IL HB2234 passes Youth and Family Committee are Civil Unions within our reach

March 5, 3:11 PMChicago Gay ExaminerMichael Lehet

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IL HB2234 - The Religious Freedom and Civil Union Act passed the Youth and Family Committee today with a vote of 4-3.  The bill will now progress to the full House for consideration.

The bill guarantees some of the rights and responsibilities to persons in civil unions that are currently granted to persons in civil marriages.  Among those rights are the ability to participate in healthcare visitation and decision making for one’s partner, survivor benefits and the right to make disposition decisions about deceased partner’s remains.
 
The bill also re-affirms religious institutions’ right not to solemnize a civil union.
 
“This bill asks for no special rights, only to grant all families access to what most families now are given automatically under the law,” said Representative Greg Harris (D-Chicago) the chief sponsor of the bill.  “We have families in our districts in committed relationships, working hard every day, who when faced with sudden tragedy may desperately need these rights tomorrow or the next day.”

We still can't sit on our laurels and just hope that it gets passed.  There are groups actively trying to sway the vote to a NO! Don't just sit there and let them change the vote in Illinois like they did in California! 

CALL YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE and tell them to vote YES on HB2234 and that you support Civil Unions!

• Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago, 217-782-3835
  
• Rep. LaShawn K. Ford (D-Chicago), 217-782-5962
  
• Rep. Mike Fortner (R-West Chicago),217-782-1653
  
• Rep. William D. Burns (D-Chicago), 217-782-2023
  
• Rep. Michael P. McAuliffe (R-Chicago), 217-782-8182
  
• Rep. Al Riley (D-Matteson), 217-558-1007
  
• Rep. Dave Winters (R-Rockford), 217-782-0455