Would a legal union that granted you the same rights as married couples suffice?

I feel that for legal purposes, the GLBT community should be allowed to join. But marriage is a religious establishment, and always has been. I know that I am bickering over a word choice here, but am I wrong? I am actually in favor of your rights, as long as they don't infringe on my rreligiousviews. I also think that it would make it easier for GLBT couples to adopt children etc..., because it is just easier for a legally joined couple to adopt. I believe that two male, or two female parents, though against my rreligiousbeliefs, is still better than a kid growing up in the legal system with no parents at all. Plus children raised in GLBT homes are actually less likely to be GLBT than those raised in straight homes. I read a study on this. So I guess my question is would a "Legal Union" which guarantees all the legal rights that a marriage does suffice?