Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn to sign civil unions bill today

Source: Chicago Trib

Gov. Pat Quinn this afternoon is scheduled to sign into law a measure that will legalize civil unions for same-sex couples for the first time in Illinois.
The measure, approved last month during the General Assembly's lame-duck session, would let gays and lesbians use civil unions as a way to enjoy several of the same rights as people who are married, ranging from sharing a nursing home room to being involved in dramatic end-of-life decisions.

The law takes effect June 1 once signed. It also applies to heterosexual couples, signifying a step short of marriage.

The bill signing ceremony is scheduled for late afternoon at the Chicago Cultural Center. Also expected to attend is Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, the measure's House sponsor who is openly gay.

Within the first 48 hours of Quinn announcing he would sign the measure, more than 700 peopled RSVP'd to attend the event. The governor's office expects such a large turnout that it has reserved an overflow room that will broadcast a live feed in case the main hall gets too crowded.

Read more: http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2011/01/illinois-gov-pat-quinn-to-sign-civil-unions-bill-today.html