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Breaking News: Illinois Gov. Quinn signs historic civil unions legislation into law
by GoPride.com News Staff
Mon. January 31, 2011  5:01:32 PM : 2 Comments - continue the discussion
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Chicago, IL — Moments ago Gov. Pat Quinn signed into law the Illinois Religious Freedom and Protection and Civil Union Act at a signing ceremony in downtown Chicago. His signature represents a long-fought victory toward fairness for thousands of gay and lesbian couples in Illinois.

The measure was first introduced in February of 2007 by then-newly elected state Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago).

The historic bill signing was held before an overflow crowd at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington. 

Illinois Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago), Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago), state Rep. Deborah Mell (D-Chicago), and the bill's sponsors state Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago) and state Sen. Dave Koehler (D-46th District) were on hand. 

The new law, which was approved by the General Assembly in early December, becomes effective on June 1, 2011. It does not recognize same-sex marriages, but makes civil unions available for same-sex and straight couples, giving them many of the same legal rights afforded to married couples when it comes to surrogate decision-making for medical treatment, survivorship, adoptions, and accident and health insurance.

Reaction and more details coming on ChicagoPride.com and the GoPride.com Network. 

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Truly a GREAT day in Illinois and in the LGBT community!
Posted by CPBill on Mon, 1/31/2011 5:07 PM

  • Writer Guytano995
    Mypride +Friend
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VERY E*X*C*I*T*I*N*G!!!...
Posted by Guytano995 on Mon, 1/31/2011 8:21 PM
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