The Senate just passed it and sent it to the Governor, who is expected to sign the bill into law. Not surprisingly, the "National Organization for Marriage" [sic] also helped fund the opposition to this law even though they argued in defense of civil unions as a convenient argument against marriage equality in California and Maine.Illinois House passes civil unions for gay and lesbian couples
December 1, 2010
BY DAVE McKINNEY Sun-Times Springfield Bureau Chief
SPRINGFIELD — Gays and lesbians scored a dramatic victory Tuesday when the Illinois House voted to legalize civil unions in a move that could eventually grant gay partners some of the same spousal rights as married heterosexual couples.
The historic vote capped a busy legislative day that included House approval of a pension package affecting future city cops and firefighters. That bill could blow a more than $500 million hole in the city budget by 2015 — legislation condemned by Mayor Daley.
The 61-52 civil union vote now passes on to the Senate an issue pushed by gay-rights advocates and Gov. Quinn but opposed by religious leaders such as Cardinal George. A vote is expected in the Senate on Wednesday with signs pointing toward likely passage.
“We have a chance today to make Illinois a more fair state, a more just state and a state which treats all of its citizens equally under the law,” said Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago), the bill’s lead House sponsor.
Harris was brought to tears at one point during debate.
The legislation, which does not alter state law recognizing marriage as being between a man and woman, would grant gay couples new rights regarding hospital visitation, health-care decision-making and the disposal of a loved one’s remains, for example.
If the measure passes the Senate and is signed into law by Quinn, who has pledged to do so, Illinois would become the sixth state offering gay couples the right to enter into civil unions or domestic partnerships.
During debate, the normally bustling House chamber fell silent as speaker after speaker rose in support. Only two House members voiced opposition to Senate Bill 1716, claiming it will open the door to legalized gay marriage in Illinois.
Rep. Ron Stephens (R-Greenville), who voted against the measure, went so far as to argue that Illinois’ support of civil unions would contribute to the decline of American civilization.
“If you look at the sociological history of societies that have failed, what are some of the commonalities? One of those is that open homosexuality becomes accepted in the higher society, whether it’s in Greek times, the Romans or others, and here we are at that precipice again,” Stephens said.
EDIT: The commentary that followed this OP was pathetic. I split it to Testing. --Lagmonster
