SPRINGFIELD—The Illinois House of Representatives on Tuesday voted 61-52 in favor of a bill that would allow civil unions for gay and straight couples in the state.
The measure now heads to the state Senate and then to Gov. Pat Quinn, who has pledged to sign it into law if it passes the legislature.
The bill would extend to same-sex and straight couples who enter into civil unions the same benefits and protections provided to married straight couples in Illinois. Rights gay and lesbian couples would gain include end-of-life decision-making, hospital visitation and probate matters.
“We have a chance here, as leaders have had in previous generations, to correct injustice and to move us down the path toward liberty,” said sponsoring Rep. Greg Harris (D- Chicago), one of Illinois’ two openly gay lawmakers. “It’s a matter of fairness, it’s a matter of respect, it’s a matter of equality.”
According to the Chicago Tribune, the state House vote reflects rapidly shifting public opinion in the state on LGBT equality. A September Tribune poll found tht 57 percent of residents support civil unions while 32 percent oppose them.
If the legislation passes, Illinois will become the only state other than N.J. with a law allowing civil unions. Vermont, N.H., Conn. and Iowa remain the only four states recognizing marriage for same-sex couples.
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