Civil unions measure in Illinois Senate moves forward; House vote expected soon
Tue. November 30, 2010 3:33 PM by GoPride.com News Staff
Springfield, IL -
With most of the attention focused on the Illinois House of Representatives, the State Senate Tuesday afternoon advanced its version of the civil unions bill, clearing a smaller hurdle for same-sex civil unions in Illinois.
An Illinois Senate committee advanced the measure by a 6-2 margin.
The proposed measure 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. The bill would not force religious denominations to recognize or sanctify relationships they oppose.
The upper chamber on the Senate would have to approve the legislation if it clears the House, where a vote is expected Tuesday or Wednesday. Supporters believe they have the necessary votes to pass the bill out of the House and on to the Senate, where quick passage is expected.
An Illinois Senate committee advanced the measure by a 6-2 margin.
The proposed measure 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. The bill would not force religious denominations to recognize or sanctify relationships they oppose.
The upper chamber on the Senate would have to approve the legislation if it clears the House, where a vote is expected Tuesday or Wednesday. Supporters believe they have the necessary votes to pass the bill out of the House and on to the Senate, where quick passage is expected.