What is the difference between a civil union and marriage NZ?

The significant difference is that same sex couples are not able to marry. The Civil Union Bill is based on the provisions for marriage but looks different to the Marriage Act to reflect modern legislative drafting styles.

Read, more on it here. Just so, what is the difference between a civil union and a marriage in South Africa?

Legally speaking, however, there is no difference between the two and the rights and obligations afforded to all couples in the Civil Unions Act are the same as those afforded to only heterosexual couples in terms of the Marriages Act.

Subsequently, question is, what is a civil union in NZ? The Civil Union Act 2004 provides the criteria, rules and processes for two people to have their relationship solemnised as a civil union (by way of a formal ceremony) and officially registered in New Zealand. A Civil Union may be entered into by couples of the same sex or by couples of different sexes.

Considering this, is a civil union the same as marriage?

A civil union is a legal relationship between two people that provides legal protections to the couple only at the state level. A civil union is not a marriage, though. Civil unions do not provide federal protections, benefits, or responsibilities to couples, and a civil union may not be recognized by all states.

Can straight couples get a civil union?

Civil unions grant most or all of the rights of marriage except the title itself. While civil unions are often established for both opposite-sex couples and same-sex couples, in a number of countries they are available to same-sex couples only.