Illinois get same sex civil unions
Image via Wikipedia Governor Pat Quinn of Illinois has signed a bill that legalizes same-sex civil unions in the state, giving marriage-like privileges to same-sex couples. The Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Unions Act, first introduced in the legislature in 2007, bestows upon couples seeking civil union status “the obligations, responsibilities, protections, and benefits afforded or recognized by the law of Illinois to spouses.” The House and Senate approved the measure in December and Gov. Quinn signed it yesterday. “We believe in civil rights and we believe in civil unions,” said Quinn at the signing. Despite criticism from Springfield Bishop Thomas Paprocki , Quinn, who is a Catholic, stated , “my religious faith animates me” to support the civil unions bill. “This legislation represents a giant step toward equality,” said Attorney General Lisa Madigan , according to the Chicago Times . Meanwhile religious and pro-family groups say that the law is simply