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  Civil-unions bill moves to Ill. House
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ContributorThe Sunset Provision 
Last EditedThe Sunset Provision  Mar 06, 2009 12:09pm
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MediaNewspaper - Rockford Register Star
News DateFriday, March 6, 2009 06:00:00 PM UTC0:0
DescriptionSupporters of gay marriage say 2009 could be the year Illinois seriously considers establishing civil unions, but opponents say the pendulum of public support is swinging the other way.

A bill giving gay couples the right to form civil unions squeaked through a legislative committee Thursday. It would not legalize same-sex marriage, but it would give gay couples many of the legal benefits of marriage.

Rep. Deb Mell, who is gay, said 648 state laws, on topics from inheritance to health care, help married couples.

“I find it very strange that I can be elected to the General Assembly and vote on rules and laws, but these don’t apply to me and my family,” said Mell, D-Chicago. “We’re not protected.”

The bill was approved 4-3 by the House Youth and Family Committee. Similar legislation also made it to the House floor last year, but the sponsor said he never had enough support to call it for a vote
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