Illinois is now officially the 7th state to allow same-sex civil unions starting June 1st. This historic legislation was signed into law by Gov. Pat Quinn in January and goes into effect this very day. The legal protections given to same-sex couples will include:
-power to decide medical care for an ailing partner
-right to inherit a partner's property
-full hospital visitation rights
-considered next of kin
and others.
Although a civil union is not the same as a marriage, it's a step in the right direction and gives same-sex couples more rights as a pair. Congrats to Illinois!!
