What is a civil union?

In June, 2002, the Quebec National Assembly adopted the Act establishing the civil union. This one was designed to the benefit of couples, formed by persons of different sex or of the same sex, who wish to make publicly a commitment of living together and respect the rights and obligations which are attached to it. The civil union creates the same rights and obligations as the marriage. However, there are some differences between the two institutions. They concern the age required to unite civilly and the manner of ending the civil union.