So hopes the sponsor of that legislation, Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago).
His civil unions measure would give same-sex couples in Illinois equal rights and access to benefits. He has previously said he's confident he can garner enough support in the House to pass the bill by the end of the year. Now, in the wake of a California Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage, many are wondering whether Illinois could be next state to make national headlines on the issue, as the State Journal-Register reports:
“To have an anchor on each coast (California and Massachusetts) is a very positive step. Now, we need something somewhere near the center. How would Illinois be?” [gay rights advocate Buff] Carmichael said.
It would be OK with state Rep. Greg Harris, the Chicago Democrat sponsoring House Bill 1826 that would legalize civil unions in Illinois.
He said he hopes the California court’s decision “sets a tone” that will bolster support for his bill. [...]
“But I hope my colleagues look at this and say: This is a trend. It’s the right thing to do. It’s what people across the United States want. They want basic fairness and equality,” he said.
Of course, Harris goes on to acknowledge the distinction between civil unions and same-sex marriage. He says of the possibility of legalizing gay marriage in the Prairie State, “I hope one day we’ll reach a broader consensus here in Illinois, but that day is not here yet.”
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The Register goes on to provide some real-world context for these proposals:
Springfield resident Jane Stricklin has been in a same-sex relationship since 1986. She and her partner are raising four children.
“I would like to have the full benefit of the law. I think there ought to be equality under the law for people in same-sex relationships,” Stricklin said.
One example she gives is the ability to visit a partner who is in the hospital. Since she and her partner aren’t married, Stricklin worries that they might not be able to see each other if one of them ends up in a hospital and only family are allowed in.
Physicians here have always been understanding, but it might be different elsewhere, Stricklin said.
“We travel a lot. It does worry me that something might happen,” she said.
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