Illinois Approves Civil Unions

Joins New Jersey; rule to take effect in July
By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 2, 2010 7:07 AM CST
Illinois Approves Civil Unions
Sen. David Koehler, D-Pekin, smiles as he is congratulated by a colleague following debate of the civil union legislation on the floor of the Senate Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010, in Springfield, Ill.   (AP photo/Randy Squires)

Civil unions are set for legalization in Illinois, with the governor saying he’d sign legislation approved yesterday by state legislators, the New York Times reports. Five states and DC now allow gay marriage, while New Jersey and Illinois, starting in July, will give same-sex couples rights comparable to those of married couples. “Sober, clear-minded, cautious Midwesterners are taking this action,” says an Illinois gay-rights activist.

Others were concerned that the move had been made before new legislators take office—though both legislative chambers will remain Democratic. “This will be the entry to a slippery slope,” says a Republican state rep. “The next thing we’ll see will be consideration of gay marriage.” The legislation divided lawmakers, passing the state Senate 32 to 24 and the state House 61 to 52.
(More Illinois stories.)

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