What the Civil Union Bill Provides:

Medical decision-making & hospital visitation for partners

Right to control disposition of remains

Inheritance rights

Domestic violence protections

What the Civil Union Bill Does NOT Do:

Does not amend the Illinois Marriage code to recognize same-sex marriage

Does not force religious institutions to solemnize or validate civil unions

Does not provide any of the more than 1,000 federal benefits of marriage to these couples.

A Civil Union Bill will not end the work in securing the state’s promise of equality, but it does help reduce the harms done to same-sex couples, seniors and their families. Our goal is to ensure that lifetime commitments between all couples are afforded the respect and dignity that they are entitled to.