Tuesday, February 01, 2011

Illinois Civil Unions Bill Becomes Law

In another major set back for the Bible beaters, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed into law the Illinois bill that grants civil union rights to same sex couples and state-level spousal rights. Since the word "marriage" does not attach to such rights, the Christianists should not be upset with the legislation. However, as we know all too well, protecting marriage has nothing to do with the anti-gay agenda of NOM, FRC and other anti-gay hate groups. Nope, the real agenda is to keep gays marginalized and inferior under the law. While Illinois moves forward, Virginia remains a Christianist controlled backwater thanks to the Virginia GOP's prostitution of itself to Christofascists such as Victoria Cobb and her fellow Kool-Aid drinkers at The Family Foundation. Here are highlights from the Chicago Sun Times on the new Illinois law:
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Gov. Quinn on Monday signed a bill legalizing civil unions for gay and lesbian couples. “Here we are in 2011 on the eve of Abraham Lincoln’s 202nd birthday and I think this is very special,” Quinn said as 20 politicians joined him on stage and hundreds of supporters packed a hall in the Chicago Cultural Center. “We believe in civil rights and we believe in civil unions.”
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With the move, Illinois joins five other states and the District of Columbia in establishing statewide laws to provide the equivalent of state-level spousal rights to same sex couples. The new law provides more than 650 spousal benefits and protections.
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The law will take effect on June 1. Supporters say civil unions are a matter of basic fairness for all Illinois residents. But opponents argue it threatens the sanctity of marriage and moves Illinois closer to legalizing same-sex marriages.

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