Civil union is a legally recognized long-term relationship between two people of the same sex. Most countries do not allow same-sex couples to marry. But some countries have civil union laws, which grant such couples many of the same rights and responsibilities that married couples have. For instance, partners in a civil union might be permitted to adopt children, file joint tax returns, or qualify for joint participation in employee benefit plans. Other terms for legally recognized same-sex relationships include domestic partnerships, civil partnerships, and registered partnerships. Civil union differs from civil marriage, the wedding of a man and woman conducted by a judge or other official instead of by a member of the clergy.