civil union

After 18 years, my partner and I will be making our commitment legal. We are hoping to have a little party with a number of friends who are also long term couples getting civilized that same day.

Since the Civil Union law is new to our state I had to call the court house to find out who can legally officiate. "The law doesn't go into effect until June 1!" was the response to any question I posed. She finally said to call Springfield because they hadn't briefed her on the law yet.

Next I call the General Assembly and ask the pertinent questions. "Gay marriage isn't legal in IL!"
I know. Civil Unions aren't legal until June 1.

When I asked the person on the other end of the phone if they were married, she was offended. "Regardless, I suppose you know that most people plan their ceremony in advance." I was fighting tears. "We've been waiting for this for 18 years."

She looked up the law and now I have my answers. Hopefully I can find a suitable officiate for the CU's of 6 couples. :)

...and congratulations on 18 years!
Wish it could be a marriage with all rights and recognitions.
Is that really such a crazy thing to ask for?
I'm sorry you had to take static from a bureaucrat.

I hope your nuptial day is perfect.

I wish it could be with all the rights and recognitions too, but the IL law is pretty decent for a CU.
Silly that some people are so worried about calling it marriage. Oh well. I'm happy that we will get legal rights and protections in our home state. It is a start.

Thanks again!

One day, it will be a non-issue. Maybe not for our generation.
Many happy years ahead for you both!

We are looking forward to having some of the protections other people take for granted.
I feel lucky to live in IL right now.

a notary public, but that's CA. Luckily we got legally married during the window of '08 in a mass Palm Springs marriage. All the best and good luck to you all

We can fill out the license and have a judge do the civil union at the court house. However, that is only available on Friday after 11:30. No appointments, wait in line. That didn't sound special at all. That was why we were hoping to be able to have it done at our home, with our friends.

I'm glad you were able to marry in CA. That is great! We would have done that if not for prop 8. We plan to retire in Palm Springs area, and we thought that at least we'd be covered later. We probably will do a marriage there when the time comes.

Thanks again.