Illinois Senate Passes Civil Union Bill [View All]

[racaulk]

Illinois General Assembly Passes Civil Union Bill: Lambda Legal Celebrates Increased Protection for Same-Sex Couples and Their Families

(Chicago, December 1, 2010)—The Illinois General Assembly passed the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Unions Act, establishing legal protections for same-sex couples across the state.

"Same-sex couples in Illinois, many together for decades, will finally have the legal protections to take care of each other and their children," said Jim Bennett, Regional Director of Lambda Legal's Midwest Regional Office in Chicago. "Same-sex couples and their families faced a range of barriers to things that other couples take for granted, including spousal health benefits and hospital visitation—the goal of this law is to correct those problems. While all couples deserve the right to marry, all of us in the Land of Lincoln can be proud of this important step forward."

The Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Unions Act, first introduced by Representative Greg Harris in March 2007, and in the Illinois Senate by Senator David Koehler, passed 61-52 in the House on Tuesday and 32-24 in the Senate today. The new law includes provisions for hospital visitation and healthcare decision making.

Lambda Legal's staff provided extensive legal analysis and drafting assistance for the Act approved today, as well as public education and legislative advocacy pressing for its passage.

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Link: http://www.lambdalegal.org/news/il_20101201_assembly-passes-civil-unions.html

The bill now goes to Governor Quinn, who has promised to sign the bill. It's all over but the crying, folks. It's not true marriage equality, but is certainly a step in the right direction.

Congratulations, citizens of Illinois!

:woohoo: