Breaking News: Illinois Gov. Quinn signs historic civil unions legislation into law
Mon. January 31, 2011 5:01 PM by GoPride.com News Staff
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.
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.