BREAKING: Illinois House passes civil unions bill

[PeaceNikki]

Source: Gay Politics

A bill that establishes civil unions for same-sex couples in Illinois has just passed in the state’s House of Representatives and now heads to the State Senate, where it is also expected to win passage.

Gov. Patrick Quinn, who won reelection in November, has promised to sign the bill into law.

The Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act was co-sponsored by Rep. Greg Harris, who is openly gay.

The bill was strongly opposed by the National Organization for Marriage.

Read more: http://www.gaypolitics.com/2010/11/30/breaking-illinois-house-passes-civil-unions-bill/

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Yay!! :party:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. Good news!

Recommended.

[madinmaryland]

2. You know what is really ironic is a gang named the "National Organization for Marriage"

is opposing people to have the right to get married.

Yeah, I know, but still.

[kestrel91316]

3. And it's not even "marriage" - it's "civil union", which many fundies tell

us is perfectly ok since it's all about the sacred M word.

[Jefferson23]

4. Great news, and glad to read some today! n/t

[Politicub]

5. Great news!

I'm for marriage equality all the way, but this is still great for the people of Il.

[bluedigger]

6. Good!

People will find fault with it, but we haven't had much to cheer about lately. One more step - I'll take it!:applause:

[David Zephyr]

7. Congratulations to the Land of Lincoln.

K&R

[sueh]

8. Good news for all who live in Illinois.

[tpsbmam]

9. Yay!! Now......MARRIAGE for ALL! But yay for IL!

:party: :party: :bounce:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

10. Step in the right direction...

I hope things continue to evolve...

[AlbertCat]

11. Now if they'd just do Civil Unions for straight couples....

.... and get out of the marriage business altogether.

[madrchsod]

13. yup.....church wedding -state divorce

[Unvanguard]

21. The Illinois civil unions bill lets different-sex couples get them.

I'm not sure why we would want to deny access to marriage to any couple, though. :shrug:

[madrchsod]

12. some good news for once in this state

the religious nuts will be going crazy...

[bliss_eternal]

14. kicking...

:kick:

[MindandSoul]

15. One more victory! Great!

[BlueIris]

16. Finally, some good news. nt

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

17. This bill = The Bluesmobile

[Tx4obama]

18. Now Illinois needs to work on the murder rate, drugs, gangs, & unemployment.

I spent the first 15 years of my life in Illinois and today it sure isn't the same as it was when I was growing up.

[PeaceNikki]

19. Whatever, Debbie Downer. The Senate passed it today. Happy Birthday Matthew Shepard!!

[sabra]

20. (IL Gov) Quinn gets bill OKing civil unions for same-sex couples

Source: Chicago Trib

Civil unions for same-sex couples would be allowed in Illinois under historic legislation the state Senate swiftly sent today to Gov. Pat Quinn, who is expected to sign the measure.

The bill would give gay couples the chance to enjoy several of the same rights as married couples, ranging from legal rights on probate matters to visiting a partner in a hospital that won't allow anyone but relatives into a patient's room.

The Senate voted 32-24 after the House, viewed as the toughest hurdle, passed the measure on Tuesday. Sen. Heather Steans, D-Chicago, said one of many referencing Martin Luther King and the civil rights movement as she urged colleagues to join her in "bending the moral arc of justice."

Read more: http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2010/12/illinois-senate-debates-civil-unions.html