that supporters of gay marriage care about?What are the real differences between marriage and a civil union?
I'll leave the link because there is to much to writeWhat are the real differences between marriage and a civil union?
What I meant by the religious aspect exacerbating the problem is: many opponents of gay marriage are most strongly opposed to the idea because of their religion. Religion influences politicians, lobbyists, and laypeople. If it the religious aspect were removed, it would become less controversial.

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Acting upon the request of the Chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary of the United States House of Representatives, The General Accounting Office identified 1,049 benefits, rights, and privileges only offered through legal marriage.
Here in the UK, the only noticeable difference is the lack of reference to God (which suited me) and the fact that they cannot be done on consecrated ground.





Other than that, we get exactly the same legal rights.
a civil union is pretty much equal to marriage in what rights the couples get. the homosexuals just want the term marriage used becaused it's the same term the heterosexuals use. ungrateful babies!