Civil Unions Are Here! (Well in Illinois)

Illinois takes a very progressive step towards civil rights allowing civil unions to begin this week. Starting on Wednesday, gay couples will be eligible to apply for civil union licenses. Civil union ceremonies can be held one day after the union is approved.

This is a great change for Illinois to have this opportunity, this also a good step towards marriage equality. Civil unions will allow many couples to claim one another on their insurance as well as inherit the partner's property. Governor Pat Quinn signed the historic civil union legislative in January.

Illinois joins other states on recognizing civil unions between same sex couples. This allows the state to recognize the relationships without having to defend the marriage acts from other states. Churches have a major influence on many bills that come into effect, including this one.

The Catholic Diocese of Rockford Illinois, announced that it would end it's state funded adoption & foster care program. Rather than comply with the new law,this will not require the church to place children with gay couples. This is unfortunate, given the fact that there are too many children out there in need of a home.

This law of course is helpful in making the strong case of marriage equality. Illinois can soon join other states in legalizing gay marriage. States where gay marriage is legal: Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Iowa, & Massachusetts. There are a few that recognize same sex marriage from other states: New York, Rhode Island, & Maryland.

For more statistics on gay couples & marriage visit http://www.gaylawreport.com/gay-marriage-facts-statistics/