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by Kevin Wayne

Chicago, IL — Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn will sign landmark civil unions legislation into law during a ceremony on Monday afternoon giving gay and straight couples in Illinois many of the legal rights afforded to married couples.

The historic event will be held before an overflow crowd at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington, Monday at 4 p.m. 

"Our biggest problem right now is public response of people who want to be there to witness the ceremony. They feel this is part of history," state Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago) told The State Journal-Register. 

With Quinn's signature Illinois becomes the twelfth U.S. state or district to grant legal recognition to same-sex relationships through either civil unions or marriage. 

"It is great for Illinois and the advancement of true equality," state Rep. Deborah Mell (D-Chicago) told ChicagoPride.com. Mell made an emotional plea to her colleagues as the civil union bill was coming up for a vote.

The General Assembly approved the legislation, sponsored by Harris and state Sen. Dave Koehler (D-46th District), in early December.

The new law becomes effective on June 1, 2011; however, there is still work to be done before the first civil union will be recognized. According to the Journal-Register, the state Department of Public Health is working on the paperwork that will be necessary for people interested in civil unions.

The bill does not recognize same-sex marriages, but will provide the same spousal rights to same-sex partners when it comes to surrogate decision-making for medical treatment, survivorship, adoptions, and accident and health insurance.

Monday's event will be attended by Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, Illinois Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago), Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago), Mell, Koehler and Harris. 

In an effort to accomodate the anticipated large crowd, organizers plan to offer a satellite seating area to included closed circuit video coverage.

"I am thrilled the the governor is signing this important bill into law," said Equality Illinois co-founder and long time gay rights advocate Rick Garcia. "This bill brings us one step closer to full Equality in Illinois."

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