A civil union is a legally recognized arrangement similar to marriage, created primarily as a means to provide recognition in law for same-sex couples. Civil unions grant some or all of the rights of marriage, but they are only recognized at the state level and not by federal law. Civil unions are viewed by LGBT rights campaigners as a "first step" towards establishing same-sex marriage, as civil unions are viewed by supporters of LGBT rights as a "separate but equal" or "second class" status. The benefits and rights granted by civil unions vary from state to state, and not all states recognize civil unions. The process for getting a civil union is similar to that of a marriage, and civil union partners will need to apply for a certificate of civil union and meet certain requirements, such as paying a fee and being of a certain age. Civil unions provide many of the same protections and benefits as marriage, such as inheritance rights, employment benefits, property, parental rights, and spousal privilege. However, civil union partners are only guaranteed these protections within the state, and a civil union does not entitle a couple to the federal benefits that only marriage can provide.