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Civil Unions in Illinois


CHICAGO–(ENEWSPF)–June 1, 2011.  After years of work – Illinois is taking a step toward equality today!  Beginning at midnight in some counties, couples across Illinois – including same sex couples – visited their local County Clerk offices to apply for civil union licenses. Starting tomorrow, we will enjoy watching couples celebrate the legal recognition of their committed relationships.  

On behalf of the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois, we are proud of this legislation and congratulate every couple getting a civil union. Over the past several years, ACLU members and staff helped make this day a reality. Lawyers and lobbyists in our office helped draft the bill and worked with chief sponsor Representative Greg Harris and other supporters in Springfield. We encouraged our supporters to contact  their legislators – leading to thousands of messages of support for fairness and equality. We conducted polling and used the results for targeted telephone campaigns aimed at encouraging members to support this important legislation.

Today, we see the result of these efforts as we watch the photos and videos of happy couples finally getting their civil union license in Illinois. The joy we observe will help us redouble our efforts to work for the day in Illinois when marriage is available – finally – for every couple in our state.  

If you still have questions about how the civil union law works or need more information, go to our new civil union webpage and see detailed information about civil unions, the protections they provide and how the process works.

Source: aclu-il.org   


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