Illinois Signs Civil-Unions Law

Get ready for an influx of save-the-dates from Illinois. The state’s governor, Pat Quinn, signed “historic” legislation Wednesday allowing civil unions for both gay and straight couples. The bill is considered a hard-won victory for gay and lesbian couples, since it will give gay couples many of the same rights as married couples—although it does not establish same-sex marriage. Some of the legal rights included in the bill include adoption, medical treatment, survivorship and accident and health insurance. More than 700 RSVP’d to the signing event, which included a reading of the Pledge of Allegiance by openly gay veterans and a performance by the Chicago Gay Men’s chorus.