(Chicago Sun Times) — Will Sen. James Meeks’ vote against civil unions for gays hurt his chances of becoming mayor? Gay rights activists say yes. Conservatives say it will help the minister and state senator. Meeks says he doesn’t care. This was not a political decision,” Meeks said in in interview at his campaign headquarters. […]
(The Grio) — Gay rights advocates celebrated Wednesday as the state Legislature voted to legalize civil unions, although some wondered whether the measure that the governor is expected to sign will make it easier or harder to someday win approval of same-sex marriage. The state Senate approved the legislation 32-24, sending it to Gov. Pat […]
(New York Times) — Gov. David A. Paterson, still unhappy about the defeat last year of a bill that would have legalized same-sex marriage, reached out to lawmakers recently to see if they would approve it during the lame-duck session this year. But even the most ardent supporters of the bill, which was resoundingly rejected by the […]
(St. Louis Beacon) — Some celebratory, some cynical, some opposed and others barely noticing, St. Louisans are of several minds regarding the Illinois civil unions bill now awaiting Gov. Pat Quinn’s promised signature. On Wednesday the Illinois Senate voted to approve civil unions by a 32-to-24 vote; the Senate’s vote came on the heels of […]
(Chicago Sun Times) — The top Illinois House Democrat laid favorable odds Tuesday that a push to give gay and lesbian couples the right to unite through civil unions would be approved by his legislative chamber. “I think there’s a good chance it’ll pass,” House Speaker Michael Madigan said, giving the initiative a significant boost. […]
(AP) — Gov. Pat Quinn said Wednesday it would be good for Illinois’ economy if lawmakers, when they return to work next week in Springfield, passed legislation allowing gay couples to form civil unions. In an Associated Press interview, the Chicago Democrat also said he hopes his recent election win changes the dynamic at the […]
(Chicago Sun Times) — A push to recognize civil unions among same-sex couples is near having enough votes to pass the Illinois House, its main legislative backer predicted Tuesday. But opponents think support for the package has not increased since last May and actually may have slid, particularly given last week’s jolting voter-led recall of […]
(New York Times) — Joanne Pedersen tried to add her spouse to her federal health insurance on Monday. She was rejected. Again. The problem is that while Ms. Pedersen is legally married to Ann Meitzen under Connecticut law, federal law does not recognize same-sex unions. So a health insurance matter that is all but automatic for […]
(Chicago Sun Times) — Gov. Quinn says he believes civil unions could be legalized in Illinois before the end of the year. “The votes are there, I believe,” Quinn said. “In the Senate for sure, and definitely I think we can do it in the House. Civil unions are agreements that give gay and lesbian […]