Illinois Senate Approves Same Sex Civil Unions Bill; Governor Quinn Expected To Sign Bill 1716 Into Law

The Chicago Tribune reports that the Illinois Senate, by a vote of 32-24, has approved a bill allowing for same sex civil unions, the legislation now sent to Governor Pat Quinn who is expected to sign the measure into law. The bill – SB1716 – would afford gay couples the chance to enjoy several of the same rights and privileges as married straight couples. The bill passed both the state House and a Senate committee Tuesday, despite opposition from those who deem the measure as a thinly veiled manoeuver to manipulate the definition of marriage. One of those opposed, Senator John Jones, a Republican, representing Mount Vernon, said that he has a “lot of good gay friend” that he respects and supports, but insists that civil union “is the wrong path to take” particularly when state legislators should be focused on fixing state finances and the economy, saying “Rome is burning, folks, and we’re sitting back watching it burning.”