Illinois

Illinois Starts Granting Civil Unions

SPRINGFIELD—Add the Land of Lincoln to the list of states providing civil unions. Illinois' new civil union law went into effect on June 1, allowing both same-gender and opposite-gender couples to form a civil union, providing them with rights, benefits and obligations similar to those granted to married couples under Illinois law. Read more »

Illinois Governor Signs Civil Union Law

SPRINGFIELD—Gov. Pat Quinn this afternoon signed into law a measure legalizing civil unions for same-sex couples for the first time in Illinois. Read more »

Illinois Civil Union Law Includes Opposite-sex and Same-sex Couples

CHICAGO—While celebrated as a historic step forward for gay rights in Illinois, the new civil union bill that awaits Gov. Pat Quinn's signature also offers opportunities for heterosexual couples who don't want to wed but seek many of the legal protections of marriage. Read more »

Civil Union Bill Passes Illinois Senate

SPRINGFIELD—The Illinois Senate has approved civil unions, putting Illinois on the verge of granting official recognition to gay and lesbian couples.

The measure passed 32-24 Wednesday. It now goes to Gov. Pat Quinn, a strong supporter. He is expected to sign.

Civil unions would give gay couples many of the same rights as marriage for instance, the power to make medical decisions for a seriously ill partner.

Critics say this would amount to same-sex marriage under a different name. Read more »

IL House Passes Civil Union Bill

Washington—The Illinois House of Representatives passed a civil unions bill by a 61-52 vote. The bill now moves to the state Senate. Governor Pat Quinn has stated that he will sign the bill if it reaches his desk. Read more »

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