What the Civil Union Bill Provides:

Medical decision-making & hospital visitation for partners

Right to make funeral arrangements and 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

The Civil Union Bill will not end Equality Illinois' 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 to which they are entitled.