1.   Although he wants to reconcile the two sides, he is not conciliatory about civil unions themselves.

2.   Among the Republicans who supported civil unions and were swept out of office was Marion Milne of Williamstown.

3.   Backman signed up for a civil union with his partner, saying that the couple wanted to be eligible for the same benefits as their heterosexual friends.

4.   -- Prohibits Ohio from recognizing same-sex civil unions or marriages.

5.   A couple that want to end a civil union would, likewise, have to go to family court to seek a dissolution similar to a divorce.

6.   A bill creating civil unions for gay couples passed the Vermont House of Representatives and is expected to gain approval from the Senate and Gov. Howard Dean in April.

7.   A civil union also would have to be dissolved in divorce court.

8.   A civil union has nothing to do with religion.

9.   A gay couple would be able to apply for a license and obtain a certificate of a civil union.