Many people do not know that same-sex couples because they can not legally marry in Illinois can be denied the basic rights to make emergency health care decisions for their partners, to visit their partners in hospitals, to share a nursing home room, or even to make funeral arrangements after a partner passes away. This is wrong. Illinois has an opportunity to provide basic rights to all committed couples

The Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act offers basic fairness and protections for all families in the State of Illinois. It would protect opposite-sex, same-sex and senior couples, and shield all religious denominations from being compelled to recognize any relationship that is outside their faith tradition.

We have come far, but we still have a long way to go before all Illinois families are treated fairly and equitably.  You have the power to help make equality a reality in Illinois.