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| Illinois Governor Pat Quinn |
"Today is an important day in the history of our state because today we are showing the world that the people of Illinois believe in equality for all," Quinn said. "We look forward to individuals and businesses from across the country choosing to move to Illinois where we believe that everyone is entitled to the same rights."
Set for en-action June 1, the law of the land of Lincoln stems from the signing of Senate Bill 1716 which creates the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act. According to CNN, the newly extended rights include:
- Automatic hospital visitation rights,
- The ability to make emergency medical decisions for partners,
- The ability to share a room in a nursing home,
- Adoption and parental rights,
- Pension benefits,
- Inheritance rights,
- The right to dispose of a partner's remains
Not only do these rights extend to gay couples, they also extend to those heterosexual couples who have been "shackin' up". All one has to do is pay the appropriate fees to the county and received a certificate.
The Religious Freedom Part
At least Illinois decided to not make persons with religious prohibitions against civil unions participate:
"Section 15. Religious freedom. Nothing in this Act shall interfere with or regulate the religious practice of any religious body. Any religious body, Indian Nation or Tribe or Native Group is free to choose whether or not to solemnize or officiate a civil union."
Isn't that sweet?
The complete bill can be found HERE.
Blessed!
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